Start writing fiction with a short course
Let the imaginary people out
Start writing fiction with a short, structured introduction.
Choose your dates and weekly hours in the planner. Your plan saves in this browser.
Who this is for
A curious beginner who wants to write scenes and explore characters with a little structure.
Before you begin
Open the free fiction course and choose somewhere to write. A notebook or existing text editor is enough to begin; a polished publishing setup can wait.
Your first session
Try the first writing activity and keep the draft. Give one character or setting enough attention to produce a few specific details.
The path in four steps
- Start the free fiction course
- Try character and setting exercises
- Develop a short scene
- Complete the course and choose a next project
Use these as editable milestones. The linked activity source supplies the detailed instructions; adjust your plan as you learn.
What finished looks like
Complete the course and develop a short scene you can return to. Choose whether your next project is revision, another scene or a longer story.
Time, scope and source
PUBLISHED WORKLOAD
OpenLearn lists 12 study hours. This covers the course; a finished novel is a separate undertaking.
Open University · Start writing fiction, 12 hoursPlanning notes by RYKA. Source guidance and our practical planning suggestions are distinct. This guide does not claim that a provider endorses the quest.
Helpful resources
Use what you already have where it fits. Resources are optional unless noted.
Optional reference
Step 2: Try character and setting exercises
Gotham Writers' Workshop: Writing Fiction
Choose one character or setting exercise when you want another prompt for your short scene.
Consider: This is a broader craft book. Completing it is unnecessary for the introductory course or a first short scene.
Free or already owned: Use the free course's exercises, your own drafts and library craft books.
Optional help · Reviewed 2026-10-28
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