So, you want to be a writer but are not sure where to get started, or, perhaps you already write but want to improve your skills. Regardless of where you happen to be on your journey to becoming a published writer, honing your skills is always beneficial. Instead of signing up for an in-person class, consider taking some creative writing classes online. You will be able to do them from the comfort of your own home, and during times that fit best with your schedule. We have put together a list of some of the top creative writing resources to help you get started.
The ed2go Beginning Writer’s Workshop
For those just starting out in the world of writing, learning the fundamentals of creative writing is critical. This course is one of the best on our list for beginners and aspiring writers alike. It covers the foundation of creative writing methods and techniques at a budget-friendly price. In addition to having access to a rich curriculum, students are able to get actual feedback on their progress from other students in the class and also from the class instructor. There are 12 sessions in the course which is taught over a period of eight weeks.
The Art of Storytelling by Neil Gaiman
This is one of our top picks for the best creative writing class overall. This online course features a comprehensive lesson plan that writers from all walks of life can follow. The videos are engaging and short enough to watch in between other projects. One of the best things about the class is that an award-winning author presents the video lectures in a way that is easy to digest. Granted, you won’t get feedback on your progress, but if you are an effective listener you can learn a diverse range of creative writing techniques that will help you succeed as an author.
Wesleyan University’s Coursera’s Creative Writing
If you are interested in taking a class on creative writing but are not quite sure if you want to invest, then this class is a good place to start. You can view the course at no cost, and the pace of study is set by the student. Of course, being that it is a free class there is no interaction with the instructor which also means there is no feedback on your progress. You can learn the basics of creative writing and even learn some good tips on how to craft a plot, create a memorable character, and how to develop a story style among other things.
UCLA Introduction to Creative Writing
Writing critique classes for creative writing online is not as common as other types of creative writing classes. The great thing about this course is that class sizes are small, and it is taught by an actual university. In addition to small class sizes, detailed feedback is provided for each student during the weekly workshops. Guest lecturers are common which gives you a chance to learn new tips and tricks from a variety of sources. Although the cost is a bit higher than normal, your access to experts and close interaction with teachers is worth the expense.
Reedsy Writing Community & Resources
Reedsy has a robust community of writers and instructors that can help take your creative writing to the next level. From easy to access guides to one-on-one support, the help you need to develop your skills is readily available. The best thing about it is that there is no hidden cost and you can get help with your creative writing any time you like.