Hocbigg - Creative Writing
Contents
Summary
This curriculum is a complete, MOOC-based Creative Writing major equivalent to a traditional 4-year undergraduate program (minus general education not specific to the discipline).
It builds a rigorous foundation in narrative craft, poetics, literary analysis, writing process, revision, and the professional habits needed by working writers.
Organization
This repository is organized into three main components:
- Core Curriculum (this page): the foundational knowledge of the field;
- Advanced Topics: focused study in specific areas;
- Projects: support learning through practical application throughout the curriculum.
Process: Learners may work through the curriculum independently or collaboratively, and either sequentially or selectively.
- For simplicity, courses in the Core Curriculum are ordered according to their prerequisites.
- The Core Curriculum provides a shared foundation and is intended to be completed in full.
- Advanced Topics are optional; learners are encouraged to select one area of focus and complete all courses within that topic.
Practical work is integrated through the Projects section and may be undertaken alongside coursework.
Note: When there are courses or books that don't fit into the curriculum but are otherwise of high quality, they belong in extras/courses, extras/readings.
Communities
- Forums:
- Subreddits:
- Discord servers:
- Other / Event-based:
- You can interact through GitHub issues. If there is a problem with a course, or a change needs to be made to the curriculum, this is the place to start the conversation. Read more here.
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Join our Discord server (for discussions around this and other curricula):
Curriculum
Intro CW
This phase orients learners to the fundamentals of creative writing, emphasizing reading as a writer, basic literary analysis, and foundational writing skills. It establishes habits for close reading, drafting, and self-critique. Complete this phase before advancing to Core.
| Subject | Why study? | Book | Online Course |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fundamentals of Writing | Builds essential skills in grammar, style, and composition to ensure clear, effective expression as the basis for all creative work. | The Elements of Style | Diploma in Effective Writing Skills |
| Reading and Literary Analysis | Teaches how to read critically as a writer, identifying techniques in published works to inform one's own craft and develop analytical depth. | How to Read Literature Like a Professor | Introduction to Theory of Literature |
| Introduction to Creative Writing | Provides an overview of creative processes, genres, and exercises to spark imagination and experiment with voice and form. | Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft |
Start writing fiction |
Core CW
This phase covers the essential subjects in creative writing, equivalent to the bulk of an undergraduate program. It introduces major genres, theoretical frameworks, and practical skills like editing. Subjects are sequenced to start with broad forms (fiction, poetry) and move to specialized ones (nonfiction), with basic critical reading integrated for deeper understanding.
| Subject | Why study? | Book | Online Course |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fiction Writing | Explores narrative structure, character development, and plotting to create compelling stories, forming the backbone of prose-based creativity. | On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft | Start writing fiction |
| Poetry Writing | Focuses on rhythm, imagery, metaphor, and form to express ideas concisely and evocatively, enhancing linguistic precision across all writing. | The Poet's Companion | How to Make a Poem |
| Creative Nonfiction Writing | Teaches memoir, essays, and personal narrative techniques to blend voice, memory, and truth, building skills in authenticity and reflection. | The Art of Creative Nonfiction | Creative writing and critical reading |
| Editing and Revision | Develops self-editing skills for clarity, concision, and impact, essential for polishing work and preparing for publication or feedback. | Self-Editing for Fiction Writers | Comprehensive Guide to Creative Writing |
Note: Start with Fiction and Poetry concurrently if possible, as they build foundational craft. Creative Nonfiction can follow or parallel. Editing should be studied alongside or after genres for immediate application.