creative writing workshop for beginners

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Best Online Creative Writing Classes

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Creative writing is often focused around writing fiction (but may also include nonfiction), which can feature any type of writing from poems to short stories, novels, and more. Online creative writing classes help you learn how to become a better storyteller, produce completed manuscripts, and publish your work. Since the classes takes place over the internet, you can study anywhere. The best online creative writing classes offer a rich curriculum, provide a good value for the cost, and are taught by experienced professionals.

Here, we've rounded up our top picks for prospective students to learn about creative writing from the comfort of their own homes. Some online courses even offer certifications upon completion to pursue creative writing as a career. Compare top options to find the best price range, topics, and class schedule to help you get started. 

Best Online Creative Writing Classes of 2023

• Best Overall: Neil Gaiman Teaches the Art of Storytelling
• Best for Beginners: Beginning Writer’s Workshop by ed2go
• Best for Certification: Coursera's Creative Writing Specialization by Wesleyan University
• Best Live Class: Creative Writing 101 by Gotham Writers
• Best for Writing Critique: UCLA Extension’s Introduction to Creative Writing
• Best for Creative Non-Fiction: Udemy’s Creative Non-Fiction Writing - You Can’t Make This Stuff Up!
• Best Ivy League Class: Harvard's Fundamentals of Fiction
• Our Top Picks
• Neil Gaiman Teaches the Art of Storytelling
• Beginning Writer’s Workshop by ed2go
• Coursera's Creative Writing Specialization by Wesleyan University
• Creative Writing 101 by Gotham Writers
• UCLA Extension’s Introduction to Creative Writing
• Udemy’s Creative Non-Fiction Writing - You Can’t Make This Stuff Up!
• Harvard's Fundamentals of Fiction
• See More (4)

Final Verdict

• Compare Classes

Can I Teach Myself Creative Writing?

Can you make a living off of creative writing, methodology, best overall : neil gaiman teaches the art of storytelling.

 MasterClass

• Cost: $180 for annual Masterclass membership
• Length: Approximately 5 hours
• Certificate: No

Neil Gaiman Teaches the Art of Storytelling took our top spot because the course has a robust curriculum and is taught by an award-winning author.

Short, engaging videos

Access content from your computer or smartphone

Easy-to-digest video lectures

No instructor feedback

Masterclass subscription required

No student collaboration

We like this class because students learn many creative writing techniques from a world-renowned fiction writer. The course is a series of 19 short video lectures, which include:

• Truth in Fiction
• Sources of Inspiration
• Finding Your Voice
• Dialogue and Character
• Character Case Study
• Worldbuilding
• Dealing with Writer's Block
• The Writer's Responsibilities

As you watch the nearly five hours of content, you'll learn the fundamentals of writing stories (including how to make your story feel real), find unique angles to explore, develop your writing voice, create compelling plots, characters, settings, and dialogue, and edit and improve your work. You’ll also write short stories, understand different writing genres, and learn tips for getting unstuck when you have writer’s block. 

This course of study is self-paced, so you won’t receive any feedback on your writing. You can access the videos on your smartphone or computer.

There are no requirements to enroll. However, you can only access the class if you have a Masterclass subscription, which currently costs $180 for the year. Once you have a Masterclass membership you can take any course offered. If you’re dissatisfied with the learning platform, you can email customer service within 30 days of purchase for a full refund.

Best for Beginners : Beginning Writer’s Workshop by ed2go

• Length: 24 hours

Beginning Writer’s Workshop by ed2go gives new writers the foundational information they need to complete a piece of creative work.

Rich curriculum including various genres, literary techniques, the writing process, and more

Instructor and peer feedback

Budget-friendly

Course access ends after six weeks

Must adhere to a schedule to participate in discussions

Not all course requirements are included in enrollment

We like Beginning Writer’s Workshop because it’s designed to quickly turn a true beginner into a confident writer with a publication-worthy piece. When you finish the six-week, 12-lesson course, you’ll know how to:

• Distinguish between and speak to the different writing genres and subgenres
• Use various literary techniques and devices like similes, metaphors, imagery, etc.
• Develop plots, characters, and other story elements
• Navigate the entire writing process, including pre-writing, drafting, editing, and finalizing a piece
• Peer-edit the creative work of others
• Combat writer’s block
• Go through the publishing process

The class includes 24 hours of instructional content. For the first six weeks, you’ll get access to two new self-paced lessons per week. Lectures include reading material and videos.

There’s also an online discussion board where you can post questions and talk about the lectures. Discussions only remain open for two weeks after a lesson is released. So, while you can study when it fits your schedule, you’ll want to keep up with the work.

The course is facilitated by Carmen Marquez, a journalist, writer, and teacher. They’ll reply to any inquiries you post on the discussion board within 24 to 48 hours. You’ll also have the opportunity to get feedback on your writing from the instructor and other students. 

The class costs $149. A new round of the course begins every month, so you can get started when it’s convenient for you.

Best for Certification : Coursera's Creative Writing Specialization by Wesleyan University

• Cost: $0 or $49 per month to unlock more features
• Length: Approximately 11 hours
• Certificate: Yes

Coursera's Creative Writing Specialization by Wesleyan University is our choice for this category because it offers a certificate upon completion, allowing students to use the knowledge gained for their career path. As a bonus, this class is free, so students can access content from the school at no cost.

Access to free content from a well-regarded school

Self-paced study

Free trial and "audits" allow students to view material before purchasing

No feedback or interaction without a subscription to Coursera

Does not include lessons on literary style

May take up to six months to complete

The course is hosted by Coursera, an online learning platform. Coursera gives you the option to “audit” the class at no charge, allowing you to view all of the included videos and reading materials without subscribing to the platform.

The specialization includes four classes you can audit:

• Creative Writing: The Craft of Plot
• Creative Writing: The Craft of Character
• Creative Writing: The Craft of Setting and Description
• Creative Writing: The Craft of Style
• Capstone: Your Story

Each class features a few hours of content, and you can take them in any order and on your own time.

As you go through the lessons, you’ll learn how to:

• Develop a story with a beginning, middle, and end
• Bring the players in your tale to life
• Create a detailed world with your words
• Refine your piece via the editing process

The course of study has multiple instructors, all with backgrounds in English or creative writing.

If you want a more interactive experience that includes writing assignments, access to a discussion board, or feedback on your work, you’ll have to purchase a Coursera membership for $49 per month. The company offers a seven-day free trial, so you can test it out before buying.

Having full access will also allow you to obtain a certificate of completion once you’ve finished the specialization.

Best Live Class : Creative Writing 101 by Gotham Writers

Gotham Writers

• Cost: $319 plus $25 registration fee
• Length: 18 hours

Creative Writing 101 by Gotham Writers is our best pick for live classes because it features weekly live lectures via Zoom. Students are also offered feedback for their writing while learning about both fiction and nonfiction.

Live, interactive meetings

Writing feedback available

Includes both fiction and nonfiction

Course is somewhat pricey

Registration fee required

No certificate offered upon completion

We like this class since you can learn about creative writing in a fully interactive environment and get your questions answered in real time. The course is designed specifically for newer writers or experienced writers looking for a refresher.

The six-week class meets for three hours a week and features:

• An introduction to creative writing
• A discussion on fiction writing to include types of fiction, components of the genre—such as plot, characters, and point of view—and how to write it
• A discussion on the different types of nonfiction, including narrative nonfiction, memoirs, and personal essays
• Guidance on how to find story ideas, cultivate good writing habits, and get past writer’s block

Between lectures, you’ll also complete writing assignments and get feedback on your work. The course has multiple instructors, all with education and experience in writing.

You must be 18 or older to take the course. The class is offered on various days and times, so you’ll have to look online to see which option fits your schedule.

Creative Writing 101 costs $319 for the online or Zoom classes. The company also charges a $25 registration fee per term, but you might be able to find discounts or promotions to reduce the cost.

Best for Writing Critique : UCLA Extension’s Introduction to Creative Writing

UCLA Extension 

UCLA Extension’s Introduction to Creative Writing is our choice as best for writing critique because the class features small, weekly breakout sessions to workshop student writing.

Small group workshops for detailed feedback

Guest lecturers

Offers lessons on writing in multiple styles

Limite to 12 students; not always available for enrollment

Requires students to be present for 3-hour weekly class

This class allows you to learn from and work closely with instructors, writing experts, and other students. The course is limited to 12 students and is designed to help learners explore creative writing.

The Introduction to Creative Writing course runs for six weeks and meets live over Zoom for three hours weekly. In each class meeting, you’ll start in a breakout session to discuss the writing assignment and how you’re feeling as a writer. Then, you’ll transition into a lecture with a guest expert about topics like fiction, nonfiction, screenwriting, and poetry.

Throughout the class, you’ll:

• Experiment with writing in different styles
• Learn how to critique the work of other writers
• Network with other creatives
• Be inspired to write and learn more about the craft

The course has several different instructors who are all accomplished writers.

Since this is a beginner course, you won’t get graded on the writing you produce. Instead, you’ll be evaluated based on assignment completion, the feedback you provide to your peers, and overall participation.

The course costs $485, and if you need to withdraw, you must do so within two weeks of the start date to receive a refund.

Best for Creative Non-Fiction : Udemy’s Creative Non-Fiction Writing - You Can’t Make This Stuff Up!

• Cost: $19.99
• Length: Approximately 2 hours

Udemy’s Creative Non-Fiction Writing won this category because the class specifically focuses on creative nonfiction. While the class is short, it's also the most affordable on our list, and it's a great introduction to the topic for curious students.

Specific focus on creative nonfiction

Most affordable option for beginner writers

Certificate of completion given

No writing feedback available

Only 2 hours of lectures available

Not in-depth on each topic compared to similar courses

If you’re interested in writing true stories rather than fiction but still want that creative element, you might want to consider creative nonfiction, like personal essays and memoirs. We like this class because it helps you dive into the world of creative nonfiction at a budget-conscious price.

The $19.99 course is self-paced and includes nine modules and 26 video lectures. The modules include:

• What is Creative Nonfiction?
• Writing the Vignette
• Using Sensory Language
• Writing in Scenes
• Using a Plot Diagram
• Making the Personal Universal

During the nearly two hours of lectures, you’ll learn the skills required to write creative nonfiction pieces, such as memoirs and essays, the basic building blocks of storytelling, such as plots, characters, and scenes, and several writing techniques and literary devices. You’ll also learn: 

• How to find your writer’s voice and be more confident
• How to turn your personal experience into a compelling story that will appeal to the masses
• The revision process

Although you won’t get any feedback from your instructor, the class includes writing projects you can complete independently and quizzes to review your learning. To supplement the lectures, you’ll also have access to downloadable resources like templates and graphics.

Your instructor is the creator of the class, Trace Crawford. Crawford has more than 20 years of writing and teaching experience.

You don’t have to meet any particular requirements to take this course. It’s designed for any curious writer. 

In case you’re unhappy with the class, it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. When you finish the last lecture, you’ll receive a certificate of completion. You’ll also have lifetime access to the content.

Best Ivy League Class : Harvard's Fundamentals of Fiction

• Cost: $3,100
• Length: 5 months

Harvard's Fundamentals of Fiction is designed for intermediate to advanced writers interested in applying their skills to creative fiction. This is not a course for beginners, but rather an in-depth study that concludes with each student finishing their own short story or the first chapter of a novel.

Students learn creative writing from Ivy League professors

Offers formal experience in creative writing

Students will complete their own short story or the first chapter of a novel by course end

Intended for graduate students with strong writing skills

Considerably more expensive than others

Students must enroll in degree program

Harvard's Fundamentals of Fiction course is a great choice for graduate-level students to focus on their creative writing skills. The course covers several topics, including:

• Plot analysis
• Structure analysis
• Fundamentals of character
• Fundamentals of dialogue
• Showing versus telling
• Point of view
• Building a narrative foundation
• Using scene structure to craft stories

The course is split into two sections: Students study plot and structure in various creative writing works, then apply this knowledge in the second half of the course to write their own short story or the first chapter of a novel.

As an Ivy League class, online students receive all the benefits of professor feedback and student collaboration that they'd receive in-class. However, students must enroll with the Harvard Department of Continuing Education to register.

There are countless online creative writing classes available, so it may be hard to choose the best course for you. Investigate any online creative writing class before you enroll to select an option that can help you finish and publish your creative masterpiece.

However, Neil Gaiman Teaches the Art of Storytelling is an excellent place to start your search. The content comes from an award-winning author and is designed to inspire you, help you develop your voice, and teach you new creative writing techniques.

Compare the Best Online Creative Writing Classes

Frequently asked questions, what do you learn in an online creative writing class.

Creative writing classes teach topics like genres of writing, outlining ideas, developing a plot and characters, and storytelling. Specific classes vary from course to course, but many include lessons about editing your work and establishing productive writing habits. The class may also include a peer-critique component to improve your own editing skills by reviewing other writers' work.

Should New Writers Take an Online Creative Writing Class?

New writers can and should take an online creative writing class. Some classes are designed especially for beginners so that learners can get the foundational information that they need. Taking an entry-level class can help you decide if creative writing is right for you and what direction to take as a writer.

How Can an Online Creative Writing Class Help Me Improve My Writing?

An online creative writing class can help you improve your writing in several ways. You'll learn about new literary techniques, refresh your knowledge about writing basics, find your unique voice, overcome writer's block, refine your work, and establish productive habits. An online creative writing class may also include personalized feedback from the instructor to hone your skills further.

How Much Do Online Creative Writing Classes Cost?

Online creative writing classes vary in cost. You can access some courses for free, while others are priced at several hundred dollars or more.

Are Online Creative Writing Classes Worth It?

Depending on your career goals , online creative writing classes can be worth your time, effort, and money. If you’re a hobbyist writer, it probably makes sense to stick with short, budget-friendly courses. But if you’re a writer by trade or would like to become a professional writer, it may be worth investing a more substantial number of hours and dollars into your development.

It's possible to teach yourself the fundamentals of creative writing when it comes to practicing narratives and storytelling, and many writers start without a formal education. However, creative writing classes can help you hone in on skills like developing characters and plots, writing in different styles, editing your work, and more.

Many writers and authors make their living from creative writing. Creative writers may focus on producing books, or they may write poetry, short stories, biographies, and other fictional or non-fictional works. The best creative writing classes can also teach you about submitting your work to publishers to develop a career .

We closely evaluated 10 online creative writing classes before making our selections. We considered the course curriculum, instructor credibility, and value. We also accounted for any unique features.

All of our choices offer a rigorous course of study for a fair price and are designed to help creative writers hone their craft and get ready for publication.

Alexander Spatari / Getty Images

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Ed2Go. " Carmen Marquez ."

Coursera. " Instructors ."

Gotham Writer. " Faculty ."

Udemy. " Trace Crawford Profile ."

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We Are All Storytellers

Fun, structured writing workshops in person, via zoom, and online. private editing and coaching services., in the writing workshops, beginners, avid writers, and published authors:.

• Devote time to writing
• Overcome writer’s block
• Receive helpful feedback
• Join the writers’ community

Write fiction, poetry, nonfiction, memoirs, essays, plays, and screenplays.

Gift certificates for birthdays and holidays.

Show your loved one how much you support their dreams and endeavors by gifting them a workshop, private editing, or coaching.

If you struggle to make writing a habit, this program gives you the accountability we all need. Write to a prompt you receive via email for fifteen minutes and return your writing to your partner. You and your partner provide each other with basic, encouraging feedback. It’s simple and it works.

The Winter 2024 Zoom Tuesday Night Workshop

A fun, structured environment designed to help you tame your inner critic and develop your unique voice. Write during the workshop, and if you choose, submit up to 5,000 words for constructive discussion. A small Zoom workshop appropriate for writers of all levels who write in any form or genre.

The Spring 2024 Tuesday Night Writing Workshop in Flourtown

A fun, structured environment designed to help you tame your inner critic and develop your unique voice. Write during the workshop, and if you choose, submit up to 5,000 words for constructive discussion. An in-person workshop appropriate for writers of all levels who write in any form.

Editing and Coaching for Writers

Private coaching nurtures writers through the highs and lows of creative productivity. private editing guides you through the phases of preparing your project for publication..

Working one-on-one with Rachel Kobin, the Founder and Director of The Philadelphia Writers’ Workshop may be the best way to forward your project.

Choose up to 6 Wednesday nights of all writing via Zoom with author Danette Laver.

Wednesdays in January and February 2024 via Zoom from 7-9:30 PM. This writing workshop lets you write in the company of others from the comfort of your home. Danette Laver has been a writer in The Tuesday Night Writing Workshop for years and recently released her first novel.

The Manuscript Workshop

The Manuscript Workshop via video conference and in person , which meets on three Thursday evenings of every month, is designed to support writers who have made significant headway toward completing a full-length book.

Currently seeking participants for fall 2024.

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Read participants’ own words about their experiences in the workshops.

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Get feedback on your writing and become a better writer in our online writing group

Scribophile is one of the largest and most award-winning online writing communities.

Make your writing shine with feedback from other writers

You’ve spent a lot of time writing your story. But how can you make it perfect before you start thinking about publishing?

Scribophile is a writing group focused on getting you feedback on your manuscript. Our points-based peer critique system guarantees you’ll get feedback from writers from all walks of life. You can then use that feedback to polish your writing before you take the next step in your publishing journey.

How Scribophile works

1 earn points by giving feedback.

Earn karma points by critiquing writing. Giving feedback to other writers is fast, easy, fun, and helps improve your own writing, too!

2 Get feedback on your own writing

Spend karma points to post your own writing for critique — anything from flash fiction to novels. Our busy community of writers from all over the world will give you detailed feedback on how to improve it.

3 Make friends and meet beta readers

As you participate in our writing group, you’ll meet and form relationships with other writers. These friends will be your beta readers, ready to help with your current manuscript, and your next ones too!

Scribophile was the first place I stopped when I went from being an I-wanna-be-a-writer to I-am-an-author. Now I have four international bestselling novels with major publishers, and when authors come to me I always send them to Scribophile. Genevieve Graham Tides of Honour and others published with Simon & Schuster

Join writing workshops and level up your writing

Our writing workshops are taught by bestselling authors, expert teachers, and industry insiders. We have workshops for writers of any skill level, where we cover everything from beginning topics to advanced techniques.

Our writing workshops are designed to be both comprehensive and transformational — they’re your fast track to becoming an unforgettable writer.

Some of our upcoming writing workshops

Writing Powerful Settings with Ross Turner

Apr 13, 2024 • 2 hour workshop, with instructor feedback on your writing

Editor and teacher Ross Turner explains the techniques master writers use to write settings so memorable that they become characters of their own.

Be Your Own Freelance Editor with Tanya Egan Gibson

Apr 20, 2024 • 2 hour webinar

Author and editor Tanya Egan Gibson teaches you how to self-edit your manuscripts with the careful, critical eye of an editor to make them the best they can be.

Improve your writing, at any skill level

Our writing group welcomes writers of all skill levels — from beginners to published authors, and every writer in between.

Each critique you receive on your manuscript is a fresh perspective for you to incorporate. Our bustling writing forums feature writers discussing the craft twenty-four hours a day. And our extensive Writing Academy is full of insightful articles on the art — and business — of writing.

Scribophile played a major part in helping me polish my novel for submission. I learnt a huge amount from critiquing other people’s work, as well as from reading critiques of mine. I now have a wonderful agent and have signed a three-book deal in the UK, a two-book deal in Germany, and a TV option. The book was also shortlisted for The Debut Dagger! Roz Watkins The Devil’s Dice and others published with HarperCollins

Giving and receiving critiques on Scribophile made a big difference to the quality of my writing. I learned how to write a query letter here and that led to an agent and a book deal. Ruth Lauren Prisoner of Ice and Snow and others published with Bloomsbury

No more writing alone — meet your new writer friends

Sometimes, the hardest part of being a writer is how lonely it can get.

That’s why the most important part of Scribophile is our community of hundreds of thousands of writers from all over the world. No matter what genre you write in, or how far along you are in your manuscript, the friends you make at Scribophile will finally take the loneliness out of our solitary craft.

My years on Scribophile have given me a master’s level education in writing. The critiques are great, but I’ve learned as much from reading and analyzing other writers on Scribophile. I don’t think I could have polished my novel to a publishable level without this site. I’m an addict. Laura Creedle The Love Letters of Abelard and Lily published with Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

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Online Class: Creative Writing for Beginners

• 32 Exams & Assignments
• 5,859 Students have taken this course
• 14 Hours average time

Course Description

Unleash Your Inner Wordsmith: A Journey into the Heart of Creative Writing

In a world punctuated by visual and auditory marvels, the eloquence of words remains timeless. Just as an artist delicately strokes the canvas and a sculptor molds life into clay, a writer weaves dreams and realities on the blank slate of paper. And in this digital age, the dance of fingers over a keyboard becomes a symphony of creativity. Our comprehensive course is a sanctuary for both budding and seasoned writers, serving as the compass to navigate the boundless seas of creative writing.

Why This Course Resonates:

Diverse Palette : Dive deep into the myriad realms of fiction, poetry, screenplays, and immersive nonfiction.

Foundations & Flourishes : Whether you're penning your first word or your thousandth page, master the basics and nuances that make your writing resonate.

A World of Forms : Understand the quintessence of diverse writing styles, from captivating memoirs and revealing biographies to incisive articles for newspapers and dynamic blogs.

Break the Shackles : Battle and conquer the daunting demon of writer's block, ensuring your creativity flows unhindered.

From Creation to Celebration : Not only nurture your creation but also learn the art of showcasing it to the world, understanding the avenues to get your masterpiece recognized and published.

Course Highlights:

15 Engaging Lessons : Each lesson, a stepping stone, builds upon the last, ensuring a holistic grasp of creative writing.

Hands-On Exercises : Post-lesson exercises designed to solidify your understanding and hone your skills.

Innovative Assignments : Fuel your creativity with tailored writing assignments that ignite inspiration and set your imagination aflame.

This course isn't just an introduction; it's an odyssey into the enchanting universe of creative writing. It celebrates the spirit of expression, empowering even the greenest novices to seamlessly translate their thoughts into words. So, whether you're scribbling in hidden notebooks or longing to ink your thoughts for the first time, this course promises to be the wind beneath your literary wings.

Join us, and be astounded by the symphony of words you can orchestrate. Embark on this journey, and etch your own legacy in the annals of creative writing!

Course Motivation

There are 15 lessons in this course. Each lesson is broken down in order to address a form of creative writing, and to explore the tools and mechanics that pertain to it. After each lesson, you will find exercises. These are simply a way to gauge what you have learned and help you reinforce what was covered in the lesson. The exercises are mandatory, and they are what you will be graded on for this course.

• Fiction  . Of course, fiction is the most recognized form of creative writing since the stories begin in your imagination.
• Journals and diaries  .  Most people don't think of this as creative writing, but keeping a journal or diary (for personal or family history reasons) is just as much creative writing as any other form.
• Blogs  .  Let's face it. Blogs have changed the way we read the news and also given us insight into the things that interest us and the lives of those people who interest us.
• Articles  . Articles may contain facts, but creativity is put into constructing and writing them in a way that will interest the reader.
• Screenplays  .  What's the funniest movie you ever watched? Did you ever think about the writer who created the screenplay?
• Nonfiction  . It's the same as it is with articles. The facts inside a nonfiction book or story may be true, but a lot of creativity goes into making it fun and interesting to read. It's a safe bet that you've never read a nonfiction book that put you to sleep.  
• Memoirs  .  Whether you're writing your own or someone else's, this is another form of creative writing.
• Poetry  .  Poems are probably one of the most artistic forms of creative writing, because of the imagery they evoke when written well.

It's a great thing if your goal is to become a published writer, or even a well-read blogger or journalist. But that should not be your only reason for writing. The writing world is highly competitive, and it's extremely critical. Even the best-known, most popular authors papered their walls with rejection slips, or lived as an unknown for  years  before they rose to popularity. That said, anyone who starts creative writing simply because they think their writing is so different or special that everyone will instantly fall in love with their words is headed for heartbreak.  It's a long road to that point, and it's filled with potholes.

The real value of creative writing lies in the enjoyment you get from it, as well as the enjoyment the people closest to you will get from it. You can publish you own blog and only have 20 people who read it faithfully.Guess what? That makes you successful if you enjoy writing it, and those that read it (no matter how many or how few) enjoy it as well.  

Creative writing is our escape from our worlds. It's also a way to document the things that go on around us. Even a short story you write, then cram into a drawer, will have value to those who read it years from now. It will tell them a story about you, the things that were on your mind, and the world around you at that time. Think of the classic books from writers such as Ernest Hemingway and F. Scott Fitzgerald. Think of nonfiction biographies like that of Ann Frank.  Even if your work is never widely read or published, it will have value to those who read it now – and even more value later as a historical account. 

But more than anything, as we said before, the true value of creative writing is the enjoyment that you get from it. 

• Completely Online
• 6 Months to Complete
• 24/7 Availability
• Start Anytime
• PC & Mac Compatible
• Android & iOS Friendly
• Accredited CEUs

Course Lessons

Lesson 1: Introduction to Creative Writing

Lesson 2: Exploring Creative Writing

Lesson 3: secrets of creative writing, lesson 4: elements of short story and fiction writing, lesson 5: dialogue, lesson 6: point of view, lesson 7: writing nonfiction, lesson 8: writing poetry, lesson 9: writing articles, blogs, and journalistic pieces, lesson 10: writing dramas, scripts, and screenplays, lesson 11: the importance of editing, lesson 12: overcoming writer's block, lesson 13: unlocking your creativity, lesson 14: resources for writers, lesson 15: publishing your writing, learning outcomes.

• Describe the creative writing process.
• Define elements of short story and fiction writing.
• Demonstrate dialogue.
• Demonstrate point of view.
• Demonstrate writing nonfiction.
• Demonstrate writing poetry.
• Demonstrate writing articles, blogs, and journalistic pieces.
• Demonstrate writing dramas, scripts, and screenplays.
• Describe the importance of editing.
• Describe techniques overcoming writer's block.
• Recognize new ways to unlock your creativity.
• Describe ways to publish your writing.
• Demonstrate mastery of lesson content at levels of 70% or higher.

Additional Course Information

• Document Your Lifelong Learning Achievements
• Earn an Official Certificate Documenting Course Hours and CEUs
• Verify Your Certificate with a Unique Serial Number Online
• View and Share Your Certificate Online or Download/Print as PDF
• Display Your Certificate on Your Resume and Promote Your Achievements Using Social Media

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Student testimonials.

• "I have a B.A. in Creative Writing and let me tell you, this course was both incredibly helpful and very fun. I have honestly learned more from this course than most of my college classes. The assignments were engaging and immensely helpful. I went in thinking this course would be a refresher for me, but I am genuinely blown away by just how much I have learned." -- Kaitlyn W.
• "This course was helpful for me. I learned a considerable amount about writing in general as well as gaining insight into the creative aspect. I thoroughly enjoyed every assignment, in particular, that they were assessed, marked, and issued with comments. The turnaround time for the assessments provided was exceptional. I was encouraged by the regularly updated grading and having a report card for reference. The course content provided me with what I was wanting and more. Recommending your course will be a pleasure for me and I will take on another in the, not too distant future. Many Thanks." -- Peter P.
• "I found this course very helpful. I learnt a lot about the different types of writing and which forms/genres I hope to pursue. The writing prompt exercises were especially helpful, as they are a good practice to keep yourself writing when you can't think of any original ideas yourself." -- Lisa K.
• "I really enjoyed this course! I have loved writing my whole life, but I still learned a lot about different writing techniques and styles. I loved receiving the positive feedback from my tutor too. I found some of the writing assignments appropriately challenging and they forced me to put into action what I was being taught...Thank you for all of the work that went into creating this course!" -- Michaela D.
• "It really helped with positive feedback from the instructor and her quick response to my assignments." -- Deborah D.
• "Thank you so much, I feel like I've gained a lot from this course. I definitely consider it a great starting point for me to build upon and hone my craft further. Thank you, and you'll most likely see me in another writing course soon." -- Michele C.
• "I really enjoyed doing this course and the help and advice from the instructor." -- Tammy P.
• "The instructor was very fair and very timely in getting my assignments/exams back." -- Mary lee S.
• "The instructor is a blessing and was so encouraging." -- Daphne B.
• "The instructor was extremely prompt in grading assignments and provided valuable feedback." -- Randy E.

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The best online writing workshops for emerging and established authors, filter and sort.

94 products

Course Subject

Bending the Genres: (Re) Learning the Lyric Essay 6-Week Zoom Class, Starts Thursday, April 4th, 2024

Writing the Book-Length Poetry Collection 4-Week Online Workshop, Starts Thursday, April 4th, 2024

Fractured Narrative Zoom Seminar: Shattering Traditional Story Structure to Create New Stories with Amber Sparks, Saturday, April 6th, 2024

Write Like an Athlete Zoom Seminar with Caitlin Kunkel, Saturday, April 6th, 2024

We All Have Family Stories to Tell 4-Week Zoom Class, Starts Saturday, April 6th, 2024

A New Woman Warrior: Power, Grief & Identity in a Post-Roe V. Wade World 4-Week Zoom Workshop, Starts Sunday April 7th, 2024

Writing the Prose Poem 4-Week Online Workshop, Starts Monday, April 8th, 2024

3-Week Nonfiction Zoom Seminar: The Personal Reported Essay, Starts Monday, April 8th, 2024

Writing a Novel in Verse Zoom Seminar, Monday, April 8th, 2024

Writing Flash Fiction with Depth and Urgency 8-Week Online Workshop, Starts Monday, April 8th, 2024

From Inspiration to Completion & Publication: 3-Month One-on-One Open-Genre Creative Writing Mentorship with Albert Flynn DeSilver, Starts Monday, April 8th, 2024

The Art of Personal Essay Writing 6-Week Zoom Workshop, Starts Tuesday, April 9th, 2024

Gay Bones: Writing the Queer Body 3-Week Zoom Class, Starts Tuesday, April 9th, 2024

Revision Intensive: Polish Short Stories for Submission 6-Week Fiction Workshop (Zoom), Starts Tuesday, April 9th, 2024

Heritage Stories: Crafting Family Narratives as Fact or Fiction Zoom Seminar, Thursday, April 11th, 2024

Writing a Book & Getting it Done: Accountability 8-Week Zoom Workshop, Starts Thursday, April 11th, 2024

How to Sell Your Book without an Agent and Find the Right Agent Zoom Seminar, Saturday, April 13th, 2024

How Food Invokes Poetry 4-Week Generative Zoom Workshop, Starts Saturday, April 13th, 2024

Building Interiority in Characters with Perceptions: Judgment, Envy and Admiration with Karen E. Bender, a Zoom Seminar on Wednesday, April 17th, 2024

Creating a Sense of Place in Fiction, Memoir, and Nonfiction 6-Week Zoom Workshop, Starts Wednesday, April 17th, 2024

Confessional Writing From the Inside Out: a Generative Zoom Seminar, Wednesday, April 17th, 2024

Writing Dialogue for Screen and Stage 8-Week Zoom Workshop, Starts Thursday, April 18th, 2024

Get Unstuck, Start Writing Again Zoom Seminar, Thursday, April 25th, 2024

One-on-One 3-Month Mentorship for Autofiction, Fiction, or Memoir, Apply by April 26th, 2024

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Learn about The Writer's Center

America's oldest poetry magazine

Writing Workshops

The Writer’s Center offers hundreds of writing workshops and classes every year. Workshops cover all genres and all experience levels. Join us in person and online.

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Event views navigation, poetics of a queer body.

Learn about the Poetics of a Queer Body that are within you. Poetry allows us to express our most authentic voice. Whether it be imagining other lives we could be […]

Show and Tell Intensive

Learning to dramatize, to write in a way that shows what happened rather than tells what happened, is one of the most critical skills a successful writer can possess. A […]

How to Write a Lot!

Build an invincible writing routine! You may think you don’t have the time, energy, or inspiration to write because of your hectic lifestyle. Wrong! Learn what Kathryn Johnson’s Extreme Novelists […]

Using the Tools of Fiction in Nonfiction

Enrich your nonfiction with the powerful tools of fiction. Whether you are crafting an essay or writing a memoir, the tools of fiction can bring depth and suspense to your […]

Reading Your Work Out Loud

Practice sharing yourself and your story. Spend an evening practicing and learning about the art of public speaking. This in-person coaching session will give you the opportunity to bring your […]

How to Tell Your Story

Join us for an hour as we discuss and learn different effective methods towards building and developing your story. This workshop is intended to help with all creative projects and […]

Novel Year with Diane Zinna

Complete your novel and prepare for publication! Novel Year is an intensive, advanced workshop geared toward writers with either a draft of a novel ready for revision or a novel […]

Sonnet Crash Course

What is special about the sonnet? Guided by an award-winning and internationally published author of sonnets, villanelles, and other metrical poems, you’ll first read time-honored sonnets to see how and […]

How Poems Begin

“Let us go then, you and I, where the evening is spread out against the sky like a patient etherized upon a table…” Poets and poems are often remembered for […]

Write Like the News

Become concise as news, precise as law. Lead with the future — not background — for lead-ership, especially in a crisis. That’s the most important of eight journalism skills that […]

Writing Picture Books II

Learn how to polish your picture book manuscript before submitting to an agent or editor. You’ve drafted your picture book, what’s the next step? Learn to revise and polish your […]

Getting Your Poetry Published

Expand the audience for your poetry! This intensive one-day workshop will offer all poets—whether they have yet to submit their first poem to a literary journal or are ready to […]

Creative Courage and Self-Care for Writers

Learn how to navigate all phases of the creative process without burning out. As writers, it’s vital that we nurture our creativity through self-care so we can work with our […]

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NEW VIDEO COURSE

Learn How to Write a Novel, Join Tom Bromley for a writing master class.

Learn How to Write a Novel

Join Tom Bromley for a writing master class and finish your first draft in 3 months.

28 Best Adult Creative Writing Classes in 2024

Showing 28 courses that match your search.

How to Write a Novel

Reedsy's course, led by Tom Bromley, is a 101-day program aimed at helping writers finish their first novel draft. It includes daily video masterclasses, a structured approach for drafting, and access to a forum and live webinars for interaction and feedback. The course covers various aspects of novel writing, including preparation, character development, plot skills, and writing techniques.

Website: https://reedsy.com/learning

Categories: Adult

Start date:

Open all year round

Prerequisites: No prerequisites

Andrea Beginners Creative Writing Course March 2024

In this practical class, you'll learn techniques to unlock your creativity even when inspiration seems scarce. By the end of the course, you'll be equipped with a toolkit full of writing hints and tips. Additionally, you'll join a supportive global community of Black Women & Women of Colour writers, fostering connections and support.

Website: https://www.rewritelondon.com/product/andrea/

March, 2024

Adult Writers Circle

The Writers Circle

Led by Judith Lindbergh, this virtual 11-week workshop caters to adults 19 years and older. It focuses on various writing forms and genres, offering a supportive environment for developing writing skills. Key aspects like structure, character development, and style are emphasized, along with guidance on the publishing market.

Website: https://writerscircleworkshops.jumbula.com/2023WinterWork...

Your story matters. Unlock your potential with daily video lessons from bestselling ghostwriter Tom Bromley, and finish your first draft in just 3 months. Learn more →

Creating Complex Characters

Dive into character development in this class, where students learn to add real human depth to their characters. By creating detailed backstories and understanding life-altering scenes, students will move beyond standard roles to develop characters whose personal traits make their story roles not only feasible but essential.

Website: https://litreactor.com/classes/creating-complex-character...

The Creative Writing Project

Contemporary Arts Center

The Creative Writing Project is a series of workshops tailored for adult writers at all levels. It provides a platform to delve into creative writing, supported by a community of writers and educators. Each month-long series features guidance and instruction from a diverse group of local and published writers.

Website: https://www.contemporaryartscenter.org/discover/programs/...

Bring Your Book to Life

This 10-week live webinar series is designed to help participants write, publish, and monetize their non-fiction books. It provides guidance on taking a book idea to the first draft in just 10 weeks, offers strategies for efficient writing, and helps in structuring and titling the book to resonate with the target audience. The program also includes a private book writing consultation session with Lisa Tener, personalized feedback on outlines, and advice on finding the right tone and structure for the book.

Website: https://www.lisatener.com/book/

Prerequisites: Before the first weekly class, you should have a book concept, content and structure.

How To Write A Book Online

Writers Write

This course provides a personalized learning experience for aspiring authors, focusing on turning ideas into plots, creating memorable characters, and the art of show-not-tell in writing. It includes eight 45-minute Skype sessions with a writing coach, immediate access to 60 modules, a printable workbook and PDF course, and practical exercises with feedback. The course is designed to be engaging and interactive, ensuring students receive personalized guidance and support in their writing journey.

Website: https://www.writerswrite.co.za/product/how-to-write-a-book/

The Write Your Memoir Course

UK Writers College

Ideal for anyone with a life story to tell, this course guides you through crafting a compelling memoir. With the support of a published writer, you'll learn traditional editing techniques, find your voice, structure your story, and start your manuscript with a 10,000-word target. The course includes seven modules with personalized feedback, fitting around your schedule over a 12-month period​​.

Website: https://www.ukwriterscollege.co.uk/write-your-memoir-cour...

The Classic Storytelling Course

The Novelry

This self-paced, year-long course consists of 55 lessons and includes a 45-minute coaching session. It focuses on developing storytelling skills, creating compelling characters, and constructing engaging storylines. With access to over 40 live classes and workshops a month, it's ideal for writers at all stages, including beginners, and is designed by a Booker Prize-listed author​​.

Website: https://www.thenovelry.com/courses/the-classic-course

The 100-Day Book Program

The Write Practice

This transformative online program guides aspiring authors to complete a book in 100 days. It provides daily writing inspiration, weekly lessons, and regular check-ins with a book coach. Participants are motivated by a $100 incentive for meeting deadlines and finishing their book​​​​​​​​​​​​.

Website: https://thewritepractice.com/writeabook/?sc_ref=4RKhS2SIk...

Enchanting Copywriting

Designed for small business owners and freelancers, this self-paced, practical course focuses on writing persuasive sales pages without the sleaze. It offers a blend of video tutorials, activities, templates, and examples to enhance copywriting skills, emphasizing persuasive techniques, structuring sales pages, and avoiding common mistakes​​.

Website: https://www.enchantingmarketing.com/copywriting-course/

Freelance and Feature Writing

London School of Journalism

This course offers 12 lessons and 30 exercises over 9-15 months, focusing on modern freelance writing. It's flexible, catering to individual interests and expertise, with many students publishing work by course end. Ideal for those seeking to balance writing with another career or as a standalone profession​​​​.

Website: https://www.lsj.org/courses/distance-learning/freelance-a...

How to choose an adult creative writing class

Looking to build your writing skillset, learn more about your genre, or finally finish that book you’ve been working on? You’re in the right place. That’s why we built this directory of the best creative writing courses.

However, creative writing classes aren’t one size fit all. If you’re planning to join an adult creative writing class in particular, you’ll want to make sure that it matches what you’re seeking to learn about the genre.

So make sure to consider the following questions when you’re researching adult writing courses:

• Who is the instructor? How many years of experience do they have in writing books?
• Is there something in particular you’d like to learn in a writing class for adults? Does this course include it?
• How long is the course, and where is it taught?
• How much does the adult writing course cost? Does it fit into your budget?

More creative writing resources

Whether you’re a new or established author, there are always evergreen resources out there to how to get a headstart on writing books. 

Free online materials

• Creative Writing Prompts (resource)
• Book Title Generator (resource)
• Character Name Generator (resource)
• Plot Generator (resource)
• How to Write a Novel (blog post)
• How to Edit a Book (blog post)

Recommended books

• For writers in the UK:  Writers' & Artists' Yearbook  
• For writers in the US:  Writer’s Market 2020

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Reedsy is more than just a blog. Become a member today to discover how we can help you publish a beautiful book.

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Creative Writing

• Jan 30 - Mar 12, 2024
• Available Dates Jan 30 - Mar 12, 2024 TBA

Description

Actions Panel

Absolute beginner creative writing workshop.

A creative writing workshop designed especially for beginners and people who want to develop a writing practice.

Date and time

Orchard Square

Refund Policy

About this event.

A creative writing workshop designed especially for beginners and people who want to develop a writing practice

Have you always wanted to write creatively but don’t know where to start? Are you intimidated by groups of more experienced writers? 

This is the workshop for you. We will do several beginner friendly writing exercises and I will give you exercises and tips to take home to build a writing practice. There will be the opportunity to share your writing but it is not obligatory. 

This will be a friendly, fun, and open space to get words on the page, build confidence in your writing, and develop your own writing practice. This workshop will use different prompts from the previous Absolute Beginner workshops.

About me: Raquel Vogl is an American writer, musician, and teacher. She has taught English and writing for many years in a variety of settings. Raquel loves helping people find their creative voice and facilitating their expression and writing.

Please note: Unfortunately, the Writers Workshop is not accessible for wheelchair users or those who cannot manage stairs. We apologise for any disappointment. Please contact me if you would like to attend but cannot manage stairs.

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