On December 6, 2023, I completed “The Craft of the Plot” — the first course in the Creative Writing Specialization on Coursera. Even though I already have published books under my name, I chose to take this course because I believe you’re never too old to learn something new. Writing, like life, is about growth, and every step toward learning helps me see stories and characters in fresh ways.
Sometimes people think once you’ve written a book, you “know it all.” But that’s not true for me. I’m in my thirties, and I feel more than ever that learning is lifelong. Storytelling is a craft that can always be sharpened, expanded, and reshaped. For me, taking this course wasn’t about starting over — it was about deepening the skills I already have and pushing myself to think differently about how stories are built.
What I loved about this course was the reminder that plot isn’t just about what happens — it’s about why it happens, how one event pushes the next, and how characters’ choices shape the world around them. That kind of thinking challenges me as a writer, especially when I bring new characters to life. It makes me ask, “What does this person want? What choices will they make? And how will those choices ripple through the story?”
Finishing this first course feels like a milestone, not just because of the certificate, but because it’s proof to myself that growth doesn’t stop just because we hit a certain age or already have accomplishments under our belt. I’m excited to continue the specialization, moving into the next course on The Craft of Characters, and to keep stretching myself as both a writer and a learner.
So here’s to learning — at every age, in every season, and with every story.
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