"Start Writing Fiction" with FutureLearn and The Open University

Dear Scribblers

At the end of my last post I mentioned that I was about to start a new online course with FutureLearn. 

This is it! It's the 'Start writing fiction' by The Open University. 

https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/start-writing-fiction

It's an eight week practical course which aims to help the student get started in own fiction writing, focusing on the central skill of creating characters. It's directed at beginners, but also those wanting to improve their writing. What's more, you can work at your own time and pace, and it's free!

One interesting note for readers of this blog. Journal keeping is considered to be very important aspect in becoming a writer. 

As part of the course, there's videos by established writers talking about how they started writing, discussion on the rituals of writing, developing ideas, research, the importance of reflecting on writing and editing, and developing reading skills as a writer. 

We will also be reviewing others and receiving peer feedback on our work. Fun times!

I'll post reviews in the course and give you updates on my own writing as the weeks progress. 

Take a look. Why don't you delve in and become part of the group too?

Happy Scribing!

Being Social - On a bike... with a tiny violin!

Hi Scribblers

Anyone got a tiny violin? 

I've been poorly. 

This kind of poorly...

Ouch! Key hole surgery on the knee. Presently getting around on crutches, and I'm happy to report I'm on the right side of the healing mountain. Not coasting yet, but the uphill struggle is past. Ring that bell! Ding-a-ling! 

Obviously, I needed to put the brakes on, which put me out of action, but I'm trying to pedal it all back into line, to keep the cycle metaphor going - and no, a bike accident is not why I needed surgery! ;-)

I'm going to do a complete revamp on this blog soon. New look! New subjects, along with old favourites. 

If you want to join me on other platforms, please find me on Twitter, and as a newbie on Instagram. Find me - @TheCraftyScribe

What else? What else? 

Oh, I thought I'd let you know, I completed the 'Hamlet' course with FutureLearn as I discussed in a couple of previous blogs. I'm presenting studying a couple of new courses - 'Moons' and 'Shakespeare's World.' Diverse, huh? Loving them! If you are interested into taster courses dipping into subjects for 6 to 10 weeks - check out https://www.futurelearn.com/ for more information. 

Happy Scribing!

Back with a Vengence!

Dear Scribblers

My heavy heart! I am so sorry that it's been long time, no right.  have been on-line via Twitter and my poetry experiment - http://555poet.blogspot.com plus other off-line things have needed to take priority, including health, but I'm back!

Back with a Vengence! Or should I say revenge? Yes, there's going to be a few posts relating to a course I'm presently doing - www.futurelearn.com Shakespeare's Hamlet. I'll be posting some of the assignments they'll require the students to complete. I was considering making these private posts, but I've decided to let you see my writing. We are all about writing too, aren't we?

I promise I'll fulfill some of the posts I discussed previously - better late than ever, I hope! - plus I was also thinking about including the odd post on other interests in my life. Along with writing and crafting, everything from books to science fiction and fantasy to fashion and beauty to theatre and everything in between. 

I hope you'll be with me for the journey. I'm looking forward to see what comes next! 

Happy Scribing!