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Writing Courses
Crafting the Short Story - CBCSS01
Find a flair for fiction. With the growing number of e-zines and magazines, the short story market is alive and well. Don't feel hampered by the weight of a novel -- learn how to break into the creative flow through Crafting the Short Story. In this class, students will learn how to unleash their creative spirit, find their writing voice, create multi-dimensional characters and write believable di... [Read More]
Creating Memorable Characters - CBCMC01
What is character? Character is who someone has been, who he or she is now, and who he or she will become. Character is every feature and trait that forms an individual’s nature. Character covers a multitude of sins as well as moral and ethical qualities. Character is what one is or isn’t made of. Without character, only an empty shell remains. You can pen the greatest story every told, but withou... [Read More]
Creative Writing 1 - CBCW101
Creative Writing 1 is a 5-lesson course designed to put you in touch with your creative abilities, free your expression and have fun flowing with your writing. Creative Writing I is the first in a series of three courses, designed to introduce three levels and spectrums of development for the beginner to advanced student. Its five lessons - Introduction to Creative Writing I, Developing Creative ... [Read More]
Creative Writing 2 - CBCW201
Creative Writing II is an exciting adventure that explores your creative writing style. Taught by a college creative writing instructor and published author, this 5-lesson course contains five lessons: Introduction to Creative Writing II, Discovering Your Writing Style, Non-fiction and Fiction Writing, Exploring Non-fiction genres and Experiencing Fiction genres. Creative Writing II focuses on ta... [Read More]
Creative Writing 3 - CBCW301
Creative Writing III is an explosive fireworks display of creative writing techniques. This 5-lesson course will help you develop rich perspective, complex characters, diabolical dialogue, powerful plots, meaningful symbolism and enticing description. By the end of this course, you should be able to put the cha-cha in your rhythm, kaboom in your action and the ah-hah in your story.... [Read More]
Grammar Brush-Up For Writers - CBGBU01
Can't remember what prepositions are, when to use a semi-colon, or how to identify a misplaced modifer? No problem! Whether you are needing a crash course for college, prepping for a job or vocational program or wanting to get the rust out of your writing, this five-lesson course promises to be your solution. Upon completion, you will be refreshed on parts of speech, grammar mechanics, punctuat... [Read More]
How to Write a Book Proposal - CBWBP01
If an editor asks you to submit a proposal for your book, by all means take advantage of an opportunity to provide more information --- and enhance your prospects of making a sale! In this 4-week course, you will not only learn what mistakes to avoid, but will gain hands-on experience in developing a great proposal, especially in crucial areas as writing sample chapters. This course will also inc... [Read More]
How to Write and Sell a Nonfiction Book - CBWSNF01
Maybe you should write that book! After all, writing a book is a great way to put your expertise and interests to work and this 5-lesson course can help. In it, you will learn the basics of getting and outlining nonfiction book ideas, as well as developing your own. Working that idea, you will learn how to present it effectively in proposals and submit it to appropriate publishers and agents.... [Read More]
Journal Writing - CBJW101
Even those who “don’t like to write” find that journal keeping is a pleasant and cathartic experience. Journal writing can be fun, insightful and inspirational. It can be life changing, leading you in new directions. Putting thoughts and feelings on paper can provide both emotional and mental clarity. The act of journal writing helps reduce stress, which leads to better mental and physical health.... [Read More]
Poetry Writing - CBPW01
This four lesson poetry writing course will be of interest and benefit to participants in two interrelated ways. The numerous activities suggested in the course are designed not only to stimulate creative writing, but also to encourage personal growth in poetic expression. Lesson materials focus on the techniques used by poets in their craft; participants will further their understanding and appre... [Read More]
Spelling - CBSP01
Is spelling pesky to you? Do you rely on spellcheck, but secretly want to have genuinely better spelling skills? Now you can! In this super 7-lesson online course, spelling is taught in 4 easy rules! And you will learn how to master pesky homonyms and the most problematic misspelled words, too. Taught by a college writing instructor, this course is excellent for homeschoolers, GED students, E... [Read More]
The Basics of Scriptwriting - CBBS01
In this six-lesson course you will learn the basics of screenplay structure, how to craft credible characters and dialogue, as well as how to put your best "pitch" forward with agents, studios, and independent producers. Each assignment is personally critiqued by the instructor with feedback on how to improve your technique as well as resources which will assist in further developing your ideas in... [Read More]
Writing and Publishing Children's Books - CBWPCB01
If you've ever said "I've always wanted to write children's books", this 4-lesson course in writing is for you! Becoming a published writer can be a journey fraught with confusing detours and frustrating roadblocks. But, this class will show you the necessary steps you must take to write and then, find a publisher for your children's book.... [Read More]
Writing Fantasy Fiction - CBWFF01
This course will introduce students to writing fantasy fiction. Students will explore the genre and the elements of a fantasy story or book, while looking at aspects of writing fantasy through character and world building. Editing and the business side of writing will also be covered.... [Read More]
Writing Horror Fiction - CBWHF01
Do you aspire to be the next Stephen King or Clive Barker? If so, this 5-lesson course by published horror author Sephera Giron will teach you how to write an effective horror story of any length. Learn the basic craft to creating horrible monsters as well as brave heroes, and how to build suspense to keep your readers hooked.... [Read More]
Writing Magazine Articles - CBWMA01
This hands-on, six-lesson magazine writing course will guide the student through the step-by-step process of producing a short magazine article (max. 1,000 words), which may be submitted for critiquing. Upon completion of this course, students will have learned techniques to find and develop article ideas, locate and analyze potential markets, analyze and parallel article types, tailor articles t... [Read More]
Writing Press Releases - CBWPR01
This five-lesson course will cover the basic skills and techniques involved in successful publicity writing:defining what is "newsworthy"; formatting press releases; including the essential 5Ws in inverted pyramid style; choosing the right publicity pictures; and discovering where to send the press releases for maximum exposure to free publicity.... [Read More]
Writing Query Letters That Sell - CBWQL01
To increase your chances of selling editors on that article or book, you need to describe your ideas effectively in a query letter. This 4-lesson course will walk you through the steps of writing query letters, beginning with brainstorming, shaping, and outlining your idea (or improving the focus of one of your letters) as well as writing and submitting your query letter to suitable publishers.... [Read More]
Writing Vampire Fiction 1 - CBWVF101
At last, a writing course for vampire writers! One you can sink your fangs into! This level 1 course offers both information on writing fiction, and information on vampires, including historical and mythological information written by Rob Brautigam, noted European vampire expert and publisher of the highly acclaimed and respected journal INTERNATIONAL VAMPIRE.
Over the five lessons, yo... [Read More]
Writing Your Life Story - CBWLS01
The hardest thing about writing your life story is getting started. This course will get you started and keep you writing. You will define who you are and how you want people to remember you. You will learn how to organize and outline of the events in your life to keep your writing fresh and interesting. Learning to gather and add will insure that your memories, your experiences, and your wisdom w... [Read More]