Creative writers are one of the in-demand jobs anywhere in the world. If you are considering switching careers or looking for classes to develop and enhance your writing skills, here are some of your top online creative writing courses.
| Course Name | Students Enrolled | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| Coursera – Creative Writing Specialization | 4,800+ | 2,000+ |
| Udemy – Complete Creative Writing All Genres | 5,000+ | 2,300+ |
| University of Calgary Continuing Education – Creative Writing Certificate | 3,000+ | 2,000+ |
| University of British Columbia Continuing Education – Writing For Video Games | 2,500+ | 1,000+ |
| Queen’s University – Creative Writing I | 4,000+ | 1,200+ |
| University of Guelph – Creative Writing Certificate | 3,200+ | 1,800+ |
| Udemy – The Foundations of Fiction (Writing Mastery) | 2,000+ | 1,900+ |
| University of British Columbia – How to Write a Novel | 3,800+ | 1,400+ |
| University of Toronto – Writing a Novel: Introduction | 4,200+ | 1,600+ |
Coursera – Creative Writing Specialization
Coursera’s Creative Writing Specialization offers a comprehensive exploration of the three major genres in creative writing: short story, narrative essay, and memoir. Through this specialization course, you will develop mastery of the techniques employed by skilled writers to craft compelling stories written in a fresh and descriptive style.
A key aspect of this specialization is the opportunity to engage in peer evaluation and constructive analysis of fellow writers’ work. Learners can refine their writing skills and gain valuable insights from a supportive community of writers.
This course is meant to accommodate a wide range of skill levels and objectives, whether you’re an aspiring short story writer or a seasoned novelist looking for a new perspective on your work.
The culmination of the Creative Writing Specialization is the Capstone project, where you will have the chance to draft, rewrite, and complete a substantial original story in your genre of choice. This final project allows learners to apply the knowledge and techniques acquired throughout the specialization and showcase their storytelling abilities. Explore the course by clicking here.
Udemy – Complete Creative Writing All Genres
The goal of this engaging and valuable creative writing course is to inspire you to write original works in the four genres of writing:
- Fiction,
- Poetry,
- Drama, and
- Creative non-fiction.
In this creative writing course, you will discover, develop, and share your own writer’s voice. You will learn writing techniques, literary devices, and specialized skills to level up your writing career.
The course also includes writing assignments designed to target the skills you need as a creative writer.
You will also learn more about publishing opportunities, podcasts, and creating a professional creative writing portfolio.
This Udemy course includes the following:
- 43 Instructional videos
- 37 online quizzes covering essential concepts
- Every lesson contains graphics, notes, assignment sheets, and outside resources.
- Over 12 hours of video lessons
- 145 downloadable resources
- Full lifetime access
- Mobile and TV access
- Certificate of completion
Udemy’s “Complete Creative Writing – All Genres” course is designed for anyone with a creative streak and a nagging desire to write. It provides the necessary skills and guidance to unleash their writing potential across various genres.
Find the course details right here.
University of Calgary Continuing Education – Creative Writing Certificate
You can master the theory behind your writing through this flexible, online writing program. You will also receive instructor and peer comments on your work. All instructors are published authors, several of whom have won regional, national, and worldwide honors.
This program is suitable for individuals who are:
- Create fiction, creative non-fiction, or poetry, or aspire to do so,
- Interested in creative writing as a way to shift from or supplement business or journalistic writing,
- Desire to learn from published authors, and
- Take advantage of interactive and friendly online learning.
The Creative Writing Certificate program lasts 200 hours. The time it takes to complete this program differs depending on the student.
If you take one course per semester (four courses per year), you should be able to finish the program in 12 to 18 months. You will complete the program faster if you take multiple classes per term. Discover the course at this link.
University of British Columbia Continuing Education – Writing For Video Games
This course will introduce you to the frontier of video game writing. You will be introduced to the tools and techniques of writing for video games in this six-course Professional Certificate Program.
You will also learn what interactive storytelling is, the history of video games, and the types of games created since the medium’s inception.
This certificate program will help you excel in the industry. You will learn everything from story and character development to worldbuilding and interactive narrative.
Furthermore, this program is hosted on Harvard and MIT’s innovative edX learning platform, designed by successful, working game writers and UBC teachers.
In this online course, you will learn the following:
- The key distinctions between traditional storytelling and game writing
- The role of the writer and narrative designer in the game development process
- How to create a character and write scenes for the narrative and the game’s production.
- How to collaborate with artists, programmers, and level designers to create interactive narratives
- How to create an application portfolio and perform well on industry-standard writing exams
The course is flexible as the lessons are self-paced. You can finish it within approximately five weeks. Explore the course by clicking here.
University of Guelph – Creative Writing Certificate
University of Guelph’s Creative Writing Certificate program provides various writing courses in multiple genres that allow you to focus your learning on creative writing techniques. The program will teach you how to come up with new ideas, begin taking that spark of inspiration to the page, develop your writing skills, and explore your creativity.
The Creative Writing Certificate program includes six courses:
- two required courses,
- three electives, and
- a final capstone project.
Peer workshopping, reading, and story revision are among the course activities. All program instructors have published writers with extensive experience.
You will learn the following through the program:
- Explore the components of creative writing and put them into practice with in-class writing exercises and creating a writing portfolio.
- Writing with your peers and receiving feedback from your instructor allows you to give and receive effective feedback.
- Create a portfolio of your writing samples and a writing practice.
By enrolling in this course, you will have the chance to discover a variety of genres, strengthen your writing, and develop the tools needed to master a significant writing project. Get started with the course by following this link.
Udemy – The Foundations of Fiction (Writing Mastery)
If you are into fiction writing, this entertaining and interactive course is ideal for you. This program will provide you with the knowledge, confidence, and motivation you need to become a fiction writing master.
This course provides a flexible curriculum that lets you study at your own pace and skill level.
After finishing this course, you will learn and achieve the following:
- Produce dynamic, realistic characters that jump off the page.
- Write enthralling dialogue that will bring your scenes to life.
- Create vivid, memorable settings that will shape your story’s world.
- Write intricate, enthralling prose that will entice readers from the first word.
- Create masterful, engrossing plots that captivate readers and keep them turning pages.
The course includes the following materials:
- Six hours of on-demand video
- Four articles
- 31 downloadable resources
- Full lifetime access
- Access on mobile and TV
- Certificate of completion
This course is for anyone who wants to write fiction, looking for ideas, or improve their skills in writing.
Dive into the course by heading over here.
University of British Columbia – How to Write a Novel
This popular program from UBC Creative Writing is designed for writers who want to develop and complete a novel. It provides structured guidance on novel writing, including plot development, character creation, pacing, and revision techniques. The course combines craft instruction with workshop feedback, making it suitable for both aspiring and intermediate novelists. It is one of the most respected novel-writing programs offered by a Canadian university’s continuing education division.
University of Toronto – Writing a Novel: Introduction
This course from the University of Toronto is an introductory program focused on the craft of novel writing. It helps participants develop the foundational skills needed to begin and sustain a novel-length project. The course covers key elements such as story structure, character development, point of view, and narrative voice, while providing a supportive environment for writers to workshop their ideas and early drafts.
Additional Helpful Information for Canadians in 2026
Realistic Expectations About a Writing Career
While creative writing is rewarding, it’s important to have realistic expectations. Here’s what the current landscape looks like in Canada:
| Path | Income Potential | Difficulty | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional Publishing | $5,000 – $50,000+ per book | High | Very competitive; advances are often modest |
| Self-Publishing | $0 – $100,000+ per year | Medium | Requires marketing skills and consistency |
| Freelance Writing / Content | $40,000 – $80,000+ | Medium | More stable income through platforms like Upwork, Substack, or brands |
| Screenwriting / Game Writing | $60,000 – $120,000+ | High | Strong demand in film, TV, and gaming |
| Teaching / Workshops | $30,000 – $70,000 | Medium | Good side income or full-time option |
| Grant & Award Funding | Varies widely | High | Important for literary writers in Canada |
Reality Check: Very few writers make a full-time living from creative writing alone. Most successful writers combine multiple income streams (freelancing, teaching, grants, and book sales).
How to Choose the Right Creative Writing Course
| Your Goal | Best Type of Course | Recommended Starting Point |
|---|---|---|
| Write a novel | Novel-focused programs | UBC How to Write a Novel or U of T Writing a Novel |
| Explore multiple genres | Broad creative writing programs | Coursera Creative Writing Specialization |
| Improve fiction writing skills | Fiction-focused courses | Udemy Foundations of Fiction |
| Build a professional portfolio | Structured certificate programs | University of Calgary or University of Guelph |
| Write for video games / interactive media | Specialized game writing programs | UBC Writing for Video Games |
| Just want to write better (hobby or side skill) | Flexible, affordable options | Udemy or Coursera courses |
Recommended Learning Path for New Writers
| Stage | Focus | Recommended Approach | Timeframe |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Learn the fundamentals | Coursera Creative Writing Specialization or Udemy Complete Creative Writing | 2–4 months |
| 2 | Develop a specific project | Novel writing courses (UBC or U of T) | 3–6 months |
| 3 | Get feedback and improve | Workshop-style programs (U of Guelph, U of Calgary) | Ongoing |
| 4 | Build a portfolio & platform | Consistent writing + personal projects | 6–12 months |
| 5 | Explore publishing & career paths | Self-publishing, literary magazines, or freelancing | Ongoing |
Common Challenges New Writers Face (and How to Overcome Them)
- Writer’s block / lack of ideas — Use prompts and structured exercises from the courses.
- Finishing a project — Novel writing programs (like UBC’s) help with accountability and structure.
- Getting feedback — Workshop-based courses (University of Guelph, University of Calgary) are excellent for this.
- Imposter syndrome — Almost every writer experiences this. Consistent writing and community support help.
- Finding time to write — Treat writing like a skill that improves with regular practice (even 30–60 minutes daily).
Useful Resources for Canadian Writers
| Resource | Type | Why It’s Useful |
|---|---|---|
| Canada Council for the Arts | Grants | Major funding source for writers |
| Writers’ Trust of Canada | Awards & Programs | Supports Canadian writers |
| The Writers’ Union of Canada | Professional Association | Advocacy, resources, and community |
| Substack / Patreon | Platform | Build an audience and earn directly from readers |
| Canadian Authors Association | Community & Resources | Networking and professional development |
| Reedsy / 99designs | Tools | Help with editing, cover design, and publishing |
Quick Tips Before Starting a Creative Writing Course
- Write regularly — Even 300–500 words a day makes a big difference over time.
- Read widely — The best writers are also active readers.
- Join a writing community — Feedback and accountability are crucial.
- Start small — Don’t try to write a novel immediately. Practice short stories or scenes first.
- Build a portfolio early — Even if you’re not publishing yet, keep your best work organized.
Conclusion
Writing is a skill worth learning as it can open a wide range of opportunities for you.
Our top course pick is Coursera’s Creative Writing Specialization for its structured approach and strong focus on craft across multiple genres.
Our second pick is Udemy’s Complete Creative Writing Course for All Genres, as it offers excellent value and covers multiple writing forms in one program. If you want to explore writing, enhance your writing skills, or jumpstart a new career as a writer, consider taking one of the courses listed above.
All of these programs will help you develop your craft and storytelling abilities.
