Creative Writing Courses for Beginners, Novelists, Poets, and More

Explore the vast array of top-rated creative writing courses on different genres and topics, available online and open to the public (no application). 

By Julie Tyler Ruiz

CONTENTS:

• What is a creative writing course?
• 18 creative writing courses 
• How to choose the right course for you
• FAQ 

What is a creative writing course?

A creative writing course is an educational program that helps creative writers master their craft and complete writing projects. As a creative writer, you'll find many valuable courses that cover all facets of writing, from getting started and learning specific techniques, to getting published and promoting your work. 

However, not all courses for writers are creative writing courses.

In a true creative writing course, you'll find a heavy emphasis on craft, the specific techniques involved in creative writing, such as developing fictional characters, structuring a plot, or refining your style. Most creative writing courses will teach craft through a series of how-tos, step-by-step tutorials, writing exercises, and even creative writing prompts.

Beyond these basic features of any creative writing course, you'll see some variety in how the courses are designed and delivered. Let's explore: 

ONLINE, SELF-STUDY FORMAT:

• Complete at your own pace from anywhere with internet connection. 
• Watch video lessons, complete exercises, and read published work in your genre. 
• Some self-study courses provide access to instructors via email, so that you can ask questions or request feedback on your work. 

LIVE DELIVERY: 

• Offered in-person or through a video conferencing app. 
• May be called "workshops," "seminars," "classes," "bootcamps," or "webinars." 
• You'll practice different techniques while connecting with classmates and instructors face to face.

HYBRID DELIVERY: 

• Include both self-study material and interactive elements, such as live calls or a discussion forum. 

Creative writing courses all promise different outcomes. For courses that are included in a creative writing degree program, the outcomes would include credit toward your BFA or MFA, a grade or evaluation, a new skill set, and the written pieces you complete. For courses you take outside of a degree program, outcomes might include a certificate or other credential, new skills, and a finished writing project.  

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18 creative writing courses online

I curated this list based on several key factors: top ratings, good reviews, craft-focused curriculum, and open access: no applications or prerequisites required. I categorized the courses in this list by genre, making it easier to find the right course for you.   

Creative writing courses for beginners 

Creative Writing for Beginners - Writing Creative Prose

• Provides new writers with tools and basic rules they can use to improve their writing quickly.
• Curriculum highlights: adding variety, avoiding cliches and overused words, and the difference between active and passive voice. 
• Available on Udemy.com.

COMPLETE Creative Writing - All Genres - The FULL COURSE!

• Covers fiction, poetry, drama, and nonfiction and techniques for expressing yourself across genres. 
• Curriculum highlights: developing characters, learning poetic concepts, developing dialogue, using sensory language, and building a portfolio.
• Available on Udemy.com.

Margaret Atwood Teaches Creative Writing

• Offers an exploration of craft from an established author.
• Curriculum highlights: structuring a story, choosing a point-of-view, developing characters through detail, handling the business of being a writer. 
• Available on Masterclass.com. 

Writing a Book: Creative Writing Skills for Beginners

• Covers the components of storytelling (plot, character, and pace), how to set up a writing practice, editing, and publishing.
• Curriculum highlights: discovering your personal writing style, advanced writing techniques (world-building, side stories, show don't tell, etc.), and grammar and punctuation mastery. 
• Available on Udemy.com.

Creative Writing Specialization

• Covers plot, character, setting, style, and completing a story project. 
• Curriculum highlights: outlining and structuring a plot, bringing characters to life, describing physical worlds in detail, and using inventive language. 
• Available on Coursera.org.

Poetry writing courses 

Sharpened Visions: a Poetry Workshop

• Covers poetic forms and how to revise poetry. 
• Curriculum highlights: how to use abstraction, image, and metaphor, as well as rhyme and rhythm. 
• Available on Coursera.org.

Poetry for Beginners: Write Poems that Have an Impact

• Covers poetic forms and techniques that help you find your voice and write transformative poetry. 
• Curriculum highlights: finding purpose in each poem, entering the flow state, and sharing your work. 
• Available on Skillshare.com

Writing Extraordinary Poems: Create Poetry That Sets You Apart

• Covers poetry writing techniques for distinguishing your work. 
• Curriculum highlights: unique ways to get inspired, setting yourself apart, and tackling writer's block. 
• Available on Skillshare.com. 

Novel writing courses

Novel Writing 101: Turn Captivating Ideas into Captivating Stories

• Covers novel writing techniques (character, plot, and structure), dialogue, editing and revision. 
• Curriculum highlights: developing complex antagonists, handling plot and subplot, using sensory details. 
• Available on Udemy.com. 

Novel Writing for Beginners: How to Write Your First Draft

• Covers the steps for drafting a novel, while helping you build confidence and skills. 
• Curriculum highlights: defining your genre, finding the story within you, and writing a page-turner.  
• Available on Skillshare.com.

Write a Bestselling Novel in 15 Steps (Writing Mastery)

• Covers planning and outlining your novel, the components that make up a novel, how to revise, and how to analyze other stories to understand them better. 
• Curriculum highlights: taking the 3-act structure to the next level and the different plot points that carry a story forward. 
• Available on Udemy.com. 

Courses for learning specific writing techniques 

Mastering Character Arcs

Punch Them in the Gut: Writing Fiction with Emotional Impact

Science Fiction & Fantasy: Creating Unique and Powerful Worlds

Writing Suspense: How to Write Stories that Thrill in Any Genre

Japanese Haiku by a Japanese Instructor

How to Fight Depression with Poetry Writing

How to Write Honestly About Friends and Family in Memoir

How to choose the right course for you

With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to choose a course. To eliminate the analysis paralysis, start with my free course, "Kickstart Your Page-turner in 21 Days!" In this course, you'll build specific skills, all while keeping the process simple and achievable. No complicated steps, just 15 minutes a day of actionable lessons, right in your inbox. It's a great way to develop your craft and make real progress on your story. Sign up today to get the first lesson right in your inbox! 

Here are some additional factors to consider when making your decision:

Explore your long-term writing goals. 

Think about what you want to achieve in your writing life and how a course can take you there. If you want to become a bestselling author and pursue a career as a professional writer, you might consider taking several courses in succession, spaced out according to your schedule and budget

Read course descriptions thoroughly. 

The course description is a valuable resource for understanding the focus, structure, and what to expect from the class. Make sure any course you're thinking of registering for aligns with your goals and writing needs.

Get clearer on what you're looking for. 

Beyond the course basics like skill level, topic, and delivery format, consider the type of learning experience you want

• Do you prefer in-depth video tutorials, interactive exercises, or downloadable worksheets?
• Do you prefer visual aids and assignments or an instructor-led experience with direct guidance.
• Do you want something comprehensive that you can complete over a longer timeframe or a shorter course that can be completed quickly?

Consider multiple factors before choosing.

There’s more to choosing a course than just content. Be sure to evaluate:

• Your budget and course fees: How much are you willing to invest in your writing development? Look at both cost and value.

• Curriculum: Does the course cover the topics and skills you're looking to develop?

• Outcomes: What will you have accomplished by the end of the course? Look for specific deliverables or skills you’ll gain.

• Instructor's expertise and personality: A knowledgeable, engaging instructor can make a big difference. Check out their credentials, teaching style, and personality to see if they resonate with you.

Read student reviews and ratings.

Reviews from other students can provide valuable insights. Look for comments that resonate with your expectations and concerns, especially about the course’s content, the instructor’s effectiveness, and what prior students were able to accomplish through the course.

Evaluate the course's reputation and prestige.

Established courses from reputable schools or well-known instructors are often a safe choice, especially if they've been successful over time. However, don't overlook newer courses, which can offer fresh perspectives and the latest techniques in the writing world.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

As a book coach and writing course creator, I highly encourage anyone interested in creative writing to take a course. It can be a valuable endeavor, especially if you carefully select a course that aligns with your goals. Here’s why:

A creative writing course allows you to explore your potential, gain valuable skills, and apply them to both writing projects and other creative pursuits. It also helps you build confidence by showing you can complete what you set out to do.

For beginners, a course provides insight into the work involved in honing your craft. You'll learn what it takes to bring your ideas to life on paper and decide whether this path is right for you—or if another creative outlet, like photography or acting, might be a better fit.

For more experienced writers, a course can sharpen your focus and provide techniques to enhance your craft.

As we've explored, every course in creative writing offers something different. What might be a great investment for others might not be for you. Always consider the experience the course offers, the outcomes you're seeking, and how these align with the cost and the time investment. This will help you determine if a creative writing course is truly worth it for you.

What do you learn in a creative writing course?

The topics and course breakdowns vary from one creative writing course to another. Most creative writing projects focus on the how of writing: the specific techniques a writer uses to compose skillful work in their genre. You'll also find courses that cover how to analyze published works, how to get published, and how to create your personal brand. 

As we've explored in this article, it's important to identify your goals and look for courses that will help you achieve them. Always read course descriptions carefully, paying particular attention to the course breakdown and outcomes, to get a feel for what to expect. 

Why should I take a creative writing course? 

Taking a creative writing course offers several benefits, especially if you choose one that aligns with your goals. A great course helps you develop and refine your writing skills through structured learning, as well as introduces you to new techniques. Some courses may offer you access to instructors and peers who can offer valuable feedback on your work. Whether you’re working on a novel, short stories, or poetry, courses can offer guidance on plot development, character creation, and style. They also provide a disciplined environment to help you finish writing projects, gain confidence, develop your authentic voice, and explore your creative potential. Ultimately, a course can be a catalyst for reaching your writing goals and improving your craft.

Can taking a creative writing course help me get published?

Yes, taking a creative writing course can help you get published. While most courses do not guarantee that your work will be published, you can take courses to improve your writing skills, prepare your pieces for submitting to publishers or magazines, expand your network, and learn more about the publishing process. If publishing is your goal, consider looking for courses that include a publishing segment in the course breakdown, as well as opportunities to connect with publishing industry leaders. 

Stay inspired, keep writing.

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