Course: Certificate in Creative Writing

Open Colleges' (formerly Cengage Education) Creative Writing course provides an introduction to the craft of creative writing and an overview of the skills required in various writing disciplines. You will gain an insight into the Australian publishing scene as a prelude to instruction in writing poetry, scripts and speeches, biographies, children's stories, adult fiction, short stories and non-fiction. You will also learn how to generate story ideas and edit and market your work.

While designed primarily for students wishing to write as a hobby, the course will provide valuable foundation knowledge if you are interested in pursuing writing as a career.

Course Number	90720
Course Fee:	View our payment options

Delivery mode:	Print or online
Course duration:	Max 18 months
Assessments:	8 written assessments
Qualification:	Open Colleges Certificate
Nationally Recognised	No
Government Funding	No

Career One jobs for:
General/Other: Editorial & Writing	9
Journalist	5

ID	Subject expand all

	Introduction to creative writing The Australian publishing scene Becoming a creative writer Some thoughts about creativity
	Tracking ideas The 2 main secrets of successful writing Why be a writer? Tomorrow's vegetable-peel wrappings hold today's ideas Other ways of coming up with ideas Inspiration is simply the recipe Establishing a good working routine
	The short story What is a short story? The parts of a short story: 5 classical terms Conflict: the powerhouse of the story Viewpoint and emotional depth How to tell the story
	Writing a novel The novel vs the short story Which sort of novel should I write? Developing your plot Plots and subplots
	Characters, deep viewpoint and dialogue Characters: the lifeblood of your stories Viewpoint Dialogue The technical aspects of writing dialogue
	Family histories, autobiography, biography Autobiographies and memoirs Self-publication of memoirs Family history is a special kind of love letter Writing a biography is a special responsibility
	Non-fiction What kind of non-fiction writing do you want to do? Writing magazine articles Further tips on writing articles Writing the How To book: handing on wisdom
	Speeches and scripts How writing for speakers differs from writing for readers Different types of speeches Scriptwriting Scripting stages: synopsis, treatment, scene breakdown, first draft
	Writing for children Is it easy to write for children? Types of children's books Children's book prizes The 'ingredients' of successful children's stories
	Poetry writing What is poetry? The language of poetry Getting started Drafting and redrafting Forms of poetry The shaping: sound and imagery in poetry Imagery Rhyme
	Editing, polishing and marketing What have you learned? Marketing your work The writer's dilemma: to publish here or overseas What type of fiction has the best chance of success? Should you use a manuscript assessment service? Should you use an agent? Taking the first step to being published Non-fiction proposals
	Setting the scene Setting: how to create a sense of place Creating a sense of impending action Creating a scene Emotion: the drama that pulls the plot Flashbacks: a good idea or not?

Entry requirements

Minimum education

Open entry. Previous schooling and academic achievements are not required for entry into this course.

Minimum age

Minimum age of 16 years. If you are under 18 your application must be signed by a parent or guardian.

Computer requirements

Students will need access to a computer and the internet. For students who do not have access to either a computer or the internet please contact a student support officer to discuss alternative methods of communication.

Minimum specifications for the computer are:

Microsoft Office 2003 or equivalent, and
Microsoft Windows 98, or
Mac OS X, and
CD-ROM drive.

Students will also need access to a printer and the following applications:

Adobe Acrobat Reader and
Macromedia Flash player.

English language requirements

If English is not your first language and you did not complete the last two years of secondary education in English, you are required to provide evidence of English language competency before enrolling into the course. Examples of appropriate evidence are listed below:

Evidence	Example
IELTS	Overall score of 5.5
TOEFL	530 (paper), 197 (computer) or 71 (internet)
12 months in English-speaking employment	Testimonial, statutory declaration

Additional requirements

There are no additional requirements for this course.

Upon completion of this course, you will have developed a better understanding of the subject area and be able to put your new skills into practice.

Robert Stephenson

Robert is an accomplished author, editor, agent and publisher, and shares his passion for writing with his students.

Robert has published more than 40 pieces across genres including crime, science fiction, fantasy and horror. His work completing a novel started by the deceased author George Turner won the Harper Collins prize in 1999. In addition to his fiction work, Robert is also a prolific poet.

For the past 12 years, Robert has been running his own editing business and literary agency, which has edited best-seller novels for clients in Australia as well as Hong Kong.

Possible Jobs for this Course include: EDITOR EDITOR South Burnett Times Kingaroy It's time for you to take the next step in your media career! The South Burnett Times, Kingaroy's leading local newspaper, is looking for a dynamic, self motivated and proven person to take on the role of editor. Kingar...

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Journalist / Sub Editor Journalist / Sub Editor The Mareeba Express Journalist / Sub Editor The Mareeba Express community newspaper requires a dedicated Journalist / Sub Editor. The successful applicant will be committed to good, balanced, accurate local news, be prepared to be ...

E-Store Producer eStore Producer At Vodafone, we believe in more Power to You. Live the dream, be who you want to be, and make your mark within our dynamic and ever changing organisation which is at the forefront of telecommunications in Australia and around the world. We...

Available payment options

Pay Just $42.50 per week with a $100.00 deposit

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Fortnightly and monthly payment plans are also available through EduPay. Click Enrol Now and choose a payment plan or call a Course and Careers advisor on 1300 853 033 for more details. (Prices shown are for the online study option only. A surcharge is applicable for the print study option).

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Student Testimonial

"The course information was set out so well I felt organised and in control. My tutor was excellent in answering any queries I had. I have thoroughly enjoyed studying and feel enthusiastic and confident about travelling on the new path that has opened before me. Thank you."
- Karen L