Creative Writing

Whether you simply enjoy writing or are interested in a career as a professional writer, Stratford's creative writing course is an ideal place to begin your studies.

From character generation to plot development, Stratford's in-depth creative writing curriculum can help you explore your talents and offer innovative tips to develop a compelling story for your readers to enjoy.

Creative writers often work on a number of writing styles, from children's books or fiction novels, to short stories and poetry. Individuals with quality training and experience could work for publishing companies, literary magazines, websites, or even work for themselves as freelance writers.

As self-publishing continues to gain momentum, many writers are finding that a good fundamental creative writing course such as ours is an ideal way to fine tune their writing skills.

Stratford’s flexible learning options allow you to study when and where works best for YOU. You always have the support of our instructors and use of our online student center, eService. Plus, we offer the option to get started with a low down payment that is usually $20 or less as well as make affordable monthly payments.

Bonus! Upon graduating you will receive a copy of Writer’s Market...at no additional cost to you!

Creative Writing Module 1
Writing Great Short Stories
• Writing a short story—getting started
• Characters—How to create people who live and breathe on the page
• Conflict—How to devise a story that readers won’t want to put down
• Plot and Structure—How to shape your story and keep it moving forward
• Setting and Atmosphere—How to bring readers into a vivid story world
• Narrative Voice—How to develop your individual voice as a writer
• Exploring the realm of short stories
• A quick guide to submitting manuscripts for publication

Creative Writing Module 2
Characters and Point of View
• Two-dimensional words and three-dimensional characters
• Choosing point-of-view
• Story presentation
• Developing memorable characters
• Distinguishing main from minor characters
• Choosing the most effective viewpoint

Creative Writing Module 3
Description
• Defining Description
• Genre Considerations
• How Point of View Brings Description to Life
• Making Description Serve the Story
• Recognizing Problematic Description
• Characteristics of Good Description
• Using the Five Senses in Fiction
• Metaphor and Simile
• Describing Setting, Characters, and Action

Creative Writing Module 4
Scene and Structure
• Scenes as revelation of plot
• The steps leading towards climax and conclusion
• Developing scenes to build a story’s structure
• Properly using cause and effect
• Unfolding the main character’s struggle
• Building a believable and revealing end

Creative Writing Module 5
Write and Revise for Publication
• Drafting, revising and fine-tuning your story
• Marketing your work

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This educational program is an introductory course designed to help students gain knowledge necessary for the vocational application of this subject. Completion of this program does not fulfill the legal requirements of particular provincial licenses or certifications, which may require additional training or apprenticeships. One or more of the course subjects/textbooks may vary as courses are updated.