Creating Audio Fiction: From Idea to Script
A course by Emma MussollCreative Writer
A course by Emma Mussoll, Creative Writer
Learn the art of storytelling in audio format, from the initial idea to the finished script
Ever thought about telling stories through sounds? This is precisely what creative writer Emma Mussoll does in her audio stories, plunging listeners into a unique, immersive experience with something as simple as a thud, a siren, a laugh, or a ringing telephone.
In this online course, learn the art of storytelling in audio format, from the initial idea to the finished script, including how to develop characters and build a sound-driven world for the series. Emma also teaches you how to pitch your idea and put together a convincing sales dossier for your project.
What will you learn in this online course?
18 lessons & 41 downloads
Why tell audio stories?
10 minutes, 41 seconds
Train the ear
6 minutes, 50 seconds
Write for the sound format
9 minutes, 12 seconds
Brainstorming
8 minutes, 5 seconds
From idea to plot
10 minutes, 35 seconds
The structure and narrative arc
15 minutes, 15 seconds
What's included in this course?
Get to know Emma Mussoll as she tells you about who she is, her winding career path, and how she got hooked on audio fiction to the point of creating her own. She also shares her influences and the people who have inspired her work.
Begin with an introduction to the audio format before training your ear to truly listen. Emma teaches you to recognize what visual elements you can recreate through sound, along with specific narrative techniques for audio fiction. Then, decide on the theme or genre for your piece.
Brainstorm some ideas and choose the best one to get your story rolling. Emma shows you how to write a story arc and define key moments, like stops on a travel itinerary, to create the roadmap for your series.
Next, work on the step outline of your pilot episode, planning out the scenes sound by sound, and learn how to give listeners context using sound maps. Now it's finally time to write the script!
Once you've finished, discover the next steps to get your pilot episode off the ground and on air. Emma helps you put together a complete sales dossier for your project and explains which platforms and producers to pitch it to.
What is this course's project?
Write the first page of the pilot episode for an audio series.
Projects by course students
Who is this online course for?
Anyone who wants to explore the narrative potential of audio.
Requirements and materials
No previous experience is required to take this course, just come ready to work. Exposure to a wide variety of fiction is recommended, but not essential.
As for materials, all you need is a scriptwriting program. If you don't have one or know of one, your teacher will help you create a free account on Celtx.
Reviews
- 7 months ago
Excelente curso.
- 7 months ago
Ótimo curso! Porque além da parte teórica, a professora ia demonstrando/criando junto o que explicava, fazendo o passo a passo com exemplos, e isso tornou tudo mais fácil e prático!
- 1 year ago
Excelente curso, muy dinámico e interesante.
- 1 year ago
Uno de los mejores cursos , motivante , claro y de gran aprendizaje , muy claro , y los materiales de apoyo excelentes
- 1 year ago
Muito completo!
Over the years, she's specialized in audio fiction and has written Ladrones de memoria, which already has two seasons, Operación Reset for Storytel, and La vecina indiscreta, Espero tu email, and Ni en tu casa, ni en la mía for Podimo. She is also the creator and producer of Mai no ho sabreu, a fiction podcast supported by the Catalan Institute of Culture. In addition to her own projects, she collaborates with commercial brands and publishers, big and small alike.
Content
- U1
Introduction
- About Me
- Influences
- U2
Prepare the creative journey
- Why tell audio stories?
- Train the ear
- Write for the sound format
- U3
The first steps
- Brainstorming
- From idea to plot
- The structure and narrative arc
- The pilot episode
- Character building
- U4
Write, write, write
- Roadmap: the rundown
- The importance of good beginnings and endings
- Build sound scenes
- The sound plans
- Write the script 1
- Write the script 2
- U5
Share the idea
- How to sell the idea
- Production of sound fiction
- FP
Final project
- Creating Audio Fiction: From Idea to Script
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
Audio fiction is a storytelling format that uses sounds, voices, and music to tell stories, creating an immersive experience. Unlike audiobooks or narrative podcasts, it focuses on sound design and atmosphere to build fictional worlds without any visual support.
The course is aimed at people with intermediate knowledge of writing or audio, but no prior experience in audio scriptwriting is required. A passion for storytelling and auditory creativity is recommended.
You’ll learn how to structure stories for audio, create complex characters, design immersive soundscapes, use brainstorming techniques, build solid plots, and develop audio fiction projects ready to pitch to production companies.
Prior experience isn’t mandatory, though basic knowledge of storytelling or sound production helps. The course includes accessible methodologies and hands-on exercises.
All you need is a computer or mobile device, internet access, and headphones. Optionally, a basic recorder can be used for sound capture exercises and audio editing.
The course teaches you how to use effects, music, dialogue, and ambient sounds to craft believable, immersive settings that guide listeners through the story without visuals.
You’ll do exercises in active listening, sound recording, scene writing, character creation, synopsis development, script structuring, and brainstorming.