CERTIFICATE IN CREATIVE WRITING VWR004

Want to be a successful writer?  

To be successful as a creative writer, you need to develop not only writing skills; but also a technique and an ability to distil your ideas, focus on a project and follow that project trough to its conclusion. Creative writing is stimulating, but also challenging, and not always completely what the student expects it to be. Then again... if it was what you expect; you would already know what this course sets out to teach you, and you would already probably be a successful writer. If you want to be a successful, creative writer; and have the commitment to follow that dream; this course could be the path you have been looking for.

Comments from our Students:

"I found the course to be extremely helpful. It has given me the confidence and skills to present my work to publishers."
- Dilys

"I commenced the Creative Writing Course with the ACS having had no prior experience in this field whatsoever.
Having always been in accounting or payroll jobs, I decided to give the course a go.The course demonstrated to me what I enjoyed writing about, the types of writing I was good at, and not so good at. It broadened my horizon to show me what was out there to write about. It gave me knowledge and confidence. I have continued to write, and in the future want to commence with the next course, but in the meantime, I have submitted various articles of mine to some magazines and have had nothing but positive feedback from all the editors and some of my work is to be published!! Which I personally feel is fantastic as I have only been doing this for a year or so. Thank you for opening up a whole new world of creativity to me which I can only enhance upon!!"
- Jo

COURSE STRUCTURE

Six modules must be successfully completed, as follows:

Module 1.   Creative Writing

Module 2.  Writing Fiction

Module 3.   Children's Writing

Module 4.   Editing I

Module 5.   Dramatic Writing

• You can study anywhere in the world and at your own pace.
• To pass this course you need to satisfactorily complete all assignments and pass six exams
• If you are unsuccessful at an exam or assignment you are always given plenty of opportunity to try again.
  

What's in each Module? 

Module 1. Creative Writing

The nine lessons are as outlined below:

1. Introduction
2. Basic Writing Skills
3. Being Concise and Clear
4. Planning what you write
5. Fiction
6. Non Fiction
7. Newspaper Writing
8. Magazine Writing
9. Writing Books
10. Special Project

Module 2. Writing Fiction

There are eight lessons in this module as follows:

1. Scope & Nature of Fiction
2. Components of a Story – beginning, middle and end
3. Technique…The Creative Process – conception, developing a plot, Writing a Draft, Editing and rewriting; Method Writing
4. Conception and Research
5. Drama
6. Fantasy
7. The Short Story
8. The Novel

Module 3. Children's Writing

There are ten lessons in this unit, as follows:

1. Introduction: Understanding Children, their thoughts, needs, development.
2. Overview of Children’s Writing: Categories (fiction & non fiction), understanding the market place; analyse & understand what is needed for the different categories, etc.
3. Conceptualisation: Conceiving a concept…where & how to find inspiration/influence. Developing a concept … how to plan.
4. Children’s Writing for Periodicals: Children’s pages in magazines, newspapers, etc.
5. Short Stories
6. Non-Fiction: Texts (writing to satisfy curriculum. Other (eg. nature, history, biography, hobbies).
7. Fiction: settings, characterisation, fantasy, science fiction, adventure.
8. Picture Books and Story Books
9. Editing your work: Grammar, spelling & punctuation. Improving clarity. Cleaning out clutter; expansions.
10. Project - write a short story, picture book or kids page for a (hypothetical) periodical.

Module 4. Editing I
This module involves eight lessons as follows:

1. Introduction to Editing
2. The Mechanics of Clear Writing
3. Assessing Manuscripts
4. Copy Editing I
5. Copy Editing II
6. Preparing Copy for Printing
7. Proof Reading
8. The Final Stages

Module 5. Dramatic Writing

1. Introduction.
2. Characters –Developing the characters
3. Theme & Genre
4. Plot Development
5. Weaving a Story
6. Writing a Dramatic Short Story
7. Developing Sub Plots
8. Writing a Chapters for a Dramatic Novel

Module 6. Poetry

There are nine lessons in this module as follows:

1. Brief description of the many different types of poetry, poetry forms and terminology.
2. Famous poets.
3. Encouraging your creativity.
4. Developing different styles of poetry a
5. Developing different styles of poetry b
6. Developing different styles of poetry c
7. Developing different styles of poetry d
8. Getting your work published – how and where
9. The next phase – how to continue to improve

     

More Information on ACS Distance Education and our courses

Our tutors are all highly experienced and professional, knowledgeable in their field of study. We have staff from around the world, enabling us to gain a wide variety of perspectives. We have a school in the UK and in Australia. If you would like to have a look at our tutors, then click on the “The School” in the boxes above and choose “The Staff” option.

Sample Course Notes

Our courses are all written by highly qualified tutors and writers, who also teach on the courses, so know them well. We strive to update our courses and improve them with new information, methods and knowledge on an ongoing basis. If you would like to see examples of some of our courses, then choose the “Enrolment” option above, and then click on “Sample Course Notes”.

What learning method should I choose?

We offer three learning methods – e-learning, correspondence and online. If you are not sure which is the right choose for you, then click on the “Enrolment” box above, then “Learning Methods.”

How Long will it take to complete the course?

This obviously varies from student to student. Some students will have more time for study than others. Some students may work quicker than others, so it is an individual thing. We estimate that most students will take, for example, 4 – 6 months to complete a 100 hour individual module, but we allow up to 12 months for you to complete it.

Longer courses will obviously take longer. You can find more information on the length of time required and so on the “Enrolment” box, then selecting “Terms and Conditions of Enrolment.”

What Do Our Students think of us?

If you would like to read comments from our previous students, then choose the “Enrolment” option above, then “Student Testimonials”.

I don’t think this is the right course for me.

If you’re not sure about this course, then why not look at our wide range of other courses. Click on the “Courses” box above.

You may also wish to design your own course to fit in with exactly what YOU want. To do so, click on the “Enrolment” box, then “Design your Own Course”.

If you would like more advice on a course, then you can contact us and ask a tutor about the courses. You can contact us by calling 0800 328 4723 or +44(0) 384 442752 or emailing info@acsedu.co.uk

Recognition and Accreditation

For more information on our recognition and accreditation, click on “The School”, then “Recognition”.

Who is ACS Distance Education?

If you want to know more about ACS and our history, then please click on “The School”, then “About us.”

Creative Writing Certificate

Study for your Certificate in Creative Writing at home by Distance Learning

• Nurture your Creativity, and Become a Successful Writer
• Develop your writing skills with help from our highly qualified and experienced tutors.
• Understand different areas of fiction – find your niche.
• Study in your own time and at your own pace.