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Creative Writing

Find out what's happening in Creative Writing Meetup groups around the world and start meeting up with the ones near you.

• Novel Writing
• Writing Workshops
• Critique Group
• Short Stories

Creative Writing groups near you

San jose writers.

454 Writers

World Forge Writers: Sci-Fi/Fantasy Writers' Support

238 Members

Largest Creative Writing groups

Screenwriting workshop with award winning screenwriter.

14,935 Screenwriters | New York, USA

Business Skills for Creative Souls

7,070 Artists | Montréal, Canada

Happy Mates Pune

7,022 Members | Pune, India

Storytellers of New York

6,990 Storytellers | New York, USA

Creative Every Day Toronto

6,903 Creatures | Toronto, Canada

Pune Book Lovers and Philosophers

6,804 Book lovers and Philosophers | Pune, India

Central Phoenix Writing Workshop

6,456 Writers | Phoenix, USA

Literas Kitap Kulübü

6,448 Harf | Istanbul, Turkey

Write Together

6,394 Writers | London, United Kingdom

Create Together - Write Together, Art Together and more!

6,359 Creatives | Sydney, Australia

Newest Creative Writing groups

Female coaches and entrepreneurs: write and publish a book.

Started Mar 4 in Brooklyn, USA

Boulder Writers Meetup Group

Started Mar 4 in Boulder, USA

Touched with Fire for Writers based on Kay Redfield Jamison

Started Mar 3 in Portland, USA

Writers Who Read - Katy

Started Mar 2 in Katy, USA

Writing Retreats - FNQ

Started Mar 1 in Cairns, Australia

Easton Creative Writers

Started Mar 1 in Easton, USA

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Kansas Resources for Writers

Here you’ll find a collection of resources for writers in Kansas, from conferences to local critique groups to literary magazines. If you’re looking for writing groups near you, writing workshops near you, creative writing classes near you, or simply a place to hang out with writers or submit your work, these are some Kansas writing organizations you might want to check out:

WriteByNight

For more than a decade, WriteByNight has helped writers in Kansas and beyond achieve their literary goals. And we want you to be next! Claim your free consultation  to learn about WBN’s customizable  one-on-one writers’ services , including:

Book Coaching :  If you’re writing a book and want some help along the way.

Manuscript Critique : If you’ve written a book and want a beta read, critique, or writing workshop.

Editing/Proofreading : If you’ve written a book and want someone to polish it for you.

Publication Assistance : If you’ve written a book and want help finding an agent or publisher.

Not ready to chat? That’s cool. Until you are, why not  sign up for our weekly message  full of education and inspiration for writers and aspiring writers. You’ll also receive a free diagnostic tool,  “Common problems and SOLUTIONS for the struggling writer.”

Brave Voice

Through Brave Voice, Kansas Poet Laureate Caryn Mirriam-Goldberg and rhythm and blues singer-songwriter Kelley Hunt offer collaborative singing and writing workshops, retreats, consultations and performances.

Flint Hills Review

Flint Hills Review is an annual publication with a national circulation. They publish work with a particular interest in region, including regions of place, regions of ethnicity, regions of gender, and regions of memory.

Gunn Center for the Study of Science Fiction

At the University of Kansas, a medium for data about science fiction, informed commentary, and news about science fiction in general.

Kansas Authors Club

Since 1904, the Club has offered writers the opportunity to share experiences and problems unique to their profession, not only to novices but also to authors of national reputation.

Kansas Poets

A resource for writers, readers and students of Kansas poetry.

Kansas Press Association

The newspapers of Kansas unite in the Kansas Press Association to preserve and expand a free flow of information to the public.

Kansas Writers Association

Informs, supports, encourages and promotes writers in Kansas and beyond.

KS Writers, Inc.

KS Writers, Inc. offers a home to writers wherever they are in their writing life. At meetings, they offer support and educational information about the writing craft and publishing, whether mainstream or online.

Mid-America Romance Authors

A Kansas City-area chapter of the Romance Writers of America, MARA meets the fourth Saturday of every month at the Prairie Village Police Department, and also hosts writers remotely via Zoom.

Help us add to this list, Kansasians! Do you know of writing groups near you, writing workshops near you, creative writing classes near you, or a Kansas literary journal we should be aware of? Let us know here

This was one of the most thorough critiques I've received, and it was enormously helpful. Kaci Neves Austin, Texas

Client Credits

WBN has helped writers publish with:

Simon & Schuster Little, Brown & Co. St. Martin’s Press Amazon Slate Threepenny Review Huffington Post

WriteByNight, LLC 235 West End Avenue, 6H New York, New York 10023

646.374.8174 [email protected]

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Creative Writing Courses

ENGL 285 - Introduction to Creative Writing An introductory course; the techniques and practice of imaginative writing in its varied forms, primarily literary poetry and fiction. Prerequisites: ENGL 101, 102.

ENGL 301 - Fiction Writing Primary emphasis on student writing of literary fiction. Students study form and technique by reading published works and apply those studies to the fiction they write. Course may be repeated once for a total of 6 hours credit. Prerequisite: ENGL 285 with a B or better

ENGL 303 - Poetry Writing Primary emphasis on student writing of literary poetry. Students study form and technique by reading published works and apply those studies to the poetry they write. Course may be repeated once for a total of 6 hours credit. Prerequisite: ENGL 285 with a grade of B or better.

ENGL 305 - Creative Nonfiction Writing Primary emphasis is on student writing of imaginative nonfiction. Students study form and technique by reading published classical and contemporary works and applying those studies to the essay, the travel essay, the essay of place and nature writing. Course may be repeated once for a total of 6 hours credit. Course limit: 15. Prerequisite: ENGL 285 with a grade of B or better.

ENGL 401 - Fiction Workshop Advanced course. Manuscripts are critiqued to develop skill in writing, rewriting, and polishing literary fiction. Repeatable for credit. Prerequisite: ENGL 301.

ENGL 403 - Poetry Workshop Advanced course. Manuscripts are critiqued to develop skill in writing, rewriting and polishing literary poetry. Repeatable for credit. Prerequisite: ENGL 303.

ENGL 505 - Advanced Creative Nonfiction

Emphasizes advanced accomplishment in writing imaginative nonfiction. Students study the form and technique of master practitioners of the genre, and articulate and debate the qualities leading to successfully executing an imaginative essay while developing such essays themselves. Both readings and student work explores various subgenres, some of which may include travel essay, the essay of place (immersive essay), nature essay and varieties of narrative nonfiction. Repeatable for credit. Prerequisite(s): for undergraduate students: (1) ENGL 305 , with a B- or better, or (2) at least two upper-division creative writing courses, with a B- or better, and creative writing director’s consent; for graduate students: creative writing director's consent.

ENGL 517-518 - Playwriting I and II General education further study course. Cross-listed as THEA 516 and 517. The writing of scripts for performance. Emphasizes both verbal and visual aspects of playwriting. If possible, the scripts are performed. Not repeatable for credit. Prerequisite: instructor’s consent.

ENGL 545 - Literary Editing and Publishing

Practical experience and theoretical consideration of literary journal publishing through work on Mikrokosmos and Mojo. Students read essays on the state of literary journal publishing now, on journal composition, editing, proofreading, typography and the business of journal publication, and after evaluating various literary journals, develop criteria for publication in Wichita State’s journals. They evaluate submissions for the print and online journals and apply lessons on typography, design, layout, copyediting and proofreading to the production of Mikro and Mojo. Prerequisite(s): for undergraduate students: two upper-division creative writing classes. Pre- or corequisite(s): for graduate students: either (1) have one of ENGL 801 , 803 , 805 with concurrency or (2) meet the undergraduate prerequisite of two upper-division creative writing classes.

ENGL 585 - Writer’s Tutorial: Prose Fiction Tutorial work in creative writing in literary fiction with visiting writer. Repeatable for credit. Prerequisite: consent of creative writing director.

ENGL 586 - Writer’s Tutorial: Poetry Tutorial work in creative writing in literary poetry with visiting writer. Repeatable for credit. Prerequisite: consent of creative writing director.

ENGL 801 - Creative Writing: Fiction

ENGL 803 - Creative Writing: Nonfiction

ENGL 805 - Creative Writing: Fiction

ENGL 880 - Writers’ Tutorial: Fiction

ENGL 881 - Writer’s Tutorial: Poetry

4701 E. Douglas Ave. Wichita, KS 67218  | 316.6821181

Creative Writing Workshop with Sam Weller

Join Sam Weller for a Creative Writing Workshop on Saturday, Nov. 5 from 9:30-11:30. The event is free to the attend for the first 15 participants.He will show writers how to use this technique, which works whether they are writing fiction, nonfiction, memoir, poetry, essay, or any other type of writing. He will have participants doing some writing of their own using this process. The event is ideal for writers aged high school students to adults.

THE EVENT IS NOW FULL. Please call Watermark Books & Cafe at 316.682.1181 to be put on the waiting list. 

The 10 Best Online Creative Writing Classes of 2023

The stereotype of the writer starving in their garret while waiting for inspiration to strike is far from the truth for today’s authors. Writers work in many fields, and the best of them get where they are through education and practice. A good writing course will feature a knowledgeable instructor, along with the opportunity to practice the skills they are teaching. To help you determine the best one for your own needs, we’ve sifted through the top options and reviewed the 10 best online writing courses below.

• Coursera — Creative Writing Specialization by Wesleyan University — Top Pick
• Udemy — Secret Sauce of Great Writing — Most Affordable
• MasterClass — Shonda Rhimes Teaches Writing for Television — Best for Multimedia Writing
• The Novelry — Writing for Children — Best for Children’s Literature
• Writer’s Digest University — Creative Writing 101 — Best for Beginners
• Bookfox — Two Weeks to Your Best Children’s Book — Best Editorial Support
• CreativeLive — Writing Your Story — Best for Memoir Writing
• Grammar Lion — A Grammar Refresher for All Writers & Editors — Best for Grammar Review
• LitReactor — Writing the Weird — Best Online Community
• Gotham Writers Workshop — Fiction Writing Level 1 — Best Supporting Materials

Our Ranking Criteria

The best online writing courses offer you the chance to take your natural writing skills and shape them into a form that will open the doors in your chosen field. Whether you want to pen tv sitcom scripts or write the next great American novel, the best online writing course for you will take you further than you would be able to go on your own, helping you develop professional-level skills that will allow you to obtain the job of your choice. We based our decisions for the best courses on the following criteria.

Basic Ranking Criteria

There’s no one factor that makes a writing course the best. Instead we looked at multiple aspects for each of 74 online classes and factored them all into our final ranking. In our first pass, we looked at basic ranking criteria:

Time to complete. Although it’s important to have the time you need to thoroughly understand what you’re learning, no one wants to spend more time in class than is necessary. Some of our chosen classes are self-paced, others take less than an hour to one year.

Prerequisites required. None of our finalists has any prerequisites, which means that anyone with a basic understanding of the English language can participate and learn. If you do have previous writing experience, all the better — but it’s not necessary.

Flexible schedule. All but two of our choices feature a flexible schedule. Your life is busy, and for most people it is difficult to have to sign into the course at a specific time. Eight of our chosen courses allow you to take the classes and do the work as you are able, at a time that’s convenient for you.

Certificate of completion. A certificate of completion is not standard for writing courses. However, if one is available, it is often a plus to add the certificate to your resume and LinkedIn profile.

Advanced Ranking Criteria

Once we reviewed results for the basic ranking criteria, we looked at more advanced features which are specific to the topics of the courses. Since many of our finalists have different focuses (such as children’s literature or creative writing), we were more concerned that they each covered their topic completely, rather than covering the same things as the other courses.

• The course thoroughly covers the material needed for an understanding of the topic.
• Instructors have solid credentials in the field they are teaching.
• The course includes materials that are appropriate to someone without skills or training in that area.
• The course includes opportunities for students to practice their writing skills.
• Instructors are personable and engaging.
• Alumni of the course are equipped to write at a beginning professional level.
• Graduates of the course have landed good jobs in their field.
• The course does not require software beyond a basic writing program such as Microsoft Word.
• Goals for the course are clear from the beginning.

10 Best Online Writing Courses Courses or Bootcamps

Coursera creative writing specialization by wesleyan university.

Intelligent Award: Top Pick

Coursera’s business model is somewhat different from many online education companies. It partners with established colleges and universities to offer classes at the higher-ed level. You don’t earn college credit for many courses, but can gain valuable certificates by completing specializations. The Creative Writing specialization consists of five courses that focus on three genres: short story, narrative essay, and memoir. Within those genres, you’ll learn about crafting characters and settings, writing descriptions, and developing your style, followed by a capstone class that will result in a completed story, essay or memoir. Throughout the specialization, you’ll have access to peer readers who can critique your work and suggest improvements. The course is taught by faculty at Wesleyan University who are published authors and trained in the creative writing process.

• Price: $49/month
• Time to complete: 3-6 months
• Prerequisites required: None
• Flexible schedule: Yes
• Includes verified certificate of completion: Yes

Who should take this course? This course is best for writers wishing to jumpstart or fire up their creative projects with college-level coursework.

Udemy Secret Sauce of Great Writing

Intelligent Award: Most Affordable

One of the better-known names in the online education industry, Udemy offers both paid and free courses, and, as of April 2021, had more than 40 million students. As you might imagine, an undertaking that vast will have a broad range of quality among its products. One of the company’s many courses on writing, The Secret Sauce of Great Writing stands out. Taught by former Wall Street Journal editor Shani Raja, the class focuses on what Raja believes are the four ingredients of good writing: simplicity, clarity, elegance, and evocativeness. Understanding and using these four ingredients, Raja says, will take your writing from the mundane to the inspiring. And at this price — it’s free! — and with a minimal time commitment (the course runs less than an hour), it is a great way to give your writing a boost and possibly learn some techniques that can enhance your output, whether you’re writing press releases or your autobiography.

• Price: Free
• Time to complete: 41 minutes
• Includes verified certificate of completion: No

Who should take this course? Anyone looking for a short, inspirational course at no cost.

MasterClass Shonda Rhimes Teaches Writing for Television

Intelligent Award: Best for Multimedia Writing

Our top pick from MasterClass is Shonda Rhimes MasterClass on writing for television, although there are a number of excellent options for writers, including courses taught by Neil Gaiman, David Sedaris, and Joyce Carol Oates. Rhimes packs a lot into her 30 lessons, including how to create a compelling character, script structure, and writing authentic dialogue. But she also takes it beyond writing instruction, discussing editing, breaking into the industry, and showrunning, among other TV-centric topics. Your annual membership to MasterClass also gives you access to a pdf workbook and the opportunity to download the classes and watch them offline. Rhimes is one of the biggest names in television today and an engaging speaker who seems to relish letting learners in on all the secrets that got her to where she is today.

• Price: $180 annual membership (access to 100+ classes)
• Time to complete: Self-paced

Who should take this course? Best for those with some script-writing experience, or anyone who wants to try their luck with the notoriously-difficult-to-break-into world of TV writing.

The Novelry Writing for Children

Intelligent Award: Best for Children’s Literature

The Novelry offers several programs for children’s writers, ranging from the Classic Course Box Set, which allows you to work through 45 lessons at your own speed for $365, up to The Book in a Year Plan, which guides you from planning, creating, and writing a children’s novel to publishing within a year (costs $1,999). The latter includes nine one-on-one sessions with a children’s fiction tutor to help you shape your creation — a valuable benefit for budding writers. An interactive platform allows you to ask questions or add comments online. Classes are 15-20 minutes in length, and the company recommends that you allow one hour a day for your writing. The platform keeps track of your progress and offers feedback as you go.

• Price: $365 to $1,999
• Time to complete. Self-paced; one year accessibility
• Prerequisites required . None
• Flexible schedule : Yes

Who should take this course? If you already have a great plan for a novel, the Book in a Year plan is ideal. If you’re still searching for an idea on which you can build a novel, try the Classic Course.

Writer’s Digest University Creative Writing 101

Intelligent Award: Best for Beginners

If you are at the very start of your writing career, you should consider checking out Writer’s Digest University. A venerable name in the writing world, Writer’s Digest has been publishing a magazine for writers since 1920, and it has the professional chops to offer solid, comprehensive courses to both beginners and experienced writers. Creative Writing 101 is geared toward those who have an idea and the urge to write, but are not sure where to begin. The classes lead you in shaping your protagonist and antagonist and fleshing out the plot of the story while addressing common writerly concerns such as determining point of view and how to motivate yourself to write. The 12 sessions are available for $579.99, which is a bit on the steep side for what you receive, but the quality of the courses is generally excellent.

• Price: $579.99
• Time to complete: 12 weeks

Who should take this course? Those who are at the beginning of their writing career without a strong sense of direction. It’s also good for established writers who would like a refresher on topics such as imagery and dialogue.

Bookfox Two Weeks to Your Best Children’s Book

Intelligent Award: Best Editorial Support

Bookfox is the brainchild of John Matthew Fox, a former college professor, editor, and writer, who well understands the ins and outs of the publishing world. His courses, which include Two Weeks to Your Best Children’s Book, are packed with information. They delve far beyond the actual writing process, and include how to generate book ideas, the revision process, and, perhaps most importantly, how to successfully publish your book. He also touches on topics including finding an illustrator and agent as well as what you should know if you decide to self-publish. Fox himself teaches each class. The self-paced children’s book class has 14 lessons, which take anywhere from two weeks up to one year. As a one-man operation, Bookfox doesn’t have the highly-polished look and feel of companies like MasterClass, but Fox’s knowledge base more than makes up for his website’s lack of bells and whistles.

• Price: $149
• Time to complete: Up to one year

Who should take this course? Anyone who wants comprehensive information on the editorial and publishing process.

CreativeLive Writing Your Story

Intelligent Award: Best for Memoir Writing

CreativeLive’s Memoir course, called “Writing Your Story,” is taught by celebrated novelist and memorist Joyce Maynard, who first came to public recognition following her account of her affair with J.D. Salinger, At Home in the World . She’s written several other books of an autobiographical nature along with 11 novels. Her teaching style is engaging and idiosyncratic, and involves numerous stories from her own life. If that piques your curiosity, you’ll find her course engaging and informative, with 26 lessons that range from 5-30 minutes long and discuss how to determine what to write, how to write it, and how to handle criticism and rejection. If you enjoy Maynard’s style of teaching, note that there are several other courses taught by her, including How to Write a Full-Length Memoir and How to Write a Personal Essay.

• Price: $11/month for pass that includes 1500+ classes; $89 if you purchase just this class
• Time to complete: Five hours, 19 minutes spread over 26 lessons

Who should take this course? A great option for anyone who wants to tell their own story.

Grammar Lion A Grammar Refresher for All Writers & Editors

Intelligent Award: Best for Grammar Review

Having a great story to tell is important, but unless you have the basic building blocks of writing, you won’t be able to tell it. This means paying attention to grammar, and it’s what the Grammar Lion Grammar Refresher course offers. Appropriate both for those who need to learn about grammar as well as accomplished writers looking for a review of basic material, the course starts out by identifying the parts of speech, reviews sentence structure, delves into verb forms, and discusses shifts in person, tense, and structure. One whole lesson is given to matters of clarity and logic, and course extras include helpful resources and a favorite books list. The instructor is Ellen Feld, an author, editor, and educator who has taught more than 44,000 students in her online grammar refresher courses. You can connect to Feld via a discussion forum or by private email. She also offers one-on-one editing services for an additional fee.

Who should take this course? Beginners who are learning grammar for the first time and experienced writers who need a refresh in the building blocks of language.

LitReactor Writing the Weird

Intelligent Award: Best Online Community

LitReactor’s courses are hip and decidedly off-center. Take, for example, the course Writing the Weird, taught by J.S. Breukelaar, a finalist for the Ladies of Horror Fiction award and author of Collision . Enrollment is limited to 16 students, who take a deep dive into surreal, fantastic, and otherwise bizarre literature to find and write the human elements that make a story stand out. The four week course is divided into four topics: humanity, structure, setting, and resolution. You’ll explore the work of writers from Kelly Link to Matt Bell, and discover how conventional narrative can be a starting point for delving into innovative and speculative fiction. Each week you’ll be given writing assignments that will be critiqued by Breukelaar and your classmates, and in the fourth and last week, you’ll develop a story from start to finish based on what you’ve learned. Depending on your job title, this class may be the least likely to get you a raise. But it just may be the most fun of all our finalists.

• Price: $350
• Time to complete: 4 weeks

Who should take this course? Anyone with a taste for the off-beat and a willingness to stretch themselves and think outside of the box.

Gotham Writers Workshop Fiction Writing Level 1

Intelligent Award: Best Supporting Materials

Gotham Writers Workshop has made a name for itself in the NYC region with in-person and Zoom classes, but it also offers well-regarded online classes. Level I classes, such as Fiction Writing I, max out with 16 students per class, so you are guaranteed personal attention from the instructor. Level II and III classes (which include the continuation of the Fiction Writing series), have a maximum of 14 students. You can access each class and do the accompanying exercises anytime during the week for the 10 week workshops. The online interface makes it easy to submit work and read critiques from instructors and fellow students. Lessons are text-based rather than video, and there is a wealth of accompanying materials, such as reading lists and podcasts, to help you extend your learning experience.

• Price: Registration fee: $25; Online: $409; Returning students: $379; One-on-one: $1,745
• Time to complete: 10 weeks
• Flexible schedule: Modified flex time, with work needing to be completed within a week

Who should take this course? Anyone who prefers text-based lessons; those who want to interact personally with their instructor and peers.

Online Course Comparison Chart

Tips for succeeding in an online writing course, 1. consider the cost, how much do online writing classes cost.

Online writing courses are offered at a broad range of price points, our cheapest option is free, and the highest is nearly $2K. Generally, the more personal one-on-one time you have with an editor or your instructor, the more you’ll pay. LitReactor, for example, has a vibrant online community and regular feedback from your instructor, and costs $350 for the roughly four-week class.

Many of our choices are paid for in one lump sum when you sign up. A few, however, follow Coursera’s model of charging by the month or year. Also, keep in mind that some of our choices, such as MasterClass, give you access to all courses for the membership fee. So, if you have the time and interest, your $180 annual fee at MasterClass could net you literally dozens of courses in a range of topics.

Will my employer pay for me to take the course?

If you work in the communications industry, or in any industry that values good, clear writing skills, you may be able to have all or part of your writing course fees paid for by your employer, especially if you can show them how the course will benefit them. It’s worth asking your boss or your HR supervisor if they will help out with the cost.

2. Get your tech squared away

You shouldn’t need any special software or hardware to take an online writing course. You will need a good internet connection and a computer that is loaded with the most recent version of your chosen browser and system files. Most courses are formatted to work on both desktop computers and other devices, such as your tablet or smartphone.  One handy app if you use Google Chrome is the company’s Video Speed Controller , which allows you to speed up or slow down HTML5 video, as needed.

3. Use the right study resources

One resource that many writers swear by is a good style guide. There are several of these, and you can generally find out which style guide your company uses with a quick question to the marketing or communications department. Here are the most common:

• Associated Press Stylebook — now in its 55th edition, this is the granddaddy of them all. Used by journalists, it is also the favored choice for much web writing as well as some academia.
• The Chicago Manual of Style — a wealth of information, the 17th edition features chapters on grammar and usage, a glossary of problematic words, and extensive information on citing sources.
• Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association — in its 7th edition, this style guide is used extensively by researchers and those in science and health care.

Frequently Asked Questions About Writing Courses

What jobs can you get after completing a writing course.

Few people are full-time authors. But the vast majority of professions, from legal work to health care, require those who can write clearly and concisely. According to the government’s Occupational Outlook Handbook , a full-time writer earns an average of $67,120 a year — but you can earn significantly more, depending on your job skills and professional area.

Are there free online writing courses?

Yes. In fact, one of our ten best choices is Udemy, which offers a broad range of free courses. In general, however, the old adage about how you get what you pay for holds true — the best, most well-designed courses will usually have a cost attached to them.

How long is the average online writing course?

Online writing courses vary from less than an hour to up to a year. Since most offer a flexible schedule, you can do them when you have time available. Keep in mind that in addition to lectures you’ll be watching or reading, you may also have exercises to complete, which take additional time.

Are online writing courses worth it?

They can be. Like many things in life, you will get as much out of it as you put into it. If you are taking a course for personal enrichment, all our chosen courses should benefit you. If you’re looking for professional advancement, a course with a certificate of completion may be a good idea, so you can show the certificate to your boss when done.

What are the best online writing courses?

There are probably hundreds of online writing courses — we looked at nearly 75 for this review. The best online writing courses are the ones we’ve featured above. The best writing course for your needs will depend on what you are looking to get out of it. If you’re hoping to write a best-selling children’s book, for example, the best writing class might not be Shonda Rhimes’ MasterClass. You’d be better off choosing an option like The Novelry’s program or John Matthew Fox’s Bookfox.

Gotham Writers Workshop

Classes starting now.

• Short Fiction Writing II (Online)

Gotham Writers Workshop is a creative home where writers develop their craft and come together in the spirit of discovery and fellowship. We’ve been teaching creative writing and business writing since 1993.

Gotham is now offering Online and Zoom (videoconference) classes.

Join us for a free Open House via Zoom videoconference on April 1 and 2.

• Scriptwriting
• Comedy, Poetry & Song
• Professional Development

The Art of Craft

We teach the craft of writing in a way that is clear, practical, and inspiring. Explore our wide variety of courses for adults and teens, as well as our One-on-One options. New classes are starting all the time, offered both in person and remotely.

The Gotham Writers Children’s Book Conference

Spring Classes

Spring classes are now available for enrollment , on Zoom, Online, and in NYC!

Two sharp stories each month—fiction and nonfiction. Presented with text, audio, and original art.

Enter the experience.

Scholarships for Writers of Color

Scholarships for Writers of Color are available to all people of color who aspire to improve their writing skills, either in the fields of creative writing or elsewhere.

A Very Short Story Contest

The story goes that Ernest Hemingway won a bet by writing a short story that ran fewer than ten words. We would like to make a similar bet with you. Write a great short story in ten words or fewer.

How to Get Published

Here you will learn how to navigate the ins-and-outs of the publishing business and you’ll write (and refine) the most important selling tool for your book—the query letter. All under the guidance of an established literary agent.

Stella Kupferberg Memorial Short Story Prize

Every year, the Selected Shorts program at Symphony Space hosts the Stella Kupferberg Memorial Short Story Contest. The winner will have his or her work performed and recorded live at Symphony Space in NYC.

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Expert Teachers, Working Writers

A skilled teacher is the key to an exceptional class. Our teachers have been in the trenches, working daily at the craft of writing. They know the lay of the land. And they are equally adept at the fine art of teaching.

A Wealth of Resources

The tools needed to write are quite simple—pen and paper, or electronic device. But it’s useful to have advice and information within easy reach. We’ve put together all kinds of resources to guide your journey as a writer, including Gotham books.

The Gotham Experience

We believe everyone has a story to tell. And we like to help people tell their stories better. We’ve been practicing this philosophy for more than two decades, and it’s made us the leading private writing school in the world.

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Indiana Writers Center

Iwc supports indiana writers of all ages and backgrounds and reaches out to people whose voices are rarely heard. classes and workshops taught by published writers provide writing education that encourages creative expression and enhances the communication skills necessary for success in school, in the workplace, and in life..

Upcoming classes

The vonnegut method, foundations of novel writing, writing for wellness, making poems of our lives, become a member.

IWC members range from beginners to professional, award-winning Indiana authors—and everything in between. We are a lively community that provides a wealth of opportunities to learn about writing and to connect with like-minded writers. Learn More 

Opportunities for Writers – March 2023

Opportunities for Writers – March 2023 Opportunities for writers including writers conferences, workshops, contests, and submissions. Updated 3/1/2022. Submit your opportunity to [email protected] Submit your opportunity

Literary Events Around Indiana – March 2023

Updated 3/1/22 There are many great literary events around Indiana. Looking for something to do?  Below are just a few ideas. Many events are virtual. Please

Opportunities for Writers – February 2023

Opportunities for Writers – February 2023 Opportunities for writers including writers conferences, workshops, contests, and submissions. Updated 2/7/2022. Submit your opportunity to [email protected] Submit your opportunity

IWC GROUPS AND OPPORTUNITIES

Indiana Playwrights Circle

Are you a playwright in search of a community of writers? Join the Indiana Playwrights Circle, sponsored by the Indiana Writers Center, to participate in Scene Nights, Table Reads, and more!

INWords Publications

The Indiana Writers Center is pleased to offer INWords: a publishing initiative featuring original works generated by programs at the Indiana Writers Center. We are currently offering several titles, available for purchase here and in our store.

Flying Island, the Online Literary Journal of the Indiana Writers Center, is looking for the next Kurt Vonnegut. We accept submissions on a rolling basis from Indiana residents and those with significant ties to Indiana.

Critique groups are a great way to get feedback and grow in a small group setting. We currently offer a variety of Special Interest groups. Attendance is free for members and $5/per meeting for non-members.

The Indiana Writers Center is grateful to the following organizations for both operating and program support:

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Creative Writing Classes & Seminars

Looking for a place to express your inner writer? In each of our three yearly sessions (winter/spring, summer, and fall), we offer creative writing classes on weekday evenings, weekday mornings, and the daytime on weekends. Classes range from those geared for novice writers or those with some writing experience who are looking for a structured environment in which to bloom to those geared for intermediate, advanced, or professional writers.

We offer classes for adults as well as pre-teen and teen writers. Genres and topics offered include a variety of creative writing classes in poetry, fiction, flash fiction, memoir and creative nonfiction, screenwriting, playwriting, storytelling, comic books and graphic novels, songwriting, food writing, science fiction, fantasy, children’s book writing, journaling, and multi-genre writing, as well as seminars in writers craft, research, and professional development.

Class size is usually capped at 8 or 9 students—classes with different maximum sizes are indicated in the class listing. We teach short seminars that meet once all the way to longer workshops that meet up to eight times.

Search our classes by genre, level, and time of day below.

In general, classes combine creative exercises designed to inspire, readings selected to support your work, and discussions to stimulate that work within an encouraging and nurturing environment. Most longer classes include a workshop component—based on the undergraduate and graduate-level workshop model, where current work is distributed to all members of the group for helpful criticism and advice. In a workshop, students are expected to both produce work for group critique and take time to provide feedback to other class members.

The Muse's teachers are all working writers and published authors who have taught courses at colleges, universities, and other community organizations.

When you take a class at The Muse Writers Center, you'll find yourself part of a diverse community of writers in Hampton Roads, Virginia. No matter what kind of class you take, you will be a vital part of the class. Attendance and class participation is critical, as you will be helping both yourself and your classmates develop your craft. Please read our registration, cancellation, and behavior policies before you register for a class.

Upcoming Events

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In Person Events & Classes

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Write Anything 

This general creative writing class is an invitation to hone your unique writing voice in a creative and open atmosphere. You will have the unique opportunity to explore what you enjoy, be it fiction, creative nonfiction, and/or poetry. This multi-genre workshop is an excellent first writing class as well as a place for seasoned writers to explore different forms and techniques or work in whichever style of writing seems most appropriate for each inspiration. We’ll move through creative exercises, prompts,…

Tuesdays, March 7 - April 25 @ 7:00 pm EST - 9:30 pm EST

• Sarah Pringle
• Open to Adults

Start Writing, Keep Writing… Write Now

Creative writing is fun! And finding your voice doesn’t have to be hard work. It’s just a matter of letting your words and ideas flow onto the page without tinkering and re-tinkering your way into a creative cul-de-sac. In this class, you’ll write--in the moment--to cues and prompts and then share your work in a safe and positive environment. (You can always opt out.) You can write in whatever form inspires you, from prose (memoir, nonfiction, fiction) to poetry. Class…

Wednesdays, March 8 - April 12 @ 7:00 pm EST - 9:30 pm EST

• Alison Schoew

Creating Believable Dialogue in Fiction

This seminar is designed for writers who want to sharpen their ability to write engaging and realistic dialogue. The class begins with examples of dialogue from various writers such as Alice Munro, Margaret Atwood, Jamaica Kinkaid, Toni Morrison, Kelly Link, and Lorri Moore. After some examination and discussion, students will work on prompts and write a scene including dialogue that reveals character development. Students will have a chance to share and provide feedback for each other’s work.

March 11 @ 10:00 am EST - 12:30 pm EST

• Susan Isaak Lolis
• Intermediate +
• Introductory

Writing the Body: a Workshop for Health/Medical Workers and Caregivers (March)

Doctors, nurses, health, or hospice workers--as well as many other professionals and caregivers--are always called to heightened service in their line of work, especially in the current climate of global pandemic. Because so much of what we are asked to deal with is out of the bounds of human control, the challenge to be authentic is intense. Serving others involves not only great physical labor, but also emotional and intellectual labor. At the end of the day, after we have…

March 11 @ 1:00 pm EST - 3:30 pm EST

• Barbara Morrison
• Luisa A. Igloria

The First Paragraph: Hook Your Reader

We writers think our readers have more patience than they do. When most readers first peruse your book in the bookstore or glance at your story, they don’t read further than the first paragraph or two before deciding if they want to continue reading. And as a publisher, I can tell you that if you give me a great opening paragraph or two, you have hooked me into reading further and giving you a chance to win me over. Obviously,…

Screenwriting 1: The Fundamentals of Script & Story 

This course is designed as both an introduction for students who are new to screenwriting, and as continuity for those who have already started writing a screenplay and wish to further develop their scripts. No matter your level of experience, everyone will benefit from the groups’ members sharing their experiences they encounter. Class activities will include: discussing and developing story ideas, and sharing comments and suggesting solutions; an introduction to the three-act structure and the critical importance of the first…

Mondays, March 13 - April 24 @ 7:00 pm EDT - 9:30 pm EDT

• Matt Friedman

Fiction 1: Learning to Write Fiction (Tuesday Mornings) 

We all have stories to tell, whether we’ve never written anything before, or we’re dusting off the old writing muscles and getting back in the game. This class is a foundational course to get started or begin writing fiction again. We will learn and explore all of the essential fundamentals of the craft of fiction writing. We will discover and begin to understand how to write an active scene, define a character, and move your story from A to B,…

Tuesdays, March 14 - April 18 @ 10:00 am EDT - 12:30 pm EDT

Thought radio at slover library.

Join Muse teacher and local musician Skye Zentz for this free online program at Slover Library! Register online here In a busy world of technological connectivity, we are constantly being bombarded with the suggestions and opinions of other people. All the noise of these outside influences can make it hard to navigate our own personal realities. In ThoughtRadio, we'll explore our emotional selves while taking the time to play with different perspectives outside of our own. We'll discuss and celebrate…

Wednesdays, March 15 - May 17 @ 5:00 pm EDT - 7:00 pm EDT

Fiction 1: learning to write fiction (wednesday evenings) , wednesdays, march 15 - april 19 @ 7:00 pm edt - 9:30 pm edt, writers happy hour.

Join us for our Third Thursday Writers Happy Hour, an in-person, informal get-together where area writers and Muse teachers, students, and friends enjoy conversation, camaraderie, and drinks. This month's Happy Hour will be hosted by Michael Khandelwal and Noah Renn. Feel free to let us know you’re coming on Facebook. We look forward to seeing your faces again!

March 16 @ 5:00 pm EDT - 6:30 pm EDT

Writing multiple genres in a story/novel.

One of the hottest trends in publishing is stories that combine genres, but crafting a narrative that sits comfortably on two (or more) shelves is easier said than done. Every genre has specific expectations attached, and if you as a writer blow them off, readers will punish you for it. This class will define the characteristics of various genres, explore popular blended plots, and identify overlaps and contrasts so you can be sure to hit all the marks and truly…

March 18 @ 10:00 am EDT - 12:30 pm EDT

• Open to Adults & 15+

Healing through Writing

Science corroborates that translating events into language can affect brain and immune functions by increasing germ-fighting lymphocytes and lowering stress levels. Writing has been shown to improve overall heart health, brain health and the actual healing of physical wounds. Expressive writing reduces intrusive and avoidant thoughts about negative events and improves working memory. These improvements, researchers believe, may in turn free up our cognitive resources for other mental activities, including our ability to cope more effectively with stress. Writing has…

Saturdays, March 18 - April 8 @ 10:00 am EDT - 12:30 pm EDT

• Kathleen Volk Miller

Accessibility for Those with Disabilities

The Muse Writers Center strives to be a fully accessible facility. Please  contact us  if you have any questions or concerns or would like to request an accommodation.

Monterey Peninsula College

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Academics » Academic Divisions » Humanities Division » Programs & Centers » Creative Writing Program

Creative Writing Program Courses

Creative Writing courses at MPC may be taken to complete the Associate in Arts degree in Creative Writing or The MPC Creative Writing Certificate Program ; to pursue an interest in exploring, strengthening, and expanding one's own creative writing interests without pursuing a degree or certificate; to augment and complement the critical/historical study of literature in pursuit of a degree in English; or to complement study in other disciplines.

Whatever your reason for enrolling, our creative writing classes will engage you in the study and practice of literary arts from poetry to novels, short stories to memoir to screenwriting -- and more.

Classes may be offered online or on campus. Please consult the Schedule of Classes each semester for details.

CREATIVE WRITING COURSES

Each of the courses described below satisfies a requirement for the Associate in Arts in Creative Writing degree and the MPC Creative Writing Certificate .

Pursuit of the A.A. degree or Certificate is not a requirement for enrolling in a Creative Writing class.

Each of these courses can be taken for a letter grade or on the Pass/No Pass basis. Please specify your preference when completing your registration. (There is a limit to the number of Pass/No Pass classes can be counted toward any MPC degree or certificate; please consult an academic counselor for the details.)

ENGL 31: Introduction to Creative Writing

ENGL 31 introduces the essential tools and techniques of poets and fiction writers, providing examples and exercises to stimulate your creativity and strengthen your writing skills. You will read works by writers in various genres and write your own poetry and prose throughout the semester. ENGL 31 makes use of the Writing Workshop approach, in which writers read and discuss the original work of their classmates in a respectful and supportive environment. Workshops are guided by principles found in " How to Give and Receive Critiques ," an essay by Dawn Copeland. ENGL 31 is offered in the Fall semester annually.

ENGL 32: Creative Writing II

An introductory course in the writing of fiction, poetry and other genres (as time and class size permit), Creative Writing II provides opportunities to expand your writing skills, sharpen your eye and ear for significant detail, strengthen your powers of description, and recognize the best form -- poem? short story? novel? memoir? -- for capturing and communicating the observations, feelings, insights, and mysteries that move you to write. You will read works by writers in various genres and write your own poetry and prose throughout the semester. Offered in the Spring semester.

ENGL 51: Fiction Writing

Study and employ the elements and techniques of fiction writing in this semester-long writing workshop suitable for those with an interest in writing short stories or long-form fiction. Reading and discussing the narrative craft at work in stories and chapters written by writers of imaginative prose both classic and contemporary, you will also complete writing exercises in the creation of characters; dialogue; scene building; narrative point of view; and more, before completing your own original short story or chapter(s) from a longer work-in-progress. Offered in the Spring semester.

ENGL 52: Creative Nonfiction Writing

Creative Nonfiction (also called Narrative Nonfiction) is the most popular literary genre in the United States. Best Seller lists and magazine pages are heavy with Memoir, Personality Profiles, Events Features, and Immersive/Participatory Journalism (which includes, among other forms, Travel Writing, Food Writing, and Nature Writing) -- ample evidence that readers can't get enough. This class will immerse you in the work of renowned Creative Nonfiction writers, and in writing your own original, polished works of narrative nonfiction. Prepare to tell real-world stories -- suitable for publication. Offered in the Fall semester, alternating annually with ENGL 53: Poetry Writing. See the Schedule of Classes to determine which course is offered next.

ENGL 53: Poetry Writing

ENGL 53 offers an intensive and inspiring immersion in poetic techniques, forms, and habits of mind. Course work will sharpen your imagination, deepen your sensory awareness, and enliven your love of language and the effects to be achieved with sound, image, and attention to detail. Recognizing that poetry is, as Poe argued, the first and essential literary art, ENGL 53 is strongly recommended for all who pursue the A.A. in Creative Writing or the MPC Creative Writing Certificate . Offered in the Fall semester, alternating annually with ENGL 52: Creative Nonfiction Writing. See the Schedule of Classes to determine which course is offered next.

ENGL 54: Novel Writing

Suitable for writers who have a novel in progress, an idea for a novel, or simply a desire to give novel writing a try, this course examines what makes a novel a novel, how novels are structured, the function of chapters, and other essential elements -- all within a learn-by-doing, writing workshop environment. It is not expected that you will complete a novel while taking this class -- but you will certainly get one started (or work farther into the novel you have underway). Offered in the Fall semester.

ENGL 55: Novel Writing II

Novel Writing II engages the challenges of structure, consistency, and development that accrue as a book-length work of fiction continues on from its initial pages, while not neglecting the basics that matter from beginning to end. ENGL 54: Novel Writing, is recommended but not required for enrollment, and as in that class it is not expected that you will complete a novel while taking Novel Writing II -- though if you get there, that's fine with us. Offered in the Spring semester.

ENGL 57: Beginning Screenwriting

The focus of the course is on the basic elements, principles, and practices of screenwriting, with an emphasis on visualization, visual writing, the creation of scenes, and story structure. You will write the first act of a feature-length screenplay. This class can be taken as ENGL 57 and applied toward completion of the A.A. in Creative Writing or the MPC Certificate in Creative Writing, or taken as THEA 8A and applied toward the completion of the Theatre Arts program. Offered in the Fall semester.

Please explore related pages on this web site for more information about the Creative Writing Program and direct any questions regarding the program, its courses, and other features to Program Coordinator Henry Marchand : [email protected]

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