What are the best creative writing courses on Coursera?

Top options include the Creative Writing Specialization from Wesleyan University and Write Your First Novel from Michigan State University . These courses focus on fiction, memoir, poetry , and narrative techniques to help you develop your voice and writing style.

Can I learn creative writing for free on Coursera?

Yes. Many creative writing courses offer a free audit option, allowing you to access video lessons and readings at no cost. To earn a certificate or complete peer-reviewed assignments, you’ll need to upgrade or apply for financial aid.

What will I learn in a creative writing course?

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.

Do I need writing experience to take a creative writing course?

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.

Can creative writing courses on Coursera help me become a published writer?

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.

Top Creative Writing Courses - Learn Creative Writing Online

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Find the Best Creative Writing Course for Your Goals

California Institute of the Arts
Sharpened Visions: A Poetry Workshop
Skills you'll gain: Editing, Writing, Peer Review, Creativity
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
1.8K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: New
Board Infinity
Writing Effective Technical Documentation
Skills you'll gain: Technical Writing, Technical Documentation, Technical Communication, Software Documentation, Software Design Documents, Collaborative Software, Augmented and Virtual Reality (AR/VR), Typography, Multimedia, Proofreading, Design Elements And Principles, GitHub, Application Programming Interface (API), Version Control
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
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: New
Status: Free Trial
Board Infinity
SOP Writing Mastery: Craft Statements That Stand Out
Skills you'll gain: Storytelling, Business Writing, Writing, Generative AI Agents, Continuous Improvement Process, Brainstorming, Higher Education, Editing, Cultural Sensitivity, Self-Awareness
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Michigan State University
Write A Feature Length Screenplay For Film Or Television
Skills you'll gain: Storyboarding, Writing, Writing and Editing, Storytelling, Peer Review
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
279 reviews
Beginner · Course · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
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
Michigan State University
Script Writing: Write a Pilot Episode for a TV or Web Series (Project-Centered Course)
Skills you'll gain: Peer Review, Writing, Editing, Storytelling, Proofreading, Creativity
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
775 reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of Michigan
Writing and Editing: Word Choice and Word Order
Skills you'll gain: Writing, Storytelling, Editing, Detail Oriented, Communication, Resourcefulness, Decision Making, Creativity, Professionalism
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
2K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Commonwealth Education Trust
Writing for Young Readers: Opening the Treasure Chest
Skills you'll gain: Editing, Proofreading, Storytelling, Writing, Grammar, Content Creation, Peer Review, Digital Publishing, Creativity, Vocabulary
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
1.3K reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Stanford University
Writing in the Sciences
Skills you'll gain: Grant Writing, Peer Review, Technical Writing, Technical Communication, Writing, Scientific Methods, Journals, Editing, Research, Media and Communications, Ethical Standards And Conduct
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
9.4K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Vanderbilt University
Prompt Engineering for ChatGPT
Skills you'll gain: Prompt Engineering, ChatGPT, Productivity, Generative AI, Artificial Intelligence, Large Language Modeling, Creative Thinking, Ingenuity, Brainstorming, Problem Solving, Application Development, Collaboration
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
6K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Berklee
Songwriting: Writing the Lyrics
Skills you'll gain: Music Theory, Peer Review, Musical Composition, Music, Creativity, Performing Arts, Storytelling, Writing
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
895 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

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

Sharpened Visions: A Poetry Workshop: California Institute of the Arts
Writing Effective Technical Documentation: Board Infinity
Creative Writing: The Craft of Setting and Description: Wesleyan University
SOP Writing Mastery: Craft Statements That Stand Out: Board Infinity
Write A Feature Length Screenplay For Film Or Television: Michigan State University
Creative Writing: The Craft of Style: Wesleyan University
Script Writing: Write a Pilot Episode for a TV or Web Series (Project-Centered Course): Michigan State University
Writing and Editing: Word Choice and Word Order: University of Michigan
Writing for Young Readers: Opening the Treasure Chest: Commonwealth Education Trust
Writing in the Sciences: Stanford University

Creative Writing Courses