writing classes

Self-Guided Writing Courses To Make You a Better Writer

| GretchenGales

There are plenty of reasons why self-guided writing courses work for so many writers. Busy, unpredictable schedules are just a fact of adult life. Some people prefer to learn in the comfort of their home or in a bustling cafe on a Sunday morning. Think of the Hermit, the introspective tarot figure that encourages you to look from within for the answers. No matter where you are in your writing journey, there are many options to supplement your education.

For me, self-guided writing courses provided me a space to learn even when I was bedridden from illness and bored or downright lazy. Visualize me in pajamas with a box of store brand tissues by my side, some tissues shoved up my nose, trying to write a poem in a tiny notebook, then you can believe that learning can be done under any circumstances.

Psst…if self-guided writing courses aren’t your jam or jelly, there’s plenty of other writing class options out there, including in-person, live Zoom, or interactive online courses with other participants. Check out ones that offer scholarships and discounts here.

Self-Guided Courses for Writers

LulLabies & Alarms

Elisabeth Blair offers writing classes and workshops that are self-paced through her website Lullabies & Alarms. Self-guided courses are offered on Wet Ink, the platform for creative writing courses. Right now, she is offering a course called “Our Liminal Minds: Writing from Our Own Galactic Outer Rims” that sounds…SO cool. For $100, you can go through the course at your own pace.

You must email her to register for the course.

Muse Writing & Creative Support

Run by Joanna Penn Cooper, Muse Writing & Creative Support offers several courses per season. On occasion, she’ll throw in a self-guided course through Wet Ink that writers can enjoy at their own pace. They often have great angles and themes, so there’s a direction beyond just your typical fiction or poetry workshop. I was a big fan of The Call: A Self-Guided Course on Creative Witness.

While it doesn’t seem like the site has any available right now, keep an eye out for more opportunities to join a self-guided writing course.

Poetry Barn

Poetry Barn has a barnyard full (yes, I had to) of poetry courses, including self-paced writing workshops. You can even filter the options for self-paced courses on the website. You can choose from topics such as Queer Poetics, 30 Poems in 30 Days, Journaling for Poets, and so much more. Click here to explore your options.

Be mindful when you type this into Google to not accidentally click on the Pottery Barn ads. You think I’m kidding. But I am not.

Hugo House

Hugo House offers a plethora of online and in-person courses for people around the world. Based in Seattle, this nonprofit has so many innovative courses to take and enjoy. With that said, there is only one asynchronous writing course, which is the Writer’s Welcome Kit. You can expect online workbooks, excel spreadsheets, and other resources to get started with your publishing journey.

DIY MFA

It is a truth universally acknowledged that MFAs can be competitive, expensive, time-consuming, heartbreaking, or all of the above. If you are fortunate enough to get into an MFA program that is fully-funded and have the time and means to pursue it, do it. But for many, these programs are difficult to get into or inaccessible for many people.

That’s where DIY MFA comes in. Both a book and a company/concept, DIY MFA runs on three main principles: write with focus, read with purpose, and build your community. While not a true “self-guided course,” the book is similar to this journey, including graduate-level techniques and skills you can use to boost your writing. The website has various articles and resources to focus on refining your craft. The Facebook group hosts events every Sunday evening for those who wish to attend, including curated sessions on certain poets, themes, and more.

If you decide to attend an MFA program later, you already have the skills and tools to upgrade your writing and be prepared for in-depth workshop time.

The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron

Calling this a self-guided course is…bold. I know, I know. It’s more like an experience or a total mind flip. But when writing this blog, how can I NOT include the quintessential artist’s guide to transforming their art, writing, and way of being?

I’ve been seeing this book trending on TikTok even though it was originally published back in 1992. (Yes, that was over 30 years ago.) The verdict is in: it is one of the most influential books for your craft you could own. No matter your craft, any writer or artist can benefit from the gentle affirmations and exercises the book includes.

At the very least, you can take one of its most common and poignant practices: “Morning Pages.” I don’t know of any of my mentors who went a day without morning pages to spill their thoughts and ideas. Give it a try for a week and see how it changes your approach and practice.

Do you Loate Self-Guided Courses? Or JUst Looking for All of your options?

I get it. There are some times in my life when I need someone to be my accountabilibuddy. (Is that the spelling? It’s not a real word, but I’m still concerned.)

If you’re looking for a teacher in the Richmond, Virginia area or are cool with a virtual writing teacher to be your guide, I host many workshops with constructive critiques and personalized feedback from yours truly.

Head on over to my Events & Workshops page to see what I’m currently offering. If you don’t see anything you’d like, reach out to me and we can talk about 1:1 or private workshops for you or bigger groups.

Or if you just want to send me suggestions to add to this list, I’d love to hear from you.

Writer’s Craft: Writing Workshops with Merit and Need-Based Scholarships (And Discounts!)

| GretchenGales
Photo by Startup Stock Photos on Pexels.com

If I could take the amount of writing classes I wanted, I would need a lot more time and a lot more money. The Time Turner from Harry Potter only solves one of those problems. The other problem could be solved with one lucky lottery ticket (or a kind soul who wants to give me a million dollars, which is always encouraged).

Thankfully, there are writing centers with plenty of classes offered throughout the year, many taught by award-winning, accomplished writers. But enrolling in classes can get pricey, even if the classes are still cheaper than an unfunded MFA (which I’ve heard is NOT worth going into debt for. Ever. No matter how badly you want to be back in school again.).

Classes from nonprofit organizations, individual writing professionals, and many more are included on the list along with information on how to apply for merit and need-based scholarships. Sometimes, you can snag a discount!

Offer writing courses, scholarships, or discounts? Reach out to me so I can add you to the list!.

This list is updated as of May of 2023. Bookmark this page to keep tabs on further updates.

Scholarship and Other Etiquette

Remember, applying for scholarships meant for marginalized people are meant for them only. Don’t complain when these scholarships are offered. You know the kinds of complaints I mean. We need equitable opportunities for talented writers of all backgrounds, so refrain from being a wet napkin and seek out opportunities open to you. If you don’t get one, keep looking and don’t give up!

Writing Workshops with Scholarships

Hugo House

Based in Seattle, Hugo House hosts both in-person, asynchronous, and Zoom courses. They offer scholarships to anyone in need, so long as you fill out the application. It will ask what you’d like to learn from the course, if you’ve ever participated in their writing programs or a similar program, and any factors limiting your ability to pay for the course. They grant up to two scholarships (two classes) per year per person.

Early bird rates are also available if you sign up for a course in advance. Discounts range from $10 to $30 off, depending on how early you sign up. Certain events, like their Write-O-Rama class sampling conference can give you an idea of which instructors and courses work for you for a reduced price and the chance to snag a discounted membership.

Occasionally, they will offer free courses. They are marked with FREE and the title of the course (pretty easy, right?).

The Writer’s Center

Based out of Washington DC, The Writer’s Center offers both in-person and online courses.

They offer the Ann McLaughlin Scholarship Fund to help writers with financial need enroll in one of their eight-week classes. All you need to do to apply is to fill out the application and send a 500 word written statement about how the scholarship would positively impact you as well as any relevant circumstances.

Want to take it up a notch? Their Compass Fellowship offers $1,000 worth of credit towards their classes within a two-year period and a cash stipend of $300. The trick is that you need to be from either Washington DC, Maryland, or Virginia and be able to travel to Bethesda as needed. You will also be expected to write two pieces for The Writer’s Center Magazine among other duties.

Grub Street

Remote and in-person classes are available from the Massachusetts-based writing center. Divided into beginner, intermediate, and advanced courses, you can take Grub Street courses on prose and poetry. Scholarships for teens and adults, some reserved specifically for genderqueer, transgender, and nonbinary writers (remember what we talked about with scholarship etiquette. Unless you qualify, then go apply!).

Life in 10 Minutes and Richmond Young Writers

If you are local to Richmond, Virginia or are able to take Zoom courses, both Life in 10 Minutes and Richmond Young Writers offer partial or full scholarships to cover classes for adults, teens, and children. Should be based on need. More details can be found here.

Classes Offering Discounts

Many writing centers and other places that offer writing workshops with discounts. Some require memberships and others may offer early bird discounts. During certain times of the year, such as the holidays or the start or end of a reasons, you may notice specials and discounted prices on classes!

Creative Nonfiction

***Update for 2023: At this time, Creative Nonfiction (both the classes and the publication) is on hiatus and there has not been much news on if/when classes will return. However, several people on the staff have extended their offerings on their own sites.

With early bird discounts, you can enroll in an online course through Creative Nonfiction for $50 less than list price. They also have the Refer-A-Friend discount where if you and a friend enroll in a course for the same term, you’ll both get $25 off of your classes.

If their instructor-guided classes are still out of price range, their self-guided courses are very affordable at just $29.99.

I’ve personally taken both kinds of courses through Creative Nonfiction and greatly benefitted from both. The instructor-led courses are often asynchronous, meaning that you can join in at anytime and not have any scheduled meetings. Some classes have optional meetings for those who wish to interact in real time. The instructors are knowledgeable and have real-life experience publishing their work in their niche. My favorite course so far has been the Spirituality Writing class!

Their self-guided courses have correlated readings, prompts, and discussion boards to complete. However, instead of instructor feedback, you just get feedback from your classmates. Thankfully, many of the participants have a background in writing or are enthusiastic about the course, giving you plenty of valuable information for the money.

Gotham Writers

Gotham Writers opened in 1993 and continues to be a massive platform for adult writing learners. In 1997, they launched their online education program, still running strong with basic writing courses, grammar refreshers, and themed classes.

If you enroll in one course through Gotham Writers, you are eligible for a $30 Returning Student discount on future 10-week classes. In person and Zoom courses available. If you’re based in NYC, Monday Matinee classes are offered at a reduced rate. Keep an eye out for writing conferences that offer craft advice or chances to connect with agents.

Muse Writing & Creative Support

Offering classes, coaching, and editing services, Muse Writing & Creative Support is a small but mighty team of writing mentors. They offer both self-guided as well as interactive courses.

I previously enrolled in a self-guided course at Creative Nonfiction on speculative nonfiction taught by founder Joanna Penn Cooper. I enjoyed the unique readings, interaction with other participants, and the ease of using Wet Ink. I enjoyed it so much, I enrolled in their “The Call: A Self-Guided Course on Creative Witness” once I saw it was available.

Muse Writing also uses Wet Ink (like many of the organizations listed here), which guides you effortlessly through lessons, recorded lectures, and writing assignments.

Some courses offer Early Bird Pricing and sliding scale payment options, depending on the course. It helps to check back and refresh the courses tab to find out what is coming next and opportunities for discounted pricing.