Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Continuing Studies

Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Youtube Instagram

TWSA240

Fiction 2

This advanced course for emerging fiction writers will introduce you to new tools and techniques to structure your work and engage your readers. What is the central question at the heart of your story? How do the structural choices you make for your work affect the way your story unfolds? How do you create, sustain and release tension both in scenes, and your broader narrative?

If you are comfortable with the fundamentals and are looking to push your prose further, this course offers readings, discussions, writing exercises and a workshopping environment where you can experiment and dig deeper in a supportive, online community.

This course is available at the following time(s) and location(s):

Campus Session(s) Starting Instructor(s) Cost Seats available  
Online - Thursday, Feb 24, 2022
Schedule details
  • Thu, Feb 24, ---
  • Thu, Mar 03, ---
  • Thu, Mar 10, ---
  • Thu, Mar 17, ---
  • Thu, Mar 24, ---
  • Thu, Mar 31, ---
  • Thu, Apr 07, ---
  • Thu, Apr 14, ---
  • Thu, Apr 21, ---
  • Thu, Apr 28, ---
 - $628.95 25 Register

Schedule clarification: This course begins on the first date listed and ends six days after the last date listed. Between those times, you work at your own pace within the timelines set by the instructor.

Writing experience

To get the most out of this advanced course, you should have the following experience: 

  • completion of an introductory fiction course
  • familiarity with the workshopping process (both giving and receiving feedback)

What will you learn?

By the end of the course, you will be able to do the following:  

  • Identify the central question at the heart of your story
  • Structure your story
  • Control the way tension is created, sustained and released in your writing
  • Write strong beginnings and effective scenes
  • Incorporate complex character development strategies into your work

How will you learn?

Each week you will:

  • Read the weekly module
  • Complete additional reading (if assigned)
  • Complete a writing assignment (approximately 500 words)
  • Participate in a discussion based on your reading (approximately 250 words)
  • Read and provide feedback on other learners’ work 

Twice per term you will:

  • Submit a piece of your own writing for feedback (maximum 2500 words)

How will you be evaluated?

This course is graded using a competency-based grading scale. Read more here.

Learning materials

We will provide custom course materials.

Hardware and software requirements 

We deliver this course using SFU's online course management system, Canvas. You will receive course details and Canvas access instructions on the first day of the course. You can check if your browser is compatible with Canvas here.

New to online learning? See About Online Learning for helpful videos and additional information.

Related program(s)

Look at other courses in