Online Class: Writing Women's Fiction

In this course, we're going to show you how to write creative women's fiction. We're going to review what is how and how to create a compelling story step-by-step.

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16

Lessons
39

Exams &
Assignments
617

Students
have taken this course
7

Hours
average time
0.7

CEUs

Course Description

Statistics from the American Bookseller Association and Book Industry Study Group show that women's fiction makes up 40 percent of adult popular fiction sold in the United States. It also makes up about 60 percent of adult popular fiction paperbacks sold. A recent Gallup Poll shows that women's fiction is a 24 billion dollar industry. Wowza!

So what is women's fiction, exactly? Well, according to Women's Fiction Defined, women's fiction "is a book about a woman or women... The protagonist's journey is about self-discovery, self-preservation, self-acceptance, or self-improvement. And this journey is taken in the company of others who affect the main character, influence her, but do not save her. In women's fiction, the main character saves herself."

And, according to the Romance Writers of America, women's fiction is: "a commercial novel about a woman on the brink of life change and personal growth. Her journey details emotional reflection and action that transforms her and her relationships with others, and includes a hopeful/upbeat ending with regard to her romantic relationship."

So, basically women's fiction is just that: fiction about women's issues written for a female readership. But note that it is not the same as chick lit or romance. Because, while women's fiction does utilize literary prose, it is very commercial in its appeal. The characters of this genre are often women attempting to overcome both personal and external adversity.

In this course, we're going to show you how to write creative women's fiction. We're going to review what is how and how to create a compelling story step-by-step. Don't worry if you have no prior experience, we will start at the beginning and move up from there until you have the confidence and ability to master writing great women's fiction. So join us today!

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Completely Online
Self-Paced
Printable Lessons
Full HD Video
6 Months to Complete
24/7 Availability
Start Anytime
PC & Mac Compatible
Android & iOS Friendly
Accredited CEUs

Universal Class is an IACET Accredited Provider

Course Lessons

Average Lesson Rating:

"Extraordinarily Helpful"

(917 votes)

Lesson One: What, Exactly, Is Women's Fiction?

In this lesson, you will learn just exactly what women's fiction is. Additional lesson topics: Best Women's Fiction Novels 106 Total Points

Lesson 1 Video
Lesson discussions: Reasons for Taking this Course
Complete: Assignment 1A
Complete: Assignment 1B
Assessment: Lesson 1 Quiz

Lesson Two: Setting Your Work Schedule and Dumping Writer's Block

In this lesson we will talk about your writing schedule and how to avoid, or conquer, writer's block. 205 Total Points

Lesson 2 Video
Complete: Assignment 2A
Complete: Assignment 2B
Assessment: Lesson 2 Quiz

Lesson Three: Subgenres of Women's Fiction: It's Not Chick Lit!

This lesson will explain what a subgenre is, and you will also learn the difference between romance and women's fiction. Additional lesson topics: Women's Fiction vs. Romance: A Tale of Two Genres 204 Total Points

Lesson 3 Video
Complete: Assignment 3A
Complete: Assignment 3B
Assessment: Lesson 3 Quiz

Lesson Four: The Rules of Women's Fiction

This lesson will explain the "rules" of women's fiction. You will learn what you need to include to write in this genre. Additional lesson topics: Helpful writing dialogue tips; Jaclyn Dolamore's blogspot article 203 Total Points

Lesson 4 Video
Complete: Assignment 4A
Complete: Assignment 4B
Assessment: Lesson 4 Quiz

Lesson Five: Themes of Women's Fiction

In this lesson you will learn the common themes of women's fiction. Additional lesson topics: Interview of Writing Process with author Jane Green 103 Total Points

Lesson 5 Video
Complete: Assignment 5
Assessment: Lesson 5 Quiz

Lesson Six: Writing Your Central Character

This lesson will help you define your main character. You will learn how to build her and give her a backstory. Additional lesson topics: How to Write a Character Analysis; What Makes a Good Story? 210 Total Points

Lesson 6 Video
Complete: Assignment 6A
Complete: Assignment 6B
Complete Assignment: Character Building Worksheet
Assessment: Lesson 6 Quiz

Lesson Seven: Positive Aspects of Women's Fiction

In this lesson we will cover the ways positive ideas and themes of women's fiction. It is not all heartbreak and pain! Additional lesson topics: Speech given by Jojo Moyes 104 Total Points

Lesson 7 Video
Complete: Assignment 7
Assessment: Lesson 7 Quiz

Lesson Eight: Common Threads and Big Picture Thinking

This lesson will explore the common threads of a women's fiction novel. It will also explain what those common threads are. Additionally, we will talk about "the big picture" -- where you hope to go from here. Additional lesson topics: The Story Goal: Your Key to Creating A Solid Plot Structure; Writing a Book and 8211; The Several Step Method 203 Total Points

Lesson 8 Video
Complete: Assignment 8A
Complete: Assignment 8B
Assessment: Lesson 8 Exam

Lesson Nine: Setting the Scene

In this lesson, we will explore the typical settings for women's fiction. Additional lesson topics: How to Write a Setting for a Book 103 Total Points

Lesson 9 Video
Complete: Assignment 9
Assessment: Lesson 9 Quiz

Lesson Ten: Plotting Your Course

This lesson will discuss plotting, and explain how to use outlines, plot maps, and charts. Additional lesson topics: Glen Strathy's tips How to Create A Plot Outline In Several Easy Steps 104 Total Points

Lesson 10 Video
Complete: Assignment 10
Assessment: Lesson 10 Quiz

Lesson Eleven: How to Use Subplots in Your Writing

In this lesson, you will learn what a subplot is, and how subplots can help to make your work stronger. Additional lesson topics: 7 Ways to Add Great Subplots to Your Novel 204 Total Points

Lesson 11 Video
Complete: Assignment 11A
Complete: Assignment 11B
Assessment: Lesson 11 Quiz

Lesson Twelve: A Growing Market

This lesson will describe the growing market for women's fiction, and we will discuss agents and publishers. Additional lesson topics: How to Find a Literary Agent; Tips on Finding a Literary Agent 104 Total Points

Lesson 12 Video
Complete: Assignment 12
Assessment: Lesson 12 Quiz

Lesson Thirteen: Publishing Guidelines for Women's Fiction

In this lesson, we will discuss publishing guidelines and research -- what publishers are looking for when it comes to women's fiction. Additional lesson topics: How to improve your writing skills; Improving your writing 104 Total Points

Lesson 13 Video
Complete: Assignment 13
Assessment: Lesson 13 Quiz

Lesson Fourteen: Agents: What They Do and How to Find One

This lesson will emphasize the importance of finding an agent, rather than blindly sending queries to publishing companies. 105 Total Points

Lesson 14 Video
Complete: Assignment 14
Assessment: Lesson 14 Exam

Lesson Fifteen: Query Letters

In this lesson, we will talk about what a hook is --how to write one and why you need one; and you'll also learn what goes into a query letter. Additional lesson topics: How to Write a Query Letter 104 Total Points

Lesson 15 Video
Complete: Assignment 15
Assessment: Lesson 15 Exam

Lesson Sixteen: Wrapping it All Up

In this final segment, we will recap the previous lessons and talk about what to do now. Additional lesson topics: CreateSpace 100 Total Points

Lesson 16 Video
Lesson discussions: What is your opinion of this course?; Program Evaluation Follow-up Survey (End of Course); Course Comments
Complete: Assignment 16

2266

Total Course Points

Learning Outcomes

By successfully completing this course, students will be able to:

Describe what, exactly, is women's fiction.
Demonstrate setting your work schedule and dumping writer's block.
Describe subgenres of women's fiction.
Describe the rules of women's fiction.
Summarize common themes of women's fiction.
Demonstrate choosing and writing your central character.
Describe positive aspects of women's fiction.
Identify common threads and big picture thinking.
Demonstrate setting the scene, plotting your course, and using subplots.
Summarize publishing guidelines for women's fiction and dealing with agents.
Demonstrate writing query letters for your work.
Demonstrate mastery of lesson content at levels of 70% or higher.

Additional Course Information

Document Your Lifelong Learning Achievements
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Course Title: Writing Women's Fiction

Course Number: 9770562

Lessons Rating: 4.7 / 5 Stars (917 votes)

Languages: English - United States, Canada and other English speaking countries

Category:

UniversalClass.com > Writing Help > Writing Creative Fiction

Availability: This course is online and available in all 50 states including: California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Texas.

Last Updated: March 2022

Course Type: Self-Paced, Online Class

CEU Value: 0.7 IACET CEUs (Continuing Education Units)

CE Accreditation: Universal Class, Inc. has been accredited as an Authorized Provider by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET).

Grading Policy: Earn a final grade of 70% or higher to receive an online/downloadable CEU Certification documenting CEUs earned.

Assessment Method: Lesson assignments and review exams

Instructor: Dana Kristan

Syllabus: View Syllabus

Course Fee: $95.00 U.S. dollars

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Student Testimonials

"I have enjoyed doing two courses, and now I have signed up for the third one. It is obvious that I like Universal Class. Keep up the good work!" -- Jaya S.
"Overall, the course was really enjoyable and excellent value. I will be doing more creative writing courses with UniversalClass." -- Lorraine C.
"I had been struggling to get my head around story structure and plotting, and this course helped with that. Also, understanding the women's fiction genre helped me decide where I wanted to focus my writing endeavors; helped me correctly classify the genre of a novel I was working on; and helped me identify what was right and what was wrong in my first draft and what was essential to fix the problems." -- Lorraine C.
"I enjoyed the course. It helped me with my manuscript." -- Patsy W.
"This is a fabulous instructor who helped me become a better writer. Thank you!" -- Anita B.
"Instructor very encouraging and knowledgeable about lessons taught. Prompt to respond to questions." -- Denise H.
"I enjoyed all of it." -- Denise H.