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170 Best Fiction Creative Writing Classes in 2026

Showing 170 courses that match your search.

Short and Sweet: Prose Poems, Flash Fiction and Mini-Memoirs

The Writing Salon

This course focuses on short forms of writing, encouraging students to explore prose poems, flash fiction, and mini-memoirs. Participants will analyze examples from established writers and practice techniques like free association and juxtaposition.

Website: https://www.writingsalons.com/

Categories: Fiction

Start date:

March, 2026

Price:

$240.00

Online course

Level: Any

Length: 3 sessions, 2.5 hours each

Class size: Unlimited

Prerequisites: No prerequisites

Character Development: Creating Memorable Characters

Writer's Digest University

This course focuses on creating believable fiction characters with emotional depth, using techniques from Nancy Kress's book 'Write Great Fiction: Characters, Emotion & Viewpoint'. It includes reading assignments, lectures, creative exercises, and personalized feedback.

Website: https://writersdigestuniversity.mykajabi.com/

Categories: Fiction

Start date:

February, 2026

Price:

$380.00

Online course

Level: Intermediate

Length: 8 weeks, weekly sessions

Class size: Unlimited

Prerequisites: No prerequisites

The Book Leap: Turning Short Pieces Into a Manuscript

GrubStreet

This session focuses on transitioning from short stories to a full-length manuscript, covering character development, conflict deepening, and expanding themes. It is part of Manuscript Month, designed for writers seeking to publish.

Website: https://grubstreet.org/

Categories: Fiction

Start date:

May, 2026

Price:

$65.00

Online course

Level: Intermediate

Length: 1 day, est. 2 hours

Class size: 50 seats max

Prerequisites: No prerequisites

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Advanced Weekend Fiction Workshop: Narrative Movement

Lighthouse Writers Workshop

This workshop focuses on narrative movement, examining plot, structure, character evolution, and logical flow through critique-based discussions. Participants will share excerpts of their work to gain insights for revision.

Website: https://lighthousewriters.org/

Categories: Fiction

Start date:

June, 2026

Price:

$910.00

Online course

Level: Advanced

Length: 2 days

Class size: 10 seats max

Prerequisites: Participants should submit 2,000 words or fewer of their work.

NYC Level 1 Intro to Fiction and Poetry (Porter)

The Writers Studio

This introductory workshop introduces fiction writers and poets to persona writing, helping them overcome self-doubt and exposure fears. It includes weekly exercises based on published works, enhancing students' understanding of literary styles and techniques.

Website: https://courses.writerstudio.com/

Categories: Fiction

Start date:

March, 2026

Price:

$465.00

Based in New York

Level: Beginner

Length: 8 weeks (weekly sessions)

Class size: Unlimited

Prerequisites: No prerequisites

Letters, Prayers, and Confessions: Forms for Emotional Writing (McCormick)

The Writers Studio

This six-week online course explores emotional writing through letters, prayers, and confessions. Students learn to create intimacy and vulnerability through structured address, enhancing their emotional storytelling.

Website: https://courses.writerstudio.com/

Categories: Fiction

Start date:

March, 2026

Price:

$395.00

Online course

Level: Any

Length: 6 weeks (1 lesson per week)

Class size: Unlimited

Prerequisites: No prerequisites

Online: Writing Setting in Fiction

Writing NSW

Hands-on workshop focusing on bringing fictional worlds to life through sensory detail. Participants will engage in guided exercises that include all five senses and learn techniques to create rich settings that support character and mood.

Website: https://writingnsw.org.au/

Categories: Fiction

Start date:

April, 2026

Price:

$150.00

Online course

Level: Beginner

Length: 1 week

Class size: Limited

Prerequisites: No prerequisites

How to Firm Up the “Mushy Middle” of Any Story

Writers.com

A 5-week course focusing on strengthening the middle of stories, teaching narrative structures and character arcs. Includes live video sessions with personal feedback from instructor Jeff Lyons.

Website: https://writers.com/

Categories: Fiction

Start date:

July, 2026

Price:

$345.00

Online course

Level: Intermediate

Length: 5 weeks

Class size: Unlimited

Prerequisites: No prerequisites

Style Matters: Priming Your Prose for Publication

GrubStreet

This four-week online workshop focuses on enhancing prose style for publication readiness. It includes lectures, discussions, writing prompts, and feedback, exploring sentence-level techniques and developing a unique voice.

Website: https://grubstreet.org/

Categories: Fiction

Start date:

May, 2026

Price:

$365.00

Online course

Level: Intermediate

Length: 4 weeks

Class size: 15 seats max

Prerequisites: No prerequisites

Novel Plotting Essentials for the Ponderous Writer

GrubStreet

This seminar aims to help writers struggling with plot by demystifying narrative mechanics. Participants will learn practical strategies for developing a clear plot and maintaining momentum in their novels.

Website: https://grubstreet.org/

Categories: Fiction

Start date:

May, 2026

Price:

$75.00

Online course

Level: Any

Length: 1 full day

Class size: 50 seats max.

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: Fiction

Start date:

Open all year round

Price:

$80.00

Online course

Level: Intermediate

Length: 1 session, 90 mins.

Class size: Unlimited

Prerequisites: No prerequisites

Writing Picture Books: What Editors Want First-Time Authors to Know

Writers.com

The course focuses on storytelling for children and understanding what editors seek in picture books. It includes 11 video lessons, 9 homework assignments, PDF guides for revision, and lifetime access.

Website: https://writers.com/

Categories: Fiction

Start date:

Open all year round

Price:

$349.00

Online course

Level: Any

Length: 11 lessons

Class size: Unlimited

Prerequisites: No prerequisites

How to choose a fiction writing class

Looking to build your writing skillset, learn more about your genre, or finally finish that fiction book 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 a fiction writing class in particular, you’ll want to make sure that it matches what you’re seeking to learn about fiction writing.

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

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

More fiction writing resources

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

Free online materials

Recommended books

 

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