by Marilyn Forsyth
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Wherever you are on the journey from aspiring writer to established author, you'll know the importance of continually striving to improve your writing.
I’m an emerging author, constantly on the lookout for courses that deal with different aspects of the writing craft/business, not just for that ‘professional training’ aspect, but because there’s a sense of personal fulfilment in completing them that I really enjoy. Over the last few years, I’ve enrolled in a number of both online and classroom-based courses. Here are a few of my thoughts.
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Online courses are, apparently, on the rise, and it’s easy to understand why. They offer flexibility and convenience for those of us who work day jobs and/or have family commitments. You can work at your own level and pace at a time that suits you. However, from my experience, you really do need to schedule a time to work on assignments (and make sure that you schedule enough time).
I dropped out of one course I did with Margie Lawson’s Writer’s Academy when ‘life’ intervened; I wasn’t in the right headspace and just couldn’t keep up. (Bye-bye $100 bucks!) Having said that, though, no one can predict life dramas, and the other two courses I did with Lawson’s Academy were absolutely brilliant. The assignment feedback from each of the mentors, and other enrollees, was invaluable.
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✼Organise those Assignment files in a way that suits you (and work it out beforehand)
✼If you have a tendency towards procrastination, or have motivation that ebbs and flows, an online course is probably not for you
✻Also, ensure that your computer is working well – nothing is more frustrating than dealing with technology issues when you’re on limited time.
The Romance Writer’s of Australia OWLs (Online Writing Lessons) are fantastic. (Check out the schedule for 2019 here.) I’ve done a couple and found them very worthwhile. They cover a huge range of topics and are very reasonably priced at $55 for RWA members ($88 for non-members). Our writing group completed Cathleen Ross’s very practical Self-publishing for Beginners, which enabled us to publish our Christmas Anthology.
One thing I have found difficult with online courses is that there is (usually) no instant clarification of concerns. Being able to read back over lectures (or Pause/Rewind on videos) is helpful, as is the presence of a chat room, but this is where classroom-based courses come into their own.
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| Learning in a group is fun! |
There’s nothing quite like being in a ‘real’ room with other like-minded people, discussing a topic you’re all enthusiastic about. The spontaneity of discussion that comes with being in a face-to-face group provides so many fabulous learning opportunities.
There’s also something about being in a classroom that enables you to keep your attention focused (so much more effectively than watching a video or reading through a lecture on your own at home – or is that just me?? 😕).
I’ve heard good things about Writing NSW courses, with top-notch presenters from among our best-known Aussie authors. The wonderful Anne Gracie has a one-day course in May, Romancing the Page.
The Australian Writer’s Centre (North Sydney) offers both online and classroom-based courses. I have no experience with their online courses, but the classroom-based Blogging for Beginners was the starting point for our Breathless Blog. I’m also very excited to say that I’ll be attending History, Mystery and Magic in March, a two-day course with Kate Forsyth.
Can’t wait!
Last, but not least, Daily Writing Tips has an interesting review of James Patterson's Masterclass here.
Do you invest in your writing by doing courses? Do you prefer online or classroom-based sessions? Do you have any writing-related courses you’d particularly recommend?
Love to Love the sound of rain (it's been so damn hot this summer!).
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Love the flexibility of on-line courses, Marilyn. Thanks for highlighting some that are available.
ReplyDeleteYeah, that flexiblity is a winner, isn't it? Thanks for dropping by, Alyssa!
DeleteHi Marilyn. Absolutely, writing courses are a great tool for improving your writing and it's great that there are different courses for different needs. I've attended a few, each helpful, and then I discovered two writing sites that for me was like discovering 'gold'! One is run by author Juliet Madison (http://writingmojoacademy.com) - excellent site offering a number of courses.The other is The Writer's Studio (http://www.writerstudio.com.au) - for unlocking your creativity this one is pure diamond!
ReplyDeleteOoh! Thanks Enisa! I'll be looking these two up. :)
DeleteGreat blog post Marilyn. I do love courses too but you do have to set aside time for them. I've done some Reedsy online courses which have been great and usually comprise of 10 once a week emails. There is also FutureLearn which are courses put on by Universities all over the world. You can do a wide variety of courses. I've done on on Hadrian's wall and I am currently doing one on Jane Austen. These courses are more in depth and have a lot of information and fitted into one week. They also have a forum so you can chat and discuss aspects of the course with other students.
ReplyDeleteHi Cassandra! I've heard good things about both of those courses. Must investigate them. Thanks for dropping by. :)
DeleteI'm still quite new so i'm always on the look out for writing courses. I have completed a few OWL's and do find them super helpful, but more so if I have the time to actively participate throughout that month. I'm off to SA in March to do a category romance writing course with Clare Connelly and Trish Morey which i'm super excited about! I do find in person classes far more inspiring and feel I absorb the information better than online. Some great suggestions Marilyn! I'm now off to google Margie Lawson's courses
ReplyDeleteHi Jayne! I know what you mean about having the time to actively participate. You start off with all good intentions and then life interferes. :( Your SA writing course sounds fabulous - who better to learn from than Clare and Trish.
DeleteHi Marilyn, I definitely prefer face-to-face courses. I love the interaction, lively discussions and the opportunity to ask questions. Thanks for all of the suggestions.
ReplyDeleteHi Sharon! I love all those things about face-to-face courses, too!
DeleteHi Marilyn, I'm a big fan of any writing course really... online, face to face... I find I get something from all of them. I did a face to face masterclass with Margie Lawson a few years ago and it was fantastic. I'm running one of OWLs next month - playing at being god - all about worldbuilding which,contrary to popular belief, is not just for fantasy writers �� it should be lot of fun!
ReplyDeleteHi Sue-Ellen! I love the sound of your World-building OWL and, as you say, it's not just for fantasy writers. I think it's an important aspect of writing for any genre. So envious of your masterclass with Margie Lawson!
DeleteMarilyn, terrific post, and a great resource for writers. Thanks also for mentioning my in-person workshop at the NSW Writing Centre in May. I'm also doing one in Melbourne in October.
ReplyDeleteHi Anne! Thanks for dropping by. I love your articles in HeartsTalk, and I'm absolutely certain any workshop of yours would be invaluable for aspiring/emerging romance authors.
DeleteI meant to add, another benefit of face-to-face workshops is meeting other participants. I've seen a lot of small crit or friendship groups result from a course — and we all need our writer buddies.
ReplyDeleteCouldn't agree more!
DeleteWonderful, thanks Marilyn! But I can't decide, I'm a fan of both. If you can't make the physical course, online is a great alternative. But I must say the buzz of being around like minded people is truly inspirational!
ReplyDeleteYes, meeting with your 'tribe' is very appealing, isn't it?
ReplyDelete