An Online Creative Writing Course:
Finding One That Meets Your Needs

After looking through a variety of offerings for an online creative writing course, I find myself wondering how effective any of these are.

Now I have to admit, I'm a skeptic because I learn quite well on my own with books. On the other hand, I really want to help others who are just starting out or struggling with any aspect of writing great novels.

My best advice? Find out if any of the courses offer a money-back guarantee after you've done one or two sessions. It's what I'd offer. Maybe, one day soon, it's what I will offer.


Finding What You Need

The array of online classes is dizzying. If you write fiction (which I assume you do if you're reading this site), it's easy to weed out the general classes. No need to take a "writing the research paper" course, or "technical writing 101" class.

And while poetry might broaden your horizons and help you think carefully about word choice, it wouldn't be my first pick if I was looking for an online creative writing course, either. I'd want one about writing fiction.

More specifically, I'd want a course - or a series of courses - that delves into each aspect of getting a novel done, from idea to final polish. One that offers instructor feedback on the practice writing the students produce. And I'd want one in plain English.

What's that? "Plain" English?

If you've ever taken a "literary" fiction course (the only kind I've ever had), you'll find them talking in "write-speak". Or more aptly, in "I'm-more-literary-than-you" speak.

Yup. They'll dissect "classic" fiction till you have tears in your eyes. Tears of frustration because they tend to muddy the waters as much as clear them up. I still can't read Shakespeare and understand it. But I can certainly understand it when it's well-acted.

So, for me, I avoid "literature and fiction" courses at all cost. Give me a good old genre fiction novel to study any day, and I'll be happy (and learn loads more).

I have nothing against the classics. I've read many of them and enjoyed them. Picking them apart just doesn't help me get better at writing modern-day fiction.

So, if you're a genre fiction writer, stick to genre fiction classes and you'll probably learn more.


What to Look For

Once you've decided what aspect of how to write a novel you'd like to learn, it's time to find a course to match those needs. But what do you look for? If I wanted to take an online creative writing course, these are the things I would look for:

1. Focused Class Content. In other words, the class is only about one aspect of novel writing, such as creating "live" characters, or developing a complete plot.
2. Interaction with the Instructor. Some of the classes I saw online only had information to download, not all of it very useful. Feedback is important, if you're taking a class, even if it can't be instantaneous.
3. Small Class Size. If the instructor takes on fifty students at once, no one's going to get a good learning experience.
4. Appropriate Class Length. You can probably get a lot out of a class on creating vivid description in just one or two sessions. Creating a full plot is going to take longer. Make sure the class seems long enough to suit the subject matter.
5. Critiques of Your Work. Try to find a class where your work is critiqued at least twice. The first time will give you ideas for improvement. The second (and subsequent ones) should let you know if you're getting the idea, with more suggestions for improvement, if needed.

There may be more things you'll want to know about a class before you take one, but the five items above are some of the most important ones.


What Do You Need?

So, are you interested in an online creative writing course? Do you know what you want out of one?

I'm considering creating an online writing course or two, but before I create one, I need to know what you want and need out of such a class.

So, if you'd help me out here, I'll be glad to help you.

Below is a survey form you can fill out. Be sure you fill out the lines that have a "*" by them. I have to have at least that much information.

And I promise I won't ever share or sell your email address with anyone (or your mailing address).

Okay, here it is. Thanks for helping me find more ways to help you!