Write fact with the flair of fiction.

Creative nonfiction: taking the next step

Ideal for (but not limited to) those who have taken 'How to write great feature articles,' Creative Nonfiction: taking the next step helps you refine your nonfiction writing skills through one-on-one guidance from an experienced writing coach. This course takes place entirely online. You go at your own pace, working when and where you wish. You will communicate with your instructor via e-mail. In the seven lessons, we explore:

1. Beginning someplace that matters.
2. Letting your characters speak for themselves.
3. Letting actions speak louder than words.
4. Creating thematic description.
5. Telling it with attitude.
6. Rendering abstractions in concrete terms.
7. Getting out of the way so your readers can experience your story for themselves.

Each lesson includes an excerpt (sometimes two) from fine writers whose work illustrates the point we’re exploring.

You’ll encounter the work of:

• Tom Montag
• Richard Wright
• Eudora Welty
• Buck O’Neill
• Kathleen Norris
• Anne Lamott
• Rick Bragg
• Richard Lederer
• The Gospel according to Matthew

After the readings, the instructor will ask you a few questions about what you’ve read. Answering those questions is part one of your optional assignment for the lesson. Part two involves sending (by e-mail if you can, postal mail if you must) a 250-word writing sample from either your own work or someone else’s that illustrates what we’ve been studying.

You can do all, some, or none of the assignment. It’s up to you. However, the more you do, the more you’ll learn and grow during the course. If you decide not to do any of the assignment, just let the instructor know that you’re ready for the next lesson. The instructor usually answers within one working day, with comments, critiques, and perhaps a few follow-up questions for you to consider. He will also send you the next lesson. Work at your own pace and take up to a year to finish. You do the lessons at your own pace.

Who this course is for:

*Anyone writing memoir, articles, or nonfiction books. *We recommend you take "How to Write Great Feature Articles" first.

You can e-mail questions any time, with or without a lesson.

Your instructor:

Marshall J. Cook is a professor, freelance writer, and nonfiction book and novel author.

He has published hundreds of articles in national and international magazines and has authored 20 non-fiction books (including Freeing Your Creativity: A Writer's Guide, from Writer's Digest Books) and three novels. He also edits Creativity Connection, a newsletter for writers and independent publishers.

As a professor for the University of Wisconsin-Madison, he teaches workshops, classes, and online courses on writing and publishing.

Costs:

Registration is just $175, which includes the seven lessons, open email access to your instructor, and a thorough critique of 2,000 words of your creative nonfiction. You will earn 2.1 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) when you complete the course.

Your contact:

Your contact for more information about Creative Nonfiction: Taking the Next Step is Marshall J. Cook. 608-262-4911, mcook@dcs.wisc.edu.

High praise from Marshall J. Cook's online students:

"I went from cold turkey (knowing very little) to crowing rooster (publishing the very first two I ever tried)." ~ Janice K., Wisconsin

"I can't tell you how thoroughly I enjoyed your 'company' over these last months—it was wonderful to be able to take the class at my own pace. [...] It was very weird at first to have you critique my articles. I would sit in front of my computer after I'd receive your response, and have these flashes, wondering, 'Will he love it? Hate it? Know where I've floundered?' But after all that, the best thing you've given me is confidence. Gotta run—thanks AGAIN AND AGAIN for all your wonderful, funny and on-the-mark advice. You're the best!" ~ Lori

Also of interest:

The same writing staff that bring you these great online classes also provide individualized writing critique services. Learn more by visiting our writing critique services Web page.

 

Receive the Writing News, our free e-mail newsletter. If you subscribe, then 4-5 times a year you will receive from the Department of Liberal Studies and the Arts a detailed e-mail with information about our upcoming writing programs as well as news about student acheivements, new programs, and opportunities for writers. To subscribe send a blank e-mail message to: join-writing-news@lists.wisc.edu.

 

If you'd like a free copy of the newsletter, Creativity Connection, "The Writer's Quarterly Encouragement," please e-mail Marshall Cook and include your postal address.

More distance education: Independent Learning journalism and writing courses are another option for distance education through University of Wisconsin-Extension. Most courses are available for college or high-school credit.

How to register

Telephone: Call 608-262-2451 to register. Our phone is answered M-F, 7:00 am-4:30 pm Central Time. At other times please leave a message, and we will return your call. If you have other questions, call toll-free 1-877-336-7836.

Online: Register now online with our secure server.

E-mail: Send your name and contact information to LSAonline@dcs.wisc.edu and we will respond as soon as possible to assist you with registration.

Fax: Print and fax our registration form.

Mail: Print and mail our registration form.