Quality nonfiction writing courses (online)?

November 15, 2008 7:52 PM

Can anyone point the way to a reputable online writing course that deals with the mechanics of good writing (not plot, character, narrative, etc)?

My friend writes very engaging plots, replete with well-developed characters, but her prose needs work.

I've convinced her to try a writing course. We haven't yet been able to find a suitable course that teaches the mechanics of excellent prose (rather than plot, character, etc).

We've already explored all the print resources (On Writing Well, the Economist style guide, Strunk & White) and I've taken a look at this question on remedial writing, but it seems she needs a real teacher to help her along.

She preferes something online, reputable, and something that deals specifically with the mechanics and non-creative side of writing. Think grammar and sentence structure bootcamp.

Any pointers would be greatly appreciated!

posted by OlivesAndTurkishCoffee to writing & language (3 comments total)

Have you checked your local community college or university? Many of them offer online classes, and some of them are of the remedial variety. As an added benefit, you'll probably spend less money auditing a community college class than you would an actual writing workshop.
posted by ayerarcturus at 8:20 PM on November 15, 2008

open university australia:

http://www.open.edu.au

has information about swinburne university's writing program.
They offer undergraduate and graduate degrees, or just causal classes in creative or non-fiction writing
posted by compound eye at 3:02 AM on November 16, 2008

Gotham Writer's Workshop in NYC has online courses. They are reputable and well-thought of.

However, nthing ayerarcturus that your local university might have something more helpful and less expensive.
posted by micawber at 12:28 PM on November 16, 2008