Introduction to creative writing
A course by Mónica Lavín , Writer
Develop short stories from a germinal idea, exploring narratives and creative literary techniques for aspiring writers
Discover the art of literary creation through the short story. Learn to transform a seed of an idea into a complete story, exploring the beginning and the end as essential elements. Become an observer of the creative process, dissecting other authors' stories to understand their narrative choices. This experience will allow you to experiment with different approaches and styles, from conventional storytelling to exploring alternative narrative vehicles, such as letters or diaries.
Develop your storytelling skills through practical exercises that will help you structure plots, define characters, and create atmosphere. The process will guide you through exploring the climax, ensuring your story maintains the necessary tension. With simple tools like a notebook and a cup of coffee, delve into the world of creative writing. By the end, you'll have created a story in different formats, choosing the one that best conveys your vision. Reading aloud will allow you to fine-tune details for a smooth and effective narrative. Prepare to spread your literary wings and take your stories to new horizons.
What will you learn in this online course?
14 lessons & 19 downloads
- 100% positive reviews (2)
- 222 students
- 14 lessons (2h 7m)
- 19 additional resources (5 files)
- Online and at your own pace
- Available on the app
- Audio: Spanish, German, English, French, Italian, Polish, Portuguese, Turkish
- Spanish · English · Portuguese · German · French · Italian · Polish · Dutch · Turkish · Romanian · Indonesian
- Level: Beginner
- Unlimited access forever
What is this course's project?
You will develop a short story from a seed of an idea, experimenting with different narrative forms. You will learn to structure the beginning and the end, exploring the possibilities of narration and the use of different literary devices.
Who is this online course for?
People with a passion for storytelling, interested in exploring creative writing. Writers seeking new narrative techniques, enthusiasts who want to transform ideas into short stories. Literature lovers who enjoy the creative process and want to learn to narrate with emotion and precision.
Requirements and materials
No extensive prior knowledge is required, just the desire to write. You will need a workbook, provided story readings, and some inspiring images. Creativity and curiosity are your best allies during the learning process.
Reviews
Mónica Lavín
A course by Mónica Lavín
Mónica Lavín is a Mexican writer specializing in short stories and novels, with a solid track record in teaching creative writing. She has published more than ten books of short stories and ten novels, including Ruby Tuesday Hasn't Died, a work for which she received the Gilberto Owen National Literature Prize. Her narrative perspective, influenced by her training as a biologist, stands out for its precision, structure, and the suggestive power of the short story.
For more than twenty years, she was a research professor in the Bachelor's Degree in Literary Creation at the Autonomous University of Mexico City. She has conducted workshops and courses in Mexico and other countries and is the author of It's Pure Story, a guide to writing stories. Throughout her career, she has been recognized with various awards, including the Sinaloa Letters Prize and the Chronicle Prize in the Culture category for her career.
Among her most recent publications are the stories collected in The Wild Side (Tusquets, 2024) and the novel The Absence (Planeta, 2025). Her work combines narrative practice with reflection on genres, establishing her as a key voice in contemporary Spanish literature.
Content
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U1
Introduction
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Presentation
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Influences
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U2
The story and the tales
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The guidelines for story 1
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The guidelines for story 2
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To unravel a story
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Story triggers
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U3
From idea to story
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Choosing the story for the tale
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The start is everything (or almost)
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How will the story end?
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The structure
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The development of the story
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U4
The possibilities of the story
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Powerful prose
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To get the story ready
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Disguising the story
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FP
Final project
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Introduction to creative writing
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What to expect from a Domestika course
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Learn at your own pace
Enjoy learning from home without a set schedule and with an easy-to-follow method. You set your own pace.
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Learn from the best professionals
Learn valuable methods and techniques explained by top experts in the creative sector.
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Meet expert teachers
Each expert teaches what they do best, with clear guidelines, true passion, and professional insight in every lesson.
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Certificates
PlusIf you're a Plus member, get a custom certificate signed by your teacher for every course. Share it on your portfolio, social media, or wherever you like.
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Get front-row seats
Videos of the highest quality, so you don't miss a single detail. With unlimited access, you can watch them as many times as you need to perfect your technique.
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Share knowledge and ideas
Ask questions, request feedback, or offer solutions. Share your learning experience with other students in the community who are as passionate about creativity as you are.
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Connect with a global creative community
The community is home to millions of people from around the world who are curious and passionate about exploring and expressing their creativity.
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Watch professionally produced courses
Domestika curates its teacher roster and produces every course in-house to ensure a high-quality online learning experience.
FAQs
What are Domestika's online courses?
Domestika courses are online classes that allow you to learn new skills and create incredible projects. All our courses include the opportunity to share your work with other students and/or teachers, creating an active learning community. We offer different formats:
Original Courses: Complete classes that combine videos, texts, and educational materials to complete a specific project from start to finish.
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What do Domestika's courses include?
The courses are divided into different units. Each one includes lessons, informational text, tasks, and practice exercises to help you carry out your project step by step, with additional complementary resources and downloads. You'll also have access to an exclusive forum where you can interact with the teacher and with other students, as well as share your work and your course project, creating a community around the course.
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Un magnífico curso para estimular la creación literaria.
great teacher!