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40 Best Essay Creative Writing Classes in 2026

Showing 40 courses that match your search.

Beginner’s Mind: A Mindful Approach to Personal Essays

Writers.com

This 8-week course focuses on mindful writing practices, including meditation and freewriting, to explore personal life experiences and transform them into essays. It encourages self-discovery, community building, and offers insights into the personal essay publishing market.

Website: https://writers.com/

Categories: Essay

Start date:

June, 2026

Price:

$465.00

Online course

Level: Beginner

Length: 8 weeks, weekly sessions

Class size: Unlimited

Prerequisites: No prerequisites

The Generator & the Editor: Adventures in Merging the Opposing Poles Within Every Writer

Story Studio Chicago

This course focuses on balancing the creative and editorial aspects of writing, helping writers understand and adapt both roles in their writing process. It combines philosophy with practical guidance.

Website: https://www.storystudiochicago.org/

Categories: Essay

Start date:

Open all year round

Price:

$80.00

Online course

Level: Intermediate

Length: 1 session, 90 mins.

Class size: Unlimited

Prerequisites: No prerequisites

Creative Writing: Introduction

University of Toronto

The University of Toronto offers an introductory course in creative writing, designed to cover the basics and encourage creative expression. It's suitable for those beginning their journey in creative writing, looking to explore various aspects of the craft​​​​​​​​.

Website: https://learn.utoronto.ca/

Categories: Essay

Start date:

July, 2026

Price:

$467.00

Online course

Level: Beginner

Length: Est. 20 hours

Class size: Limited

Prerequisites: No prerequisites

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Create: Free Draft Generator

GrubStreet

A one-hour online seminar for all levels to respond to writing prompts, share work, and connect with other writers. It's designed to kickstart new writing projects and foster community.

Website: https://grubstreet.org/

Categories: Essay

Start date:

March, 2026

Price:

Free

Online course

Level: Any

Length: 1 hour

Class size: 100

Prerequisites: No prerequisites

No Money, No Problem: Publicity and Marketing For Writers On a Budget

GrubStreet

This course focuses on strategies for writers to manage their own marketing without high costs, covering how to leverage community support, contact venues, engage with book clubs, and find funding opportunities.

Website: https://grubstreet.org/

Categories: Essay

Start date:

May, 2026

Price:

$75.00

Online course

Level: Any

Length: 1 session, 2 hours

Class size: 50

Creative Writing

City Academy

This course explores various techniques to enhance writing skills, focusing on both fiction and non-fiction. It includes practical exercises, group discussions, and individual feedback, aimed at boosting confidence and creativity.

Website: https://www.city-academy.com/

Categories: Essay

Start date:

Open all year round

Price:

£375.00

Based in London

Level: Beginner

Length: 6 weekly classes (2.5 hours each)

Class size: Unlimited

Prerequisites: Fluency in English is essential for this course.

2026 Let's Just Write! Chicago Writers Association Conference

Chicago Writers Association

The conference features workshops, panel discussions, master classes, pitch sessions, and a keynote address. Attendees can participate in a cocktail party, meeting prominent writers and experts.

Website: https://cwa12.wildapricot.org/

Categories: Essay

Start date:

June, 2026

Price:

$185.00

Based in Chicago

Level: Any

Length: 1 full day

Class size: Unlimited

Creative Writing Course: Memoir & Life Writing

Sydney Community College

This workshop focuses on memoir writing, combining life experiences with writing techniques. It includes reading excerpts from notable texts, in-class writing exercises, and opportunities for feedback in a supportive environment.

Website: https://www.sydneycommunitycollege.edu.au/

Categories: Essay

Start date:

February, 2026

Price:

$166.00

Based in Sydney

Level: Beginner

Length: 1 session, 6 hours total

Class size: Limited

Prerequisites: No prerequisites

Writing a Sense of Place

Writing NSW

Interested in developing your ability to craft setting in fiction and non-fiction? This practical, easy-to-follow course offers everything you need to get started.

Website: https://writingnsw.org.au/whats-on/courses/

Categories: Essay

Start date:

Open all year round

Price:

$79.00

Online course

Level: Beginner

Length: 3 modules

Class size: Unlimited

Prerequisites: No prerequisites

Mastering the Art of Opinion Writing

Writing NSW

Discover how to write compelling opinion pieces that stand out in today’s crowded media landscape.

Website: https://writingnsw.teachable.com/l/pdp/mastering-the-art-...

Categories: Essay

Start date:

Open all year round

Price:

$79.00

Online course

Level: Beginner

Length: 8 Modules

Class size: Unlimited

Prerequisites: No prerequisites

An Editor's-Eye Look at Book Submissions

GrubStreet

This seminar explores how backstory and flashback can enhance narratives by providing context and character motivation. Participants analyze passages from noted authors and engage in writing exercises to apply techniques learned. 18+

Website: https://grubstreet.org

Categories: Essay

Start date:

May, 2026

Price:

$65.00

Online course

Level: Any

Length: 1 or 2 Day Seminar

Class size: 50 seats max

Weekly Wordshop

Greater Philadelphia Wordshop Studio

Weekly writing workshops that facilitate creative exploration in various genres, including literary fiction, poetry, and non-fiction. Participants can attend the first session at no cost as a guest. The workshops use the Amherst Writers & Artists method to encourage artistic growth.

Website: https://www.philawordshop.com/

Categories: Essay

Start date:

September, 2026

Price:

$460.00

Based in Philadelphia

Level: Any

Length: 10 weeks

Class size: 12 participants max

Prerequisites: No prerequisites

How to choose an essay writing class

Looking to build your writing skillset, learn more about your genre, or finally finish that essay you’ve been working on? You’re in the right place. That’s why we built this directory of the best writing courses.

However, creative writing classes aren’t one size fit all. If you’re planning to join an essay writing class in particular, you’ll want to make sure that it matches what you’re seeking to learn about essay writing.

So make sure to consider the following questions when you’re researching essay writing courses:

  • Who is the instructor? How many years of experience do they have in essay writing?
  • Is there something in particular you’d like to learn about essay writing? Does this course include it?
  • How long is the course, and where is it taught?
  • How much does the essay writing course cost? Does it fit into your budget?

More essay writing resources

Whether you’re a new or established author, there are always evergreen resources out there to how to get a headstart on essay writing. 

Free online materials

Recommended books

 

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