Creative Writing – Learning Opportunities

 
We share some of the creative writing classes | certificates | diplomas | degrees we’ve taken over the years. They are not ranked in any order or preferences.

School | OrganizationNotesComments
Creative Writing | School of Continuing Studies, University of Toronto (SCS, UT)
– certificate program; learners can take individual creative writing classes without working towards a certificate
– online & in-person
– $$$




“Whether you aspire to write a novel or short story, explore poetry, pen a script or screenplay, or explore other writing styles, we have the courses you need to improve your skills.
Class sizes and writers workshops are kept small to ensure you receive the individual attention you need to help your writing thrive, whether you take your class in-class or online.” – SCS, UT
Ann graduated from the Creative Writing Certificate Program in 2012, and currently teaches novel writing at SCS, UT.









Humber School for Writers
– certificates, diplomas, and degree programs
– online & in-person
– $$$








“Our distinguished school has had over 300 alumni go on to publish books. We offer a broad range of creative writing courses and programs including an intensive writing retreat in the Summer Workshop and the opportunity to work on a book-length manuscript in the Correspondence Program.” – Humber School for WritersAnn worked with author-mentor, David Adams Richards, to finish her debut novel, Kay’s Lucky Coin Variety (Humber’s Creative Writing graduate certificate program).






Learn4Life – Adult General Interest Courses – Toronto District School Board Continuing Education
– online & in-person
– $$









“An introduction to creative writing serves as a gateway into the world of literary expression, encouraging individuals to explore their imagination. Various forms of creative writing will be explored, including fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, and drama. Learners will have an opportunity to share their stories, receive constructive feedback and critique, in a supportive environment.” – Learn4Life, TDSBLook up creative writing classes in the Search Browser.













Gale Courses via the Toronto Public Library (and other public libraries)
– creative writing, grant writing, and publishing courses, including writing for children, screenwriting, romance writing, travel writing, fiction, and more
– Free, online, and self-paced with direct access to your instructor
“Gale Courses offers a wide range of highly interactive, instructor led courses that you can take entirely online.  As a library card holder in good standing, you are entitled to these courses at no cost. Courses run for six weeks and new sessions begin every month.” – Gale CoursesGale Courses are offered through many public libraries across North America.

* This is an American resource so most references will be directed to American writers.


MasterClass Writing
– learn from 33 different authors including Amy Tan (fiction), Amanda Gorman (poetry), Aaron Sorkin (screenwriting)
– online, self paced
– $$


“Become a better writer
with world-renowned authors.” – MasterClass







One year membership gives you unlimited access to all the writing classes, along with other classes by experts in disciples such as cooking (Gordon Ramsey), space exploration (Chris Hadfield), and Jane Goodall (conservation).
Justice For My Sister BIPOC Sci-Fi Screenwriting Lab
– focus is on screenwriting
– applications open yearly around Aug/Sep to writers who identify as BIPOC.
– visit their website to learn more


“A competitive incubator, where selected fellows conceive of sci-fi and fantasy TV show concepts and author the pilot episode of their show with one-on-one mentorship support. Graduates will pitch their concepts to TV executives in meetings that JFMS curates.” – Justice for My SisterJohn is currently a fellow of the Justice For My Sister BIPOC Sci-Fi Screenwriting Lab, developing an all-ages animated TV pilot under the guidance of industry professionals.