A writer interested in creative writing courses has two main options: courses offered at a college or university in a classroom setting, or online classes offered by educational institutions. When choosing among the many creative writing courses available, it helps to have a clear idea in mind as to what your overall goals are for taking the course to begin with. Some writers want to hone their skills so they can work toward publishing, while others prefer to take classes for fun. Determining your goals will often dictate which class will be most appropriate for you, as will an assessment of your ability level.
Beginners should be sure to choose a beginner level course, even if the writer believes his or her writing is fairly advanced. Creative writing courses are often designed to help you figure out your strengths and weaknesses, and if you have never had your writing analyzed before, this can be a jarring experience. Beginner writers should seek out beginner level courses not only because they will teach new skills, but also because the class is likely to be filled with other beginner writers in a similar position. Going to an advanced class right away can be intimidating, and not especially useful for someone who does not have the writing foundation needed for success in these advanced creative writing courses.
Think about whether you want to attend classes in person or if you would rather take an online course. Online creative writing courses offer convenience to those who cannot make it to an on-site classroom, or to those who have difficult work schedules. On-site classes are advantageous because they allow the writer to interact directly with both the instructor and fellow writers in the class; developing relationships with these people can help you become a better writer and feel more supported throughout the creative writing process.
The cost of the creative writing courses will obviously have an impact on which ones you choose. Courses at community colleges tend to be less expensive than those offered at colleges or universities. It may be difficult, too, to enroll in classes at a college or university unless you are participating in a degree program. While community college classes are less expensive, colleges and universities tend to have more experienced instructors with extensive publishing and writing credits. Be sure to investigate the costs and application requirements for each type of course to find out which will suit your needs best.
