To enrol in the 2021 version of this course, go here>>

Regardless of genre, style or level of experience, all writers work with words and sentences as the basic units of prose. This online writing course will re-focus your writing on the level of the sentence, providing practical ways to improve your prose in both drafting and editing stages. You will learn, among other things, to write more freely and imaginatively, to strengthen your verbs, avoid cliché, master imagery and metaphor, and edit your work, and the work of others, more effectively.

This online course involves a combination of readings, writing exercises and workshopping to empower you to elevate your sentences from ordinary to sublime.

Expected learning outcomes

1. Participants will gain a better understanding of what makes a good (or bad) sentence across a range of contexts.
2. Participants will learn to read and evaluate their own and other people’s writing on a sentence level.
3. Participants will finish the course with practical techniques and exercises for improving their sentences in an ongoing manner.

Participant Requirements

Participants should be actively involved in developing a writing practice within any genre, but are not expected to have any publication history. 

Internet access and confidence using basic computer software are essential for this program. There are no live meetings. Please read our FAQ before enrolling.

Please expect to spend a minimum of six hours on the course, noting that the amount of time needed to read, respond to discussions, write, revise and critique will vary from person to person. We recommend allocating an hour a day to the course while it is running. By setting aside this time, you will get the most out of the course, and be able to engage with other participants and the tutor.

You do not need to log into the course at a specific time of day and there are no live meetings.

• There will be a new lesson posted each day while the course is running (see course dates in the blue box above).
• You can complete the lesson material in your own time.
• There will be assignments which have deadlines. To be guaranteed tutor feedback, you will need to complete the assignments by the deadline.

You can find out more about the course by reading our frequently asked questions.  If you have any questions, please contact us.

More from Writing NSW

Check out our full range of online creative writing courses and our feedback programs to see how we can help you on your writing journey. Find out about our grants and prizes, as well as writing groups across NSW, and sign up to our weekly newsletter for writing events, opportunities and giveaways.