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  • Creative Writing

Creative Writing Courses

Creative writing courses can help you learn narrative structure, character development, dialogue crafting, and the art of revision. You can build skills in creating vivid imagery, developing unique voices, and exploring various genres such as fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction. Many courses introduce tools like writing software, editing applications, and platforms for sharing your work, which can enhance your writing process and help you connect with a broader audience.


Popular Creative Writing Courses and Certifications


  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    W

    Wesleyan University

    Creative Writing

    Skills you'll gain: Storytelling, Peer Review, Writing and Editing, Writing, Editing, Proofreading, Storyboarding, Content Creation, Constructive Feedback, Persistence, Professionalism, Creativity

    4.6
    Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
    ·
    6.3K reviews

    Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    W

    Wesleyan University

    Creative Writing: The Craft of Plot

    Skills you'll gain: Storytelling, Writing and Editing, Storyboarding, Content Creation, Creativity

    4.7
    Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
    ·
    5K reviews

    Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

  • Status: New
    New
    Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    C

    Coursera

    Content Creation and Copywriting

    Skills you'll gain: Infographics, Storyboarding, Canva (Software), Prompt Engineering, Copywriting, Generative AI, Content Creation, Blogs, Marketing Psychology, Marketing Communications, Collaborative Software, ChatGPT, Marketing, Online Advertising, Graphic Design, Writing and Editing, Brand Awareness, Artificial Intelligence, Search Engine Optimization, Machine Learning

    4.5
    Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
    ·
    763 reviews

    Intermediate · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months

  • Status: Preview
    Preview
    M

    Michigan State University

    Write Your First Novel

    Skills you'll gain: Peer Review, Storytelling, Editing, Proofreading

    4.3
    Rating, 4.3 out of 5 stars
    ·
    371 reviews

    Beginner · Course · 3 - 6 Months

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    U

    University of Michigan

    Good with Words: Writing and Editing

    Skills you'll gain: Writing and Editing, Editing, Constructive Feedback, Concision, Writing, Organizational Skills, Proofreading, Storytelling, Productivity, Planning, Detail Oriented, Time Management, Brainstorming, Content Creation, Overcoming Obstacles, Resourcefulness, Decision Making, Critical Thinking, Creativity, Professional Development

    4.7
    Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
    ·
    2.6K reviews

    Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    U

    University of California, Irvine

    Academic English: Writing

    Skills you'll gain: Grammar, Peer Review, Editing, Writing, Proofreading, Organizational Skills, Research, Report Writing, Research Methodologies, Critical Thinking, English Language, Writing and Editing, Style Guides

    4.7
    Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
    ·
    23K reviews

    Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

What brings you to Coursera today?

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    W

    Wesleyan University

    Memoir and Personal Essay: Write About Yourself

    Skills you'll gain: Storytelling, Writing and Editing, Content Creation, Journals, Writing, Organizational Skills, Editing, Personal Development, Self-Awareness, Overcoming Obstacles, Creativity, English Language, Detail Oriented

    4.4
    Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
    ·
    432 reviews

    Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    W

    Wesleyan University

    Creative Writing: The Craft of Character

    Skills you'll gain: Storytelling, Content Creation, Writing and Editing

    4.5
    Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
    ·
    2K reviews

    Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    W

    Wesleyan University

    Creative Writing: The Craft of Style

    Skills you'll gain: Storytelling, Writing and Editing, Editing, Proofreading, Writing, Creativity

    4.7
    Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
    ·
    1.2K reviews

    Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    W

    Wesleyan University

    Creative Writing: The Craft of Setting and Description

    Skills you'll gain: Storytelling, Writing, Writing and Editing, Content Creation, Creativity

    4.7
    Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
    ·
    1.4K reviews

    Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

  • Status: Preview
    Preview
    C

    California Institute of the Arts

    Sharpened Visions: A Poetry Workshop

    Skills you'll gain: Editing, Peer Review, Music, Creativity

    4.8
    Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
    ·
    1.9K reviews

    Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

  • Status: Preview
    Preview
    I

    IESE Business School

    The Art of Storytelling

    Skills you'll gain: Storytelling, Public Speaking, Oral Expression, Presentations, Verbal Communication Skills, Persuasive Communication, Content Creation, Drive Engagement, Writing, Non-Verbal Communication, Active Listening

    4.6
    Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
    ·
    1.1K reviews

    Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

Searches related to creative writing

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In summary, here are 10 of our most popular creative writing courses

  • Creative Writing: Wesleyan University
  • Creative Writing: The Craft of Plot: Wesleyan University
  • Content Creation and Copywriting: Coursera
  • Write Your First Novel: Michigan State University
  • Good with Words: Writing and Editing: University of Michigan
  • Academic English: Writing: University of California, Irvine
  • Memoir and Personal Essay: Write About Yourself: Wesleyan University
  • Creative Writing: The Craft of Character: Wesleyan University
  • Creative Writing: The Craft of Style: Wesleyan University
  • Creative Writing: The Craft of Setting and Description: Wesleyan University

Skills you can learn in Business Essentials

Analytics (37)
Presentation (33)
Modeling (29)
Business Analytics (27)
Language (26)
Microsoft Excel (26)
Writing (26)
Speech (18)
Plan (17)
Business Communication (16)
Decision-making (16)
Leadership (15)

Frequently Asked Questions about Creative Writing

Browse the creative writing courses below—popular starting points on Coursera.

  • Creative Writing: The Craft of Plot: Wesleyan University
  • Creative Writing: The Craft of Setting and Description: Wesleyan University
  • Creative Thinking: Techniques and Tools for Success: Imperial College London
  • Creative Writing: The Craft of Character: Wesleyan University
  • Creative Writing: The Craft of Style: Wesleyan University
  • Write Your First Novel: Michigan State University‎

Yes. You can start learning creative writing on Coursera for free in two ways:

  • Preview the first module of many creative writing courses at no cost. This includes video lessons, readings, graded assignments, and Coursera Coach (where available).
  • Start a 7-day free trial for Specializations or Coursera Plus. This gives you full access to all course content across eligible programs within the timeframe of your trial.

If you want to keep learning, earn a certificate in creative writing, or unlock full course access after the preview or trial, you can upgrade or apply for financial aid.‎

You’ll learn how to craft compelling stories, build strong characters, write dialogue, and structure essays, poems, or novels. Some courses also explore revision, publishing basics, and how to give and receive feedback on your work.‎

Not at all. Many courses are beginner-friendly and help you build skills gradually. Whether you’re just starting out or returning to writing after a break, you’ll find courses that guide you through the creative process.‎

Yes. While publication depends on your goals and dedication, Coursera courses can help you strengthen your writing, complete drafts, and explore publishing options. Many learners use these courses to build a portfolio, start a book, or develop professional writing habits.‎

This FAQ content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.

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