13 Free Free Online Writing Classes in  | Beginners and Pros

“Every secret of a writer’s soul, every experience of his life, every quality of his mind, is written largely in his works.” That is true, but a lesser truth.

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 into play.

On a general note, every writer wants to improve his skills and become proficient in writing but is 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.

It is also known as digital writing. Texting, instant messaging, emailing, blogging, tweeting, and commenting on social media sites such as Facebook are all forms of online writing.

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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 benefits 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 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 cannot commit to the time.

Cramming for tasks at the last minute can 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.

Does Your Tutor Understand What They’re Talking About?

Inadequate writing guidance can cause more harm than good, so choose a course with a tutor who specializes in the course area or can provide insight.

Look up the person running the course online to check if they are well-known in their writing field.

What Are the Reviews Saying?

One excellent technique for determining whether a course is worthwhile is to look at how others felt about the experience. Although the course’s packaging may be appealing, the reviews will tell you whether the content is worthwhile.

Most courses include testimonials, and for online interactive courses, there will be reviews 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 platforms that offers different courses for different levels of learners. Coursera has paid and free courses also.
• FutureLearn: This platform offers free and paid courses on various topics, including writing.
• MasterClass provides paid courses on a variety of topics, including courses by Margaret Atwood and Neil Gaiman.
• 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 various topics (has a regular bargain).

13 Free Online Writing Classes

Here is a list of 13 free online writing classes worth enrolling in this 2024:

• An Introduction to Screenwriting
• Start Writing Fiction- Open University
• Playing with Poetry: Creative Writing and Poetics -University of Newcastle Australia via Futurelearn.com
• Secret Sauce of Great Writing- Udemy
• Make Your Writing Stand Out in Eight Easy Steps – Udemy.com
• On Writing- Udemy
• Write A Feature Length Screenplay For Film Or Television- Michigan State University via Coursera
• Creative Writing: The Craft of Style- Wesleyan University via Coursera
• Writing in English at University- Lund University via Coursera
• Creative Writing Sample Lesson- Udemy
• Effective Writing- Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee via Swayam
• How To Make a Living Writing Articles – Make Money Online Via Udemy
• Creative Writing Specialization- Wesleyan University via Coursera

Read Also: 15 Best Online Screenwriting Classes for Beginners & Experts 

#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 your scriptwriting to a professional level, this online course is for you.

Taking this course will help you develop a shared vocabulary for addressing scripts. Moreso, it will serve as the foundation for future courses in dramatic adaptation, crime screenwriting, and other genres and talents.

After this writing class, you will have a solid understanding of the essential concepts required to produce an effective screenplay. You will be proficient in the vocabulary used to describe the form.

Further, you can be sure of designing a good story pitch and understanding the fundamental principles of the screenwriting process and the essentials of the screenplay format.

Class Link

#2. Start Writing Fiction- Open University

If you are interested 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 exceptional writing skills should take.

This online free course exposes the rituals of writing. It guides you on how to develop your ideas, reflect on your writing, and edit.

You will also have the opportunity to examine the work of other authors and receive criticism on your work, allowing you to learn to read as a writer and respond to feedback.

After this course, you can write fiction and generate stories using characters.

From your experience, you can boldly investigate notions of writing and develop your awareness of editing in developing your vocabulary of style and presentation.

Class Link

#3. Playing with Poetry: Creative Writing and Poetics -University of Newcastle Australia via Futurelearn.com

Want to have fun writing poetry? then enrol 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 allows its learners to study basic poetry standards and then decide how best to 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 understand the techniques and theories used to shape a poem.

Class Link

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#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 stand out from others in your field, career, or industry.

By the end of the course, you will have a good understanding of how good writers create powerful and beautiful prose.

As a result, you’ll be able to detect flaws in your writing swiftly and, in theory, learn how to modify and substantially enhance it. To apply for this accessible computer for doing writing and editing exercises.

Class Link

#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. It teaches you how to hone your style and craft effective writing.

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 enrol 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.

Class Link

#6. On Writing- Udemy

Are you a new writer without training or an experienced writer trying to break block? This short free online writing course is for you.

This is 20-minute writing course designed to give you the jump-start you need. This course gives you the motivation or inspiration to write either as a new writer or an experienced writer.

Enrolling in this course will make you know the ‘why’ behind your writing. It will also give you tips and tricks to help you write beautiful stories.

Class Link

#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 State University.

This course will teach you how to write a whole feature-length screenplay for cinema or television, whether a serious drama, a romantic comedy, or something in between.

By the end of the course, you’ll discover an organized strategy for producing a polished and pitch-ready script and learn 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.

Class Link

#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 online writing course helps you build your writing style. This course teaches you the art of putting pressure on written languages.

You will also learn how to use imagery and metaphor and choose words in telling stories.

Further, you manage the need to address concepts and sentiments while keeping in mind the story’s constant need for concreteness and 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 and the world of the mind.

Class Link

#9. Writing in English at University- Lund University via Coursera

Need good academic research and writing skills? This class is suitable for you!

This course is one of the best online writing classes, and it will provide you with the writing skills you need for your academics and your professional life.

This course teaches you the rules of academic writing in English and the components and benefits of process writing.

It will also assist you in assembling your own “toolbox” of academic writing skills and provide you with an opportunity to test these tools and reflect on your writing development.

During the course, you will use video lectures and reading assignments, quizzes, reflective self-assessment questions, and some peer review activities to interact with other students.

Class Link

#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 an entirely 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, writing based on details and development, and breaking down the plot into easy-to-handle segments.

Note, to enrol in this course, you need good internet and a workable device. Additionally, you need a printer to print out worksheets, suitable on-screen editing software to edit worksheets digitally, and a creative mind.

Class Link

Read Also: 15 Free Online Courses With Certificates In Canada

#11. Effective Writing- Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee via Swayam

Next on our list of free online writing courses is Effective Writing at the Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee.

This online writing course aims to acquaint learners with the complexities of effective writing and teach them the subtle art of writing. It allows them to write with lucidity and accuracy and to express their thoughts in originality on different occasions with the notions of adequacy and accuracy.

Class Link

#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 stories, narrative essays, and memoirs.

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 constructively assess and evaluate peer writing.

Class Link

#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 explain the future of advertising for copywriters and creative strategists.

Class Link

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Free Online Writing Classes 2024: FAQs

Free Online Writing Classes 2024: Conclusion

Each course listed above has its unique advantage, yet they are all capable of getting you started as a writer.

It’s important for you to identify what suits your needs and those for which you meet the eligibility requirements and get started immediately.

Good luck.

Reference

• www.classcentral.com – 180 Free Online Writing Courses to Improve Your Skills
• www.coursera.org – free writing courses
• www.udemy.com – How To Make a Living Writing Articles – Make Money Online

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