Creative writing offers a way to explore stories, emotions, and unique perspectives. It is a skill highly valued across various fields, from fiction to business storytelling, and online courses offer a fantastic opportunity to learn and refine this craft.
Whether you’re a beginner wanting to understand the basics or an experienced writer aiming to hone your skills, there’s a creative writing course to match your goals. This article will guide you through some of the best online creative writing courses, highlighting features, strengths, and what makes each course unique.
1. Coursera’s Creative Writing Specialization by Wesleyan University
Overview: Offered by Wesleyan University on Coursera, this Creative Writing Specialization provides a comprehensive introduction to the craft of writing.
Course Content: The specialization includes four courses: Plot, Character, Setting, and Style, each focusing on different elements of storytelling, and concludes with a Capstone project.
Key Features:
Hands-On Practice: Each course features exercises that help students apply concepts to their own writing.
Renowned Instructors: Professors from Wesleyan guide students through the principles of strong writing.
Project-Based Learning: The Capstone project allows students to apply what they’ve learned to a finished piece.
Duration: Approximately six months with a suggested pace of four hours per week.
Ideal for: Beginners and intermediate writers who want a structured program that covers the foundations of creative writing.
2. Gotham Writers Workshop Online Courses
Overview: Gotham Writers Workshop is one of the most well-known creative writing institutions, and their online courses are ideal for writers who want to take their skills to the next level.
Course Content: Gotham offers a variety of genres, including Fiction Writing, Screenwriting, Memoir Writing, and more. Each course covers both the craft and business side of writing.
Key Features:
Live Interaction with Instructors: Gotham’s online classes are conducted in real-time, allowing students to receive feedback and interact with peers.
Tailored Feedback: Instructors provide detailed critiques, helping students understand areas of improvement.
Variety of Levels and Genres: Offers courses for all experience levels across different writing forms.
Duration: Varies depending on the course, typically around 10 weeks.
Ideal for: Writers looking for in-depth instruction and personalized feedback from experienced instructors.
3. MasterClass: Neil Gaiman Teaches the Art of Storytelling
Overview: This MasterClass by Neil Gaiman, the celebrated author of “American Gods” and “Coraline,” is a valuable resource for those looking to learn storytelling techniques from a master writer.
Course Content: Gaiman covers everything from finding inspiration to developing a distinctive voice, creating compelling characters, and refining drafts.
Key Features:
Learn from a Pro: Gaiman’s storytelling techniques and advice on the writing process offer rare insights.
High Production Value: MasterClass is known for its polished video content, making it a visually engaging learning experience.
Self-Paced: You can move through the 19 lessons at your own pace, and revisit them anytime.
Duration: 4+ hours of video lessons.
Ideal for: Aspiring storytellers and fans of Neil Gaiman who want inspiration and practical tips on creating memorable stories.
4. The Novelry’s Novel Writing Course
Overview: The Novelry offers specialized courses for novelists, from first-time writers to experienced authors.
Course Content: Courses include a 90-Day Novel Course, as well as additional support for revision and development. Each is designed to guide writers through the process of creating a complete draft.
Key Features:
Structured Guidance: With daily lessons, The Novelry helps keep writers motivated and progressing.
One-on-One Mentorship: Each student receives personalized coaching from published authors.
Supportive Community: Access to The Novelry’s online community, where students can connect and share progress.
Duration: 90 days for the main novel-writing course.
Ideal for: Writers committed to completing a novel who want a supportive, immersive experience with expert guidance.
5. FutureLearn’s Start Writing Fiction by Open University
Overview: Open University’s “Start Writing Fiction” on FutureLearn is a free course that provides foundational knowledge in fiction writing.
Course Content: Covers key elements like character development, narration, dialogue, and style. It emphasizes the importance of storytelling and encourages students to write creatively.
Key Features:
Affordable and Accessible: Free access makes it easy for beginners to explore writing basics.
Short and Concise: Offers a focused introduction to creative writing in just a few weeks.
Peer Review: Students can share work and give feedback, allowing for collaborative learning.
Duration: 8 weeks, at a suggested pace of 3 hours per week.
Ideal for: Beginners interested in an introductory, cost-effective course on creative writing.
6. edX’s Creative Writing Program by the University of British Columbia (UBC)
Overview: This program, available on edX, provides an in-depth exploration of creative writing techniques across various forms, including fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction.
Course Content: The program includes courses in the elements of fiction, narrative and dialogue, and poetry, with a strong emphasis on developing voice and style.
Key Features:
Broad Curriculum: Covers multiple genres and forms, making it a comprehensive program.
University-Level Instruction: Created by faculty from UBC, one of Canada’s top universities for writing.
Self-Paced Learning: Courses are flexible, allowing you to learn at your convenience.
Duration: 6 months if taking one course at a time.
Ideal for: Aspiring writers looking for an academic-level education in creative writing, with a focus on multiple genres.
7. Reedsy Learning: Free Creative Writing Courses
Overview: Reedsy Learning offers free courses that focus on specific aspects of writing, including world-building, dialogue, and self-editing.
Course Content: Courses are emailed as bite-sized lessons each day and cover a range of creative writing topics.
Key Features:
Flexible and Convenient: Lessons are delivered via email, so you can learn at your own pace.
Focused Lessons: Each course hones in on a single topic, allowing for deep dives into specific skills.
Industry Knowledge: Courses are led by industry professionals, providing insights into the business of writing.
Duration: Varies, typically a week per course.
Ideal for: Busy writers looking for free, quick lessons on specific aspects of creative writing.
8. Writers.com Online Writing Classes
Overview: Writers.com has been offering writing classes since 1995, with a variety of online courses for all levels.
Course Content: Courses range from Poetry to Novel Writing to Memoir and Screenwriting, with workshops in each area.
Key Features:
Small Class Sizes: This allows for personalized attention from instructors.
Extensive Feedback: Instructors provide detailed critiques, and there’s an emphasis on peer feedback as well.
Wide Selection: Offers courses in niche areas like “The Art of the Personal Essay” and “Writing About Nature.”
Duration: Typically 6-10 weeks.
Ideal for: Writers who want an interactive experience with a supportive community and detailed feedback.
Conclusion
The best creative writing course for you will depend on your goals, preferred learning style, and commitment level. Coursera and FutureLearn offer structured, beginner-friendly courses, while platforms like Gotham Writers Workshop and The Novelry cater to writers looking for mentorship and detailed feedback. If you’re looking for a more affordable option, Reedsy Learning and FutureLearn provide quality education at no cost. With each course, you’ll have the opportunity to sharpen your storytelling abilities, hone your voice, and bring your creative ideas to life.
