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Ideal for (but not limited to) those who have taken 'How
to write compelling fiction,' Fiction: taking
the next step helps you
to refine your fiction 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 one-on-one with your instructor via
e-mail. In seven lessons, you'll apply these techniques to your fiction:
You go at your own pace, working when and where you wish.
Each lesson includes an excerpt or two from fine writers whose work illustrates the point we’re exploring. We discuss the work of:
With each lesson, you get a "hot link" (or links) for information about the authors we're reading together.
Who this course is for:*Short story and novel writers. |
After the readings, the instructor will ask you a few questions about what you’ve read. You'll also have an optional assignment involving a 250-word excerpt from your work or someone else's that illustrates what we've been studying.
The instructor usually responds within one working day, with comments, critiques and perhaps a few follow-up questions. He will also send you the next lesson. You can e-mail questions any time, with or without a lesson. Work at your own pace and take up to a year to finish the course.
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 nonfiction 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.
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.
"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
Registration is just $175, which includes your seven lessons, open e-mail access to your instructor, and a thorough critique of 2,000 words of your fiction. Work at your own pace and take up to a year to finish. You will earn 2.1 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) when you complete the course.
Your contact for more information about Fiction: Taking the Next Step is Marshall J. Cook. 608-262-4911, mcook@dcs.wisc.edu.
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.
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. Fiction: Taking the Next Step (program #9033).
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.
| Department of Liberal Studies & the Arts | UW-Madison Continuing Studies |
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File last updated: July 9, 2008 |