Creative Nonfiction Foundations

          Module 1: Introduction to Creative Nonfiction  
Section 1: Understanding Creative Nonfiction  
- Lesson 1: What Is Creative Nonfiction?  
  Module 1, Section 1, Lesson 1: An introduction to the concept and purpose of creative nonfiction.  
- Lesson 2: The Role of Truth and Imagination  
  Module 1, Section 1, Lesson 2: Exploring how real-life experiences mix with creative expression.

Section 2: The Power of Real-Life Experiences  
- Lesson 1: Recognizing Everyday Inspirations  
  Module 1, Section 2, Lesson 1: Identifying moments in daily life that spark narrative ideas.  
- Lesson 2: Learning to Observe  
  Module 1, Section 2, Lesson 2: Fundamentals of careful observation as a writer.

Section 3: Elements of Authentic Storytelling  
- Lesson 1: Key Ingredients for a Compelling Narrative  
  Module 1, Section 3, Lesson 1: Discussing honesty, detail, and personal insight.  
- Lesson 2: Balancing Fact with Creativity  
  Module 1, Section 3, Lesson 2: How to portray true events with engaging storytelling techniques.

Section 4: Finding Your Unique Voice  
- Lesson 1: Discovering Personal Expression  
  Module 1, Section 4, Lesson 1: Exercises and activities for uncovering a writer’s distinct style.  
- Lesson 2: Confidence in Self-Expression  
  Module 1, Section 4, Lesson 2: Practical tips for nurturing a confident narrative voice.

Section 5: Getting Inspired from Everyday Life  
- Lesson 1: Extracting Stories from Daily Encounters  
  Module 1, Section 5, Lesson 1: Methods to turn common moments into captivating narratives.  
- Lesson 2: Using Memory and Emotion  
  Module 1, Section 5, Lesson 2: Techniques to recall personal experiences and translate them into stories.

Module 2: Observation and Reflection  
Section 1: Sharpening Your Observational Skills  
- Lesson 1: Practicing Close Observation  
  Module 2, Section 1, Lesson 1: Basic exercises designed to enhance awareness of surroundings.  
- Lesson 2: Noticing Details That Matter  
  Module 2, Section 1, Lesson 2: Learning which details can bring authenticity to your writing.

Section 2: Reflective Thinking  
- Lesson 1: Journaling Everyday Experiences  
  Module 2, Section 2, Lesson 1: Using journaling as a tool for reflection and narrative inspiration.  
- Lesson 2: Reflecting on Emotions  
  Module 2, Section 2, Lesson 2: Translating feelings into descriptive language.

Section 3: Drawing Inspiration from Observation  
- Lesson 1: Capturing the Scene  
  Module 2, Section 3, Lesson 1: Techniques to vividly record surroundings and events.  
- Lesson 2: Transforming Observations into Narratives  
  Module 2, Section 3, Lesson 2: Turning observed details into the building blocks of a story.

Section 4: Mindful Awareness  
- Lesson 1: Techniques for Mindfulness in Writing  
  Module 2, Section 4, Lesson 1: Simple exercises to develop presence and a writer’s eye.  
- Lesson 2: Recording Impressions  
  Module 2, Section 4, Lesson 2: Strategies to capture and organize initial thoughts from real-life experiences.

Section 5: Reflective Writing Practices  
- Lesson 1: Structuring Reflections into Short Narratives  
  Module 2, Section 5, Lesson 1: How to shape reflective thoughts into a coherent mini-story.  
- Lesson 2: Sharing Personal Insights  
  Module 2, Section 5, Lesson 2: Approaches to express personal reflections with clarity.

Module 3: Building Authentic Narratives  
Section 1: Narrative Structure Basics  
- Lesson 1: Understanding Beginning, Middle, and End  
  Module 3, Section 1, Lesson 1: Introduction to the basic structure of a narrative.  
- Lesson 2: Mapping Your Story  
  Module 3, Section 1, Lesson 2: Simple planning tools for outlining a creative nonfiction piece.

Section 2: Developing Characters from Life  
- Lesson 1: Portraying Real People Authentically  
  Module 3, Section 2, Lesson 1: Techniques for capturing the essence of real-life characters.  
- Lesson 2: Building Empathetic Profiles  
  Module 3, Section 2, Lesson 2: Exercises to develop depth and connection in character portrayals.

Section 3: Setting and Mood  
- Lesson 1: Describing Place and Time  
  Module 3, Section 3, Lesson 1: Basics of setting that enrich a personal narrative.  
- Lesson 2: Creating an Emotional Landscape  
  Module 3, Section 3, Lesson 2: How to infuse mood into descriptions to enhance reader connection.

Section 4: Incorporating Dialogue  
- Lesson 1: Basics of Natural Dialogue  
  Module 3, Section 4, Lesson 1: How to capture authentic conversations based on personal experiences.  
- Lesson 2: Using Dialogue to Reveal Character  
  Module 3, Section 4, Lesson 2: Learning to use dialogue as a tool for character development.

Section 5: Conflict and Resolution in Personal Stories  
- Lesson 1: Identifying Personal Conflicts  
  Module 3, Section 5, Lesson 1: Recognizing internal and external conflicts from real life.  
- Lesson 2: Crafting a Satisfying Resolution  
  Module 3, Section 5, Lesson 2: Techniques to resolve conflict while staying true to the experience.

Module 4: Crafting Your Story  
Section 1: Drafting Your Narrative  
- Lesson 1: Setting Up a First Draft  
  Module 4, Section 1, Lesson 1: Guidelines for beginning the writing process without self-editing.  
- Lesson 2: Overcoming Writer’s Block  
  Module 4, Section 1, Lesson 2: Simple strategies to keep your writing flow going.

Section 2: Organizing Your Thoughts  
- Lesson 1: Outlining Key Moments  
  Module 4, Section 2, Lesson 1: How to arrange personal events into a logical sequence.  
- Lesson 2: Grouping Related Experiences  
  Module 4, Section 2, Lesson 2: Organizing notes and reflections into thematic clusters.

Section 3: Writing with Clarity and Honesty  
- Lesson 1: Being Clear and Direct  
  Module 4, Section 3, Lesson 1: Emphasizing clarity in recounting real events.  
- Lesson 2: Maintaining Authenticity in Expression  
  Module 4, Section 3, Lesson 2: Balancing vivid detail with truthful narration.

Section 4: Techniques for Engaging Narrative  
- Lesson 1: Using Descriptive Language Effectively  
  Module 4, Section 4, Lesson 1: Basics of descriptive writing in nonfiction.  
- Lesson 2: Combining Action with Reflection  
  Module 4, Section 4, Lesson 2: How to interweave moments of action and introspection.

Section 5: Honoring Your Voice in Storytelling  
- Lesson 1: Personalizing Your Narrative Style  
  Module 4, Section 5, Lesson 1: Exercises to ensure your story reflects who you are.  
- Lesson 2: Infusing Passion and Realism  
  Module 4, Section 5, Lesson 2: Maintaining a balance between emotional honesty and creative storytelling.

Module 5: Revising and Sharing Personal Narratives  
Section 1: The Revision Process  
- Lesson 1: Understanding the Need for Revision  
  Module 5, Section 1, Lesson 1: Why revising is essential in refining your narrative.  
- Lesson 2: Tools for Effective Self-Editing  
  Module 5, Section 1, Lesson 2: Basic techniques for reviewing and improving your draft.

Section 2: Incorporating Feedback  
- Lesson 1: Learning to Receive Constructive Criticism  
  Module 5, Section 2, Lesson 1: Strategies for accepting helpful feedback.  
- Lesson 2: Making Revisions Based on Suggestions  
  Module 5, Section 2, Lesson 2: Applying feedback to enhance the clarity and impact of your narrative.

Section 3: Enhancing Authenticity Through Revision  
- Lesson 1: Maintaining Your Personal Voice  
  Module 5, Section 3, Lesson 1: Ensuring that revisions do not dilute your unique perspective.  
- Lesson 2: Balancing Detail and Access  
  Module 5, Section 3, Lesson 2: How to adjust narrative details for better reader engagement.

Section 4: Preparing Your Narrative for Sharing  
- Lesson 1: Formatting and Final Touches  
  Module 5, Section 4, Lesson 1: Basic guidelines for a polished final piece.  
- Lesson 2: Deciding How to Present Your Work  
  Module 5, Section 4, Lesson 2: An introduction to different ways of sharing nonfiction writing.

Section 5: Reflecting on the Writing Journey  
- Lesson 1: Evaluating Your Growth as a Writer  
  Module 5, Section 5, Lesson 1: Reflecting on progress and learning outcomes.  
- Lesson 2: Setting Future Writing Goals  
  Module 5, Section 5, Lesson 2: Tips for continuing the journey of creative nonfiction beyond the course.