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.
Ce cours fait partie de la Spécialisation Rédaction créative
Creative Writing: The Craft of Plot
proposé par
À propos de ce cours
4.7
1,690 notes
Compétences que vous acquerrez
Short Story WritingFiction WritingCreativityCopy Editing
Programme du cours : ce que vous apprendrez dans ce cours
Semaine
1Plotting 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.
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
Semaine
2The 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.
3 vidéos (Total 22 min), 1 quiz
3 vidéos
What Is Structure?7 min
ABDCE Structure Examples from Famous Works of Literature7 min
Visiting Writer: A Conversation with Douglas Martin7 min
Semaine
3A 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.
3 vidéos (Total 27 min), 1 quiz
Semaine
4Cut 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.
4 vidéos (Total 32 min), 1 quiz
4 vidéos
Editing and Revision7 min
Shop Talk with Amy Bloom10 min
Shop Talk with Salvatore Scibona10 min
The 21st Point3 min
4.7
554 avis50%
a commencé une nouvelle carrière après avoir terminé ces cours
44%
a bénéficié d'un avantage concret dans sa carrière grâce à ce cours
14%
a obtenu une augmentation de salaire ou une promotion
Meilleurs avis
par MM•Dec 1st 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.
par LB•Nov 16th 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.
Enseignant
Brando Skyhorse
Visiting Assistant Professor of Creative WritingEnglish
À propos de Université Wesleyenne
At Wesleyan, distinguished scholar-teachers work closely with students, taking advantage of fluidity among disciplines to explore the world with a variety of tools. The university seeks to build a diverse, energetic community of students, faculty, and staff who think critically and creatively and who value independence of mind and generosity of spirit.
À propos de la 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.
Our courses are designed for anyone from the aspiring short story writer to established novelist. Whether you have a finished novel sitting on your desk calling for a fresh look or have had the germ of an idea for a decade, this Specialization gives you tools to achieve your goal. Through 4 courses focused on a key aspect of writing, and taken in any order you choose, you will develop a stronger ability to not only refine your writing, but critique writing in general and find inspiration in the works you are already reading.
Thanks to our sponsors, upon completion of their first assignment, learners in each course will receive up to an 80% discount from Write-Bros and a 30% discount off their first purchase from Scrivener to use on their writing software. Additionally, learners who complete an assignment will receive 30% off membership at the online writing community Scribophile. For more information about our partners, see the FAQ below.
Foire Aux Questions
Quand aurai-je accès aux vidéos de cours et aux devoirs ?
Une fois que vous êtes inscrit(e) pour un Certificat, vous pouvez accéder à toutes les vidéos de cours, et à tous les quiz et exercices de programmation (le cas échéant). Vous pouvez soumettre des devoirs à examiner par vos pairs et en examiner vous-même uniquement après le début de votre session. Si vous préférez explorer le cours sans l'acheter, vous ne serez peut-être pas en mesure d'accéder à certains devoirs.
À quoi ai-je droit si je m'abonne à cette Spécialisation ?
Lorsque vous vous inscrivez au cours, vous bénéficiez d'un accès à tous les cours de la Spécialisation, et vous obtenez un Certificat lorsque vous avez réussi. Votre Certificat électronique est alors ajouté à votre page Accomplissements. À partir de cette page, vous pouvez imprimer votre Certificat ou l'ajouter à votre profil LinkedIn. Si vous souhaitez seulement lire et visualiser le contenu du cours, vous pouvez accéder gratuitement au cours en tant qu'auditeur libre.
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