{"id":924,"date":"2019-12-30T09:30:05","date_gmt":"2019-12-30T09:30:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.clippings.me\/blog\/?p=924"},"modified":"2021-05-10T06:25:00","modified_gmt":"2021-05-10T06:25:00","slug":"creative-writing-classes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.clippings.me\/blog\/creative-writing-classes\/","title":{"rendered":"15 Creative Writing Classes To Improve Your Skills in 2021"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>As writers, we could all use a bit of improvement in some areas. Unless you\u2019re a writing guru, chances are that you have a particular weakness that\u2019s hindering you from reaching your full potential \u2013 perhaps you have a tendency of using the same vocabulary, or have developed poor writing habits over time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Regardless of what your challenge is, you can always find creative writing classes beneficial to your writing journey. A majority of these courses are affordable and they don\u2019t take up too much of your time, which makes it easy for you to improve your skills as you continue earning as a writer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019ve been searching to add some industry knowledge or further develop your writing skills, we&#8217;ve put together this guide to  creative classes that are worth considering. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why Take Creative Writing Classes and Workshops?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>No matter how good you are, you can always benefit from a writing workshop or online course. Here are a couple of ways that we&#8217;d justify going back to school.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">It trains\nyou to appreciate constructive criticism<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Often, sharing the\ncontent you\u2019ve created is an unnerving experience, especially in situations\nwhere you anticipate a bit of critique. As a result, a majority of writers\nprefer to play it safe and they\u2019ll only seek feedback from close friends and\nfamily. This way, they\u2019re guaranteed of receiving ample praise and very minimal\ncriticism. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While there\u2019s nothing wrong with asking for feedback from colleagues and allies, it robs you of the chance to challenge yourself and reach full potential. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When you take an\nonline writing course or attend your workshop, you expose your work to the very\nbest. This presents a chance to receive critiques that can help you become a\nbetter writer in the long run. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Sure, getting\nnegative feedback on your content can be a bit rough at first. However think\nabout it this way: once you work on those minor errors, you can become one of\nthe best creative writers there has ever been. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Besides, it also\nprepares you for the future. So when you finally publish your first book,\nyou\u2019ll embrace both the positive and negative criticism you receive. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Interact\nwith other writers who share your passion<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Attending an online\nwriting class or workshop is an excellent way to meet individuals who share in\nyour passion. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some creative writing classes are structured in such a way that the student has to partake in discussion forums. This is a great way to be a part of a writing community. Considering how lonely a writer\u2019s life can be, this is a splendid opportunity to socialize and make new friends. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Try\nsomething different<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Writers are a group\nof people that can identify as creatures of habit. Often, we find peace of mind\nin familiarity, including sticking to the same style or tone of writing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While there\u2019s nothing\nwrong with using the same writing technique, it\u2019s nice to challenge your skills\nand move out of your comfort zone. Writing workshops and online classes present\nthe ultimate opportunity to try something new. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The good thing about\nenrolling for creative writing classes is that you can try a new skill as many\ntimes as you want without the fear of failure or being criticized. With every\nnew thing you learn, you\u2019ll become a better writer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Learn\nfrom industry experts<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>One of the primary\nreasons why writers take creative courses is for guidance. Sure, you can learn\nplenty from reading books and watching YouTube tutorials. If you want to learn\nfrom industry-leading experts, online writing courses are your best bet. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A majority of these courses are compiled by professionals. Even with platforms like Udemy and SkillShare, you may come across several courses that are offered by recognized experts in the writing industry. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Top Creative Writing Classes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1.&nbsp;&nbsp;\nMasterClass<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Originally it was necessary to attend university to be able to learn from experts in a particular field. You also had to pay a ton of money for several years. With creative writing courses like <a href=\"http:\/\/www.masterclass.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">MasterClass<\/a>, you can now learn from the best wherever you are. All you need to do is sign up on the website, pay a small fee, and you\u2019re good to go. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Once you\u2019ve made the payment, you\u2019ll have access to different creative writing courses taught by the best professionals. You\u2019ll learn comedy writing from Steve Martin, screenwriting from <em>The West Wing <\/em>creator Aaron Sorkin, dramatic writing from David Mamet, as well as how to write thrillers from bestselling author James Patterson.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Another aspect that\nmakes MasterClass different entails the high quality of its content, not only\nin production but also the composition of courses. You\u2019ll notice that the\ndeveloper spent a good amount of time working with the instructors to come up\nwith a course outline that benefits the learner. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The MasterClass\ncourses range anywhere between 2 and 5 hours, with each lesson lasting for 6 to\n20 minutes. Also, a majority of courses have about 18 lessons, although a few\nare much longer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You have the option\nof choosing between a single class and an all-access pass. Each single class\nsets you back $90. But with the all-access pass, you\u2019ll be able to watch any\nclass with zero limitations. This option costs $180 per year, or $15 if you\nchoose to pay monthly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Given these\nstatistics, we recommend the all-access pass as it\u2019s more economical than\npaying for each course individually. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2.&nbsp;&nbsp;\nUdemy<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.udemy.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">Udemy<\/a> is another platform that allows you to hone your creative writing skills. One feature that sets Udemy courses apart is the fact that a majority of their courses are incredibly affordable. With most of them, you won\u2019t have to spend more than $20 each.&nbsp; <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Once you sign up on\nyour preferred Udemy course, you\u2019ll receive knowledge via a virtual learning\nexperience. The benefit of using this approach is that any student around the\nglobe can partake in a course they like. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, it is\nimportant to note that this training platform does not offer any college\ncredits. The system is designed in such a way that emphasizes on enrichment as\nopposed to accreditation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>What Udemy lacks in\naccreditation, it makes up for in the massive volume of courses. Frankly, no\nother avenue offers writing courses that cover such a broad territory. Some of\nthe things you\u2019ll learn from Udemy are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.udemy.com\/course\/creative-writing-novel-workshop-success-with-characters\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">how to create compelling characters<\/a><\/li><li><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.udemy.com\/course\/writing-for-beginners\/\" target=\"_blank\">creative writing for beginners<\/a><\/li><li><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.udemy.com\/course\/the-foundations-of-fiction-writing-mastery\/\" target=\"_blank\">the basics of fiction writing<\/a><\/li><li><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.udemy.com\/course\/writenow\/\" target=\"_blank\">a guide for writing a book or novel<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3.&nbsp;&nbsp;\nDIY MFA<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>One aspect that\u2019s\ncrucial to becoming a top-notch creative writer is improving your craft. While\nthere are many ways to accomplish this goal, the best approach is to read\nregularly so as to gain motivation and learn new techniques, as well as practice\nyour writing and receive adequate support from mentors and fellow writers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/diymfa.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">DIY MFA<\/a> is an online writing course that helps you achieve all three objectives in one go. In full, this program is known as the do-it-yourself path that can help you get a master\u2019s degree in fine arts. Regardless of where you are in your writing journey, this online course will help you become the best creative writer you can be. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This path was started by one Gabriela Pereira while she was pursuing her MFA at the New School in New York. As she was undertaking her studies, she discovered three principles that are key to getting a MFA degree. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It is these\nprinciples that she shares with students in the DIY MFA course. The three\nfundamentals are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Writing with focus<\/li><li>Reading with purpose<\/li><li>Building with community<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The course goes for\n$499, which can be paid in three monthly installments of $199. I understand\nthat this is no small fee, but compared to the amount you\u2019d pay for a\ntraditional MFA, it\u2019s much cheaper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Once you make a payment, you\u2019ll get:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>10 modules of resourceful\nmaterials for the course<\/li><li>Detailed video lessons comprising\nof audio recordings and slides<\/li><li>Worksheets for each lesson<\/li><li>Membership to a private course\nwebsite, where you\u2019ll have round-the-clock access to materials pertinent to\nyour course<\/li><li>A private Facebook group, which\nhelps you engage in essential discussions outside of class<\/li><li>Group discussion calls, presenting\nthe opportunity to make inquiries and connect with other writers<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4.&nbsp;&nbsp;\nSkillshare<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Dubbed the \u201cNetflix of learning\u201d, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.skillshare.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">Skillshare<\/a> is another legit platform that helps you improve your creative writing skills. Their business model entails paying a fee (either monthly or yearly), after which you\u2019re given access to your chosen course. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The masterminds\nbehind this learning platform are Michael Karnjanaprakorn and Malcolm Ong, who\nlaunched the site in 2010. Since 2017, Matthew Cooper has held the title of CEO\nfor this organization. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Like MasterClass,\nSkillshare offers different types of creative classes, one of which is creative\nwriting. Some of the most interesting concepts you\u2019ll learn from Skillshare\ncreative writing classes are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.skillshare.com\/classes\/The-Writers-Toolkit-6-Steps-to-a-Successful-Writing-Habit\/1072824603?via=browse-rating-creative-writing\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">How to get started on creative writing<\/a> by Simon Van Booy<\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.skillshare.com\/classes\/Going-Viral-Write-Film-Make-Content-People-Share\/1600155486?via=browse-rating-creative-writing\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">Writing quality content that readers want to share<\/a> by Matt Bellassai<\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.skillshare.com\/classes\/Storytelling-101-Character-Conflict-Context-Craft\/690933742?via=browse-rating-creative-writing\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">The fundamentals of narrative storytelling<\/a> by Daniel Jos\u00e9 Older<\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.skillshare.com\/classes\/Creative-Writing-Crafting-Personal-Essays-with-Impact\/1709959838?via=browse-rating-creative-writing\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">Guide to writing personal essays<\/a> by Roxane Gay<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>In addition to\nproviding an array of courses to pick from, another aspect that sets Skillshare\napart entails the affordable pricing plans. If you\u2019re on a tight budget, you\ncan opt for the free version, which allows you to watch predetermined video\nclasses. However, you won\u2019t get access to each class you want.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Premium package\ncosts $99 if you pay yearly and $15 if you pay on a monthly basis. This one\ngrants you access to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Their entire collection of more\nthan 20,000 classes<\/li><li>Curated online workshops<\/li><li>Benefits on products and services\nwith partnered brands<\/li><li>Ability to download videos on\nmobile apps for offline use<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Lastly, there\u2019s the\nTeam package that goes for $99 yearly per user. This pricing plan is tailored\nfor groups of people who can all get registered under the same account. The\nmaximum number of individuals who can be registered under one account is 19. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5.&nbsp;&nbsp;\nCreativeLive<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019ve ever searched for high-quality courses as a creative artist, you\u2019ve probably come across <a href=\"https:\/\/www.creativelive.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">CreativeLive<\/a>. But in case you haven\u2019t, here\u2019s a detailed review so you know what to expect. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As the name suggests,\nthis is an online-based learning platform focused on creators. Whether you\u2019re a\nwriter, a photographer, or graphic designer, this program is perfect for\nboosting your skills. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On the surface, it\nmight sound like your typical online learning course, but there\u2019s one thing\nthat sets CreativeLive apart: it only works with experts in each field. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Unlike Udemy, not\neveryone is allowed to create and share their course. Instead, CreativeLive\nhires industry-leading professionals in each field. When it comes to writing,\nyou\u2019ll get to learn from the likes of Jeff Goins, Jennie Nash, and Lisa Cron. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In addition to\nlearning from the very best experts, we like that their classes are extremely\nextensive. All the courses provide in-depth details of each topic. These\ncourses are also well-structured, and every student receives organized lesson\nplans, worksheets, and bonus resources. Better yet, these courses can be\ndownloaded on any Android or Apple smartphones for offline viewing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Since CreativeLive\noffers different creative writing classes, the amount of money you pay will\ndepend on the specific course you choose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At the time of writing, courses like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.creativelive.com\/class\/writing-your-story-joyce-maynard\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">Writing Your Story<\/a>, which is offered by Joyce Maynard, goes for $111. This course comprises of 26 lessons, which are shown in high-quality video. Plus, you have the option of streaming or downloading and viewing offline on your PC or mobile. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re looking to hone your narrative writing skills, the course <a href=\"https:\/\/www.creativelive.com\/class\/telling-your-truth-through-writing-a-conversation-with-ayelet-waldman\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">Telling Your Truth Through Writing<\/a> is a better option. This one is completely free and it\u2019s offered by Ayelet Waldman.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">6.&nbsp;&nbsp; Writers&#8217; Village University<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re looking for a creative writing course that will help you improve your fiction writing skills, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.writersvillage.com\/intro\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Writers&#039; Village University (opens in a new tab)\">Writers&#8217; Village University<\/a> is an excellent option. In addition to offering classes, this online platform allows you to interact and become a part of a community of fiction writers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Though it sounds new, Writers&#8217; Village University has been around since 1995. This makes it one of the oldest online training platforms for writers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With a history that\nspans more than 20 years, it\u2019s not surprising that the company has such\nwell-structured courses. Once you visit the website, you\u2019ll come across a\nvariety of writing classes. Whether you want to learn how to write poetry,\nessays, or craft thrillers, there are specific courses that teach you just\nthat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>One thing you\u2019ll notice about Writers&#8217; Village University is that it doesn\u2019t emphasize as much on video tutorials as other online training platforms do. Instead, students receive a series of written coursework and assignments via email. The assignments can be submitted online to the online writing tutor. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Another aspect that\nsets this creative writing class apart is the fact that students receive\nsupport from a community of writers. Plus, the writing course is extremely\naffordable. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The starter package costs $30, and it comes with a 30-day trial. If you like the program and want to learn more, you can subscribe to a 1-year membership that costs $99. But once you become a member, you only need to pay $69 for an annual renewal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">7.&nbsp;&nbsp; Coursera<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Another excellent training platform is <a href=\"https:\/\/www.coursera.org\/learn\/craft-of-character\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">Coursera<\/a>. It was established back in 2012 by two computer science professors from Stanford University. Since then, it\u2019s been improved immensely and now offers dozens of courses including creative writing classes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Important to note is\nthat Coursera doesn\u2019t come up with the learning coursework. Instead, the\ndevelopers work in conjunction with educational institutions, top universities,\nand government agencies to create expertly coordinated courses online.&nbsp; <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Unlike other online\nplatforms, Coursera offers a couple of accredited degree programs. In total,\nthere are more than 2,700 courses and more than 250 specializations. When it\ncomes to writing courses, the platform gives you a certificate of completion if\nyou successfully finish the Creative Writing Specialization test. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Are you looking to improve your creative writing skills? If you are, one of the courses we recommend is <a href=\"https:\/\/www.coursera.org\/learn\/craft-of-character\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">The Craft of Character<\/a> by Amy Bloom. It covers concepts such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Dialogue<\/li><li>Guide to conceive a character<\/li><li>Ways to refine and develop your\ncharacter<\/li><li>Making your characters matter to\nreaders<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Another course you can take is <a href=\"https:\/\/www.coursera.org\/specializations\/creative-writing\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">Creative Writing Specialization<\/a> offered by Wesleyan University. Here, you\u2019ll learn the three core creative writing genres, namely: short story, narrative essay, and memoir. Other creative writing classes that you can enroll for are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.coursera.org\/learn\/craft-of-plot\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">Creative Writing: The Craft of Plot<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.coursera.org\/specializations\/memoir-personal-essay\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Memoir and Person<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.coursera.org\/specializations\/memoir-personal-essay\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"a (opens in a new tab)\">a<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.coursera.org\/specializations\/memoir-personal-essay\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">l Essay<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.coursera.org\/learn\/writing-for-children\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">Writing for Young Readers<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>How much do Coursera\nwriting courses cost? Well, there\u2019s no fixed price for all the courses. Some\nare offered free of charge, but these don\u2019t come with a certificate. For those\nwriting classes that aren\u2019t offered for free, you\u2019ll have to pay either a\nsubscription fee or for each individual class. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A majority of\nspecializations are available on a subscription basis that costs about $39 to\n$79 a month. The good news is, most of these come with a 7-day free trial, and\nthis gives you time to decide if the course you\u2019ve chosen is ideal for you.\nOnce the trial period elapses, you will be billed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">8.&nbsp;&nbsp; Your First 10,000 Readers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Are you an author or blog writer and would love to increase your readership? If so, you\u2019ll find <a href=\"https:\/\/www.yourfirst10kreaders.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">Your First 10,000 Readers<\/a> very resourceful. Remember that regardless of how good a writer you are, without an audience, your content won\u2019t have a significant impact. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Your First 10,000\nReaders is an online training program compiled by the incredibly successful\nauthor and businessman, Nick Stephenson. According to Nick, following the\nbasics outlined in this course should help you earn a decent amount of money\nfrom your content or books.&nbsp; <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So how does this creative writing course work? It consists of 6 modules, which cover everything you need to know about promoting your book and earning mega-profits. Here\u2019s a rundown of the first four modules:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Module 1: in this section, you\nlearn how to make the most online retail platforms to market your book. There\nare 4 video tutorials in this chapter, and each teaches you a different\nconcept. You\u2019ll get to learn how online retailers work, and how to get your\nbook to rank highly. You\u2019ll also be taught how to price your book and tips you\ncan use to get it featured in Deals of the Day.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Module 2: in this chapter, you\nlearn how to drive traffic to your book. Best part is, the strategies employed\nthat the author teaches won\u2019t cost you extra money. Essentially, you learn how\nto use keywords and metadata to drive traffic to your content, and this could\neventually turn to leads. <\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Module 3: this section trains you\nhow to convert traffic to long-term subscribers. <\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Module 4: this chapter teaches you\nhow to interact with your audience. There are several videos in this module,\neach covering an essential topic. <\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>In the first video, you learn some of the reasons why customers decide not to purchase a particular book. The second video gives you tips on how to prepare your readers to buy your book, while the third explains psychological tactics. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To get access to this\nonline course, it\u2019s a good idea to join Nick Stephenson\u2019s email list. The\nreason for this is that the course is opened only a few times per year. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">9.&nbsp;&nbsp; The Open University<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.futurelearn.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">FutureLearn<\/a> is the online learning program offered by UK-based Open University, which is a long-established and reputable educational institution. The fact that this program is run by the Open University is one of the things that makes it stand out. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This university has\nbeen offering formal degrees and other qualifications to distance learners\nsince it was founded in 1971. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Another thing we love\nabout FutureLearn online platform is that it offers accredited courses. These\ncourses are administered in conjunction with top colleges like The University\nof Edinburgh and University College London. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You will also find\ncourses that are offered by global education institutions like the European\nUniversity Institute and Shanghai International Studies University.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For creative writers, one of FutureLearn\u2019s online courses that can be of benefit to you is <a href=\"https:\/\/www.futurelearn.com\/courses\/start-writing-fiction\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">Start Writing Fiction<\/a>. You can enroll for the 10-week program that\u2019s available for free or pay $64 to get unlimited access. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As you might have\nguessed, this course emphasizes on fiction writing. Thus, you\u2019ll learn\neverything you need to know regarding this topic such as editing techniques,\nwriting prompts, and more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>FutureLearn has\npartnered with experts in the field to provide informative and detailed\ntutorials. Once you sign up, you\u2019ll receive pre-recorded interviews featuring\nsuccessful authors like Patricia Duncker, Louis de Berni\u00e8res, Abdulrazak Gurnah,\nand Alex Garland.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Better yet, this\nplatform gives students the opportunity to interact with their fellow writers.\nHere, they can have discussions about a particular topic, trade work, and offer\nconstructive criticism. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">10.&nbsp;&nbsp; Storylogue<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019ve not heard\nabout Robert McKee\u2019s digital training workshops, then you\u2019re in for a real\ntreat. Robert is a renowned author, lecturer, and story consultant. His book,\nand now seminar series dubbed \u201cStory\u201d is one of the most sought-after guides\nfor screenwriting. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Robert published this\nbook in 1997 to supplement the 30-hour screenwriter courses that he\u2019s taught to\nthousands of students all over the world. More than 20 years after he released\nthis book, Robert McKee now offers his screenwriting courses in a digital\nformat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you want to learn from this screenwriting guru, all you have to do now is enroll for the <a href=\"http:\/\/www.storylogue.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">Storylogue<\/a> course. This online platform is aimed at instilling knowledge and providing mentorship to upcoming screenwriters. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Once you sign up and\nbecome a member, you\u2019ll be granted unrestricted access to the whole library of\nlessons, interviews, Q&amp;As, and discussions with Robert McKee that have\noccurred since the inception of this platform in 2010. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There are two payment\noptions to choose. If you decide to pay on a monthly basis, this will set you\nback $19.97 per month. However, if you opt for the annual payment, you\u2019ll only\nhave to pay $197 for the whole year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">11.&nbsp;&nbsp; LitReactor<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>As we mentioned\nearlier, a writer\u2019s life can sometimes feel lonely. Due to this, you might find\nit difficult to stay motivated. Plus, in the absence of feedback, it can be\nchallenging to find ways to improve your skills. This is where online learning\nplatforms like LitReactor come in handy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It was developed by the same team that designed <a href=\"https:\/\/chuckpalahniuk.net\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">Chuck Palahniuk\u2019s website<\/a>, which has actually hosted a couple of writing classes. Thus, <a href=\"https:\/\/litreactor.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">LitReactor<\/a> follows a similar pattern; that is, it blends captivating content and nifty gaming mechanics to persuade writers to not only gain new skills but also new allies. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Once you visit the\nsite, you\u2019ll notice that it\u2019s divided into four key areas:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Online writing classes<\/li><li>Writers workshop<\/li><li>Magazine <\/li><li>Community<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Under online writing\nclasses, the program enlists the help of veteran authors and industry experts\nto host classes that cover a broad range of concepts. All the classes are\noffered online so you\u2019ll be able to participate remotely. You will then receive\ncomprehensive feedback on your writing tasks and have an opportunity to take\npart in discussions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Examples of upcoming\nclasses that you can sign up for are: <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/litreactor.com\/classes\/immersive-fiction-making-it-real-with-kathe-koja\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">Immersive Fiction<\/a> by Kathe Koja<br><a href=\"https:\/\/litreactor.com\/classes\/the-dark-house-the-demon-lover-and-the-secret-writing-gothic-fiction-with-francesca-lia-bloc\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">Writing Gothic Fiction<\/a> by Francesca Lia Block<br><a href=\"https:\/\/litreactor.com\/classes\/short-story-mechanics-with-richard-thomas\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">Short Story Mechanics<\/a> by Richard Thomas<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>One thing that sets LitReactor apart is that students can interact with fellow writers and receive constructive criticism on their work. So under workshop, students submit their original work to be reviewed by their peers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The workshop follows\na give-and-take approach. Simply put, you can upload as much content to be\nreviewed but you also have to assess your peers\u2019 work and provide feedback\nbased on your individual assessment. Don\u2019t be afraid to critique other\nstudents\u2019 writings. This is how you evolve as a writer, and it helps you\nimprove the quality of your own pieces. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">12.&nbsp;&nbsp; Authority Pub Academy<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>One cannot talk about self-publishing without S J. Scott\u2019s name coming into mind. He\u2019d been marketing his books online for a long while, and when the ebook craze was going on back in 2011, he was among the first authors to dive headfirst and try it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Having published more than 70 books has aptly earned him the title \u201cthe king of self-publishing\u201d. Not only that, he\u2019s in charge of the blog \u201cDevelop Good Habits\u201d, and with the help of his writing partner Barrie Davenport, they founded <a href=\"https:\/\/authority.pub\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">Authority Pub Academy<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Taking into account\nthat the two founders are also best-selling authors, Authority Pub Academy\noffers everything you\u2019d expect from an online-based creative writing class.\nIt\u2019s essentially a self-publishing course that trains authors how to write,\npublish, and establish their brand. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The course\nconstitutes 6 information-packed modules, which will take quite a while to get\nthrough. The good thing about these modules is that they don\u2019t have any fluff\ncontent. Every detail that\u2019s been included is crucial to an author looking to\nestablish their brand and book business. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The six modules are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Setting the author mindset and\ncultivating a writing habit<\/li><li>Niche focus and researching a\nperennial bestseller<\/li><li>Guide to outlining, writing the\nfirst draft, and editing<\/li><li>How to pre-publish and set up your\nbook in KDP<\/li><li>Lead magnets, reviews, and\nstrategies to launch your book<\/li><li>How to go about advanced marketing\nand scale up your author library<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The self-publishing\ncourse goes for $597. You also can pay this in two installments of $348.\nThankfully, the course is available to you after payment without a time limit,\nso you can take it anytime you want. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">13.&nbsp;&nbsp; The Crafty Writer\u2019s Creative Writing Course<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Fiona Veitch Smith is a renowned author and scriptwriter, as well as the brains behind <a href=\"http:\/\/creative-writing-course.thecraftywriter.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">The Crafty Writer\u2019s<\/a> online course. Fiona\u2019s creative writing class is aimed at helping aspiring and current writers master their art and create content that attracts more readers and buyers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This course takes the\nstudent through the fundamental principles required to become a dedicated\nwriter. Some of the things you\u2019ll learn are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Tips to unveil your personal\nwriting style and tone<\/li><li>The fundamentals of writing a\nshort story<\/li><li>Guide to choosing an effective\npoint of view<\/li><li>How to locate and utilize writers\u2019\ngroups, contests, and communities<\/li><li>The fundamentals of publishing and\nmarketing a book<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The Crafty Writer\u2019s\ncomprises of several assignments and tasks that students are required to\ncomplete. However, they don\u2019t have to participate in any live chats or\nsessions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Unfortunately, the\nprogram is not set up in such a way that students receive individual feedback from\ntheir tutor or peers. You can still ask questions in case you find yourself\ngrappling with any part of this course. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This online course\nemphasizes on helping students find and create their own community of support,\nand to evaluate and revise their own written pieces. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">14.&nbsp;&nbsp; English Composition Class<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>To become an excellent writer, the first thing you need to do is master the basic writing skills. The English Composition Class, which is compiled and offered by Arizona State University, serves as a good introduction to the basic writing principles. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The course is taken\nover the course of eight weeks and instills essential skills in a learner.\nThough basic, these skills are vital as they serve as the building blocks to\nthe student\u2019s writing journey. Through this course, you\u2019ll gain a better\nunderstanding of the English language and learn to write in a way that stands\nout. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The course requires\nyou to successfully complete a couple of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.clippings.me\/blog\/freelance-writing-jobs\/\" class=\"wpil_internal_link\">writing assignments<\/a> and craft a\nreflection piece on every concept you learn. Contrary to The Crafty Writer\u2019s,\nhere you\u2019ll receive detailed assessment and feedback on your work. You also get\nan opportunity to interact with other learners. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A few of the topics\ncovered in this course are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>How to customize your writing to\naddress your audience needs<\/li><li>How to apply critical thinking\nskills when it comes to writing and reading<\/li><li>Which style conventions and methods\nare good for improving your writing<\/li><li>Using technology to your advantage\nso as to write more efficiently<\/li><li>The secret to unlocking your\ncreativity<\/li><li>Tips to develop good writing\nhabits<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Perhaps the best thing about this creative writing course is that it\u2019s available for free. However, if you want to add a \u201cverified certificate\u201d to your credentials, you\u2019re required to pay $49 to get the certification. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">15.&nbsp;&nbsp; Self-Publishing School<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019d like to learn how to publish your books on retail sites such as Amazon, the <a href=\"https:\/\/self-publishingschool.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">Self-Publishing School<\/a> is the perfect course for you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The course is taught\nby US indie author and entrepreneur Chandler Bolt. It\u2019s primarily designed to\nteach you how to write a book accurately, and how to publish it and start\nearning a good income from it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Sadly, this course is\nnot available throughout the year. So the only way to know when it\u2019s being\noffered is by joining the instructor&#8217;s email list. It\u2019s also pricier than\nothers, going for $697. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Our Creative Writing Class Picks:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Best free:&nbsp;<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.edx.org\/course\/english-composition-2\" target=\"_blank\">English Composition Class<\/a><br>Best on a budget: <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.futurelearn.com\/\" target=\"_blank\">The Open University<\/a><br>Best overall: <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"http:\/\/www.masterclass.com\/\" target=\"_blank\">MasterClass<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In summary, creative writing classes present the perfect opportunity to expand your writing skillset without having to go back to school. These courses can be taken from the comfort of your home and during your own convenient time. The best part is, they help you learn an array of things ranging from how to grow your readership to getting your book published. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Photo by&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/@andrewtneel?utm_source=unsplash&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_content=creditCopyText\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">Andrew Neel<\/a>&nbsp;on&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/s\/photos\/creative-writing?utm_source=unsplash&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_content=creditCopyText\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">Unsplash<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Creative writing classes are a boost for your career, whether you&#8217;re a beginner or you&#8217;ve got several years of experience under your belt. Here, our guide to the best.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":16,"featured_media":925,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"default","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[27],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-924","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-writing-courses"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.clippings.me\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/924"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.clippings.me\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.clippings.me\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.clippings.me\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/16"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.clippings.me\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=924"}],"version-history":[{"count":26,"href":"https:\/\/www.clippings.me\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/924\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1461,"href":"https:\/\/www.clippings.me\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/924\/revisions\/1461"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.clippings.me\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/925"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.clippings.me\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=924"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.clippings.me\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=924"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.clippings.me\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=924"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}