6 Best Online Courses You Need To Master Creative Writing

May 17, 2024

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Improving your creative writing skills can help you achieve both professional and personal goals.

Whether you’re preparing for university studies, crafting résumés and cover letters, writing sales copy, or preserving your own memories, effective communication through writing is essential.

Fortunately, there are many writing courses available to guide you on your writing journey.

A good writing course will not only have a knowledgeable instructor but also provide opportunities to practice the skills being taught.

To help you find the best course for your needs, we’ve reviewed the top options and highlighted the six best creative writing courses below.

Let’s dive in!

What is Creative Writing?

Creative writing is a genre that aims to evoke emotions and feelings in its readers.

It goes beyond traditional forms of literature, focusing on narrative craft, character development, and the use of literary tropes and poetic traditions.

Creative writing is applied in various forms, including screenplays, plays, novels, poems, and other written works.

Is Doing A Creative Writing Course Worth It?

Taking a creative writing course is worth it because it provides a structured environment to learn and improve your writing skills.

You’ll receive valuable feedback from instructors and peers, helping you see your work from different perspectives and make necessary improvements.

The course also encourages regular writing habits, teaches various writing techniques, and exposes you to different genres.

Additionally, it offers networking opportunities with other writers, which can be beneficial for your writing career.

Overall, a creative writing course can enhance your skills, boost your confidence, and help you become a better writer.

Top 6 Creative Writing Courses

Now that we’re done with a few basics, let’s get straight into the top 6 best creative writing courses that you can take to become your best writing self.

1. An Introduction to Creative Writing by Macquarie University

Taking the course “An Introduction to Creative Writing” by Macquarie University is worth it because it provides a comprehensive foundation for aspiring writers.

This course covers essential aspects of creative writing, such as developing characters, crafting compelling plots, and creating engaging settings.

You’ll receive constructive feedback from instructors and peers, helping you refine your work and grow as a writer.

The course encourages regular writing practice, teaches various writing techniques, and introduces you to different genres, enhancing your versatility as a writer.

This course is designed to be flexible, typically running for about six weeks, allowing you to balance it with other commitments.

The cost is usually around $49 for the certificate option, but you can audit the course for free if you prefer not to receive a certificate.

Enrolling in this course offers the advantage of learning from experienced instructors and becoming part of a community of fellow writers, providing support and networking opportunities that can be beneficial for your writing journey.

Overall, “An Introduction to Creative Writing” by Macquarie University is an excellent choice for anyone looking to develop their writing skills and gain confidence in their creative abilities.

2. Shonda Rhimes Teaches Writing for Television

Taking the course “Shonda Rhimes Teaches Writing for Television” is worth it because it provides invaluable insights from one of the most successful television writers and producers.

In this course, Shonda Rhimes shares her expertise on creating compelling characters, crafting engaging storylines, and writing scripts that captivate audiences.

You’ll receive practical advice on developing your unique voice and understanding the intricacies of the television industry, which can help you stand out as a writer.

This course is structured into 30 video lessons, totaling about six hours of content, making it manageable to fit into a busy schedule.

The cost of the course is typically around $180 per year for a MasterClass subscription, which gives you access to this and many other courses on the platform.

Enrolling in Shonda Rhimes’ course offers the advantage of learning directly from a highly acclaimed industry professional and gaining insights that can significantly enhance your writing skills and career prospects.

Overall, “Shonda Rhimes Teaches Writing for Television” is an excellent choice for anyone aspiring to write for television and seeking to learn from one of the best in the field.

3. Creative Writing Specialization by Wesleyan University

Taking the course “Creative Writing Specialization” by Wesleyan University is worth it because it provides a thorough and structured approach to mastering the craft of writing.

This specialization covers key areas such as writing short stories, memoirs, and long-form content, allowing you to develop a well-rounded skill set.

You’ll receive constructive feedback from instructors and peers, helping you refine your work and improve your writing techniques.

This specialization consists of five courses and typically takes about six months to complete if you dedicate a few hours per week.

The cost for this Coursera specialization is approximately $49 per month, but financial aid is available for those who qualify.

Enrolling in this course offers the advantage of learning from experienced instructors at Wesleyan University and becoming part of a community of aspiring writers.

This support network can be incredibly beneficial for your writing journey.

Overall, the “Creative Writing Specialization” by Wesleyan University is an excellent choice for anyone looking to deepen their writing skills and gain confidence in their creative abilities.

4. Creative Writing by Curtin University

Taking the course “Creative Writing” by Curtin University is worth it because it provides a comprehensive introduction to the fundamental elements of creative writing.

This course covers essential topics such as writing techniques, developing a writing process, and understanding different genres, which helps you build a strong foundation in creative writing.

You’ll receive constructive feedback from instructors and peers, allowing you to improve your work and gain new perspectives.

This course is offered online through edX and typically runs for six weeks, requiring 2-3 hours of study per week, making it flexible enough to fit into a busy schedule.

The course is free to audit, but if you want to receive a verified certificate upon completion, there is a fee of around $50.

Enrolling in this course provides the advantage of learning from experienced instructors at Curtin University and joining a global community of writers.

This interaction can be invaluable for motivation and networking.

Overall, “Creative Writing” by Curtin University is an excellent choice for anyone looking to start their writing journey and develop their creative skills.

5. Secret Sauce of Great Writing

Taking the course “Secret Sauce of Great Writing” is worth it because it focuses on the key elements that make writing compelling and effective.

This course, taught by Shani Raja, a former Wall Street Journal editor, covers crucial aspects such as clarity, elegance, simplicity, and evocativeness, helping you to refine your writing style and produce high-quality content.

You’ll learn practical tips and techniques to enhance your writing, making it more engaging and impactful.

The course is available on Udemy and consists of 1.5 hours of on-demand video content, making it easy to complete at your own pace.

The cost is typically around $20, but Udemy often offers discounts, so you might find it for a lower price.

Enrolling in this course provides the advantage of learning from a seasoned professional with extensive experience in the field.

The concise format makes it an efficient way to quickly improve your writing skills.

Overall, “Secret Sauce of Great Writing” is an excellent choice for anyone looking to enhance their writing quality and learn the secrets behind effective communication.

6. Creative Writing, Forms and Structures by Griffith University

Taking the course “Creative Writing: Forms and Structures” by Griffith University is worth it because it provides a deep dive into the various forms and structures of creative writing.

This course explores different genres, narrative techniques, and the underlying frameworks that make stories compelling.

You’ll receive valuable insights and feedback from experienced instructors, helping you to refine your writing and understand the intricacies of crafting engaging narratives.

This course is available online through FutureLearn and typically runs for six weeks, requiring about three hours of study per week.

The course is free to join, but if you want to receive a certificate and have unlimited access to the course materials, there is a fee of around $59.

Enrolling in this course offers the advantage of learning from the faculty of Griffith University, a respected institution, and engaging with a global community of writers.

This interaction can provide diverse perspectives and enhance your learning experience.

Overall, “Creative Writing: Forms and Structures” by Griffith University is an excellent choice for anyone looking to understand the various forms of writing and develop their narrative skills.