Diploma in Fiction Writing

Course Contents: 
 
The course is divided up into 8 units, as follows:  
 
Introduction  
 
·         Content 
 
·         Style 
 
·         Techniques 
 
·         Marketing  
 
Unit 1 – The Short Story  
 
·         How to study and analyse it 
 
·         Studying the market 
 
·         Overseas markets 
 
·         Writing is a business 
 
·         How do I find ideas? 
 
·         How do I present my manuscript? 
 
·         Where do I find facts?  
 
Unit 2 - The Theme  
 
·         Choosing a theme 
 
·         The basic emotion 
 
·         First or third person? 
 
·         Get out of the way! 
 
·         Reader identification 
 
·         Setting 
 
·         Style  
 
Unit 3 – The Plot   
 
·         Plotting 
 
·         Accuracy 
 
·         The plot scheme 
 
·         A twist in the tale 
 
·         Finding a plot 
 
·         Conflict, tension & Suspense 
 
·         Balance and pace  
 
Unit 4 – The Characters  
 
·         Your chief character 
 
·         Names 
 
·         Can people be plots? 
 
·         Characterisation 
 
·         Motives 
 
·         Mannerisms 
 
·         Minor Characters 
 
·         Hero, Heroine, Villain or ClownHow people operate 
 
 
 
Unit 5 – Getting Started 
 
·         How to start? 
 
·         The plot thickens 
 
·         Stuck? 
 
·         Handling Transitions 
 
·         How to end? 
 
·         Your work plan 
 
·         Rules are made to be broken      
 
Unit 6 –Title & Dialogue  
 
·         Choosing a title 
 
·         Writing Dialogue 
 
·         Grammar, dialect and slang 
 
·         Types of short story 
 
·         The serial  
 
Unit 7 – Practical Details  
 
·         Copyright 
 
·         The laws of defamation 
 
·         Agents and “Vanity Publishers” 
 
·         Keeping records 
 
·         Payment 
 
·         Income Tax 
 
·         Expenses 
 
·         Writing for radio 
 
·         Writing for television 
 
·         Presenting a TV drama      
 
Unit 8 – Writing a Novel  
 
·         Structure 
 
·         Action, Thriller, Mystery 
 
·         Science Fiction 
 
·         Crime & Detective novels 
 
·         Historical novels 
 
·         Serious novels 
 
·         Final points 
 
Accreditation  
 
The course leads to the award of the Diploma in Fiction Writing (Level 2) from ASET, a leading UK awarding body recognised by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority.  
 
Study Method  
 
The course is designed for study by distance learning at work or at home. Students receive course manual, assignments and studyguide plus tutor support by mail and email. You can start at any time and plan your studies over a period of up to one year from the time of registration. 
 
Assessment  
 
Each element is followed by a written assignment, which is submitted and marked by your tutor. There is no external examination required.