Menu

NEW VIDEO COURSE

Learn How to Write a Novel, Join Tom Bromley for a writing master class.

Learn How to Write a Novel

Finish your draft in our 3-month master class. Enroll now for daily lessons, weekly critique, and live events. Your first lesson is free!

Reedsy Community

DIRECTORY

53 Best Essay Creative Writing Classes in 2024

Showing 53 courses that match your search.

Create: Free Draft Generator with Camille Cabrera

GrubStreet

This course provides a platform for new writers or those seeking inspiration to generate new writing projects through engaging prompts. Participants will connect with peers and learn about further writing opportunities.

Website: https://grubstreet.org/seminar/create-free-draft-generato...

Categories: Essay

Start date:

December, 2024

Price:

Free

Based in Boston

Level: Beginner

Length: 1 hour

Class size: 100

Prerequisites: No prerequisites

Podcast PitchFest

Pandemic University

A two-part virtual event offering pitch training for audio journalists. Participants pitch their projects to industry leaders, receive a handbook with submission guidelines, and engage in breakout sessions.

Website: https://pandemicuniversity.com/podcast-pitchfest/

Categories: Essay

Start date:

November, 2024

Price:

$100.00

Online course

Level: Any

Length: 2 sessions November 1 (5:45 PM - 7:30 PM EST), November 14 (12 PM - 5 PM EST).

Class size: Limited

College Writing 2.1x

edX

In this course, English Language Learners will be introduced to academic writing, focusing on essay development, grammatical accuracy, and self-editing. The course includes reviews of grammar, crafting effective sentences and paragraphs, developing thesis statements, and participating in peer reviews.

Website: https://www.edx.org/course/how-to-write-an-essay

Categories: Essay

Start date:

Open all year round

Price:

$169.00

Online course

Level: Beginner

Length: Self-paced, est. 5 weeks

Class size: Unlimited

Prerequisites: No prerequisites

NEW VIDEO COURSE

How to Write a Novel

Your story matters. Unlock your potential with daily video lessons from bestselling ghostwriter Tom Bromley, and finish your first draft in just 3 months. Learn more →

Developing Your Personal Essay

GrubStreet

The course offers feedback on personal essay projects in a supportive environment, includes student workshops, discussions on the craft of personal essays, and writing prompts. Each participant submits two drafts of their essays for feedback.

Website: https://grubstreet.org/find-a-class/

Categories: Essay

Start date:

August, 2024

Price:

$560.00

Online course

Level: Intermediate

Length: 8 weeks (1 session per week)

Class size: 12 seats max

Prerequisites: Intermediate-level experience in essay writing recommended.

Writing Workshop

Minneapolis Writers' Workshop

In this course, participants will join a virtual writer’s critique and support group, with weekly meetings for feedback and critiques, as well as Open Read nights where non-members can present their work.

Website: https://minneapoliswritersworkshop.org/

Categories: Essay

Start date:

Open all year round

Price:

Free

Based in Minneapolis

Level: Any

Length: Weekly meetings (2 hours each)

Class size: Unlimited

Prerequisites: No prerequisites

Essay and Report Writing Skills

OpenLearn

This free course teaches essential skills for essay and report writing, including planning, structuring, drafting, and polishing. It emphasizes practical strategies for interpreting assignment questions and effectively presenting arguments.

Website: https://www.open.edu/openlearn/

Categories: Essay

Start date:

Open all year round

Price:

Free

Online course

Level: Beginner

Length: Self-paced, est. 15 hours

Class size: Unlimited

Prerequisites: No prerequisites

Writing in the Sciences

Stanford

This course emphasizes effective scientific writing through practical exercises and examples, covering topics like manuscript formatting, peer review, and writing for broader audiences.

Website: https://www.coursera.org/learn/

Categories: Essay

Start date:

Open all year round

Price:

Free

Online course

Level: Beginner

Length: Self-paced, est. 30 hours

Class size: Unlimited

Prerequisites: No prerequisites

Getting Started with Essay Writing

University of California, Irvine

This course covers three types of academic essays: compare/contrast, cause/effect, and argument. It includes video lectures, readings, quizzes, and peer reviews, with a focus on enhancing writing skills for both intermediate and advanced learners.

Website: https://www.coursera.org/

Categories: Essay

Start date:

Open all year round

Price:

Free

Online course

Level: Beginner

Length: Self-paced, est. 19 hours

Class size: Unlimited

Prerequisites: No prerequisites

Creative Writing Specialization

Wesleyan College

This specialization includes five courses focusing on short story writing, character development, setting and description, style, and culminates with a capstone project. It's designed to help aspiring writers craft original stories.

Website: https://www.coursera.org/

Categories: Essay

Start date:

Open all year round

Price:

Free

Online course

Level: Beginner

Length: Est. 1 month (10 hours per week)

Class size: Unlimited

Prerequisites: No prerequisites

South Manchester Writing Workshop

Manchester Writers

The workshop focuses on members reading their work aloud for feedback, covering various genres including novels, short stories, and poetry. They aim to help members get published and welcome both beginners and experienced writers.

Website: http://www.manchester-writers.org.uk/

Categories: Essay

Start date:

Open all year round

Price:

£2.00

Based in Manchester

Level: Any

Length: Weekly meetings (2 hours)

Class size: Unlimited

Prerequisites: No prerequisites

Writing Comedic Personal Essays

Austin Bat Cave

This seminar focuses on blending personal essay writing with comedic storytelling, exploring how to make personal experiences relatable through humor.

Website: https://austinbatcave.org/

Categories: Essay

Start date:

Open all year round

Price:

$10.00

Based in Austin

Level: Any

Length: Self-paced (On-demand)

Class size: Unlimited

Prerequisites: No prerequisites

Creative Writing with John Chaplick

Life Enrichment Center for the Arts

In this course, participants will focus on developing their creative voice through weekly prompts, sharing their work, and providing feedback. Topics covered include character development, setting, voice, and the publishing process, with the opportunity to publish in an annual anthology.

Website: https://lectampa.org/classes-and-events/

Categories: Essay

Start date:

Open all year round

Price:

$10.00

Based in Tampa

Level: Any

Length: Weekly sessions, 2 hours each

Class size: Unlimited

Prerequisites: No prerequisites

How to choose an essay writing class

Looking to build your writing skillset, learn more about your genre, or finally finish that essay you’ve been working on? You’re in the right place. That’s why we built this directory of the best writing courses.

However, creative writing classes aren’t one size fit all. If you’re planning to join an essay writing class in particular, you’ll want to make sure that it matches what you’re seeking to learn about essay writing.

So make sure to consider the following questions when you’re researching essay writing courses:

  • Who is the instructor? How many years of experience do they have in essay writing?
  • Is there something in particular you’d like to learn about essay writing? Does this course include it?
  • How long is the course, and where is it taught?
  • How much does the essay writing course cost? Does it fit into your budget?

More essay writing resources

Whether you’re a new or established author, there are always evergreen resources out there to how to get a headstart on essay writing. 

Free online materials

Recommended books

 

Learning | Free Lesson — Archer | 2024-01

Try our novel writing master class — 100% free

Sign up for a free video lesson and learn how to make readers care about your main character.