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Overview

Currently accepting registrations Register now >> Next program starts: Winter 2009 Program location: UW campus, Seattle Next information meeting: Tuesday, Dec. 2 (see details >>) Sign up to receive e-mail updates >> Contact a program representative >>

UW Extension is pleased to offer the Popular Fiction I Writers Certificate Program in an intensive, two-days-a-week format on the UW campus in Seattle (the program is also offered in a nine-month format in downtown Seattle).

Designed for those who wish to complete the certificate in just over three months, the Winter Intensive program meets two evenings per week. Popular fiction of all types (mystery, romance, science fiction, fantasy and thriller) is the backbone of the commercial fiction industry. If you want to write a novel in any of these genres, the program—with its emphasis on creating a strong plot and powerful senes that motivate readers to find out what happens next—is for you.

The intensive program is taught by James Thayer, a veteran author who has written twelve published novels. The program uses lectures, exercises, readings and assignments to help you craft each section of your own novel: the beginning, the middle and the end. You will gain tools to find appropriate stories, develop three-dimensional main and seondary characters, construct a suspensful and complicated storyline, write believable dialogue and revise your work. Notable guest authors share their insights.

Program Benefits

• Gain skills and knowledge about writing popular fiction more quickly than the regular certificate program
• Build strong working relationships with instructor and fellow students by meeting twice a week
• Complete the entire certificate in just over fourteen weeks

Which First-Year Fiction Program is Right for Me?

First-year writers' certificate programs in Literary Fiction and Popular Fiction are designed to equip beginning writers with the fundamental tools for creating compelling stories and developing a network of supportive fellow writers.

• If you are unsure about the type of fiction that you are writing or want to write, either first-year program is a good choice.
• If you want to write stories that feature complex characters and convey subtle ideas in textured prose, literary fiction may be your best choice.
• If you are interested in writing a mystery, romance, science fiction story, or thriller that is driven forward by a strong plot, popular fiction may be your best choice.

These are general guidelines; if you have more specific questions about which program is right for you, please call 206-897-8939 or 1-800-506-1325.

Contact a Program Representative

To learn more about the Writers' Programs, please call 206-685-8936 in the greater Seattle area, or 888-469-6499, or e-mail us.

Related Programs

• Creative Workshop in Literary Fiction for Experienced Writers
• Creative Workshop in Popular Fiction for Experienced Writers
• Editing
• Literary Fiction I
• Memoir
• Memoir (Six-month format)  
• Nonfiction
• Nonfiction (Six-month format)
• Popular Fiction I
• Screenwriting
• Writing for Children