If you've always wanted to write but have no idea where to start, this course will demystify the process for you. You'll get a taste of the writing life, improve your writing skills, and develop new ways to stretch your creative muscles.

This exciting, hands-on course for the creative writing novice is filled with challenging exercises, expert advice, and plenty of direct support and encouragement. As you work your way through the lessons, you'll develop your own short, creative fiction or nonfiction piece.

Our emphasis in this course is on developing your skills through practice, so you’ll spend more time writing than reading. You'll master important concepts by completing enjoyable writing exercises and assignments, and you'll discover a variety of strategies and techniques the pros use to develop characters, create a compelling point of view, build interest through dialogue, and add meaning to your stories.

A new section of each course starts monthly. If enrolling in a series of two or more courses, please be sure to space the start date for each course at least two months apart.

All courses run for six weeks, with a two-week grace period at the end. Two lessons are released each week for the six-week duration of the course. You do not have to be present when lessons are released. You will have access to all lessons until the course ends. However, the interactive discussion area that accompanies each lesson will automatically close two weeks after the lesson is released. As such, we strongly recommend that you complete each lesson within two weeks of its release.

The final exam will be released on the same day as the last lesson. Once the final exam has been released, you will have two weeks to complete all of your course work, including the final exam.

Internet access, e-mail, the Microsoft Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox Web browser, and the Adobe Flash and PDF plug-ins (two free and simple downloads you obtain at http://www.adobe.com/downloads by clicking Get Adobe Flash Player and Get Adobe Reader).

This course includes a knowledgeable and caring instructor who will guide you through your lessons, facilitate discussions, and answer your questions. The instructor for this course will be Ann Linquist.

Ann Linquist is a popular continuing education instructor on college campuses, at corporations, and with non-profit organizations. She has helped thousands of adults learn to tackle their writing tasks with enthusiasm. Having written everything from novels to newsletters, articles to ad copy, and poetry to proposals, Linquist is able to address the writing needs of each individual. The breadth of her background ensures a powerful, involving learning experience that builds on the strengths of each participant.

“ I want to thank you so much. This class has been wonderful for me. As a writer, I know I have a long way to go, but I am willing to do what it takes to get there, and this class has served as wonderful beginning for me. I thank you and hope all aspiring writers take this course. It is a godsend. ”

“ This course has been a revelation. I've attended many writers workshops over the past quarter century, and none of them equaled your course. I thought I had a solid grasp on writing techniques and the basics, but you presented solid, step-by-step information that was not only helpful but stimulating and exciting. Concurrently, your comments and encouragement were right on target, as was the support of the classmates. Well done and thorough, and the exercises were superb. Thank you very much. ”

“ As a retired person, I took this course to jump-start my interest in writing. This course met that need, and more. I was grateful for the gentle approach Ann used in guiding us to our inner spirit. I wish the course were longer! ”

“ I didn't have a story that needed to be told. I didn't consider myself a closet writer. I didn't have a book of ideas. I took this course because I wanted to expand my horizons and have fun. This course surpassed all my expectations. I gained insight into and increased the trust in my creative ability. I have become more observant of the world and people that surround me. I've used the skills I learned in this course to become more aware of who I am and what I want in life. ”

“ I have never before taken a writing course and I wouldn't have believed that an online course would be so interactive. It was a great experience. I learned so much more than I thought I would. I took the course on a whim and it turned out to be the most fun I have had in a long time. It actually has got me writing rather than just thinking about writing. ”

“ I have taken several courses on writing, and this one is by far one of the best. So many courses don't tell you "how" to go about tackling the writing process, and this class showed me exactly how to do that. I learned a lot, and I would enjoy more classes like this one. Thank you! ”

“ I was very hesitant about taking an online course, unsure of what to expect. However, I found this course and our instructor, Ann, to be wonderful. I learned so much, and never felt neglected or unimportant. Thank you to Ann for a great course and help, and thank you for offering this course. ”

“ I went to the international writers conference in Canada and found that much of the material in the workshops was review after doing this course. I am very pleased with how much material was covered in such a short time. The instructor was very informative and professional. ”

“ This class was the perfect introduction to creative writing. The anonymity of the online environment is a wonderful way for students to take those first tentative steps in sharing creative pieces without feeling vulnerable or too exposed. I learned to take some risks with my writing, received encouragement along with constructive criticism that made my creative pieces better, and thoroughly enjoyed the entire experience. It has made me want to take more online classes. Many thanks Ann. I may actually realize my dreams because of this class. ”

“ The Beginning Writer course was excellent. I enjoyed this course more than any other credit or non-credit course I have ever taken. The instructor was knowledgeable and encouraging. The feedback received on the assignments was very helpful. I've never said this about a course before, but I am actually sorry to see this class end! Taking this course has encouraged me to take more writing classes. My heartfelt thanks to the instructor for an terrific course. ”