COURSE STRUCTURE
There are eight lessons in this module as follows:
- Scope & Nature of Fiction
- Components of a Story – beginning, middle and end
- Technique: The Creative Process – conception, developing a plot,writing a Draft, Editing and rewriting; Method Writing
- Conception and Research
- Drama
- Fantasy
- The Short Story
- The Novel
AIMS
- Describe the nature and scope of fiction writing.
- Determine the components of a fiction story, as the first step in planning a story.
- Determine a systematic approach to building a fiction story.
- Develop your capacity to conceive fiction stories.
- Develop your ability to write dramatic stories.
- Develop your ability to write fantasy
- Develop your ability to write short stories
- Develop your ability to plan for success in the writing of a novel.
SAMPLE NOTES
What is Fiction Writing?
Fiction is writing that includes imaginary characters, events and/or settings created by the writer. All of the components of a fictitious story do not necessarily need to be fictitious though:
- Imaginary characters might be set in a real world setting such as a well known city or a particular country.
- Characters might be fictitious, but set in a ‘real’ event. For example, you might write about the experiences of a fictitious character during World War II.
- Real characters may be used for a fictitious story that embraces an imaginary event or setting (eg. a story about William Shakespeare travelling through time; or something more realistic, like a summer’s holiday at a fictitious beach resort, taken by a famous historical figure such as Mozart).
Two Types of Fiction
There are traditionally two types of fiction:
a) CATEGORY
Also referred to as ‘genre’, these stories have a distinct theme and as such are easy to categorise. Examples of category or genre fiction are science fiction, westerns, adventure, historical, romance, erotica, mystery, suspense, fantasy and war stories.
b) MAINSTREAM
These stories are aimed at the widest possible audience. They typically deal with most aspects of modern life including relationships, careers, and the search for success and fulfilment. Popular mainstream writers include Jeffrey Archer, Jackie Collins, Colleen McCullough and James Michener.
