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There are 4 modules in this course
In this course aspiring writers will be introduced to perhaps the most elemental and often the most challenging element of story: plot. We will learn what keeps it moving, how it manipulates our feelings, expectations, and desires. We will examine the choices storytellers make to snag our imaginations, drag them into a fictional world, and keep them there. We will learn how to outline and structure a plot, discuss narrative arc, pacing and reversals and reveal the inevitable surprise: connecting the beginning, middle and end.
In this module, we'll learn essentials about plot definitions and mechanics. What is plot? How does plot shape a narrative? What makes a strong plot? How is plot different from a story? We'll also discuss how plot works in actual books you're probably familiar with, such as the Harry Potter series, how character and action equals plot, and the five key questions you should ask yourself when creating a dynamic character.
What's included
4 videos2 readings1 peer review
Show info about module content
4 videos•Total 26 minutes
What Is Plot?•8 minutes
How Plot Works in Harry Potter•9 minutes
Character + Action = Plot•8 minutes
Feedback Expectations for the Specialization•2 minutes
2 readings•Total 4 minutes
A Note on Assignments•1 minute
Promo Codes•3 minutes
1 peer review•Total 120 minutes
The Escalator•120 minutes
The Power of Structure
Module 2•2 hours to complete
Module details
In this module we're going to learn what story structure is and how by understanding structure you can learn how to sequence the events in your plot to help maximize your own storytelling abilities.We'll talk about Freytag's pyramid, the five act structure, how that structure can be found in works of classic literature, and have a conversation about how structure and outlines can help organize the stories you want to tell.
What's included
3 videos1 peer review
Show info about module content
3 videos•Total 22 minutes
What Is Structure?•7 minutes
ABDCE Structure Examples from Famous Works of Literature•7 minutes
Visiting Writer: A Conversation with Douglas Martin•8 minutes
1 peer review•Total 120 minutes
What's Up, Doc?•120 minutes
A Scene in Motion
Module 3•1 hour to complete
Module details
Scenes are the building blocks of storytelling. But what is a scene? And how does a scene move plot forward? In this module we'll learn about the difference between telling and showing, the five key elements each scene should have, offer some examples of effective scenes, and have a conversation about how setting and description can make a scene come alive.
What's included
3 videos1 peer review
Show info about module content
3 videos•Total 27 minutes
What Is a Scene?•7 minutes
Examples of Effective Scenes•9 minutes
Shop Talk with Amity Gaige•11 minutes
1 peer review•Total 60 minutes
Show, Don't Tell•60 minutes
Cut It Out
Module 4•2 hours to complete
Module details
This modules deals with the specifics of editing and revising your work. This process of revision starts with the first draft (which will now become your second draft) and continues until the manuscript’s ready to send to an agent. Included here are a twenty-one point checklist on what to do once you have a completed first draft, and conversations about creating characters with strong motivations, and how to define language that gets rewritten vs language that gets cut.
What's included
4 videos1 peer review
Show info about module content
4 videos•Total 32 minutes
Editing and Revision•7 minutes
Shop Talk with Amy Bloom•10 minutes
Shop Talk with Salvatore Scibona•11 minutes
The 21st Point•4 minutes
1 peer review•Total 60 minutes
The Whole Story•60 minutes
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Wesleyan University, founded in 1831, is a diverse, energetic liberal arts community where critical thinking and practical idealism go hand in hand. With our distinctive scholar-teacher culture, creative programming, and commitment to interdisciplinary learning, Wesleyan challenges students to explore new ideas and change the world. Our graduates go on to lead and innovate in a wide variety of industries, including government, business, entertainment, and science.
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Learner reviews
4.7
5,056 reviews
5 stars
77.11%
4 stars
17.22%
3 stars
3.59%
2 stars
0.92%
1 star
1.12%
Showing 3 of 5056
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5·
Reviewed on Oct 12, 2018
Extremely helpful! I'm rethinking a lot of my previous approach to writing, especially when it comes to creating interesting scenes and ensuring my characters each have a clear desire while I write.
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5·
Reviewed on May 27, 2020
I don't think the peer-reviewing is a great thing. I wrote a great scene got 100% grade at the end, but I got 0 at the first attempt of the same. Would be great if the mentor could have a look.
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5·
Reviewed on Sep 1, 2020
I have always been an avid reader. I took this class to familiarize myself with the techniques behind plot development. I would highly recommend this course, and the creative writing specialization.
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What will I get if I subscribe to this Specialization?
When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. Your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile.
Is financial aid available?
Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.