I have been surfing up and down the web searching for good writing classes to help brush up and hone my writing skills however, I am finding it overwhelming trying to sift through all of the options. Anybody have any good recommendations for online courses involving writing basics, story structure or creative writing? I'm not looking to spend an arm and a leg although if the course looks the part I wouldn't mind paying some money for it.
It depends on what you’re looking for and what you need. Classes range from free level programs through Coursera to a $3500 offering from MIT (yes, that MIT). Different courses fit different skill levels, some offer more hand holding than others, some push a more dogmatic approach with more focus on studying the classics. You might start with listing what is you want out of a class, then look for something to fulfill your needs.
I found the Writers of the Future Online Workshop helpful, especially with story structure. It is geared towards short fiction, but most of the lessons are broadly applicable. Especially the ones about try/fail cycles and building tension. https://www.writersofthefuture.com/register/online-workshop/ Best of all, it’s free!
For those looking on the more extreme end where they want a writing workshop to produce an actual publishable full length novel, I would suggest working on an MA in creative writing. There are plenty of online MA programs across the US from ranging levels and prices. Most only require a short residency, something like two to three weeks twice a year over two years. Almost all of these programs are focused on their final project, which isn't a normal thesis, but instead a feature length novel, script, collection of stories, or collection of poems. Yes, it's a bit extreme, but if you want professional help over the whole process and to make contacts within the writing system, this is a possible route to take if you can find the time. But this is also the extreme end. Putting this post here not for the OP really, as they seem intend on small scale online courses, but for those thinking of looking for something a little larger.
