If you’re passionate about storytelling and want to improve your craft, creative writing courses can provide valuable skills, structure, and feedback. From free online resources to prestigious writing programs, here’s a comprehensive list of the best creative writing courses available for writers of all levels.
1. MasterClass Creative Writing Courses
MasterClass offers high-quality, pre-recorded classes taught by some of the world’s most famous authors. These classes cover storytelling, character development, and world-building, blending personal insights with practical lessons.
- Instructors Include:
- Margaret Atwood: Writing speculative fiction and dystopian narratives.
- Neil Gaiman: World-building and storytelling.
- Judy Blume: Writing for young readers.
Why it’s great: Learn directly from successful authors with a combination of lectures and assignments.
Price: $15/month (billed annually).
2. Gotham Writers Workshop (Online & In-Person)
Gotham Writers Workshop is one of the most respected creative writing institutions offering both online and in-person classes. They cover genres like fiction, screenwriting, memoir, poetry, and more.
- Classes Include:
- Fiction Writing
- Novel Writing
- Screenwriting
- Memoir and Personal Essay
Why it’s great: Gotham offers workshops led by experienced instructors with personalized feedback, making it ideal for writers seeking detailed guidance.
Price: Varies (starting at ~$400 for 10-week courses).
3. The Novelry
The Novelry is a writing school tailored specifically to fiction writers who are working on novels. Their classes range from beginner courses to advanced novel writing, and they offer mentorship and support throughout the entire process.
- Courses Include:
- Writing Your First Novel
- Advanced Fiction Writing
- How to Get Published
Why it’s great: The Novelry focuses on helping writers complete their novels, with professional feedback and one-on-one coaching.
Price: Starts at ~$150/month for guided programs.
4. Coursera – Creative Writing Specialization (University of Wesleyan)
Offered by Coursera and Wesleyan University, this specialization covers essential skills in creative writing, including short stories, narrative essays, and memoir writing. The course features peer-reviewed assignments and interactive workshops.
- Modules Include:
- The Craft of Plot
- The Craft of Setting and Description
- The Craft of Style
Why it’s great: It’s flexible and perfect for beginners or intermediate writers. You can audit the course for free or pay for certification.
Price: Free (paid for certification or graded assignments).
5. edX – Fiction Writing by University of Iowa
edX partners with the University of Iowa to provide a free online course in fiction writing, focusing on storytelling techniques, character development, and dialogue.
- Course Focus: Crafting compelling characters and writing engaging scenes.
Why it’s great: Taught by a top-ranked writing program in the U.S., it’s a solid foundation for fiction writers looking to sharpen their skills.
Price: Free (with paid certificates available).
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6. CreativeLive – Writing Classes
CreativeLive offers live and on-demand classes with a focus on creative skills, including writing. Their writing classes cover everything from finding your voice to publishing.
- Popular Courses Include:
- Writing Your Story by Joyce Maynard
- How to Write a Full-Length Memoir
Why it’s great: It’s accessible, affordable, and offers the chance to learn from experienced authors and writing coaches.
Price: $79 per class (often discounted).
7. FutureLearn – Start Writing Fiction
FutureLearn offers a free “Start Writing Fiction” course, delivered by the Open University. This course focuses on key elements of fiction writing such as character creation, writing dialogue, and point of view.
- Course Duration: 8 weeks, self-paced.
Why it’s great: It’s free and highly accessible for beginner writers looking for an introduction to fiction.
Price: Free (paid upgrade for additional features and certification).
8. Reedsy Learning – Free Writing Courses
Reedsy Learning offers completely free, email-based courses that cover a wide range of topics, from creative writing to editing and publishing.
- Courses Include:
- Understanding Point of View
- Writing Strong Characters
- How to Self-Publish
Why it’s great: It’s free, and you receive daily bite-sized lessons directly to your inbox.
Price: Free.
9. Writers.com
Writers.com was the first online writing school and remains a great resource for anyone looking to improve their creative writing skills. Their courses cover fiction, memoir, poetry, and more, with live and interactive feedback from instructors.
- Courses Include:
- Writing Your First Novel
- The Art of Storytelling
Why it’s great: Personalized feedback, small classes, and experienced instructors make it a fantastic option for writers at all levels.
Price: Starting at $395 for 10-week courses.
10. Stanford Online – Adventures in Writing
Stanford Online offers a free “Adventures in Writing” course that introduces students to the fundamentals of writing with a focus on personal narrative and nonfiction.
- What You’ll Learn: Narrative techniques, essay writing, and personal stories.
Why it’s great: Free access to content from a prestigious university makes this a great resource for aspiring writers.
Price: Free.
11. Udemy – Creative Writing Courses
Udemy offers a wide variety of creative writing courses, with something for every writer. Whether you want to write a novel, learn screenwriting, or hone your poetry skills, Udemy has affordable options.
- Popular Courses Include:
- Creative Writing for Beginners
- Writing Fiction: 7 Steps to Writing Your First Novel
Why it’s great: Affordable and wide-ranging, with lifetime access to the materials.
Price: Varies, with many courses between $10-$20 (during sales).
12. The Writer’s Workshop at Cambridge (Online)
Offered through the University of Cambridge, this online creative writing course focuses on fiction writing, providing writers with expert feedback and guidance through workshops and tutorials.
- Course Focus: Developing a novel or short story.
Why it’s great: Prestigious university, professional-level guidance, and in-depth workshops.
Price: ~$300 for short courses.
13. The Writer’s Studio
The Writer’s Studio offers creative writing courses that focus on developing a writer’s voice and crafting personal narratives. It emphasizes the importance of revision and refining your drafts.
- Courses Offered: Novel writing, short stories, and memoir.
Why it’s great: Personal mentorship and comprehensive feedback help writers refine their skills and voice.
Price: Starts at $345 for beginner classes.
14. GrubStreet Creative Writing Classes
GrubStreet is one of the largest creative writing centers in the U.S., offering a variety of online classes that cater to all levels, from beginners to advanced writers.
- Courses Include:
- Fiction Writing
- Memoir and Personal Essay
Why it’s great: Community-focused with a wide range of workshops tailored to different genres and skill levels.
Price: ~$250 for multi-week workshops.
Find the Writing Course for You
Whether you’re a beginner seeking a structured introduction to creative writing or a seasoned writer looking for advanced workshops, there’s a course out there to meet your needs. From world-renowned programs like MasterClass and Gotham Writers Workshop to free resources like Coursera and FutureLearn, these options will guide you through the process of honing your craft, building your narrative voice, and polishing your writing.
Explore these resources to find the course that aligns with your goals, budget, and writing interests—whether it’s fiction, memoir, poetry, or screenwriting!
PS – you may not need a creative writing course or workshop: if you prefer to practice and study on your own, here’s a list of the best books about writing.
