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CREATIVE WRITING COURSE
by Milt Tanzer
Partial Contents of Course
Module 1.
Introduction to Fiction writing
course
(See Modules 16-28
Contents for nonfiction writing)
What comes first? Plot vs. Characters
What do you remember about the last novel you read?
Character or Point of view - Which is best for your novel
and why
What Voice? - First Person, A minor character in the book,
or a third person
Creating Scenes
Module 2. Three parts of a book:
Beginning, Middle and End
Secret to a successful novel
Module 3. Creating a Title and First paragraph for your book
Genre: What category does it fit in: Mystery, Love story, Comedy, etc.
Research competition
Write a compelling book title
Titles to my two novels:
“Do No Harm” (what goes on behind closed doors of a hospital)
Do No Harm is part of the Hippocratic Oath
doctors take
“Countdown to Disaster” – A story about a guy who accidently
gets into a
highly classified missile base and what
happens to him
Writing the first paragraph of your novel
Research document places, things, and people in your novel
to make them authentic
Module 4.
Character development – Creating your Cast of Characters
Painting a verbal image of each character
See list of characteristics in the text.
Heroes vs. villains – the need for both
Major and minor characters
Flashbacks – should you use them?
Changes in point of view – from third to first person
Module 5. Writing a Chapter by Chapter Outline
Create your story plot by “What happens in each chapter”
Turning your thoughts into a story – “Storyboarding”
Module 6. Creating a plot
First paragraph of a novel
Last paragraph of a novel
First and last paragraphs of each chapter
Changes in scenes and characters
Involving reader’s emotions
Element of surprise (twists in plot)
Module 7. Writing the First Complete Chapter
Starting with Chapter 1 or a Prologue
Grabbing
your reader
Module 8. Brainstorming ideas
Flooding your notes with ideas
Writer’s block – What is it and how to handle it
Module 9. Using your past experiences to:
Create characters
Create scenes
Enhance your story line and make it believable
Follow TV serials
Watch reality shows
Read books
Module 10. Writing your novel
Outline each chapter
Making your story flow smoothly
Transition between scenes
Module 11. Polishing your novel
Chapter and story flow
Character development
Beginning and end of each chapter
Does your novel keep your reader anxious to keep reading
READ, RE-WRITE, AND RE-READ
Module 12. Preparing a book manuscript for presentation to an agent or
publisher
Check with each potential publisher or
Spacing, margins, headings, etc.
Double check spelling for errors (Vital for submission to a
publisher or agent)
Preparing a cover letter
Module 13. Book back cover and synopsis of book
Preparing a book synopsis that “grabs” an agent or publisher
Agent and/or publisher – which comes first
Module 14. Alternate Publishing Options:
Self publishing
E-books – Selling your own books
Having your own website
Private publishing companies
Audio books
Module 15.
All About Agents and Publishers
This module applies to both
the fiction and nonfiction writer
Creative Writing Course
Course Outline – Nonfiction
Module 16. Introduction to Nonfiction Writing
Fiction vs. Nonfiction
Researching Competition
What are your qualifications to write a nonfiction book
Module 17. Increasing your knowledge in your chosen subject
Your own experiences
What is the ‘genre’ or your topic
Acquiring additional knowledge on your topic
Module 18. Selecting a subject for your book
A unique twist on a common item or procedure that you
know works better
Your occupational experiences and education
Your hobby
Your life story (If it can give a reader courage, help,
hope, or any type of self
help and courage
Module 19. Outlining Your Book
Creating a title for your book
Write a beginning to end list of what you want to include
(in any order)
Brainstorm your subject. Rearrange and delete parts of your
list later.
This list will be used to create your outline and set up
chapters.
Module 20. Creating a Format
How will
your book be arranged, chapter by chapter
Module 21. Lining out your chapters
Module 22. Gathering your information
Have all
of your exhibits, charts, graphs, photos, news clips
Your outline, in a word processing program, makes it easy to
add or revise
Use your outline to begin creating your story or procedure.
Make a place (leave a blank page or more) to insert anything
you are describing in the
text portion of the chapter.
Be certain to include documents or “proof” of your claims
Module 23. Begin writing
Making changes once your writing begins
Module 24. Completing your nonfiction book
Cleaning up loose ends
READ, RE-WRITE AND READ AGAIN
Add a table of contents and index (unlike fiction writing)
Obtain permission, if needed
How to add more value to your book
Module 25. Preparing a book manuscript for presentation to an agent
or publisher
Following their exact requirements
Spacing, margins, headings, etc.
Double check spelling and language errors.
Preparing a cover letter
Module 26. Getting Published
Author’s agents
Publishers
Self-publishing
E-books
Final Comments
Module 27. Royalties and Advances
First time authors
What next?
Module 28. Marketing your book
Book signings
Internet marketing
Having your own website
Self promotion is a must
Note: There is an Exercise at the end of each Module to
make certain you practice what you have learned by
starting the
writing of your novel or nonfiction book. Complete all of the
Exercises and you'll have a good start
toward writing your
book.
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