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Start Writing Fiction: More free resources from The Open University

Updated Monday, 12 October 2015
Explore our tips and resources and get started with your own fiction writing.

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Fountain pen resting on an open journal

Have you always wanted to write, but never quite had the courage to start? This free course, Start writing fiction, will give you an insight into how authors create their characters and settings. You will also be able to look at the different genres for fiction.

You may also like to view a variety of related content on OpenLearn, we've collated a range of free content to enable you to take your learning further, with more in-depth, free features - including activities and exercises, interviews with writers and relevant free courses to support your learning and give you a wider perspective on this fascinating subject.

You may also like to watch a video of Dr Derek Neale, senior lecturer in Creative Writing at The Open University read from his short stoy 'Land of their Fathers' and tell us what inspires him to write in an interview.

Become an OU student of Creative Writing

Find out how Creative Writing is taught at The Open University. Want to read more about Creative Writing? These books may help: A215 Creative Writing Workbook (The Open University), A363 A Creative Writing Handbook (The Open University), Writing Poetry by W.N.Herbert (Routledge), Writing Across the World: Contemporary writers talk edited by Susheila Nasta (Routledge), A World of Difference: An anthology of short stories from five continents edited by Lynda Prescott (Palgrave MacMillan).

The Open University offers a range of degree courses and modules in English Literature and Creative Writing. We will also offer an MA in Creative Writing from 2016, as well as our existing Masters in English .

To find out more about our range of short courses starting from £160 visit our short courses page.

Not ready for that step? Take a look at our free OpenLearn courses on this subject.

Free creative writing resources

Dr Derek Neale reads from his short story

Transcript

Interview with Derek Neale

Transcript

 

Become an OU student

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