Fiction Writer Course   

A good fiction writer can skillfully weave fantasy and reality or create a world that is wholly imagined yet feels real. If you want to learn how to write fiction, this is the online writing course for you.

Requirements:

Hardware Requirements:

• This course can be taken on either a PC or Mac. Chromebooks are not compatible.

Software Requirements:

• PC: Windows 10 or later.
• Mac: macOS 12 or later.
• Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox is preferred. Microsoft Edge and Safari are also compatible.
• Microsoft Word Online
• Adobe Acrobat Reader
• Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.

Other:

• Email capabilities and access to a personal email account.

Instructional Material Requirements:

The instructional materials required for this course are included in enrollment and will be available online.

Fiction is writing that encompasses imaginary yet believable characters, events, and environments but can also include real places and events. A good fiction writer can skillfully weave fantasy and reality or create a world that is wholly imagined yet feels real.

If you have always dreamed of writing a novel or short stories or have recently been curious about exploring this creative world—this could be the fiction writing course for you. In this novel writing course, you will learn to write fiction at your own pace, covering the elements of a story, characters, conflict, setting, writing dialogue, style, and more.

Upon completion of this course, you will develop your creativity and ability to plan out writing a novel.

1. Introduction
   1. What is Fiction
   2. Types of Fiction
   3. Genres and Tropes
2. Elements of a Story
   1. What are Story Elements?
   2. Where Do Ideas Come From?
   3. Brainstorming
   4. "Write What You Know"
3. Character
   1. Protagonist vs Antagonist
   2. Minor Characters
   3. Character Motivation
   4. Creating Realistic Characters
   5. "Goodies" versus "Baddies"
4. Conflict
   1. Why is Conflict Important in Fiction?
   2. Types of Conflict
   3. Using Conflict to Drive Your Story
5. Plot
   1. "Plotters" Versus "Pantsers"
   2. A Simple Approach to Plot
   3. A More Detailed Plot Structure
   4. Creating a Character Arc
6. Setting
   1. The Power of Words
   2. Using the Five Senses
   3. Show, Don't Tell
7. Writing Dialogue
   1. Dialogue Punctuation
   2. Writing Convincing Dialogue
   3. What Is Your Character's Motivation?
   4. Dialogue Tags
8. Style
   1. Past Tense Versus Present Tense
   2. Point of View
   3. Tone and Voice
9. Outlining your Story and Writing your First and Getting Your Work Out There
   1. Creating a Story Outline
   2. Writing the First Chapter
   3. The Editing and Drafting Process
   4. Getting Your Work Out into the World
   5. Other Opportunities

What you will learn

• Understand the components of a fiction story, as the first step in planning a story
• Determine a systematic approach to building a fiction story
• Develop your ability to plan for success in the writing of a novel

How you will benefit

• Enhance your writing professional development or fill gaps in your existing qualifications
• Become more creative as a writing in your personal interests and passions
• Expand your writing creativity and earning potential

Katrina Schroeder

Katrina Schroeder is an editor, book coach, and ghostwriter who helps aspiring writers achieve their dreams. She has worked with everyone from complete beginners to seasoned authors who already have several novels under their belt.

Katrina founded The Fiction Lab, an online writing community dedicated to fantasy and science fiction writers, and has been editing and coaching for over 14 years. She is a member of the American Copy Editors Society (ACES) and the Editorial Freelancers Association (EFA).

Katrina holds a Certificate in Editing from ACES/Poynter. She has also taken the Developmental Editing for Fiction course through the Editorial Arts Academy and the Author Accelerator program.