What makes some stories so vivid?

Online Creative Writing Course: Description Writing Magic

What makes some fiction so vivid, while other fiction fails to capture the imagination?

With some fiction, readers feel like they've been magically transported into the story. The room where they're sitting seems to disappear, and they enter a parallel world with characters who seem as real as the people they know.

But other fiction is boring to read -- and to write.

The difference is often in the authors' approach to description.

If you don't use description, your writing feels flat and bland. But if you use it wrong, the result can be even worse. And it's so easy to get it wrong!

A lot of beginning writers find description writing hard. The reason is that they're approaching it from the wrong direction. They start by looking for descriptive words or phrases to add to the story.

But successful description normally starts in the imagination.

You can learn to imagine your story's scenes more vividly and to build description into your story as you're writing.

If you write description in this way, it flows much more naturally.

Writing becomes much more fun... It's daydreaming on paper.

And reading your story is also much more fun. The scenes come to life in the reader's imagination.

Description Writing Magic

Description Writing Magic is a special online course that teaches you how to write vivid fiction.

You'll learn how to...

•   imagine your scenes more vividly

•   build a story world

•   create characters that feel like real people

•   choose the right words to create strong images in the reader's mind

•   write convincingly even about things you haven't personally experienced

•   weave description naturally into your scenes

•   use descriptive details in exposition

•   develop your "writer's eye"

•   create the illusion of three-dimensional space on the page

•   show thoughts and feelings

•   create the effect of time passing in your story

•   build a certain mood or atmosphere

•   use figurative language successfully

•   hold your reader's attention

•   use description for pacing, suspense, narrative viewpoint, transitions, and almost every aspect of your story.

Your teacher

I'm Nancy, the online courses director at Creative Writing Now. Previously, I taught creative and expository writing at the University of Michigan, and now I teach writers all over the world.

I'm so proud of what my students have achieved with their writing. Here are some comments from previous students in Description Writing Magic.

"I absolutely loved this course! There is nothing Nancy didn’t cover regarding descriptive writing, and most of it was new to me because I’ve never studied writing, even though I’ve been a non-fiction writer for years. My dream is to write fiction, and now I have many specific tools to use that have already had a big impact on my early efforts. Even those who have been writing fiction for a while will benefit from Nancy’s thought provoking perspective and the writing assignments. I can’t recommend this course highly enough!"
- Traci Mullins

"I purchased this course over a year ago but chose not to complete it until after I had finished the first draft of my novel. It was the best decision I could have made! The course has given me an abundance of great tools I am now effectively using as I go through my first revision."
- Robert Donoso

"My writing friends who meet each week have made comments on the different elements I was focusing on without any prior explanation from me. This was very rewarding as they could see improvements in the descriptions. I felt that I had broadened my descriptions with the different senses being used."
- Judith Ryan

"I had high expectations for this course, but they were definitely exceeded. Kudos!"
- Renae Carpenter

What's included

This course consists of 20 e-mail lessons sent over 60 days (1 lesson every 3 days). The first lesson will normally be sent to you within an hour after you confirm your course registration.

Although you will receive 1 lesson every 3 days, if you need more time to complete the coursework, that's okay. Since the course is designed with a self-study format, you can complete it on your own schedule and from anywhere in the world.

IMPORTANT:

• This course has been designed for self-study and doesn't include feedback on your writing assignments. While teachers will be available to answer general questions, they won't be able to read or comment on your creative writing.

• Enrollment for this course is limited, so if you're interested, please sign up as soon as possible.

Sign up now

Description Writing Magic - Includes 20 online lessons with assignments, the chance to publish on the class blog, and the chance to ask a teacher general questions. Feedback on assignments is not available for this course.
Total price: $59

Feedback on our courses

“I have found that after only 30 days, my writing is now more focused and it certainly flows easier. Sometimes now, I have to staunch the words pouring out of me, just so I can get some sleep. I no longer compare writing to bleeding a rock and for that alone Nancy, you have my absolute gratitude! Thank you so much for enabling me through your knowledge, to gift myself writing!”
– Jessica Clarke

"Thank you for a course that builds writing skills with direction to excellence. Everything was included, possibly more than college courses can offer."
- Janett Lee Wawrzyniak

"I am so enjoying the course. I have always wanted to write and have found, over the years, every excuse under the sun to not write. After reading through your material and the wonderful tips and suggestions I began on my three characters. I actually had to drag myself off to bed, reluctantly. I just couldn't stop."
- Laura McCarthy

“This course totally taught me how to be a writer. It was the best investment I have ever made.”
- Mary Jean Westerlund

“Let me put it like this Nancy. For a long time I dabbled around with a few ideas in my mind but never could get it down on paper because of lack of confidence or no discipline. I was like someone in an Art Museum up close to the painting and only seeing the dots of paint. Nancy you directed me to stand back and see the picture in a whole new light. My ideas have been moulded into something new and now I am the artist. I have gotten to know my characters so well I look forward to meeting them when I sit to write. Thanks for helping me develop this gift.”
- Agnes McWey

“I find my writing flows better and ideas seem to flood into my brain. Since starting the course I have a new confidence when starting a piece of writing."
- Christine Henderson

“This has been the most productive, creative month I’ve had.”
- Nancy Pazner

"I really have learned many things that have changed the way I think about writing. I've taken many college, even Masters level writing courses, and must tell you that I have learned much more from your courses than I have from any of those classroom courses.

I work for a college, and often teach adjunct in technology and other subjects, I have even taught developmental writing. However, in discussions with my coworkers who teach beginning college level writing, and who are themselves creative writers, I have had positive input in our conversations about writing that they have never heard, or thought about writing. Ideas and techniques I have gotten from your courses. I have enjoyed the learning I have received, and look forward to taking future courses from you."
- Prue Prentice

“This course has taught me to be more focused and more serious about my writing. I have enjoyed the writing options at the end of each lesson. Absolutely thrilling to just pick up a pen and write. No more staring at a blank sheet of paper with the pen in my hand hovering over the paper. Thank you for giving me confidence in my writing and believing that I could do this!”
- Karen Cardwell

"I saw that my writing had improved 100%."
- Jill Gairdner

“I can't get over how I have changed in only 1 month. I am happier than I have been in a long time!”
- Mary Durso

“It has got me writing again, (something I had "lost" for about 4yrs). It has brought back to me my one "passion" in life that I have always loved.”
- Karen Connell

"One of my stories, "Bubble", has been published. If I hadn't taken your course I couldn't even imagine that. Many, many thanks for inspiring me."
- Rasheed

"Must say I'm SOO glad I opted into this class, it's been eye-opening on many levels."
- Courtenay Schurman

"I want to thank you for all of your support and the wonderful writing lessons that you provide. I have learned so much about the craft of writing and I am finally doing what my heart desires."
- Dorothy Anderson

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How/when will I get my lessons?

A: Your lessons will be sent to you by e-mail, once every 3 days for 60 days (20 lessons total). You should receive your first lesson within an hour after you confirm your course registration.

Q: What if I don't have time to do the lessons right now?

A: That's okay! Since this is a self-study course, you can complete the lessons on your own schedule. There is no deadline for finishing the course.

Q: Can I take the course from my country?

A: Yes. This course is 100% online, so you can complete it from anywhere in the world.

Q: Is the course just for fiction writing, or will it help me write articles, essays, poetry, etc.?

A: This course is focused on fiction writing (stories or novels). If you are mainly interested in writing articles, poetry, or another genre, this course may not be right for you.

Q: What if I don't understand something in one of the lessons?

A: No worries. You can e-mail us, and a teacher will answer your questions about the course.

Q: How do I get feedback on my writing assignments?

A: We currently do not offer a teacher feedback option for this course. However, you will have the chance to publish your writing on the course blog, where other students might leave comments.

Q: How soon do I have to decide?

A: Enrollment for this course is limited, so I recommend signing up as soon as possible to get in before it closes.

Q: What if I change my mind after I sign up?

A: No problem! Just e-mail us in the first week, and we'll refund 100% of your payment.

Q: What if my question wasn't answered here?

A: Please just send us an e-mail, and we'll be delighted to answer all your questions.

Your guarantee

Give the course a try and see what it will do for your writing. If you change your mind any time during the first week, you can ask for a refund.

“What a miracle it is that out of these small, flat, rigid squares of paper unfolds world after world after world, worlds that sing to you, comfort and quiet or excite you.”
— Anne Lamott

Happy writing,
Nancy

Nancy Strauss

Questions? Please contact us.