This creative writing course on writing technique takes place online.

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 with Emily Bitto 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.

Is this course right for you? Read our FAQ >

Expected Learning Outcomes

Participants will:

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

Participant Requirements

Internet access and confidence using basic computer software are essential for this program. Please read our FAQ before enrolling.

You do not need to log into the course at a specific time and there are no live meetings. You will receive an email with an invitation link to join the online classroom by 10am on the day the course starts.

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.

• 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.

Reviews

‘This course has completely changed the way I write and think about writing – in just a few days. I spent the last few months reading great historical fiction, spotting beautiful sentences and wondering “how” the authors did that. Your course definitely answered the how.’ – Birgit

‘The course had valuable lessons, the tutor’s feedback was thorough and encouraging. The online platform for the course was very accessible and convenient (I would not be able to participate face-to-face as I live in rural NSW).’ – Irina

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.