Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Continuing Studies

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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.

Prerequisite(s):

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

Campus Session(s) Starting Instructor(s) Cost Seats available  
Online - Wednesday, Apr 14, 2021
Schedule details
  • Wed, Apr 14, ---
  • Wed, Apr 21, ---
  • Wed, Apr 28, ---
  • Wed, May 05, ---
  • Wed, May 12, ---
  • Wed, May 19, ---
  • Wed, May 26, ---
  • Wed, Jun 02, ---
  • Wed, Jun 09, ---
  • Wed, Jun 16, ---
 Maria Reva $628.95 23 Register
Online - Thursday, Sep 23, 2021
Schedule details
  • Thu, Sep 23, ---
  • Thu, Sep 30, ---
  • Thu, Oct 07, ---
  • Thu, Oct 14, ---
  • Thu, Oct 21, ---
  • Thu, Oct 28, ---
  • Thu, Nov 04, ---
  • Thu, Nov 11, ---
  • Thu, Nov 18, ---
  • Thu, Nov 25, ---
 Maria Reva $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.

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.

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