Creative Prompts for Writing Stories
A course by Jorge GonzalvoWriter
A course by Jorge Gonzalvo, Writer
Learn how to overcome creative block and build a story from an original starting point, character, and conflict
Want to reel in your readers from the very first sentence? In this online course, writer Jorge Gonzalvo teaches you the ins and outs of story writing as well as mechanisms for constructing your stories in a way that's simple, fun, and effective.
Before sitting down to write, your teacher guides you in the amazing art of generating powerful story premises to build worlds you'll never want to leave. Throughout the course, put creative writing techniques into practice to weave the plot of a story that boasts a punchy beginning, a strange character, and a wacky conflict.
What will you learn in this online course?
19 lessons & 39 downloads
History: what is it and how to tell it?
3 minutes, 43 seconds
What's the story about?
10 minutes, 6 seconds
Catch from the start
5 minutes, 47 seconds
The plot is a roller coaster
6 minutes, 47 seconds
Technique: "What if…"
10 minutes, 40 seconds
When something interesting happens 1
11 minutes, 59 seconds
What's included in this course?
To start the course, Jorge Gonzalvo introduces himself and talks about some of his varied work as a writer, cultural manager, and creative writing teacher. He also tells you how he started out in his professional career and the influences that inspire him.
Reflect on what a story is, then, your teacher shares his point of view on some of the fundamental elements involved. See how many ways it is possible to tell a story and how to draw in your reader (or viewer) from the beginning.
Get to know two fun ways to create the premises for your stories: "what would happen if..." and "when something interesting happens." From there, learn to mix up and play around with prompts, characters, and conflicts to get the most original results.
Time for action! First, discover what the theme is in a story and how it guides you in the writing process. Then, work on the first sentence, remaining aware of its importance at all times, and let your creativity flow as you progress further into your story.
Jorge also encourages you to make your own writing tool kit so you always have your ideas with you. He leaves you with the best advice for learning to write well: read a lot, write a lot, and rewrite a lot.
What is this course's project?
Create the premise of a story based on an interesting character who experiences curious situations. Write the beginning of the story in such a way that your reader is hooked from the start.
Projects by course students
Who is this online course for?
Anyone interested in the art of story creation, from writers starting out on their creative journey to illustrators wanting to write their own plots for their picturebook projects.
Requirements and materials
You don't need any previous experience to take this course, just your favorite writing tools—be it paper and a pencil or your computer—and some excitement for getting into the process.
Reviews
- 2 months ago
Bien
- 7 months ago
Sobresaliente!
- 1 year ago
Considero que su forma de llevar el curso me resulto muy ameno, me llevo aprendizajes que son muy enriquecedores para llevar acabó, generando ideas en mí.
- 1 year ago
ocupo el 20 de descuento
- 1 year ago
Excelente curso. Recomendado para principiantes apasionados por la narrativa.
He is one of the founding members of Atrapavientos, a non-profit organization that pursues the development, research, and dissemination of all kinds of activities related to children's and young people's literature. In addition, he has published several picturebooks such as Te regalo un cuento, Despedida de tristeza, and Tropecista.
Content
- U1
Introduction
- About Me
- Influences
- U2
What is a story?
- History: what is it and how to tell it?
- What's the story about?
- Catch from the start
- The plot is a roller coaster
- U3
Find a good premise
- Technique: "What if…"
- When something interesting happens 1
- When something interesting happens 2
- The amazing storytelling machine
- U4
Take action
- The topic
- The first sentence 1
- the first sentence 2
- A few more lines 1
- A few more lines 2
- U5
Make a writing kit
- The premise folder 1
- The premise folder 2
- Read to write
- Keep playing
- FP
Final project
- Creative Writing: Techniques to Develop a Story
What to expect from a Domestika course
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.
Learn from the best professionals
Learn valuable methods and techniques explained by top experts in the creative sector.
Meet expert teachers
Each expert teaches what they do best, with clear guidelines, true passion, and professional insight in every lesson.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Watch professionally produced courses
Domestika curates its teacher roster and produces every course in-house to ensure a high-quality online learning experience.
FAQs
This course teaches creative techniques for writing, encouraging reading, and developing narrative projects, blending literary theory, creative tools, and practical examples for all ages.
The course is intermediate level, perfect for those with some literacy background who want to boost their creativity and narrative analysis, though motivated beginners are welcome too.
You’ll learn how to craft original stories, overcome creative blocks, build complex characters, use techniques like 'what if,' write micro-stories, and creatively present books.
All you need is an interest in literature, internet access, and a digital device; no special materials required, though notebooks and writing apps like Novlr or Scrivener are recommended.
The course offers hands-on exercises, techniques to manage self-criticism, and strategies to overcome writing anxiety, helping you write your own stories with confidence and flow.
Yes, it includes methods for creating premises, 'what if' examples, lateral thinking exercises, and creative games to spark fresh ideas.
You’ll analyze the structures and traits of short stories versus novels, learning to spot their differences through practical examples and well-known literary metaphors.