Writing Classes: Why All Writers Should Take One
There are so many ways to improve your writing. Read, write, edit, set routines to make writing a regular part of your day; the list goes on. There is something to be said about stepping out of your comfort zone and adding something new into the mix though. And that is exactly what I did this spring. I may have already published a book, but I know that there is always room for improvement. Hence the Memoir Writing class I am currently a part of.
Writing Classes
I don’t care how good you think you are, there is always room for improvement. That goes for cooking, human relations, and writing. I am passable at all of the above, but humble to a fault too. For good reason. The more you learn, the more you realize there is to learn. How is that for an existential mind blown! And as happy I am with having published a book, in taking this Memoir Writing class, I am indeed picking up a few new things to consider while writing.
Might I suggest you contemplate doing likewise?
Why You Should Take a Writing Class
Why should you take a writing class? Why shouldn’t you? There is so much to learn and infinite growth to be had. Say goodbye to writer’s block. Pick up new tips and tricks for inspiration. Or simply build your confidence. Whatever your reason, time commitment, or budget, taking a writing class to improve your writing should be on every writer’s radar at some point in their writing career.
Here are just a few perks I have benefited from this spring;
- learn new techniques
- meet other people with similar interests
- compare your work to others
- get your work critiqued by a trained teacher
- receive feedback from peers
- get in the habit of writing more regularly
Where To Find Writing Classes
There are so many places to find writing classes. As an aspiring writer, you shouldn’t be afraid to do a little research to find the perfect class for you. Start by deciding whether in-person, online, or a combination of both works best for your learning style and timeframe, then explore what is on offer.
- I am taking my Memoir Writing class via a Creative Writing Certificate program through Western Continuing Studies. There are a variety of writing classes available on different topics from grammar and editing, to screenwriting and sci-fi. While they used to offer both in-person and online classes, since covid, most of their classes are now exclusively online. You don’t have to take the full certificate program to sign up for one of their affordable classes, but you do get access to an experienced teacher and ample peer interactions.
- In the Toronto area, Humber College has a School for Writers. They offer a broad range of courses and programs including an intensive writing week in the Summer Workshop and the opportunity to work on a book-length manuscript in the Correspondence Program. These programs might appeal to the writer looking to take their writing to the next level and embrace a professional place in the writing world.
- Also in the Toronto area is Firefly Creative Writing. They offer smaller writing workshops or larger writing classes, with both in-person and online options. It doesn’t sound as intensive, but definitively appears welcoming to all.
- Plenty of other Post Secondary Schools offer writing classes as well, including Ryerson, U of T, York, and more. Check with your school of choice to see what’s available.
- For those looking for degree or diploma level course, check with Ontario Colleges for their current available writing classes.
Additional Online Writing Class Options
For those who would rather learn online or at their own pace, there are thousands of courses online too. Start by deciding whether you want to pursue creative writing, business writing, copywriting, essays, songwriting, or maybe just classes to improve your grammar. Whatever your niche is, I can guarantee you there is a writing class for you.
- LinkedIn – visit LinkedIn and choose from a wide variety of classes from beginner, intermediate and advanced, all based on your time and interest level
- MasterClass – choose from a variety of well-known authors on a variety of topics, think Margaret Atwood, Neil Gaiman, Amy Tan, Malcolm Gladwell, Roxane Gay, and so many more
- Udemy – don’t get overwhelmed by the options at Udemy. There are tens of thousands of courses to choose from. Narrow the field by choosing beginner, intermediate, or expert, and browse from there.
“Develop a passion for learning. If you do, you will never cease to grow.”
~ Anthony J. D’Angelo
As my course winds down, I can confidently say I enjoyed the experience. The group was a mixture of skill levels, with some people already working on projects and others trying to cast around for more basic writing skills. We learned about story arcs, dialogue, scene setting, and more during our brief 6-week class. I hope to continue to develop relationships with some of my classmates, to expand my writing circle as a whole as well.
As writers, we often work alone, but recognizing our connections helps to make for better writers overall. Whether you contemplate a local course, something online, or a combination of both, maybe it’s time you took that step too.
Happy writing AND learning!
