Creative writing enthusiasts of all stripes—from accomplished novelists to novices struggling with their first screenplay—could benefit from a review of the basics. In this course, Jessica Brody and Joanne Rendell dive into each of the key ingredients that make up great fiction, sharing tips that can help you conceive and write compelling novels, memoirs, short stories, or screenplays. Learn how to develop compelling characters, write sparkling dialogue, and decide on the right point of view for your tale. Plus, learn how to build memorable settings and turn story skeletons into rich, compelling plots.

Topics include:

Creating memorable characters

Writing dialogue

Selecting a point of view

Using an unreliable narrator

Narrative style

Building a setting

Mood, atmosphere, and emotion

Crafting a plot, from the setup to the resolution