In this course aspiring writers will be introduced to perhaps the most elemental and often the most challenging element of story: plot. We will learn what keeps it moving, how it manipulates our feelings, expectations, and desires. We will examine the choices storytellers make to snag our imaginations, drag them into a fictional world, and keep them there. We will learn how to outline and structure a plot, discuss narrative arc, pacing and reversals and reveal the inevitable surprise: connecting the beginning, middle and end.
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Spécialisation Rédaction créativeUniversité WesleyenneÀ propos de ce cours
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Résultats de carrière des étudiants
45%
ont commencé une nouvelle carrière après avoir terminé ce cours
40%
ont bénéficié d'un avantage concret dans leur carrières grâce à ce cours
15%
a obtenu une augmentation de salaire ou une promotion
Certificat partageable
Obtenez un Certificat lorsque vous terminez
100 % en ligne
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Cours 1 sur 5 dans le
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Approx. 6 heures pour terminer
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Sous-titres : Arabe, Français, Portugais (européen), Serbe, Chinois (simplifié), Italien, Vietnamien, Coréen, Allemand, Russe, Turc, Anglais, Espagnol
Compétences que vous acquerrez
Short Story WritingFiction WritingCreativityCopy Editing
Résultats de carrière des étudiants
45%
ont commencé une nouvelle carrière après avoir terminé ce cours
40%
ont bénéficié d'un avantage concret dans leur carrières grâce à ce cours
15%
a obtenu une augmentation de salaire ou une promotion
Certificat partageable
Obtenez un Certificat lorsque vous terminez
100 % en ligne
Commencez dès maintenant et apprenez aux horaires qui vous conviennent.
Cours 1 sur 5 dans le
Dates limites flexibles
Réinitialisez les dates limites selon votre disponibilité.
Approx. 6 heures pour terminer
Anglais
Sous-titres : Arabe, Français, Portugais (européen), Serbe, Chinois (simplifié), Italien, Vietnamien, Coréen, Allemand, Russe, Turc, Anglais, Espagnol
Offert par
Université Wesleyenne
Wesleyan University, founded in 1831, is a diverse, energetic liberal arts community where critical thinking and practical idealism go hand in hand. With our distinctive scholar-teacher culture, creative programming, and commitment to interdisciplinary learning, Wesleyan challenges students to explore new ideas and change the world. Our graduates go on to lead and innovate in a wide variety of industries, including government, business, entertainment, and science.
Programme du cours : ce que vous apprendrez dans ce cours
2 heures pour terminer
Plotting a Course
In this module, we'll learn essentials about plot definitions and mechanics. What is plot? How does plot shape a narrative? What makes a strong plot? How is plot different from a story? We'll also discuss how plot works in actual books you're probably familiar with, such as the Harry Potter series, how character and action equals plot, and the five key questions you should ask yourself when creating a dynamic character.
2 heures pour terminer
4 vidéos (Total 26 min), 2 lectures, 1 quiz
4 vidéos
What Is Plot?7 min
How Plot Works in Harry Potter8 min
Character + Action = Plot7 min
Feedback Expectations for the Specialization2 min
2 lectures
A Note on Assignments1 min
Promo Codes3 min
1 heure pour terminer
The Power of Structure
In this module we're going to learn what story structure is and how by understanding structure you can learn how to sequence the events in your plot to help maximize your own storytelling abilities.We'll talk about Freytag's pyramid, the five act structure, how that structure can be found in works of classic literature, and have a conversation about how structure and outlines can help organize the stories you want to tell.
1 heure pour terminer
3 vidéos (Total 22 min)
3 vidéos
What Is Structure?7 min
ABDCE Structure Examples from Famous Works of Literature7 min
Visiting Writer: A Conversation with Douglas Martin7 min
1 heure pour terminer
A Scene in Motion
Scenes are the building blocks of storytelling. But what is a scene? And how does a scene move plot forward? In this module we'll learn about the difference between telling and showing, the five key elements each scene should have, offer some examples of effective scenes, and have a conversation about how setting and description can make a scene come alive.
1 heure pour terminer
3 vidéos (Total 27 min)
2 heures pour terminer
Cut It Out
This modules deals with the specifics of editing and revising your work. This process of revision starts with the first draft (which will now become your second draft) and continues until the manuscript’s ready to send to an agent. Included here are a twenty-one point checklist on what to do once you have a completed first draft, and conversations about creating characters with strong motivations, and how to define language that gets rewritten vs language that gets cut.
2 heures pour terminer
4 vidéos (Total 32 min)
4 vidéos
Editing and Revision7 min
Shop Talk with Amy Bloom10 min
Shop Talk with Salvatore Scibona10 min
The 21st Point3 min
Avis
Meilleurs avis pour CREATIVE WRITING: THE CRAFT OF PLOT
par VC6 août 2020
I really enjoyed the course. I was hoping for some direct teacher contact with the assignments. Peer reviews are great, but it would be nice to get feedback for major assignments from the instructors.
par LB15 nov. 2018
Great information about plot and scene structure. The information about revision was entirely new to me - thank you! The exercises were good and difficult in a good way that helped me hone my writing.
par VL23 oct. 2016
Love the clear direct explanations. Would have enjoyed more examples, more robust practice examples and a longer class overall, to l earn more plotting, but love the prof. Brandon knows how to teach!!
par MM30 nov. 2016
Great course to take as the first step in the sequence of the "Creative Writing" certification. Exercises are fun, professor provides useful methodology, load is manageable for someone with a day job.
À propos du Spécialisation Rédaction créative
This Specialization covers elements of three major creative writing genres: short story, narrative essay, and memoir. You will master the techniques that good writers use to compose a bracing story, populated with memorable characters in an interesting setting, written in a fresh descriptive style. You will analyze and constructively evaluate peer writing. In the Capstone, you will draft, rewrite, and complete a substantial original story in the genre of your choosing.
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