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8 Best Creative Writing Classes in Chicago

Showing writing courses curated by Reedsy.

Location

This directory of creative writing courses will help you find the right class for you. Simply filter by genre, price, and location to find the writing class that best fits your needs.

Best of luck! If you run a writing course and would like to get in touch with us about your class, contact us here.


This generative fiction workshop focuses on creating memorable and resonant characters. Starting with accessible basics like physical characteristics, the course delves deeper into complex aspects of character development such as relationships, inner conflicts, and core desires. Discover how to explore these elements in your writing process and what happens when characters' fundamental needs go unmet.

Prerequisites: No prerequisites

Location: Chicago

Categories: Book, Fiction, Short Story

Level: Beginner

Class size: Limited

Price: $65.00

Start date: October, 2023

Website: https://www.storystudiochicago.org/classes/classes/creati...


Novelist Rebecca Makkai offers six online lectures, addressing various aspects of novel writing, including structure, character, and editing. It aims to help writers at different stages, whether they are starting out or stuck in the middle of their manuscript​​.

Prerequisites: No prerequisites

Location: Chicago

Categories: Book, Fiction

Level: Beginner

Course length: 6 (2 hours)

Class size: Limited

Price: $250.00

Start date: November, 2023

Website: https://www.storystudiochicago.org/classes/classes/the-no...


This class, led by Serena Simpson, a prose writer with numerous accolades, focuses on manipulating point of view (POV) to add depth to narratives. Suitable for writers seeking to master POV intricacies.

Prerequisites: No prerequisites

Location: Chicago

Categories: Book

Level: Beginner

Class size: Limited

Price: $65.00

Start date: November, 2023

Website: https://www.storystudiochicago.org/classes/classes/manipu...

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How to Get Published

Chicago Writing Workshop


This two-day online workshop, scheduled for December 8-9, 2023, offers comprehensive instruction on getting published. It includes classes on writing queries and pitches, marketing, and understanding the publishing process. Suitable for writers of all genres, it also provides opportunities for pitching to literary agents and editors.

Prerequisites: No prerequisites

Location: Chicago

Categories: Publishing

Level: Any

Class size: 200

Price: $189.00

Start date: December, 2023

Website: https://chicagowritingworkshop.com/


Scheduled for March 22-24, 2024, at the Warwick Allerton Hotel in Chicago, this event is a dynamic gathering for aspiring writers. It includes a welcome reception, two days of workshops, panels, pitch sessions, master classes, and more. The conference aims to inspire and educate, covering a range of topics for writers of all levels. Registration includes meals and a banquet dinner, with an option for agent/publisher pitch sessions.

Prerequisites: No prerequisites

Location: Chicago

Categories: Fiction, Essay, Poetry, Nonfiction, Short Story, Book

Level: Any

Class size: Unlimited

Price: $385.00

Start date: March, 2024

Website: https://cwa12.wildapricot.org/event-5383207


This comprehensive course, offered in Chicago, IL by various organizations like Zillionventure America Inc and VistaEdutech, is designed for professionals aiming to enhance their business case writing skills. The training focuses on practical support and face-to-face instruction, ensuring participants can effectively articulate business strategies and visions through compelling written cases. The course is suitable for a range of dates and venues, with a price range of $495 - $795, making it accessible to a diverse group of professionals.

Prerequisites: No prerequisites

Location: Chicago

Categories: Business

Level: Beginner

Class size: Unlimited

Price: $899.00

Start date: Open all year round

Website: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/business-case-writing-classr...


In this dynamic 1-day workshop, participants will learn the art of impactful business writing. Guided by professional instructors, students will engage in hands-on activities to master writing informative, persuasive, and effective business communications. The workshop concludes with students equipped to craft clear and audience-targeted letters, proposals, and reports.

Prerequisites: No prerequisites

Location: Chicago

Categories: Business

Level: Beginner

Class size: Unlimited

Price: $350.00

Start date: Open all year round

Website: https://www.nobledesktop.com/classes-near-me/schools/trai...

Business Writing Training

Academy for Professionals


This one-day, face-to-face training session offers a comprehensive overview of business writing. It covers a range of topics from basic writing concepts to creating various business documents. The course is designed for participants of all levels, with no formal prerequisites. Attendees receive a manual with slides, reference materials, and a course completion certificate​​​​​​​​​​.

Prerequisites: No prerequisites

Location: Chicago

Categories: Business

Level: Beginner

Class size: Unlimited

Price: $545.00

Start date: Open all year round

Website: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/business-writing-1-day-train...

So you’re looking for creative writing classes in Chicago

In the early twentieth century, critic H.L. Mencken made a case in The Nation that Chicago was the “literary capital of the United States of America.” Though many things have changed about this towering city since then, this aspect hasn’t: Chicago has inspired authors for decades, and will continue to do so in the future. So what better way to ride that wave than to take a writing class in Chicago?

This directory of the best writing courses in Chicago is meant to help you locate the right one for yourself.  We’ve included filters for price and genre so that you can quickly sort through the writing classes. And before you commit to any one writing class, consider the following questions:

  • Who is the instructor?
  • What is the price of the writing course?
  • How far away is the writing course in Chicago? Is there a remote alternative?
  • How long could the course last?

Got any questions about finding the right writing class in Chicago for you? Feel free to reach out to us at service@reedsy.com. Good luck!

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