The higher truth is “All the secrets, experience and even quality of his mind, even though written down will be useless if it doesn’t convey meaning.” This is where improving your writing skills as a writer comes to play. On a general note, every writer wants to improve his skills and become proficient in writing, but are most times restricted by one major challenge- the cost. Thankfully, some online learning platforms have made it possible to get free online writing classes that can help polish and enhance your writing and authoring skills. This article has curated the best 13 free online writing classes that can help any passionate writer excel in his or her writing career. Note, some of these classes are certification classes which you’ll have to pay to get their certificates.
What is Online Writing?
Any text generated with (and usually meant for viewing on) a computer, smartphone, or similar digital device is considered online writing. Also known as digital writing. Texting, instant messaging, emailing, blogging, tweeting, and making comments on social media sites such as Facebook are all forms of online writing. Read Also: 10 Best Typewriting Class Online for Beginners & Pros
Are Online Writing Classes Worth It?
But how can you ensure that a writing course is “worth it”? What can you do to ensure that a writing course is beneficial to you? Here are some things to think about:
What you will gain from the free online writing class
Knowing your requirements before enrolling in a writing course is the best way to ensure that it is “worth it.” Check the course materials to ensure that the course you’re considering allows you to learn about the topics you’re interested in.
Level of Commitment- Time
Nothing kills the excitement of a new course faster than signing up for it only to discover that you are unable to commit the time. Cramming for tasks at the last minute can also make the course needlessly stressful and taint the whole experience. If you are short on time, consider taking a day or half-day course.
Compare your gain with the cost
Make sure you know what you want to get out of the course, and then determine whether the course meets that requirement at a reasonable price for you.
Does Your Tutor Understand What They’re Talking About?
Bad writing guidance can cause more harm than good, so choose a course with a tutor who specializes in the course area or who can provide insight. Look up the person running the course online to check if they are well-known in their field of writing.
What Are the Reviews Saying?
One excellent technique to determine whether a course is worthwhile is to look at how others felt about the experience. The packaging of a course may be appealing, but the reviews will tell you whether the content is worthwhile. Most courses will include some testimonials to read, and for online interactive courses, there will be reviews to read beneath the course description.
Where Can I get Free Online Writing Classes?
Some of the platforms that provide online free writing courses include:
Coursera: This is one of the online learning platofrms that offers different courses for different levels of learners. Coursera has paid and free courses also.FutureLearn: This platform provides a variety of free and paid courses on a variety of topics, including writing.MasterClass: Provides paid courses on a variety of topics. Courses by Margaret Atwood and Neil Gaiman are included.Skillshare: Provides both free and paid classes on a variety of topics. (They usually give away a certain number of months for free with a yearly subscription.)Udemy: Provides paid courses on a variety of topics (has a regular bargain).
13 Free Online Writing Classes
Here is a list of 13 free online writing classes worth enrolling in this 2022: Read Also: 10 Best Schools for Creative Writing in the World
#1. An Introduction to Screenwriting- University of East Anglia’s School of Arts and Media
This is one of the free creative writing classes that can help you understand the concepts and fundamental principles involved in the screenwriting process. So, if you’re a new scriptwriter or an experienced writer who wishes to raise their scriptwriting to a professional level, this online course is for you. Taking this course will help you develop a common vocabulary for addressing scripts. Moreso, it will serve as the foundation for future courses in dramatic adaptation, crime screenwriting, and other genres and talents. At the completion of this writing class, you will have a solid understanding of the essential concepts required to produce an effective screenplay and will be proficient in the vocabulary used to describe the form. Further, you can be sure of designing a good story pitch, understanding the fundamental principles of the screenwriting process as well as the essentials of the screenplay format.
#2. Start Writing Fiction- Open University
If you have an interest in writing fiction or improving your fiction writing, then this course is for you! Start Writing Fiction at the Open University is one of the best online writing courses any writer who wants to build an exceptional writing skill should opt for. This online free course exposes the rituals of writing. Undergoing this class guides you on how to develop your ideas, reflect on your own writing and editing. You will also have the opportunity to examine the work of other authors and receive criticism on your own work, allowing you to learn to read as a writer and respond to feedback. At the completion of this course, you’ll be able to write fiction and generate stories using characters. From your experience, you can boldly investigate notions of writings, as well as develop your awareness of editing, in developing your vocabulary of style and presentation
#3. Playing with Poetry: Creative Writing and Poetics -University of Newcastle Australia via Futurelearn.com
Want to have fun writing poetry? then enroll in this class today. This is one of the best creative writing classes that help you create different forms of poetry and experiment with different poetic ideas. The course is more of a practical course that gives its learners the opportunity to study basic poetry standards and then decide how to best use those guidelines for a pleasurable creative writing experience. Also, it teaches you how to use lyrics, alienation as well as the basics of poetry. Knowledge of these will help you gain a comprehensive understanding of the techniques and theories used to shape a poem.
#4. Secret Sauce of Great Writing- Udemy
Want to learn how to make your blogs, books, and business writing sparkle? enrolling in this Secret Sauce of Great Writing course can help you out! This is one of the greatest online writing courses because it emphasizes the four essential components of successful writing: simplicity, clarity, elegance, and evocativeness. After you’ve mastered the art of using those ingredients, your writing will most likely begin to stand out from that of others in your field, career, or industry. You will have a good understanding of how good writers create powerful and beautiful prose by the end of the course. As a result, you’ll be able to swiftly detect flaws in your writing and, in theory, learn how to modify and substantially enhance it. To apply for this free computer for doing writing and editing exercises.
#5. Make Your Writing Stand Out in Eight Easy Steps – Udemy.com
Want to beat your competitor with a research-based system? get this course! This is one of Udemy’s free online writing classes that teaches how you can hone your style and craft effective writing. Taking this course will help you utilize effective word order and sentence flow, implement proactive sentence structure and create wonderful and captivating intros, conclusions, and paragraph order. To enroll in this free writing class, all you need is good internet, word processors, old writing drafts, elementary knowledge of American cultural references, and the willingness to learn and grow.
#6. On Writing- Udemy
Are you a new writer without any training or an experienced writer trying to break block? This short free online writing course is for you. This is 20 mins writing course designed to you give you the jump-start you need. This course gives you the motivation or inspiration you need to write either as a new writer or an experienced writer. Basically, enrolling in this course will make you know the ‘why’ behind your writing. It will also give you tips and tricks that can help you write wonderful stories.
#7. Write A Feature Length Screenplay For Film Or Television- Michigan State University via Coursera
Next on our list of free online writing courses is the ‘Write A Feature Length Screenplay For Film Or Television’ course at Michigan Stae University. This course will teach you how to write a whole feature-length screenplay for cinema or television, whether it’s a serious drama, a romantic comedy, or something in between. You’ll discover an organized strategy for producing a polished and pitch-ready script by the end of the course, as well as how to break down the creative process into components. Further, Completing this online course will help you gain confidence in your ideas and abilities. After completing this online course, you will be ready to pitch your first script and go on to the next one.
#8. Creative Writing: The Craft of Style- Wesleyan University via Coursera
Creative Writing: The Craft of Style is one of the free creative writing courses you can get on Coursera. This writing online course helps you build your writing style. During this course, you will learn the art of putting pressure on written languages. You will also learn how to use imagery and metaphor as well as how to choose words in telling stories. Further, you to manage the need to get at concepts and sentiments with the story’s constant requirement for concreteness, realness. And also how to convey thoughts in the shape of physical things in a narrative world, resulting in a style that speaks to the world of the senses as well as the world of the mind.
#9. Writing in English at University- Lund University via Coursera
Need good academic research and writing skill? this class is right for you! This course is one of the best online writing classes that will provide you with the writing skills you need for both your academics and your professional life. This course teaches you the rules of academic writing in English as well as the components and benefits of what is known as process writing. It will also assist you in assembling your own “toolbox” of academic writing skills, as well as provide you with an opportunity to test these tools and reflect on your own development as a writer. During the course, you will use video lectures and reading assignments, as well as quizzes, reflective self-assessment questions, and some peer review activities You can use these tools to interact with other students enrolled in the course.
#10. Creative Writing Sample Lesson- Udemy
Love creative writing? Then get the ‘Creative Writing Sample Lesson’ writing course. This is one of the free creative writing online classes that show a completely new way of looking at Setting, Plot, and Character that involves numerous short, basic actions that can make a tremendous difference in your writing Whether you’re new to writing or simply seeking a different perspective on story creation, take our free sample session and enjoy generating a piece of writing that’s rich, detailed, and will truly come to life in the hands of readers. During the course, you will learn about the importance of character development, write based on details and development, as well as how to breakdown plot into easy-to-handle segments. Note, to enroll in this course, you need good internet and a workable device. Additionally, you need a printer to print out worksheets, or suitable on-screen editing software to edit worksheets digitally and a creative mind.
#11. Effective Writing- Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee via Swayam
Next on our list of free online writing courses in Effective Writing at the Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee. This online writing course aims to acquaint learners with the complexities of effective writing. And also allowing them to know the subtle art of writing, allowing them to write with lucidity, accuracy, as well as the originality to express their thoughts on different occasions with the notions of adequacy and accuracy.
#12. Creative Writing Specialization- Wesleyan University via Coursera
Want to learn how to craft an original story? Aspiring to be a great short story, fiction or creative writer? This writing specialization course is right for you. This course is one of the free creative writing online classes that can make you a great writer. This Creating Writing specialist course focuses on three major writing genres: short story, narrative essay, and memoir. In this course, you will learn the skills that any successful writer employs to build a story with memorable characters. This beginner’s writing workshop also teaches you how to assess and evaluate peer writing constructively.
#1. Writing Ad Copy- LinkedIn
Writing Ad Content is an online course that teaches you how to write ad copy that effectively represents your brand while driving traffic and converting clicks into sales. This course teaches you how to adjust your message and tone based on your target audience and customer characteristics. Further, taking this course will teach you some common dos and don’ts and explains what the future of advertising holds for copywriters and creative strategists.
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