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7 Online Creative Writing Courses for Aspiring Authors
- Sam Booth Jacobsen
- Apr 15
- 5 min read
Updated: Jun 9
Do you dream of writing novels, short stories, or captivating essays—but aren’t sure where to begin? Whether you’ve had a story in your heart for years or you’re just starting to explore your creative voice, now is the perfect time to take that first step.
Thanks to a growing number of free (or low cost) online creative writing courses, you can learn the craft of storytelling, develop your voice, and build a consistent writing habit—all from the comfort of your home. These courses offer accessible, expert-led instruction in everything from plot structure and character development to writing prompts and editing.
Even if you're balancing work, studies, or family life, each course on this list is designed to help you learn at your own pace, ignite your imagination, and get your words flowing. Here are 7 free (or free-to-start) online creative writing courses that will inspire, guide, and empower you to become the author you were meant to be. ✍️📚
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1. The Secret Sauce of Great Writing – Udemy
🖋️ Try it here: Enroll on Udemy
Looking to sharpen your writing with clarity and style? The Secret Sauce of Great Writing, taught by bestselling author Shani Raja, teaches you how to write with power, elegance, and precision.
Why It's Great:
✅ Focuses on the four key elements of great writing: simplicity, clarity, elegance, and evocativeness
✅ Suitable for bloggers, fiction writers, and non-fiction authors alike
✅ Short, impactful lessons designed to improve your writing fast
Who It's For:
Ideal for aspiring writers who want to instantly level up their sentence structure and communication.
✨ Start transforming your writing—take the course for free!
2. Creative Writing Specialization – Wesleyan University (Coursera)
📚 Try it here: Start the specialization
This Coursera Specialization is a deep-dive into the art of creative writing, covering three major genres: short story, narrative essay, and memoir. It's taught by professors from Wesleyan University and designed to guide you from first draft to polished piece.
Why It’s Great:
📖 Structured, academic-level learning from a prestigious university
✍️ Includes writing assignments, peer feedback, and practical exercises
🎓 Free to audit (pay only if you want a certificate)
Who It’s For:
Writers who want a comprehensive curriculum with university-level instruction.
🧠 Boost your skills—enroll on Coursera!
3. Get Writing. Keep Writing. – Udemy
🚀 Try it here: Get Writing on Udemy
If you’ve ever struggled to stay consistent with your writing, this course is for you. “Get Writing. Keep Writing.” is a motivational guide packed with tips, tools, and insights to help you develop a lasting writing habit.
Why It’s Great:
🧠 Teaches how to overcome perfectionism, writer’s block, and procrastination
📅 Includes a 30-day writing challenge to keep you motivated
✍️ Helps you set creative goals and stick to them
Who It’s For:
Writers who need a structured push to stay productive and focused.
📓 Stay consistent—join the challenge here!
4. The Art of Storytelling – IESE Business School (Coursera)
🎭 Try it here: Take the course
Storytelling isn’t just for fiction. The Art of Storytelling helps you master the craft of narrative communication, making it perfect for writers, entrepreneurs, and content creators alike. Learn how to connect with an audience through story arcs and emotional depth.
Why It’s Great:
🎙️ Focuses on audience engagement and emotional resonance
💬 Offers techniques for building compelling characters and narratives
🎯 Taught by communication experts with real-world examples
Who It’s For:
Perfect for those who want to apply storytelling to fiction, public speaking, or branding.
💡 Level up your stories—start learning today!
5. Margaret Atwood Teaches Creative Writing – MasterClass
📖 Try it here: Explore the class
While MasterClass isn’t completely free, they often offer free previews and occasional free access periods. And when you get a chance to learn from literary icon Margaret Atwood, you take it. In her class, Atwood shares the secrets behind building compelling worlds, characters, and themes.
Why It’s Great:
🌟 Learn from one of the world’s most influential contemporary authors
🧠 Deep insights into craft, structure, and genre
📽️ Beautifully produced videos that feel like personal mentoring
Who It’s For:
Writers ready for inspiration and wisdom from a literary legend.
📚 Unlock your potential—see Margaret Atwood’s class here!
6. 5-Minute Writing Challenges – Udemy
⌛ Try it here: Join the challenge
Don’t have much time? 5-Minute Writing Challenges is a brilliant course for busy creatives who want to write daily in short, productive bursts. These micro-challenges are designed to spark creativity and fight the blank page.
Why It’s Great:
⏱️ Ideal for daily practice in just 5 minutes
🎲 Random, fun prompts that encourage spontaneous writing
📚 Helps build a consistent writing habit with bite-sized commitment
Who It’s For:
Perfect for new writers, busy professionals, or anyone who wants to write more without pressure.
📝 Create every day—join the 5-minute challenge now!
7. Walter Mosley Teaches Fiction and Storytelling – MasterClass
📚 Try it here: Start the class
Walter Mosley, author of over 50 books, shares his personal approach to writing fiction that’s honest, raw, and unforgettable. From crafting compelling characters to building strong dialogue, this class delivers real tools for real writers.
Why It’s Great:
🧠 Learn from a master of crime fiction and narrative momentum
🧰 Offers concrete techniques for editing, pacing, and voice
🎯 Ideal for anyone who wants to write page-turning fiction
Who It’s For:
Writers who want to develop storytelling skills through expert instruction and real-world application.
📖 Write powerful fiction—explore Mosley’s class here!
How to Choose the Right Course for You
Still not sure where to start? Here’s how to pick the best course for your current goals:
✨ Looking to build discipline and consistency?
📚 Want to learn craft and structure?
🧠 Craving creative inspiration from the greats?
→ Margaret Atwood’s class is a must
📢 Need storytelling for personal branding or business?
→ Check out The Art of Storytelling
Whichever you choose, the key is to start. Show up for yourself, put words on the page, and trust the process.
Final Thoughts: Your Writing Journey Starts Here
Writing is more than a skill—it’s a gateway to self-expression, healing, connection, and impact. You don’t have to be an expert to get started. These accessible online courses give you everything you need to begin your writing journey or elevate your existing practice.
So go ahead. Claim your space at the keyboard. Start the story only you can tell.
🔥 Try it now! Visit The Changing Booth for more creative activities, writing tools, and digital inspiration! 🚀
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