In this course aspiring writers will be introduced to the techniques that masters of fiction use to ground a story in a concrete world. From the most realist settings to the most fantastical, writers will learn how to describe the physical world in sharp, sensory detail. We will also learn how to build credibility through research, and to use creative meditation exercises to deepen our own understanding of our story worlds, so that our readers can see all that we imagine.



Creative Writing: The Craft of Setting and Description
This course is part of Creative Writing Specialization

Instructor: Amity Gaige
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There are 4 modules in this course
Writing a great short story is like conveying a dream. As we will see from studying one famous master, a "persuasive" setting is necessary in order to build mood, character, and even plot.
What's included
7 videos4 readings1 peer review
Pack your fiction with "vitamin-rich" detail. Looking at the work of both masters and students, we will discuss how funny, meaningful, and powerful details can be.
What's included
4 videos3 readings1 peer review
Create settings both familiar and unfamiliar to you, while avoiding common missteps. You will be guided through several meditation exercises as you practice "imaginative research".
What's included
4 videos1 peer review
Setting and description works in realist and non-realist fiction, as well as across literary genres. Consider how to write about your own "primal landscape".
What's included
4 videos1 peer review
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Reviewed on Oct 29, 2019
I enjoyed this course very much; Amity was a great instructor, and I loved how she incorporated some readings into it. I found the course very useful, and only wish it could have been longer.
Reviewed on Jul 18, 2018
This course gave a real depth to the importance of describing your character's environment, as a way of deepening and exciting them. excellent work on imagining your characters in the environment
Reviewed on Aug 17, 2016
This course was awesome. Every assignment was really challenging and the classes were so interesting. I think it was the best course in this specialization. Thank you very much to the teacher!
Recommended if you're interested in Arts and Humanities
Wesleyan University
Wesleyan University
Wesleyan University
Wesleyan University

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