A new session of each course opens each month, allowing you to enroll whenever your busy schedule permits!
How does it work? Once a session starts, two lessons will be released each week, for the six-week duration of your course. You will have access to all previously released lessons until the course ends.
Keep in mind that the interactive discussion area for each lesson automatically closes 2 weeks after each lesson is released, so you’re encouraged to complete each lesson within two weeks of its release.
The Final Exam will be released on the same day as the last lesson. Once the Final Exam has been released, you will have 2 weeks plus 10 days to complete the Final and finish any remaining lessons in your course. No further extensions can be provided beyond these 10 days.
Week One
Lesson 01 - Preparing to Write
Wednesday
Sometimes getting into the mood to write can be the hardest part! Learn how to build your confidence as a writer and create an environment conducive to writing.
Lesson 02 - Brainstorming
Friday
Now that you're in the mood to write, you need to figure out what you're going to write about. This lesson will offer a variety of ways you can be inspired.
Week Two
Lesson 03 - Literary Devices
Wednesday
Good writers know how to sprinkle similes, metaphors, and other forms of figurative language into their prose to help their language reach readers. Learn about common and uncommon figurative language in this lesson.
Lesson 04 - Genres
Friday
Fiction, nonfiction, memoirs, personal essays. Some are genres, others subgenres. This lesson will help you sort through the different categories of genres.
Week Three
Lesson 05 - Peer Review/Workshop
Wednesday
Every writer has an editor – actually, writers have several editors. Peer editing is an effective way to gain feedback on your work while creating a writing community. This lesson will teach you the basics on peer editing and connect you with other writers.
Lesson 06 - Story, Plot, and Narrative
Friday
Story, plot, and narrative are the same things, right? Think again. In this lesson, you will learn that all three are different, even though these words are often used interchangeably.
Week Four
Lesson 07 - Characters and Dialogue
Wednesday
What is a story without good characters? Learning to develop the protagonist and antagonist, and characterizing them directly and indirectly is the theme of this lesson. You will also learn about archetypes in literature.
Lesson 08 - Points of View and Tense
Friday
Deciding whether you want your piece to be written in the first, second, or third person is crucial. Similarly, choosing to write in the past or present tense is another decision you have to make as a writer. This lesson will help you choose wisely.
Week Five
Lesson 09 - Descriptive Writing
Wednesday
Painting a picture in the mind of a reader is every writer's goal. Having the reader hear, smell, touch, and even taste the words on the page takes imagery to a whole new level. In this lesson, you will receive the tools necessary to make it happen.
Lesson 10 - Overcoming Writer's Block
Friday
Writer's block is frustrating and can lead to inertia. In this lesson, you will learn several techniques to help you fight against it.
Week Six
Lesson 11 - Editing vs. Revision
Wednesday
You've come far in your piece by now, so it's time to revise and edit. This lesson will teach you the difference between the two.
Lesson 12 - Getting Published
Friday
Now that you've reached the end of your writing project, it's time to explore different avenues to getting published. This lesson will help you navigate the process of getting published.