creative writing certificate calgary

Welcome to the Certificate in Creative Writing Across Contexts!

Learn the fundamentals of creative writing in a diversity of genres, media, cultures, and social contexts. This certificate positions creative writing as an expressive art form and frames it as an interdisciplinary and collaborative practice rather than a solitary pursuit.  

Gain concrete experience in all aspects of the writing process, including creating, workshopping, editing, publishing, and promoting your work; learn from successful writers; engage with Glendon’s Digital Media Lab and outdoor green spaces; and participate in a vibrant writing community at Glendon and beyond. You’ll also have the opportunity to take on a leadership role in creating a digital literary magazine and organizing the Michael Ondaatje Reading Series, which welcomes celebrated authors to campus. 

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Skills You’ll Learn

• Confidently present your thoughts and opinions in creative forms 
• Explore a diversity of literary genres, media, cultures, and social contexts as both reader and writer 
• Learn about important issues in the writing and publishing industry 
• Work collaboratively with others in the creative writing and publishing sectors 
• Apply best practices for giving and receiving editorial feedback 

Upon completing the certificate, you’ll have gained meaningful experience that can lead to careers in fields such as:   

• Writing and editing    
• Publishing 
• Arts administration  
• Journalism   
• Communications   
• Teaching  
• Copywriting   
• Marketing  
• Proposal writing 

Visit the  Career Centre  for more career options.   

Apply the skills you’re developing to real-world challenges. Engage in guided practical experiences in the classroom, community and abroad. These are some opportunities for Certificate students: 

• Attend readings and Q&A sessions with famous authors, such as the bp nichol Reading Series and the Michael Ondaatje Reading Series, named after the author — who taught in Glendon’s English department.  
• Get the opportunity to meet and interact with creative writers — over the past five years, we have welcomed exciting writers such as Souvankham Thammavongsa, Alicia Elliott, Jesse Thistle, Heather O’Neill, Kathryn Mockler, Terese Mason Pierre, and Gary Barwin. 

Courses connected to the Certificate in Creative Writing Across Contexts (CWAC) are open to all students at York/Glendon, with the exception of GL/EN 4800 6.0 Writing and Community, which is open only to students who have completed most or all other Certificate courses.

Applicants should fall into one of the two categories:

• Concurrent Admission

Eligible students for the Concurrent option of the CWAC are students who:

• have been admitted to and registered in an existing undergraduate Honours degree program at Glendon or any Faculty at the University; and
• have completed at least 18 credits of their York undergraduate degree program or the equivalent credits at another recognized/accredited post-secondary institution
• Consecutive Admission

Eligible students for the Consecutive option of the CWAC are:

• those who have successfully completed a university undergraduate degree program at a recognized / accredited post-secondary institution
• applicants without prior university education admitted to the certificate program through Glendon’s mature student application

To apply to the CWAC, please contact Academic Services [email protected] .  

For questions about the CWAC, please contact Eric Schmaltz, Writer-on-the-Grounds [email protected]

Glendon Campus prides itself on being a supportive community that goes the extra mile to ensure you get the help you need. See some of the resources Technical & Professional Communication students use the most.

Meet the Writer-on-the-Grounds

Eric Schmaltz is Glendon College’s Writer-on-the-Grounds, the coordinator of the Certificate in Creative Writing Across Contexts. He holds a Ph.D. in English with a specialization in Canadian and Avant-Garde literature. From 2018 to 2019, he was an SSHRC Postdoctoral Fellow in the Department of English at the University of Pennsylvania. 

Eric’s first book of poetry, Surfaces (Invisible Publishing), debuted on a Small Press Distribution’s bestseller list, and his aesthetically diverse creative work has since been performed and exhibited internationally in Toronto, Montreal, New York, Philadelphia, Athens, Dublin and elsewhere. He is also co-editor of the first critical edition of I Want to Tell You Love by bill bissett and Milton Acorn (University of Calgary Press).

Eric Schmaltz [email protected]

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WRI 430 - Writing Creative Non-Fiction

Course description.

Creative non-fiction is a genre that observes and records the details of our lives. The commitment to story as a hybrid of fiction and nonfiction develops the poetry and drama of everyday life and its substance. In this class you will practice writing memoir, travel and nature writing, and the personal essay.

Course Details

By completion of this course, successful students will be able to:

• Define the components of creative nonfiction
• Recognize creative nonfiction as a genre distinct from other writing fields
• Recognize the importance of receiving constructive criticism on your writing
• Give constructive feedback on your peers’ writing
• Critically assess your life as a format for creative nonfiction writing

Prerequisites

• WRI 140 - Creative Writing Exploration (Enrolled and will be completed)

Applies Towards the Following Program(s)

• Creative Writing Certificate : Creative Writing Courses

Thank you for your interest...

Unfortunately, this course is not currently open for enrolment.

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Creative Writing Course in Calgary

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• Improve your skills with Creative Writing Course
• Learn how to handle creative writing challenges
• Understand the concepts of literary fiction and storymaking

Course information

• Course syllabus
• Who it’s for
• What’s included
• Why choose this course

Creative Writing Training Course Outline

Module 1: Introduction to Creative Writing

What is Creative Writing?

• Main Elements of Creative Writing
• Types of Creative Writing
• Techniques Used in Creative Writing

Module 2: Challenges for Translation

• Challenges to Writers
• Challenges for Translation
• Experiment Challenges
• Design and Quality Challenges

Module 3: Composition and Creative Writing

• Introduction to Composition Writing
• Types of Composition Writing

Module 4: Seven Processes of Creative Writing

• Planning or Prewriting
• Drafting (or Writing the First Draft)
• Sharing Your First Draft
• Evaluating Your Draft
• Revising Your Content
• Publishing Your Final Product

Module 5: Writing Fiction

• Literary Fiction
• Form and Structure
• Finding Characters
• Basics of Story Making

Module 6: Creative Nonfiction

• Meaning of Creative Nonfiction
• Characteristics of Creative Nonfiction
• Tips for Creative Nonfiction Writing
• Common Literary Nonfiction Subgenres

Module 7: Basics of Writing Poetry

• Listening to Language
• Finding Language
• Awakening and Shaping Language
• Playing with Language

Module 8: Performing Writing

• Introduction to Performing Writing

Module 9: Writing in the Academy and Community

• Introduction

Module 10: Tips to Improve Creative Writing

• Do Not Underestimate the Reader
• Give Your Characters Life
• Utilise Strong Words
• Check Your Commas
• Grab Attention from the Start
• Give the Reader a Satisfactory Ending

Who should attend this Creative Writing Training Course?

The Creative Writing Training Course is designed for individuals eager to refine their creative writing skills. This course is ideal for aspiring writers, professionals in content creation, and anyone seeking to enhance their storytelling abilities. The following individuals can greatly benefit from attending this course:

• Journalists
• Content Creators
• Copywriters
• Teachers and Educators
• Public Relations Professionals
• Content Marketers

Prerequisites of the Creative Writing Training Course

There are no formal prerequisites for this Creative Writing Course.

Creative Writing Training Course Overview

Creative Writing is an art form that enables expression, storytelling, and communication in unique and imaginative ways. Among the Personal Development Courses, this course offers an introduction to the diverse world of creative writing, highlighting its importance in personal expression and professional communication. Understanding and developing creative writing skills can enhance one’s ability to engage and captivate audiences.

Professionals in fields such as marketing, advertising, journalism, and education will find this course particularly beneficial. It’s also ideal for aspiring writers and those in any role requiring narrative skills. Creative writing enhances one’s ability to convey messages compellingly and creatively, making it a valuable skill in many professions.

The Knowledge Academy’s 1-day Creative Writing Training Course is designed to unlock creativity and improve writing skills. The training covers various aspects of creative writing, from character development to plot structuring, providing delegates with the tools to express themselves more effectively through writing.

Course Objectives:

• To explore the fundamentals of Creative Writing
• To develop skills in character creation and development
• To learn the art of crafting engaging narratives and plots
• To enhance descriptive and expressive writing abilities
• To understand various genres and styles in creative writing
• To practice writing with feedback and guidance

Upon completion, delegates will have honed their creative writing skills, enabling them to craft more engaging and imaginative works. They will leave with a deeper understanding of storytelling techniques and the confidence to apply these skills in both personal and professional contexts.

What’s included in this Creative Writing Training Course?

• World-Class Training Sessions from Experienced Instructors
• Creative Writing Certificate
• Digital Delegate Pack

Why choose us

Our calgary venue.

To make sure you’re always connected we offer completely free and easy to access wi-fi.

Air conditioned

To keep you comfortable during your course we offer a fully air conditioned environment.

Full IT support

IT support is on hand to sort out any unforseen issues that may arise.

Video equipment

This location has full video conferencing equipment.

Calgary is located in the south of Alberta, Canada and has a population of around 1 million people, making it the largest city in Alberta and the third largest in Canada. It also became the first Canadian city to host the Olympic Winter Games. There is a strong economy in Calgary, as it boasts the second most corporate head offices in Canada and has activity based in the health, retail, tourism, transportation, film, technology and energy sectors. There are a large amount of educational facilities in Calgary, including a large number of public and private schools ran by different school boards including English and French language boards. There is also a high school dedicated to training athletes ready for the Olympics. Each high school in Calgary is large, consisting of around 2000 students each. Private schools include Rundle Academy, Calgary French and International School, Chinook Winds Adventist Academy and Delta West Academy. The biggest university in Calgary is the ‘University of Calgary’ which enrols around 30,000 students. It offers a wide variety of degrees, diplomas and certificates. Also in Calgary are Mount Royal University, SAI Polytechnic and Athabasca University, which provides distance education programs for students. There are a number of private universities as well, including Reeves College and Columbia College.

5 Richard Way,

Canada 

Ways to take this course

Online Instructor-led

Online Self-paced

Experience live, interactive learning from home with The Knowledge Academy's Online Instructor-led Creative Writing Course in Calgary. Engage directly with expert instructors, mirroring the classroom schedule for a comprehensive learning journey. Enjoy the convenience of virtual learning without compromising on the quality of interaction.

• See trainer’s screen
• Recording & transcripts
• Virtual whiteboard
• Share documents
• Works on all devices

Unlock your potential with The Knowledge Academy's Creative Writing Course in Calgary, accessible anytime, anywhere on any device. Enjoy 90 days of online course access, extendable upon request, and benefit from the support of our expert trainers. Elevate your skills at your own pace with our Online Self-paced sessions.

• Unlimited mock exam attempts --> Certificates provided online
• Get immediate access on purchase

Streamline large-scale training requirements with The Knowledge Academy's In-house/Onsite at your business premises. Experience expert-led classroom learning from the comfort of your workplace and engage professional development.

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Leverage benefits offered from a certification that fits your unique business or project needs

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Cut unnecessary costs and focus your entire budget on what really matters, the training.

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Our offers a unique chance for your team to bond and engage in discussions, enriching the learning experience beyond traditional classroom settings

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WRI 150 - Writing in the Workplace

Course description.

Successful communicators know that effective writing is essential in a variety of professions. You will develop your writing skills through working on correspondence, such as letters, memos, and email; as well as summaries, reports and/or proposals. Topics include: composition, writing clearly, grammar, sentence structure, writing across cultures, and ethical writing. Ample opportunity for writing is available through exercises and assignments, and feedback on your writing is provided by peers as well as by the instructor.

Course Details

Course learning outcomes.

By completion of this course, successful students will be able to:

• Write a variety of workplace documents 
• Apply basic grammar, sentence structure and punctuation in workplace writing
• Identify and demonstrate simple and clear writing
• Demonstrate concrete and direct written language
• Describe and apply ethical writing guidelines.

This is not an introductory writing course. Opportunities to practise grammar, punctuation and mechanics are provided; however, specific instruction in these basic skills is not the focus of the course.

Applies Towards the Following Program(s)

• Certificate in Change Management : Optional Courses
• Professional Writing Certificate specializing in Business and Technical Writing : Core Courses
• Professional Writing Certificate specializing in Marketing and Public Relations : Core Courses

WRI 150 - 060

CE 5% Bundle Discount

Carol parchewsky, mfa, bsc.

Title: Successful Writing At Work Author: Philip C. Kolin Publisher: Wadsworth Publishing Edition: 12th ISBN: :9780357656471 E-book ISBN: 9780357656471

Title: Rules for Writers  Author: Diana Hacker & Nancy Sommers  Publisher: Macmillan Learning (MPS) – Bedford / St. Martins Edition: 10th ISBN:9781319244255 E-book:ISBN:9781319392895

Visit the UCalgary Bookstore at www.calgarybookstore.ca .

This course uses Desire2Learn (D2L), an online learning management system. The instructor will post your course outline and other materials in D2L. For more information about D2L, please visit our Online Learning Resources .

Unless notified, all online courses are available at 9 am MT the day before the start date. Students who register on (or after) the start date will receive access within one day of registration.

Students who are unfamiliar with online learning are recommended to take our free Digital Skills for Learning Online course.

Unless otherwise stated, notice of withdrawal or transfer from a course must be received at least seven calendar days prior to the start date of the course.

WRI 150 - 061

Matt adolphe, ba, ma.

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Online asynchronous, instructor-led, with no scheduled live videoconferencing.

Your course will be delivered using Desire2Learn (D2L), the University of Calgary learning management system. Unlike correspondence or self-paced courses, asynchronous courses are instructor-led and require regular student participation throughout. There are learning activities and assignments included in each D2L course that would fall under instruction.

For more information about online learning, see our Online Learning Resources .

Receive a 5% discount for registering in three or more certificate courses at the same time. The three courses must be from the same certificate program.

During checkout, be sure to select the 'Apply a discount' option next to each eligible course. Choose '5% Bundle Discount' from the menu.

This discount applies to courses within the following certificate programs: Adult Learning, Teaching Second Languages, Writing, and Visual Design.

Matt Adolphe (Manager, Cowichan Campus Operations, Vancouver Island University) facilitates courses in the areas of writing, leadership, and career readiness for Continuing Education at the University of Calgary. He also instructs business and communications courses for Mount Royal University and SAIT. He holds a BA in Indigenous Studies and History from Laurentian University, and an MA in Communication Management from the University of South Australia. Beyond teaching, his professional life has been punctuated with experiences as a political organizer, volunteer, career coach, consultant, actor, radio DJ, studio musician, speechwriter, and media presenter (the first English speaking TV news presenter in Macao). Matt was a founding member of the Metis Nation of Ontario in 1993. He is the author of two books: "Canadian Workplace Culture: Mastering the Unspoken Rules" and "Would You Hire You?" Both books are aimed at helping people achieve success in their careers.

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Telling Your Story: CBC Calgary Writing Workshop

Do you have a story to tell - an experience that changed your life or an act of kindness you just can't forget? Write one thread of your story in this four-part series that will include small challenges and step-by-step coaching in this creative writing process. Hone your skills, and if you like, pitch your story to CBC.

Led by Elise Stolte in partnership with CBC Calgary

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Meet The Alexandra Writers’ Centre Society

First published: March 2017.

The Alexandra Writers’ Centre Society (AWCS) was incorporated in 1981 as a non-profit organization and registered charity, and has been offering creative writing programs for all writers in the Calgary area with a mission is to enhance the creative writing experience through learning, community and support. The organization has many award-winning and published Canadian authors and continues to have new and emerging writers of all genres join their membership of over 350.

Together with AWCS’s creative writing classes and workshops, programs and events are designed to enhance the core offerings and bring writers and the community together. Programs include Student readings, monthly Open Mics, an annual Writer in Residence program, and community events that bring prominent Canadian writers for special speaking presentations and workshops.

We spoke with AWCS Program Director, Robin van Eck:

Q: What makes AWCS different from other writing – based organizations in Calgary ? What are your influences and inspirations , local or afar ?

A: Like other local writing organizations in the area, we foster a community of writers who can come together and share and learn, get feedback and support on their work. Where we differ is in our focus on ALL writers. We offer courses and workshops and other programs for the brand new writer who may have had an inkling of an idea to write at one point in their life but never did anything with it and now wants to give it a try and we offer programs for those who may be a little more seasoned and want to improve on their craft to create the best possible version of a story or poem or creative nonfiction piece. While many of the other writing organizations out there might be focused on one genre or style of writing, we are multi-genre focused. We offer courses and programs on poetry, creative nonfiction: articles, personal essay, travel writing, nature writing, memoir, fiction: contemporary, science fiction, romance, mystery, urban fantasy, noir etc.

We are also focused on writing as an art form, as a means for catharsis, to inspire and foster creativity in an individual. Courses such as journaling, working through Julia Cameron’s The Artist’s Way , women’s issues, truth and reconciliation, engaging with our senses and the landscape around us, all help to nurture the artist inside and connect with our world in a new way.

And of course we can’t forget out about our youth program. Reality is Optional Creative Kids Program is more than just writing. It’s a great group of kids who are writers and artists. We have a cartooning club and poetry slams. Lots of great fun for everyone.

Q: Who are some of the writers that have been nurtured by AWCS , and where might our readers be able to read and find their work ?

• Betty Jane Hegerat has published numerous books, her most recent young adult book, Odd One Out, can be purchased at Owl’s Nest Books and other independent book sellers.
• Sarah L. Johnson recently published a collection of short stories called Suicide Stitch. It can be purchased from Owl’s Nest Books and online at Amazon. Her first speculative fiction novel, Infractus, will also be coming out later this year.
• Rea Tarvydas ’ first short story collection, How to Pick Up a Maid in Statue Square will be coming out this fall.
• Karen Lee wrote a memoir, The Full Catastrophe, also available at Owl’s Nest Books.
• Inge Trueman’s novel, A Rootbeer Season , is available at Owl’s Nest Books.

Besides book deals, many of our members have had short stories and poems and essays published in literary magazines across North America and have been finalists for contests and awards across the country.

Q: Why is the “ Free Fall ” method of writing AWCS method of choice , and how can this help writers ?

A: The free fall method of writing was first designed by WO Mitchell . Our founder, Michael Fay, had the opportunity to work with Mitchell back in the late 1970’s and adopted and adapted his method and made it the basis for all writing for the AWCS. Because of that, it’s always been a part of us, but also something we firmly believe in.

The hardest part for a writer is shutting off that inner critic and just allowing words to flow onto the page in whatever way they want to. We’re so worried about it sounding bad or that our ideas are going to be judged that for many it can stall the writing process. Free Fall writing allows the writer to just let the ideas flow. It’s a great way to get around writer’s block, it’s a great way to discover new ideas, it’s a great way to get over a hurdle when you’re in the midst of story and don’t know where to go. It’s freeing, it’s liberating, it’s creative.

Q: What are your plans for cSPACE Marda Loop ( future programming , how you plan to interact with other tenants etc. )?   How do you imagine that being in this space will affect your membership , organizational sustainability and future .

A: We have been in discussions with Calgary Association of Lifelong Learners and Alliance Francaise (fellow cSpace Marda Loop tenants) to see how we can work together. Writing and other forms of art go together very well, and it’s our hope that we can collaborate with various groups and create some dynamic collaborative art.

We believe this new space will be a place that our writers will want to come to, whether it’s to take part in a course or workshop or drop in program or just hang out with friends and talk about writing and share ideas. I think we will fill more classes and be able to continually develop the programming that our writers want.

Q: For those who have never had the pleasure of attending a workshop at AWCS , could you please describe to aspiring writers what they might expect ?

Our classes are small. No more than 10-12 participants. This allows a better way of learning and sharing and connecting. Our instructors are supportive and encouraging and no one will ever be judged for what they write. The classes are typically a lot of writing exercises to energize and motivate, as well as group discussion and some lecture. It’s a very interactive experience and can be very rewarding.

Writers are very solitary people by nature, but what we have learned over the last 35 years and what we try to share with people is that it can’t be done alone. There comes a point where you can no longer see the story for what it is because you’re so close to it. That support you get from other writers is invaluable and necessary to continue to develop your craft.

Writers also struggle with a lot of self-doubt. When you get together with other writers you realize you’re not alone and there are people who can help you because they are going through the same thing.

Q: Do you have any advice to aspiring writers in town ?

A: All I can say is come check us out. There’s something for everyone!

Our fall courses are online now.

Want to try free fall writing? Drop in to our current location, every Friday from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. It’s lots of fun and a great group of people.

For Calgary is a city where creative enterprise thrives in vibrant communities.

Our Mission

To develop creative places that activate people and ideas to ignite collaboration and community-led change.

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cSPACE Marda Loop Location

ADDRESS: 1721 29th Avenue SW, Suite # 125 Calgary, Alberta T2T 6T7

OFFICE HOURS: Monday-Friday 9am-5pm

403-476-2025

[email protected]

Land Acknowledgement

cSPACE acknowledges that we live, work and play on the traditional territories of the Blackfoot Confederacy, which includes Siksika, the Pikani, and the Kainai. We also acknowledge the Tsuut'ina and Stoney Nakoda First Nations, the Métis Nation (Region 3), and all people who make their homes in the Treaty 7 region of Southern Alberta.

Idea Commitment

cSPACE believes that by ensuring our culture is Inclusive, Diverse, Equitable and Accessible (IDEA) that we are open to vast creative potential. Read more about our IDEA commitment here .

Public Hours

Monday to Saturday 8am-8pm

We are closed Sundays and all major holidays.