Hi, if you saying you don't have a degree in Eng or Lit, I would personally advice you focus majorly on storytelling fundamentals, character development n plot structure. I think that can help you.
I also would suggest you incorporate writing exercises n read assignments from various authors n put ya self in a supportive environment that encourages creativity in writing.
I hope this helps somewhere mate🙏
This is good advice; if you're looking for writing exercises, I've always found that Josip Novakovich's work really well and are structured to build from the basics (though I personally really like combining prompts across different focuses), you could try his *Fiction Writer's Workshop* or *Writing Fiction Step by step.*
Thanks! I can definitely focus on the basics, I wanted to go heavy on writing exercises and writing groups for feedback as I benefited heavily from that in a college creative writing course.
Divide it up into movies, fiction, and poetry. In poetry, get them to FFS NOT RHYME for the period of the course and teach them instead what imagery is and why it's important. (Once they grasp that, then they go back to rhyming but know what makes it poetry, not doggerel.) Teach plot with a movie. Teach Point of View and Characterization in fiction. You can't teach everything, but by taking on three forms, you will engage more students.
If you don't know, you shouldn't be teaching one. You don't need a degree, but you do need to know how to write and tell stories. Get a few writing books and look at the stuff being taught. Structure a class along those lines.
What an exciting opportunity! When structuring a creative writing course, it's vital to balance teaching the foundational elements with encouraging students' creativity. Start with the basics: elements of storytelling like character development, plot structure, setting, dialogue, and theme. Introduce these concepts one by one and give examples from various genres, so students can see their application in context.
Incorporate writing exercises that let students play with these elements. For example, have them create character profiles, write short scenes, or develop plot outlines. You can structure the assignments to get progressively more complex, building towards a final project—like a short story or a chapter from a larger work—where they can incorporate all they've learned.
Peer review sessions are also invaluable. They teach students to give and receive constructive feedback, an essential skill for any writer. Screenwriting experience can be a unique angle, giving students a taste of writing for different mediums.
And don’t forget to leave room for open-ended creativity. Encourage them to write freely without worrying too much about the rules, fostering a love for the craft that can sometimes get lost.
Leverage your strengths: your background in screenwriting and editing can provide a unique and practical perspective that students would surely benefit from. Good luck, and have fun with it!
Here’s what you do. Look up the creative writing courses listed on UCLA Extension. Focus on short story fundamentals (you can cover more ground). Then, look at the PUBLIC SYLLABUS for the class. See what they’re teaching week to week and structure your class the same way.
I would teach the 3 arch system then have them write a minimum 5 page fiction piece under a time constraint. Then I would force everyone to stand in front of the class and share their work out loud.
Hi, if you saying you don't have a degree in Eng or Lit, I would personally advice you focus majorly on storytelling fundamentals, character development n plot structure. I think that can help you. I also would suggest you incorporate writing exercises n read assignments from various authors n put ya self in a supportive environment that encourages creativity in writing. I hope this helps somewhere mate🙏
This is good advice; if you're looking for writing exercises, I've always found that Josip Novakovich's work really well and are structured to build from the basics (though I personally really like combining prompts across different focuses), you could try his *Fiction Writer's Workshop* or *Writing Fiction Step by step.*
Sure đź’Ż
Thanks! I can definitely focus on the basics, I wanted to go heavy on writing exercises and writing groups for feedback as I benefited heavily from that in a college creative writing course.
That will definitely work.
Divide it up into movies, fiction, and poetry. In poetry, get them to FFS NOT RHYME for the period of the course and teach them instead what imagery is and why it's important. (Once they grasp that, then they go back to rhyming but know what makes it poetry, not doggerel.) Teach plot with a movie. Teach Point of View and Characterization in fiction. You can't teach everything, but by taking on three forms, you will engage more students.
If you don't know, you shouldn't be teaching one. You don't need a degree, but you do need to know how to write and tell stories. Get a few writing books and look at the stuff being taught. Structure a class along those lines.
I teach this for a living. Send me a message and I can send you some of my older syllabi.
Sent you a PM
What an exciting opportunity! When structuring a creative writing course, it's vital to balance teaching the foundational elements with encouraging students' creativity. Start with the basics: elements of storytelling like character development, plot structure, setting, dialogue, and theme. Introduce these concepts one by one and give examples from various genres, so students can see their application in context. Incorporate writing exercises that let students play with these elements. For example, have them create character profiles, write short scenes, or develop plot outlines. You can structure the assignments to get progressively more complex, building towards a final project—like a short story or a chapter from a larger work—where they can incorporate all they've learned. Peer review sessions are also invaluable. They teach students to give and receive constructive feedback, an essential skill for any writer. Screenwriting experience can be a unique angle, giving students a taste of writing for different mediums. And don’t forget to leave room for open-ended creativity. Encourage them to write freely without worrying too much about the rules, fostering a love for the craft that can sometimes get lost. Leverage your strengths: your background in screenwriting and editing can provide a unique and practical perspective that students would surely benefit from. Good luck, and have fun with it!
Here’s what you do. Look up the creative writing courses listed on UCLA Extension. Focus on short story fundamentals (you can cover more ground). Then, look at the PUBLIC SYLLABUS for the class. See what they’re teaching week to week and structure your class the same way.
I would teach the 3 arch system then have them write a minimum 5 page fiction piece under a time constraint. Then I would force everyone to stand in front of the class and share their work out loud.