In this course aspiring writers will be introduced to the techniques that masters of fiction use to ground a story in a concrete world. From the most realist settings to the most fantastical, writers will learn how to describe the physical world in sharp, sensory detail. We will also learn how to build credibility through research, and to use creative meditation exercises to deepen our own understanding of our story worlds, so that our readers can see all that we imagine.
Creative Writing: The Craft of Setting and Description
This course is part of Creative Writing Specialization
Instructor: Amity Gaige
Sponsored by RIA PAYMENT INSTITUTION
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(1,373 reviews)
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There are 4 modules in this course
Writing a great short story is like conveying a dream. As we will see from studying one famous master, a "persuasive" setting is necessary in order to build mood, character, and even plot.
What's included
7 videos4 readings1 peer review
Pack your fiction with "vitamin-rich" detail. Looking at the work of both masters and students, we will discuss how funny, meaningful, and powerful details can be.
What's included
4 videos3 readings1 peer review
Create settings both familiar and unfamiliar to you, while avoiding common missteps. You will be guided through several meditation exercises as you practice "imaginative research".
What's included
4 videos1 peer review
Setting and description works in realist and non-realist fiction, as well as across literary genres. Consider how to write about your own "primal landscape".
What's included
4 videos1 peer review
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Reviewed on Jan 31, 2022
I really enjoyed this course and learned a lot. I would have liked more reading samples, especially in weeks 3 and 4, which didn't include any. But I loved the video interviews with authors.
Reviewed on Jan 19, 2021
This was such a wonderful course. I got to learn a lot about strange lands, imaginative description etc. Generally how to set my world and describe it in a convincing manner. I totally recommend it.
Reviewed on Aug 16, 2016
This course was awesome. Every assignment was really challenging and the classes were so interesting. I think it was the best course in this specialization. Thank you very much to the teacher!
Recommended if you're interested in Arts and Humanities
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