Skip to content

The Art of Writing

About This Course

Want to improve your creative writing, but not sure where to begin? This course will introduce you to essential principles and practices you can use to produce creative writing that’s worth reading.  

We’ll begin by exploring how to write from life. We’ll look at how to generate imagery and manage details to create a strong sense of realism. We’ll cover writing forms and best procedures to craft creative nonfiction essays and memoir, as well as short stories with scenes that dramatize conflict and make best use of dialogue. In the end, you’ll understand the qualities of good writing, and you’ll have the skills to edit and rewrite to refine your own work.

Designed For

Anyone who wants to practice and strengthen their writing, from beginners to more experienced writers.

See Requirements

What You’ll Learn

  • How to engage and develop your "voice"

  • Ways to particularize abstractions — such as coming of age, change or hope — to make them feel real and fresh

  • Methods to begin creating realistic settings, dialogue and action

digital badge example

Earn a Digital Badge

After successfully completing this course, you can claim a digital achievement badge that can be shared on LinkedIn and other social media sites. Learn more about digital badges.

Our Enrollment Coaches Are Here to Help

Connect with an enrollment coach to learn more about this offering. Or if you need help finding the right certificate, specialization or course for you, reach out to explore your options.


This program is intended for professional development and is not designed to meet educational requirements for professional licensure or certification.

Course Sessions

Online Synchronous

October 2026
Dates Oct 8 - Dec 17
Location UW Seattle, Online
Instructor Scott Driscoll
Cost $795
Register Starting Jul 8, 2026
Scheduled Meetings
Date
Day
Time
Location
Oct 8, 2026
Thu
6 – 9 p.m.
Online
Oct 15, 2026
Thu
6 – 9 p.m.
Online
Oct 22, 2026
Thu
6 – 9 p.m.
Online
Oct 29, 2026
Thu
6 – 9 p.m.
Online
Nov 5, 2026
Thu
6 – 9 p.m.
Online
Nov 5, 2026
Thu
6 – 9 p.m.
UW Seattle
Nov 12, 2026
Thu
6 – 9 p.m.
Online
Nov 19, 2026
Thu
6 – 9 p.m.
Online
Dec 3, 2026
Thu
6 – 9 p.m.
Online
Dec 10, 2026
Thu
6 – 9 p.m.
Online
Dec 17, 2026
Thu
6 – 9 p.m.
Online

All times are Pacific Time.

Course Note

For the class session on November 5, 2026, students have the option to attend online or in person on the UW Seattle campus for networking and project work. More information will be available once the course is underway.

Noncredit Course

You'll earn 3.0 continuing education units (CEUs) for successfully completing this course.