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

Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
Data Management and Sharing for NIH Proposals
Skills you'll gain: Data Sharing, Data Storage, Data Management, Health Policy, Health Care Procedure and Regulation
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: New
Status: Free Trial
Voxy
Beginner English: Times, Dates, and Numbers
Skills you'll gain: English Language, Vocabulary, Language Competency, Oral Comprehension, Language Learning, Grammar
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Packt
Foundations of Unreal Engine 5 and Basic Environment Design
Skills you'll gain: Unreal Engine, 3D Modeling, Computer Graphics, Virtual Environment, Visualization (Computer Graphics), Augmented and Virtual Reality (AR/VR), User Interface (UI)
Beginner · Course · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
Dartmouth College
The American Renaissance and Herman Melville
Skills you'll gain: Storytelling, Writing, World History, Liberal Arts, Political Sciences
Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Packt
Selenium WebDriver Advanced - Complete Framework
Skills you'll gain: Selenium (Software), Version Control, Git (Version Control System), GitHub, Jenkins, Continuous Integration, CI/CD, Test Automation, Test Data, Test Tools, Software Versioning, JUnit, Software Testing, Test Case, IntelliJ IDEA, Application Frameworks, Development Environment, Apache Maven, Verification And Validation, Debugging
Advanced · Course · 3 - 6 Months
Coursera Project Network
Formatieren mit Microsoft Excel
Skills you'll gain: Data Entry, Spreadsheet Software
Beginner · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours
Status: New
Status: Free Trial
Edureka
Testing and Deploying Angular Applications
Skills you'll gain: Version Control, Git (Version Control System), Angular, CI/CD, Application Deployment, Continuous Deployment, Unit Testing, Application Performance Management, Continuous Integration, Maintainability, Application Lifecycle Management, Test Tools, Test Automation, Software Testing, Test Case, Development Testing, Regression Testing
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Coursera Project Network
Mastering Streamlined Syntax: Efficient Kotlin Coding
Skills you'll gain: Kotlin, Maintainability, Software Development, Debugging
Intermediate · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours
Status: Free Trial
Dartmouth College
The American Renaissance and Mark Twain
Skills you'll gain: Social Studies, Culture, Cultural Diversity, World History, European History, Research, Storytelling, Liberal Arts, Writing
Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
Packt
Advanced Automation Frameworks and Continuous Integration
Skills you'll gain: GitHub, Jenkins, Git (Version Control System), Version Control, Selenium (Software), CI/CD, Continuous Integration, Test Automation, Test Data, Unit Testing, Test Case, Software Testing, Regression Testing, Scenario Testing, Test Execution Engine, Python Programming, Automation, Debugging
Advanced · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Coursera Project Network
Cómo crear plantillas para vender utilizando Canva
Skills you'll gain: Canva (Software), Promotional Strategies, Marketing Materials, Design Elements And Principles, Marketing Collateral, Promotional Materials, Product Promotion, Creative Design, Design, Visual Design, Project Design, Graphic and Visual Design, Product Knowledge, Graphical Tools, Selling Techniques
Beginner · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours
Status: New
Status: Free Trial
Voxy
Intermediate English: Telling Stories
Skills you'll gain: English Language, Verbal Communication Skills, Public Speaking, Vocabulary, Grammar, Oral Comprehension, Communication, Cultural Diversity, Professionalism, Interpersonal Communications, Social Skills
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months