Is it time for a Writing Course?Every writer has taken some kind of writing course. Paid or free, in person or online, there’s always something out there to help take your craft to the next level. For emerging writers especially, courses offer a powerful mix of structure, community, and skill‑building at a stage when all three matter most. Whether you want to strengthen your dialogue, craft stronger openings, or improve your overall story structure, writing courses give you access to the hard‑won lessons of writers who’ve already made the mistakes — and learned from them — so you don’t have to. A writing course connects you with a room (or Zoom) full of people who care about their craft as much as you do. Simply listening to their journeys can offer so much. There are also interactive courses, and while they’re often more expensive, they can provide valuable feedback and encouragement to push your writing forward in meaningful ways. I’ve recently purchased a subscription to BBC Maestro and I’m having fun making my way through their writing courses. So far, I’ve completed courses by Isabel Allende (The Magic of Storytelling) and Ken Follet (Writing Bestselling Fiction), and I’m mid-way through Alan Moore’s class on Storytelling. Instead of purchasing a single course, I recommend a year-long subscription as you get a wealth of courses for a similar price (if you wait for a sale). Masterclass is another option, with similar course offerings and price. If you prefer in person learning, Humber School for Writers has a fabulous summer course in Toronto. I took it several years ago and had a wonderful experience. Free courses are plentiful online, though the quality can be somewhat unpredictable. For reputable free content, stick to industry experts like Jane Friedman, K. M. Weiland or Joanna Penn. They offer paid courses as well, so you may need to do a little digging to find their free material (sometimes hosted on platforms like YouTube rather than their websites). Whichever course you choose, approach it with an open mind
and an open heart, and you’ll always walk away with something valuable. Happy learning!
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