What is the best creative writing course / program online?

The "best" creative writing course or program can vary depending on individual preferences, learning styles, and specific goals. However, here are some highly regarded and popular online creative writing courses and programs:

1. MasterClass - Various Instructors:

   • MasterClass offers courses by renowned writers and authors, including Margaret Atwood, Neil Gaiman, Joyce Carol Oates, and others. These courses cover various aspects of creative writing and provide insights from successful authors.

2. Coursera - Creative Writing Specialization (Wesleyan University):

   • This specialization consists of multiple courses, including "The Craft of Plot" and "The Craft of Character." It covers different elements of fiction writing and is taught by instructors from Wesleyan University.

3. Udemy - Writing with Flair: How to Become an Exceptional Writer (Shani Raja):

   • Shani Raja, a former editor for The Wall Street Journal, teaches this Udemy course. It focuses on improving writing skills, enhancing clarity, and mastering the art of storytelling.

4. The Gotham Writers' Workshop - Creative Writing Courses:

   • Gotham Writers' Workshop offers various online creative writing courses covering fiction, nonfiction, novel writing, and more. They provide a structured and interactive learning environment.

5. University of Iowa's International Writing Program (IWP) - How Writers Write Fiction:

   • This MOOC (Massive Open Online Course) from the University of Iowa is available on the IWP's platform. It features video lectures, readings, and discussions on the craft of fiction writing.

6. The Writers Studio:

   • The Writers Studio offers online creative writing workshops with a focus on the "process" method of creative writing. They have courses for beginners as well as more advanced writers.

7. CreativeLive - Writing Classes:

   • CreativeLive offers a variety of writing classes, including creative writing, storytelling, and novel writing. Instructors often include experienced authors and writing professionals.

8. MIT OpenCourseWare - Introduction to Creative Writing (Instructor: Dr. Joshua Schuster):

   • MIT's free online course provides an introduction to the practice of creative writing. It covers various genres, including fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction.

9. The Open University - Start Writing Fiction:

   • The Open University offers a free online course called "Start Writing Fiction." It's designed for beginners and covers fundamental aspects of fiction writing.

10. Scrivener's online courses (Literature and Latte):

    • Literature and Latte, the creators of Scrivener writing software, offer online courses covering both the software and broader aspects of writing fiction and nonfiction.

Before enrolling in a course, consider your specific goals, preferred learning style, and the level of commitment you can dedicate to the course. Additionally, reviews and testimonials from previous participants can provide insights into the course's effectiveness.