Creative Writing: The Power of Storytelling

This course takes you on an immersive journey into the world of fiction writing. Explore the building blocks of captivating stories—vivid characters, intriguing plots, and powerful narrative techniques. Through hands-on writing activities and peer collaboration, you will push your creative boundaries and refine your storytelling craft. By the end, you’ll walk away with a compelling portfolio and the skills to continue writing with confidence and excitement.

Program Dates

Multi-length courses available throughout the year

Enrichment Course Fees

$1,795

Eligibility

For students ages 13 and up

College Credit Course Fees

$3,995

What's the Difference Between Our College Credit and Enrichment Courses?

While both options include dynamic video lessons by renowned Georgetown faculty and access to support, the college credit courses contain additional coursework hours and allow you to earn college credit upon completion. We recommend selecting either the college credit or the enrichment option as some content overlaps between the two modalities.

Creative Writing College Credit
$3,995

Length of Course: Multi-length courses available

Instruction & Activities: 128 hours

Grading: Letter grade

On Your Own Schedule: ✔️

Academic Support: ✔️

Final Project: ✔️

College Credit Hours: ✔️

Certificate of Completion: Georgetown Transcript

Creative Writing Enrichment
$1,795

Length of Course: 1-, 2, or 4-weeks

Instruction & Activities: 20-30 hours

Grading: Pass/Fail

On Your Own Schedule: ✔️

Academic Support: ✔️

Final Project: ✔️

College Credit Hours:

Certificate of Completion:✔️

Unleash Your Creativity Through Writing

Finding Your Voice: The Writer’s Identity

Discover the elements of a unique literary voice. Explore different styles and develop your voice through writing exercises and engaging discussions.

Mastering Points of View in Fiction

Learn the power of narrative point of view. Experiment with first-person, third-person, and omniscient perspectives to shape stories that captivate readers.

Building the Story: Plot and Structure

Uncover the blueprint behind great stories. Study traditional and experimental structures and craft compelling narratives using unique plotting techniques.

Inventing Characters that Intrigue and Captivate

Learn techniques for bringing characters to life through backstory, dialogue, and motivation. Develop multidimensional characters that drive the plot forward.

The Art of Revision: Refining Your Craft

Transform rough drafts into polished works. Master the revision process by focusing on voice, structure, and character through self-editing and peer feedback.

Create Your Creative Writing Portfolio

Apply everything you’ve learned to create a final portfolio. Submit polished pieces that showcase your growth as a creative writer.

How You Will Benefit

  • Unlock creative potential by exploring diverse writing techniques and storytelling strategies.
  • Master fiction fundamentals, including character arcs, plot structures, and narrative perspective.
  • Gain confidence in storytelling through hands-on exercises and peer reviews.
  • Learn to critique and improve your work, refining each piece to its fullest potential.
  • Complete a Final Capstone Project to demonstrate what you’ve learned.
  • Earn a Certificate of Completion or college credit from Georgetown University.

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Three Learning Advantages Designed For You

Final Capstone Project

  • Create a portfolio featuring a collection of original fiction, showcasing your growth and mastery of storytelling techniques.
  • Revise and polish your work based on peer and instructor feedback, demonstrating your ability to craft compelling and cohesive narratives.

Mentoring

You’ll receive guidance from a mentor or TA who will support you and answer questions throughout your learning experience. You can expect:

  • Encouragement and direction on all assignments.
  • Inspiration and motivation to help you succeed.
  • Brainstorming for and feedback on your Final Capstone Project.

Flexible Learning

  • 100% online learning that works with your schedule.
  • Flexible learning format through video lessons. Tune in anytime that works for you.
  • Expect 20-30 hours (enrichment) or approximately 128 hours (college credit) of total instruction and coursework, including engaging multimedia, simulations, and curated assignments for which you will receive guidance and support.

Apply now for the next available course

Course designed by Georgetown University Faculty

Tope Folarin | Creative Writing Lecturer | Georgetown University

Tope Folarin

Lannan Visiting Lecturer in Creative Writing

A Rhodes Scholar with two Master’s degrees from the University of Oxford, Folarin has won prestigious awards, including the Caine Prize for African Writing and the Whiting Award for Fiction. His work has appeared in major publications like The Atlantic, The New York Times Book Review, and The Washington Post. Folarin’s debut novel, A Particular Kind of Black Man, was published by Simon & Schuster, and he serves on several cultural boards in Washington, D.C.

How To Apply

It’s easy. No transcripts or letters of recommendation are required. Our application asks you to provide the following:

  • Basic contact information for you and your parent or guardian.
  • Why you wish to take this course, and a bit of your story, through writing, video, photos—any media you prefer.

Begin the guided process. It should take only a few minutes to answer the questions.

Begin the process

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Want to Know More?

Sign up for more information and we’ll be in touch.

Admissions

Our application process is easy. You can expect a prompt decision.

Start Application

Frequently Asked Questions

How will you be graded? What are assignments like? How much time do you have to turn around a project? When do you find out if you’re admitted? Find answers to your questions here.

Answers to Your Questions Here

Scholarships

We offer need-based scholarships for participating students who exhibit high potential and an inability to pay the full tuition. 

  • If you haven’t applied to the program, apply here. After submitting your application, click “Apply for a need-based scholarship” on the confirmation page to request a scholarship.  
  • If you’ve already applied to the program, sign in to your profile to check your scholarship status. If we don’t have a scholarship request on file, click “Apply for a need-based scholarship” to request a scholarship.

The University reserves the right to modify the course as may become necessary.