<bi-shortcode id="disclaimer" class="mceNonEditable" data-type="insiderpicks"> </bi-shortcode><p><img src="https://static5.businessinsider.com/image/605b55510d155e0019ef66df-1667/Best online writing classes taught by bestselling authors and writers 4x3.png" border="0" alt="Best online writing classes taught by bestselling authors and writers 4x3" data-mce-source="Masterclass; Alyssa Powell/Insider"></p><bi-shortcode id="summary-shortcode" data-type="summary-shortcode" class="mceNonEditable" contenteditable="false">Summary List Placement</bi-shortcode><ul class="summary-list"><li>Strong communication and writing skills will help you succeed in any profession.</li><li>Online classes are an affordable way to learn new writing tips as well as receive feedback on your work.</li><li>All the classes on this list are taught by expert, award-winning writers with decades of experience.</li></ul><p>Good writing skills can take you far (just take it from a business major who wormed her way into an editorial career). Strong written communication skills <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-write-a-cover-letter-classes-advice-resources" target="_blank" rel="noopener">can help you land a job</a> or <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/online-courses-to-advance-your-career" target="_blank" rel="noopener">move up in your career</a>, but good writing doesn't come easily or instinctively to everyone. <strong>As with any skill, you won't get any better at writing simply by reading books or watching videos about it.</strong></p><p>Online classes from e-learning platforms like <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/reviews/out'u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.masterclass.com%2F" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">MasterClass</a> and <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/reviews/out'u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.skillshare.com%2Fhome" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">Skillshare</a> are affordable, flexible ways to not only learn the proper strategies but also practice and receive feedback on your writing. And who better to learn from than actual published authors, writers, and editors'</p><bi-shortcode id="commerce-link" class="mceNonEditable" data-cardtype="small" data-pid="5eb5afc8204ad37ea20e8e88" data-purchase-option="">All-Access Pass (small)</bi-shortcode><p>The following classes are all taught by accomplished, award-winning writers who have decades of experience in communicating ideas, telling stories, and captivating audiences. <strong>Some specialize in fiction, while others employ storytelling tricks to make even the driest facts shine.</strong></p><p>If you see the word "creative" in the title, don't immediately dismiss the class. All the courses have valuable lessons to learn for making your writing more effective, whether you're in a creative industry or not.</p><h2>15 writing classes taught by experienced authors, writers, and editors:</h2><h3>Creative Nonfiction: Write Truth with Style</h3><img src="https://static2.businessinsider.com/image/5e8ce340b3b09278b33c93d5-400-300/creative-nonfiction-write-truth-with-style.jpg" alt="" /><p><p><strong>The teacher: </strong>Susan Orlean has been a staff writer at The New Yorker since 1992 and is the author of eight books, including New York Times bestseller "<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Rin-Tin-Life-Legend-ebook/dp/B004T4KRVK'&linkCode=ll1&tag=biip_040720_best-online-writing-classes-20&linkId=6cf8f1938732f4887353189d17fb11d0&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored nofollow sponsored">Rin Tin Tin</a>" and "<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Orchid-Thief-Obsession-Ballantine-Readers-ebook/dp/B004QWZGWU'&linkCode=ll1&tag=biip_040720_best-online-writing-classes-20&linkId=4ca547b217b1c41a40549f11fb393a7a&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored nofollow sponsored">The Orchid Thief</a>," which was later adapted into Spike Jonze's "Adaptation," (in which Meryl Streep portrayed Orlean).<strong><br /><br />The course: </strong>The best nonfiction makes facts compelling and interesting to read, but it's not easy to do this. This course takes students through Susan Orlean's writing process, from finding a topic to making final edits, and helps them polish their own creative processes. The class project is a 1,000-word profile on someone you find mysterious. <br /><br /><strong>The price:</strong> Free with 14-day Skillshare trial; $8.25 per month or $19 per month after trial ends.</p><bi-shortcode id="commerce-link" class="mceNonEditable" data-cardtype="button" data-pid="605904a10b59110011d8ae24" data-purchase-option="">Creative Nonfiction: Write Truth with Style (button)</bi-shortcode></p><br/><br/><h3>Malcolm Gladwell's Writing MasterClass</h3><img src="https://static4.businessinsider.com/image/6058fed40d155e0019ef6121-400-300/malcolm-gladwells-writing-masterclass.jpg" alt="" /><p><p><strong>The teacher: </strong>Malcolm Gladwell has written for "The New Yorker" since 1996. His fascinating books, which include "<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Tipping-Point-Here-Jimmy-Evans-ebook/dp/B0893B89F3/ref=sr_1_2'crid=1G3NF6E4UR9Z0&dchild=1&keywords=the+tipping+point&qid=1616430217&s=digital-text&sprefix=the+tipping%2Cdigital-text%2C152&sr=1-2" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">The Tipping Point</a>," "<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Blink-Power-Thinking-Without-ebook/dp/B000PAAH3K/ref=sr_1_1'dchild=1&keywords=blink&qid=1616430275&s=digital-text&sr=1-1" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">Blink</a>," and "<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Outliers-Story-Success-Malcolm-Gladwell-ebook/dp/B001ANYDAO/ref=sr_1_6'crid=1G3NF6E4UR9Z0&dchild=1&keywords=the+tipping+point&qid=1616430217&s=digital-text&sprefix=the+tipping%2Cdigital-text%2C152&sr=1-6" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">Outliers</a>" reveal the most unexpected insights into our world. "The Tipping Point" was named as one of the best books of the decade by Amazon customers, The A.V. Club, and The Guardian, and was Barnes & Noble's 5th bestselling nonfiction book of the decade. </p><p><strong>The course: </strong>In 24 lessons, you'll learn how to find, research, and write stories that capture big ideas. This is Gladwell's first-ever online class, where he analyzes his own works to reveal his unique creative process. He also answers select student questions during virtual office hours. </p><p><strong>The price:</strong> $180 ($15 per month) for an annual MasterClass membership.</p><bi-shortcode id="commerce-link" class="mceNonEditable" data-cardtype="button" data-pid="6058ff5197ff9000113578ad" data-purchase-option="">Malcolm Gladwell Teaches Writing (button)</bi-shortcode></p><br/><br/><h3>Daniel Jos Older's Storytelling 101: Character, Conflict, Context, Craft</h3><img src="https://static3.businessinsider.com/image/5e8cdff18427e96715389a83-400-300/daniel-jos-olders-storytelling-101-character-conflict-context-craft.jpg" alt="" /><p><p><strong>The teacher: </strong>Daniel José Older is the bestselling author of the "<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01KKDAI3K'&linkCode=ll1&tag=biip_040720_best-online-writing-classes-20&linkId=0e1a6f857d6bd6be02b7e51e8266f868&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored nofollow sponsored">Bone Street Rumba</a>" urban fantasy series and the YA novel "<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00Q5LJFJA'&linkCode=ll1&tag=biip_040720_best-online-writing-classes-20&linkId=253dc6042df1886fa5d38277caa8cc82&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored nofollow sponsored">Shadowshaper</a>." "Shadowshaper" was a "New York Times" Notable Book of 2015 and named one of Esquire's "80 Books Every Person Should Read." Older's short stories and essays have appeared in the Guardian, NPR, and a number of other sites. <strong><br /><br />The course: </strong>This short 40-minute class breaks down the fundamentals of narrative storytelling and what makes a story different from a mere anecdote. Learn the "4 C's" of storytelling and see them in action in one of the teacher's own short stories. The fun final project is to write a short story about something that happened on a single block in your hometown over the course of one hour.</p><p><strong>The price:</strong> Free with 14-day Skillshare trial; $8.25 per month or $19 per month after trial ends</p><bi-shortcode id="commerce-link" class="mceNonEditable" data-cardtype="button" data-pid="6058f33d0b59110011d8addf" data-purchase-option="">Storytelling 101 (button)</bi-shortcode></p><br/><br/><h3>Roxane Gay's MasterClass on Writing for Social Change and Creative Writing: Crafting Personal Essays with Impact</h3><img src="https://static5.businessinsider.com/image/60526d69fe6a340019acf381-400-300/roxane-gays-masterclass-on-writing-for-social-change-and-creative-writing-crafting-personal-essays-with-impact.jpg" alt="" /><p><p><strong>The teacher: </strong>On top of writing bestselling memoirs like "<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Bad-Feminist-Essays-Roxane-Gay/dp/0062282719'&linkCode=ll1&tag=biip_040720_best-online-writing-classes-20&linkId=c4ba24c22b51a0be45ff46214ec972ac&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">Bad Feminist</a>" and "<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B013PKAFOC'&linkCode=ll1&tag=biip_040720_best-online-writing-classes-20&linkId=0d7df98bb13759035a0c8650446db56e&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">Hunger: A Memoir of (My) Body</a>," Roxane Gay is a professor and <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/column/roxane-gay" target="_blank" rel="noopener">New York Times columnist</a>, making her as experienced an author as she is an educator.<br /><br /><strong>The course: </strong>If you want to see change in the world, strong storytelling skills can help you get there. <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/reviews/out'u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.masterclass.com%2Fclasses%2Froxane-gay-teaches-writing-for-social-change" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">Gay's MasterClass</a> teaches you how to tap into your identity, figure out your voice, and write about emotionally hard subjects with care, so that you can get people on board with the broader visions you have for improving the world.</p><p>Roxane Gay also teaches a <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/reviews/out'u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.skillshare.com%2Fclasses%2FCreative-Writing-Crafting-Personal-Essays-with-Impact%2F1709959838" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">short Skillshare class</a> on crafting impactful personal essays from start to finish. You can <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/how-skillshare-learning-platform-works-review" target="_blank" rel="noopener">read a review of it here</a>.</p><p><strong>The price:</strong> $180 ($15 per month) for an annual MasterClass membership.<br />Free with 14-day Skillshare trial; $8.25 per month or $19 per month after trial ends.</p><bi-shortcode id="commerce-link" class="mceNonEditable" data-cardtype="button" data-pid="605908830b59110011d8ae31" data-purchase-option="">Roxane Gay teaches Writing for Social Change (button)</bi-shortcode><bi-shortcode id="commerce-link" class="mceNonEditable" data-cardtype="button" data-pid="5fe3741ffe994d44d4530a08" data-purchase-option="">Creative Writing: Crafting Personal Essays with Impact (button)</bi-shortcode></p><br/><br/><h3>Steven Heller's The Designer's Guide to Writing and Research</h3><img src="https://static3.businessinsider.com/image/6058f9b2106eb50019d04fbf-400-300/steven-hellers-the-designers-guide-to-writing-and-research.jpg" alt="" /><p><p><strong>The teacher: </strong>Steven Heller writes the Visuals column for the "New York Times Book Review" and is the editor of the AIGA Journal of Graphic Design. <a href="http://www.hellerbooks.com/docs/times.html" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">A former "New York Times" art director</a>, he is the author, co-author, or editor of <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Ideas-that-Changed-Graphic-Design/dp/1856697940'&linkCode=ll1&tag=biip_040720_best-online-writing-classes-20&linkId=2b04c802b581ea38ccb14a46d1daf60d&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored nofollow sponsored">over 170 books on design and popular culture</a>, and also regularly contributes to design publications. <strong><br /><br />The course: </strong>Geared towards designers, this course illuminates the parallels between writing and design. You'll learn about the professional importance of research and writing to designers today, best practices for developing your voice, and creative ways to communicate. The final project is a 500-word essay on an object in your wallet, bag, or pocket. </p><p><strong>The price:</strong> Free with 14-day Skillshare trial; $8.25 per month or $19 per month after trial ends</p><bi-shortcode id="commerce-link" class="mceNonEditable" data-cardtype="button" data-pid="6058fa2e97ff90001135789f" data-purchase-option="">The Designer's Guide to Writing and Research (button)</bi-shortcode></p><br/><br/><h3>David Sedariss MasterClass on Storytelling and Humor</h3><img src="https://static1.businessinsider.com/image/605b7c16106eb50019d0564b-400-300/david-sedariss-masterclass-on-storytelling-and-humor.jpg" alt="" /><p><p><strong>The teacher: </strong>If you want to inject your writing with a dash of comedy, David Sedaris — <a href="https://www.newyorker.com/contributors/david-sedaris" target="_blank" rel="noopener">"The New Yorker" essayist</a> and author of "<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000SEJHRA/ref=as_li_tl'ie=UTF8&tag=biip_040720_best-online-writing-classes-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B000SEJHRA&linkId=f716f2b55a02d6bb403dc3d9eeace3e7" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">Me Talk Pretty One Day</a>," "<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0796QV121/ref=as_li_tl'ie=UTF8&tag=biip_040720_best-online-writing-classes-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B0796QV121&linkId=f82cd6d1989b3f9aa8fb065f813f489a" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">Calypso</a>," and "<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B089SPTBWX/ref=as_li_tl'ie=UTF8&tag=biip_040720_best-online-writing-classes-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B089SPTBWX&linkId=ef5f50d650ee0686df94ed8457ebe8b8" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">The Best of Me</a>" — is one of the best people to teach you how to do it.</p><p><strong>The course:</strong> Beyond covering tips and tricks for writing eye-grabbing openings and endings with huge payoffs, Sedaris also gives his advice on finding humor in the darkest moments of our lives.</p><p><strong>The price:</strong> $180 ($15 per month) for an annual MasterClass membership.</p><bi-shortcode id="commerce-link" class="mceNonEditable" data-cardtype="button" data-pid="5fe37596f74e3059b737f6ea" data-purchase-option="">David Sedaris teaches Humor and Storytelling (button)</bi-shortcode></p><br/><br/><h3>Shani Raja's Writing With Flair: How To Become An Exceptional Writer</h3><img src="https://static5.businessinsider.com/image/6058fb25106eb50019d04fcf-400-300/shani-rajas-writing-with-flair-how-to-become-an-exceptional-writer.jpg" alt="" /><p><p><strong>The teacher: </strong><a href="https://shaniraja.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Shani Raja</a> is a former Wall Street Journal editor who has written for The Economist, Financial Times, and Bloomberg News. He has also taught advanced writing skills to professionals and edited for leading global companies like Microsoft, IBM, and PwC.<strong><br /><br />The course: </strong>Another bestseller from Shani Raja, this course promises to "dramatically improve the quality of your writing in as little as days or weeks" through a few key principles. Both new students and experienced writers have benefitted from the course, which teaches you how to sharpen your words and command the reader's attention.</p><p>Raja also has a Udemy course on the <a href="https://go.skimresources.com'id=35871X943606&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.udemy.com%2Fcourse%2Fninja-writing-the-four-levels-of-writing-mastery%2F" target="_blank" rel="noopener">four levels of writing mastery</a>.</p><p><strong>The price:</strong> Both of Raja's Udemy courses are $109.99 each.</p><bi-shortcode id="commerce-link" class="mceNonEditable" data-cardtype="button" data-pid="6058fbc20b59110011d8adf3" data-purchase-option="">Writing With Flair: How To Become An Exceptional Writer here. (button)</bi-shortcode><bi-shortcode id="commerce-link" class="mceNonEditable" data-cardtype="button" data-pid="6058fcd197ff9000113578a7" data-purchase-option="">Ninja Writing: The Four Levels Of Writing Mastery (button)</bi-shortcode></p><br/><br/><h3>Amy Tan's MasterClass on Fiction, Memory, and Imagination</h3><img src="https://static1.businessinsider.com/image/605906d00d155e0019ef614c-400-300/amy-tans-masterclass-on-fiction-memory-and-imagination.jpg" alt="" /><p><p><strong>The teacher: </strong>Most known for her bestselling novel "<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Joy-Luck-Club-Novel/dp/0143038095'_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=&linkCode=ll1&tag=biip_040720_best-online-writing-classes-20&linkId=48e288894cb07a936fa3b05f08734778&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">The Joy Luck Club</a>" (which spent 40 weeks on the "New York Times" bestseller list), Amy Tan is an inspiration to anyone who's started exploring their writing voice later in life — she started at age 33 and published her famed debut novel a mere few years later. Tan went on to write many other books, including "<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000OCXHBI'&linkCode=ll1&tag=biip_040720_best-online-writing-classes-20&linkId=87f08408bfd59a1b62014bc367a0c775&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">The Bonesetter's Daughter</a>" and "<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001ROAKDU'&linkCode=ll1&tag=biip_040720_best-online-writing-classes-20&linkId=b8d750b216c5fb8598e823b19b15c463&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">The Kitchen God's Wife: A Novel</a>."<br /><br /><strong>The course: </strong>With a focus on utilizing your most powerful memories, this course teaches you how to find your voice as well as sharpen your story with compelling beginnings and endings.<br /><br /><strong>The price:</strong> $180 ($15 per month) for an annual MasterClass membership.</p><bi-shortcode id="commerce-link" class="mceNonEditable" data-cardtype="button" data-pid="605905ef97ff9000113578cb" data-purchase-option="">Amy Tan Teaches Fiction, Memory, and Imagination (button)</bi-shortcode></p><br/><br/><h3>Simon Van Booy's The Writer's Toolkit: 6 Steps to a Successful Writing Habit</h3><img src="https://static3.businessinsider.com/image/6058f96d0d155e0019ef60f8-400-300/simon-van-booys-the-writers-toolkit-6-steps-to-a-successful-writing-habit.jpg" alt="" /><p><p><strong>The teacher: </strong>Simon Van Booy's short story collection "<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Love-Begins-Winter-Five-Stories-ebook/dp/B0028MVGWY'&linkCode=ll1&tag=biip_040720_best-online-writing-classes-20&linkId=3fc2ddd8e52c00244c818622a5e0936c&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored nofollow sponsored">Love Begins in Winter</a>" won the 2009 Frank O'Connor International Short Story Award. He has written two other short story collections as well as three anthologies of philosophy, and his work has been translated into over a dozen languages throughout the world. In 2013, he founded Writers for Children, a project that helps young people build confidence in their storytelling abilities through annual awards.<br /><br /><strong>The course: </strong>Writing should be approachable and fun, not torturous. By optimizing your space for your writing style, creating a daily writing routine, and acting on inspiration, you can build a long-term writing process to rely on for years to come. This short video course teaches you how.</p><p><strong>The price:</strong> Free with 14-day Skillshare trial; $8.25 per month or $19 per month after trial ends</p><bi-shortcode id="commerce-link" class="mceNonEditable" data-cardtype="button" data-pid="6058f5681870630011aa2bcd" data-purchase-option="">The Writer's Toolkit: 6 Steps to a Successful Writing Habit here. (button)</bi-shortcode></p><br/><br/><h3>Margaret Atwood's MasterClass on Creative Writing</h3><img src="https://static3.businessinsider.com/image/5fdccd66c910a400192e84b9-400-300/margaret-atwoods-masterclass-on-creative-writing.jpg" alt="" /><p><p><strong>The teacher: </strong>Of "<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Handmaids-Tale-Margaret-Atwood-ebook/dp/B003JFJHTS'&linkCode=ll1&tag=biip_040720_best-online-writing-classes-20&linkId=434916d3d4c07d0a3c24cd6ab52d08c3&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">The Handmaid's Tale</a>" fame, Margaret Atwood has been titled the "Prophet of Dystopia" for works such as "<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Oryx-Crake-MaddAddam-Trilogy-Book-ebook/dp/B000FC1BNI'&linkCode=ll1&tag=biip_040720_best-online-writing-classes-20&linkId=97a5435aead3a1aa858f41e508ff4836&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">Oryx and Crake</a>" and the "Handmaid's Tale" sequel, "<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Testaments-Novel-Margaret-Atwood-ebook/dp/B07KVLPYDQ'&linkCode=ll1&tag=biip_040720_best-online-writing-classes-20&linkId=20508f2805c500cd9d9739c0967b73df&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">The Testaments: A Novel</a>."<br /><br /><strong>The course: </strong>Atwood's MasterClass "covers the general points of interest for writers — how to get started, handle the middle of a story, develop characters, craft dialogue, and address writers' block — as well as more specific queries, like research and maintaining historical accuracy," according to Insider senior reporter Mara Leighton. You can <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/margaret-atwood-masterclass-course-review" target="_blank" rel="noopener">read her full review of the course here</a>.<br /><br /><strong>The price:</strong> $180 ($15 per month) for an annual MasterClass membership.</p><bi-shortcode id="commerce-link" class="mceNonEditable" data-cardtype="button" data-pid="5fbedbb283bd0b29f11bf519" data-purchase-option="">Margaret Atwood Teaches Creative Writing (button)</bi-shortcode></p><br/><br/><h3>Jennifer Keishin Armstrong's Finding Your Writing Voice: How to Express Your Unique Self in Your Work</h3><img src="https://static3.businessinsider.com/image/605909ed106eb50019d0501a-400-300/jennifer-keishin-armstrongs-finding-your-writing-voice-how-to-express-your-unique-self-in-your-work.jpg" alt="" /><p><p><strong>The teacher: </strong>Jennifer Keishin Armstrong is a former Entertainment Weekly writer and current TV columnist for BBC Culture who has also written for The New York Times Book Review, Fast Company, New York's Vulture, and The Verge. She wrote the New York Times bestseller "<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Seinfeldia-About-Nothing-Changed-Everything-ebook/dp/B0176M3YM0'&linkCode=ll1&tag=biip_040720_best-online-writing-classes-20&linkId=1fb8b5648398c4ad67b9339bbe41f271&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored nofollow sponsored">Seinfeldia: The Secret World of the Show About Nothing that Changed Everything</a>."<br /><br /><strong>The course: </strong>You don't have to lose your unique personality when you write; in fact, it's what will make your writing stand out in the crowd. Using pop culture icons like Beyoncé and Britney Spears, the class discusses different voices and explores ways to take chances with your writing. </p><p><strong>The price:</strong> Free with 14-day Skillshare trial; $8.25 per month or $19 per month after trial ends.</p><bi-shortcode id="commerce-link" class="mceNonEditable" data-cardtype="button" data-pid="6059051d1870630011aa2bed" data-purchase-option="">Finding Your Writing Voice: How to Express Your Unique Self in Your Work (button)</bi-shortcode></p><br/><br/><h3>Salman Rushdies MasterClass on Storytelling and Writing</h3><img src="https://static2.businessinsider.com/image/605b8072106eb50019d05667-400-300/salman-rushdies-masterclass-on-storytelling-and-writing.jpg" alt="" /><p><p><strong>The teacher: </strong>Winner of the Man Booker Prize, Salman Rushdie is known for his mystical world-building and genre-bending plotlines as seen in books like "<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07P7CZXRB/ref=as_li_tl'ie=UTF8&tag=biip_040720_best-online-writing-classes-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B07P7CZXRB&linkId=9b161df7ca965ed04e9fa8b594065645" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">Quichotte</a>," "<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003WUYQCS/ref=as_li_tl'ie=UTF8&tag=biip_040720_best-online-writing-classes-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B003WUYQCS&linkId=0a4ad2549b54bf48a78c39e5ac3e67f5" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">Midnight's Children</a>," and "<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004KABEOW/ref=as_li_tl'ie=UTF8&tag=biip_040720_best-online-writing-classes-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B004KABEOW&linkId=7c10092ca1601e93b8803798e3b1831e" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">Shame</a>."</p><p><strong>The course: </strong>Rushdie provides tips on creating fleshed-out characters, believable surrealist worlds, and an air-tight plot. This is a great course for those who have lots of fantastical ideas but struggle to ground them into a cohesive story.</p><p><strong>The price:</strong> $180 ($15 per month) for an annual MasterClass membership.</p><bi-shortcode id="commerce-link" class="mceNonEditable" data-cardtype="button" data-pid="605b8004065f570018519735" data-purchase-option="">Salman Rushdie Teaches Storytelling and Writing (button)</bi-shortcode></p><br/><br/><h3>Clare Lynch's Writing With Confidence: Writing Beginner To Writing Pro</h3><img src="https://static5.businessinsider.com/image/6059002a106eb50019d04fe9-400-300/clare-lynchs-writing-with-confidence-writing-beginner-to-writing-pro.jpg" alt="" /><p><p><strong>The teacher: </strong>Dr. Clare Lynch is a former Financial Times journalist who teaches academic writing and professional communication at the University of Cambridge. She has written for organizations like Deutsche Bank, Microsoft, and UBS and is the author of the business-writing blog Good Copy, Bad Copy<em>. </em><strong><br /><br />The course: </strong>Learn powerful principles that can be applied to all types of writing, including emails, speeches, news writeups, and even presentations. The course takes you through fundamentals from techniques to beat writer's block to lessons on getting readers hooked and creating a clear, persuasive angle. </p><p><strong>The price:</strong> $109.99.</p><bi-shortcode id="commerce-link" class="mceNonEditable" data-cardtype="button" data-pid="605900760b59110011d8ae0f" data-purchase-option="">Writing With Confidence: Writing Beginner To Writing Pro (button)</bi-shortcode></p><br/><br/><h3>Joyce Maynard's Writing Your Story</h3><img src="https://static3.businessinsider.com/image/605b83d10d155e0019ef6855-400-300/joyce-maynards-writing-your-story.jpg" alt="" /><p><p><strong>The teacher:</strong> The author of 17 books (including novels and memoirs), Joyce Maynard has worked as a "New York Times" reporter and a contributor to outlets like NPR and "Vogue." Her books include "<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002HPRBZS/ref=as_li_tl'ie=UTF8&tag=biip_040720_best-online-writing-classes-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B002HPRBZS&linkId=0c2c38325167a5f4681139be11355619" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">Labor Day</a>," "<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003VIWNGM/ref=as_li_tl'ie=UTF8&tag=biip_040720_best-online-writing-classes-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B003VIWNGM&linkId=6c80a4f69298f0bbd0f9f9f06890aaa0" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">The Good Daughters</a>," and "<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00MTRRRVC/ref=as_li_tl'ie=UTF8&tag=biip_040720_best-online-writing-classes-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B00MTRRRVC&linkId=e8cd0e4586907d0463765be6c6081998" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">Under the Influence</a>."</p><p><strong>The course: </strong>Focusing on memoir writing, Maynard explains the difference between simply retelling events that happened to you and exploring your journey as a protagonist. She also covers some of the biggest questions that come up when writing about yourself, from what to cut to dealing with fears of judgment so that you can present a narrative that's authentic to readers.</p><p><strong>The price: </strong>$89 for the course, or $11 per month for a CreativeLive membership.</p><bi-shortcode id="commerce-link" class="mceNonEditable" data-cardtype="button" data-pid="605b83293d35010018fe0ad6" data-purchase-option="">Joyce Maynard's Writing Your Story (button)</bi-shortcode></p><br/><br/><h3>Wesleyan University's Creative Writing Specialization</h3><img src="https://static4.businessinsider.com/image/5e8ce2d629d6d9732e165565-400-300/wesleyan-universitys-creative-writing-specialization.jpg" alt="" /><p><p><strong>The teachers</strong><strong style="color: #222222; font-size: 15px;">:</strong> <strong>Salvatore Scibona</strong> was named one of "The New Yorker's" "20 under 40: Fiction Writers to Watch" and is the author of 2008 National Book Award finalist "<a href="https://www.amazon.com/End-Novel-Salvatore-Scibona-ebook/dp/B002SZUDJI'&linkCode=ll1&tag=biip_040720_best-online-writing-classes-20&linkId=a192c858e4c93dcf186f7555b076452e&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored nofollow sponsored">The End</a>," the research for which he conducted while on a Fulbright Fellowship. </p><p><strong>Amy Bloom</strong>, author of <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B074656PYS'&linkCode=ll1&tag=biip_040720_best-online-writing-classes-20&linkId=2563fa572c2156ff571db40aa05da3e9&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored nofollow sponsored">two "New York Times" bestsellers</a> and three collections of short stories, has written for "The New Yorker," "The New York Times Magazine," and "Vogue," among many other publications, and has won a National Magazine Award for Fiction. Her work has been translated into fifteen languages.</p><p><strong>Brando Skyhorse</strong> is an Associate Professor of English at Indiana University in Bloomington who won the 2011 PEN/Hemingway Award and the 2011 Sue Kaufman Prize for First Fiction for his debut novel "<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Madonnas-Echo-Park-Novel-ebook/dp/B003L785TM'&linkCode=ll1&tag=biip_040720_best-online-writing-classes-20&linkId=c0de6466753894a894ff74f1701b9152&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored nofollow sponsored">The Madonnas of Echo Park</a>." </p><p><strong>Amity Gaige</strong> is the author of three novels, "<a href="https://www.amazon.com/My-Darling-Novel-Amity-Gaige-ebook/dp/B00CWKL12W'&linkCode=ll1&tag=biip_040720_best-online-writing-classes-20&linkId=358a9f397422dc348bd1da9bafbd3542&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored nofollow sponsored">O My Darling</a>," "<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Sea-Wife-novel-Amity-Gaige-ebook/dp/B07X2BNH7V'&linkCode=ll1&tag=biip_040720_best-online-writing-classes-20&linkId=e44834d38236c12746c3ee0d5370dd49&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored nofollow sponsored">Sea Wife</a>," and "<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Schroder-Novel-Amity-Gaige-ebook/dp/B007ZGBV8M'&linkCode=ll1&tag=biip_040720_best-online-writing-classes-20&linkId=67b4d3b9c1cf5e2a9c3d74eab552891b&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored nofollow sponsored">Schroder</a>," which was shortlisted for The Folio Prize in 2014. To date, "Schroder" has been published in eighteen countries.</p><p><strong>The course: </strong>This specialization created by Wesleyan University consists of four courses (each taught by a teacher listed above) and covers elements of three major creative writing genres: short story, narrative essay, and memoir. It culminates in a challenging capstone project in which you'll draft, rewrite, and complete a substantial original story in the genre of your choosing. <br /><br /><strong>The price:</strong> Free with 7-day Coursera trial; $49 per month to keep learning after trial ends.</p><bi-shortcode id="commerce-link" class="mceNonEditable" data-cardtype="button" data-pid="605903960b59110011d8ae15" data-purchase-option="">Creative Writing Specialization (button)</bi-shortcode></p><br/><br/>
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