Do you have a desire to write a novel, write a screenplay, design a video game? In this project-centered course you will develop your own, original, intellectual property (IP) into a transmedia project containing written versions of your IP on various platforms. You will begin your novel, adapt the first chapters of your novel into the opening scenes of a film or TV show and create a game design concept of your IP.
Learner review: "So much AMAZING information! The teacher and content are wonderful. Learned so much!"
This is a course is based in "Active Learning" so that most of the actual learning takes place within your own activities - that is, writing! You will learn by doing.
I am a proponent of experiential learning (also known as active learning). My lectures are short and succinct, designed in a step-by-step process essential to your success as a writer. I will guide you, I will show you how to get there, hopefully I will inspire you, but I won’t show you how to write or what to write. That is up to you, you are the only one who can illustrate your creative thoughts, by writing them! I firmly believe that the only way to become a writer is to write, write, write. You need to unleash your creativity and my plan is to help you to do exactly that!
Learner review: "This is the most challenging writing course that I have done so far! But, it actually made me write the first two chapters of my novel and now, I am now looking forward to finishing the novel and getting it published."
All of the assignments on this course are peer review. At each stage of the process, whether creating your novel, your screenplay or your video game, you will post your written work and review the works of your peers. Peer review is an extremely important element of this course. Giving feedback and getting feedback is essential to the development of your critical thinking and your growth as a writer. It is as important as the writing itself.
This course is designed to tap into your creativity and help you to develop your skills in expressing that creativity through written words.
Learner review: "It made me stay up to 4AM a few times, but its incredible. You will learn a lot, and it is a very fun class"
Writing is a truly beautiful, amazing, satisfying thing. Imagine, putting your own words on a page to tell a story which enters your readers minds and allows them to share the thoughts, emotions and lives of your characters. It is a very rewarding experience.
Learner review: "This course really pushed me to my limits and it is an eye opener for me that there are goals that I can still achieve and accomplish through the world of writing."
In Module 1 you will create your Transmedia Intellectual Property (your IP), you will write a logline (a single sentence that describes the essence of your IP) and define the Dramatic Question of your IP
What's included
4 videos3 peer reviews1 discussion prompt
Show info about module content
4 videos•Total 16 minutes
What is Transmedia?•6 minutes
Creating an Idea•4 minutes
Write a Logline•4 minutes
Define the Dramatic Question•3 minutes
3 peer reviews•Total 300 minutes
Pitch your Idea(s) for a Transmedia IP•120 minutes
Write A Logline•60 minutes
Write The Dramatic Question•120 minutes
1 discussion prompt•Total 10 minutes
Form A Writers Group•10 minutes
Write The First Chapter Of Your Novel
Module 2•5 hours to complete
Module details
In Module 2 you will begin your novel. You will design a Profile of your Main Characters, create an outline for your First Chapter, you will learn about point of view and syntax for writing a novel and you will write the First Chapter of your Novel.
What's included
3 videos3 peer reviews
Show info about module content
3 videos•Total 12 minutes
Define Your Characters•2 minutes
Pitch Chapter One•2 minutes
Write Your First Chapter•7 minutes
3 peer reviews•Total 300 minutes
Write up a detailed character profile of your protagonist•120 minutes
Write your Pitch for Chapter One•60 minutes
Write Chapter One•120 minutes
Write Chapter Two Of Your Novel
Module 3•2 hours to complete
Module details
In Module 3 you will outline the second chapter of your novel and you will write Chapter Two
What's included
2 videos2 peer reviews
Show info about module content
2 videos•Total 5 minutes
Outline Chapter Two•2 minutes
Write Chapter Two•3 minutes
2 peer reviews•Total 120 minutes
Write your Chapter Two outline•60 minutes
Write Chapter Two•60 minutes
Adapt Chapter One To The Opening Scenes Of Your Screenplay
Module 4•2 hours to complete
Module details
In Module 4 you will begin your screenplay. You will write an outline of your adaptation of Chapter One of your novel into the opening scenes of your screenplay, you will learn about screenplay format and film grammar, you will become familiar with free screenplay software and you will write the opening scenes of your screenplay.
What's included
3 videos2 peer reviews
Show info about module content
3 videos•Total 12 minutes
Writing an Outline•3 minutes
Screenplay Format and Grammar•3 minutes
Becoming Familiar With The Software•6 minutes
2 peer reviews•Total 120 minutes
Write an outline of the screenplay adaptation of the first chapter of your novel•60 minutes
Using screenplay formatting, adapt chapter one into the opening scenes of your screenplay•60 minutes
Adapt Chapter Two Into Screenplay Format
Module 5•4 hours to complete
Module details
In Module 5 you will write a detailed outline of your screenplay adaptation of Chapter Two of your novel, then you will write the scenes for the screenplay version of Chapter Two.
What's included
2 videos2 peer reviews
Show info about module content
2 videos•Total 3 minutes
Chapter 2 Adaptation•1 minute
Screenplay Chapter 2•1 minute
2 peer reviews•Total 240 minutes
Write an outline of the screenplay adaptation of Chapter Two•120 minutes
Write the screenplay version of Chapter Two•120 minutes
Transform Your IP Into a Concept for a Game Design
Module 6•3 hours to complete
Module details
In Module 6 you will create a Design Document to pitch your video game concept. You will learn about various types of video games with a focus on narrative games, write a description of the game version of your IP and you will create a full pitch document for your video game.
What's included
3 videos2 peer reviews
Show info about module content
3 videos•Total 13 minutes
What Kind of Game•5 minutes
Create Your Narrative Game Design Document•5 minutes
Thank You•3 minutes
2 peer reviews•Total 180 minutes
Write a brief pitch of your Game•120 minutes
Write your Game Design Concept•60 minutes
Instructor
Instructor ratings
Instructor ratings
We asked all learners to give feedback on our instructors based on the quality of their teaching style.
Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 150 years.
One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.
OK
Why people choose Coursera for their career
Felipe M.
Learner since 2018
"To be able to take courses at my own pace and rhythm has been an amazing experience. I can learn whenever it fits my schedule and mood."
Jennifer J.
Learner since 2020
"I directly applied the concepts and skills I learned from my courses to an exciting new project at work."
Larry W.
Learner since 2021
"When I need courses on topics that my university doesn't offer, Coursera is one of the best places to go."
Chaitanya A.
"Learning isn't just about being better at your job: it's so much more than that. Coursera allows me to learn without limits."
Learner reviews
4.4
66 reviews
5 stars
63.63%
4 stars
22.72%
3 stars
4.54%
2 stars
7.57%
1 star
1.51%
Showing 3 of 66
T
TT
5·
Reviewed on Aug 17, 2017
Soo much AMAZING information!The teacher and content are wonderful. Learned so much!
P
PM
5·
Reviewed on Dec 27, 2020
Very good way to develop three forms of writing with scripts, novels and game development with the same theme
M
M
4·
Reviewed on Nov 2, 2023
Would like if there was a bit more of relevant feedback aspect from the mentor rather than peers.
When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?
To access the course materials, assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience when you enroll in a course. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid. The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.
What will I get if I purchase the Certificate?
When you purchase a Certificate you get access to all course materials, including graded assignments. Upon completing the course, 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.