Learn to write stories others can't stop reading.

How to write compelling fiction

In seven easy-to-understand lessons, we'll explore specific ways to help you write fascinating fiction – from "flash" short story to epic novel. We'll cover:

• Good beginnings – where does your story rightly begin?
• Point of view – who should tell your story?
• Plot – does your story really have to have a beginning, a middle, and an end?
• Dialogue – how do you get a conversation going on paper?
• Characterization – how do you get your creations to stand up and cast shadows?

You'll get lots of feedback and an ongoing discussion with your instructor, all included in the basic fee of $135. For a total fee of $175, you'll get all this plus a detailed critique of up to 2,000 words of your writing. Work at your own pace and take up to a year to finish the course.

Two editions to choose from:

This course is offered in both an e-mail and a Web-based edition, allowing you to choose the technology you're most comfortable with. You may like the one-on-one, personalized delivery of pure e-mail, or you may prefer the convenience of the go-anywhere, any time flexibility of the Web edition of the course. You can wait to select which edition until your first contact with Prof. Cook.

Who this course is for:

* Beginning fiction writers looking for help getting started. * Anyone bogged down in the midst of a fiction project * Veteran writers who want to get recharged, refocused, and refreshed.

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.

Student comments:

"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 (Marshall J. Cook's) '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

You can start our workshops anytime, and there are no required hours to log on. It's all done with one-on-one correspondence with the instructor using email. Some classes have materials on a web site, but you can access those at your leisure with a password that we will give you. We have writers from around the world participating in our workshops, and we have success stories. A lot of great writing gets accomplished via email. Because of the one-on-one nature of our workshops, you'll find them an excellent "coaching" or mentoring situation that will keep you going. And if you want to just work on your own-hey, that's fine too. Of course you can do the suggested exercises on your own and pass on the feedback if you'd rather do that. We're also here throughout the year if you have questions.

Costs:

Enrollment is just $135, which includes instructor feedback and answers to your questions. If you choose the $175 level, you will receive an additional detailed critique of up to 2,000 words of your writing. Work at your own pace and take up to a year to finish.You will earn 1.0 Continuing Education Units (CEUs), (1.3 CEUs if you sign up for the critique option), when you complete this online writing course. Register and start the course at any time.

Your contact:

Your contact for more information about How to Write Compelling Fiction is Marshall J. Cook. 608-262-4911, mcook@dcs.wisc.edu.

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.