Are you an aspiring writer looking to hone your craft and improve your skills? Online writing courses may be the perfect solution for you. With the abundance of options available, it can be challenging to determine which courses are worth your time and money. In this article, we’ll explore some tips on how to start online writing, the top five online writing courses for free to aspire writers, including courses for beginners, professionals, and even paid options.
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How to start online writing
Identify Your Writing Niche
Before you start writing, it’s important to identify your writing niche. This can be anything from fiction to non-fiction, blogging to copywriting. Identifying your niche will help you focus your efforts and develop your skills in a particular area.
Build Your Writing Skills
Once you’ve identified your writing niche, it’s time to build your writing skills. This can be done by taking online writing courses, reading books on writing, and practicing writing every day. The more you write, the better you will become.
Create a Writing Portfolio
One of the best ways to showcase your writing skills is by creating a writing portfolio. This can be done by creating a website or blog to showcase your writing samples. A writing portfolio is essential when applying for online writing jobs or pitching your writing to publications.
Network with Other Writers
Networking with other writers can be a great way to learn about new writing opportunities and gain insights into the industry. This can be done by joining online writing groups or attending writing conferences.
Start Writing
The most important step in starting your online writing career is to start writing. This can be done by creating your own blog or website, writing for online publications, or freelancing for clients. The key is to start writing and building a body of work that showcases your skills and expertise.
The Top 5 Online Writing Courses for Aspiring Writers
Creative Writing Course by Wesleyan University – Coursera
This online course is an online writing courses for free and perfect for beginners looking to learn the fundamentals of creative writing. It covers everything from character development to story structure and is taught by experienced writing professionals. The course is self-paced and can be completed on your own time, making it perfect for busy adults looking to start writing.
This Specialization has 5 courses
- Creative Writing: The Craft of Plot
- Creative Writing: The Craft of Character
- Creative Writing: The Craft of Setting and Description
- Creative Writing: The Craft of Style
- Capstone: Your Story
How to Write a Novel by edX
How to Write a Novel: Edit & Revise | edX is perfect for writers who want to focus on improving their writing style. It covers topics like sentence structure, grammar, and punctuation, and is taught by writing experts from the University of California, Berkeley. The course is self-paced and can be completed for free or with a small fee to receive a verified certificate upon completion.
What you’ll learn
- Tackling the revision process from macro to micro
- Troubleshooting common problems
- How to create a revision plan
- How to choose your trusted readers
- How to work with feedback
- The key steps in the editorial process
- How to prepare for submissions to agents and editors
- What agents and editors look for in submitted work
Writing for Young Readers by Commonwealth Education Trust – Coursera
If you’re interested in writing for children and young adults, this course is for you. It’s taught by experts in children’s literature and covers topics like character development, plot structure, and the craft of writing for young audiences. The course is self-paced and can be completed on your own time.
what you will learn in this course
- Your Writing Identity
- Genre, Form, and Audience
- Structure
- Editing and Proofreading
- Publishing
Writing Stories About Ourselves by Wesleyan University – Coursera
Writing Stories About Ourselves | Coursera is perfect for writers looking to explore the world of creative nonfiction. It covers topics like memoir writing, personal essays, and journalistic writing, and is taught by experienced writing professionals from Wesleyan University. The course is self-paced and can be completed on your own time.
what you will learn in this course
- What Can We Learn From Fiction?
- Train Your Eye Like a Filmmaker
- Opening the Story
- The Joys and Pitfalls of Dialogue
Professional and Technical Writing by University of California, Berkeley – edX
Academic and Business Writing | edX is perfect for professionals looking to improve their business writing skills. It covers topics like writing effective emails, reports, and memos, and is taught by experienced writing professionals from the University of California, Berkeley. The course is self-paced and can be completed for free or with a small fee to receive a verified certificate upon completion.
What you’ll learn
- Refine persuasive writing techniques and essay development
- Gain skills for proofreading, self-editing, revision, tone, and vocabulary
- Develop strong English-language writing and communication skills
In conclusion, if you’re an aspiring writer looking to start writing or improve your writing skills, online writing courses can be a great resource. Whether you’re a beginner or a professional, there are options available for everyone. From free courses to self-paced options, the courses listed above are a great place to start your online writing journey.