Writing Classes
Chicago
20 classes with availability
Writing Your Story (Self-Paced)
CreativeLive See all classes by this school - Self-paced Video Training
Everyone has a story, but learning how to shape it for the page is what makes it resonate. The class guides you in turning personal experiences into a compelling memoir through structure, voice, and dramatic tension. Build confidence, sharpen your language, and grow a writing practice that brings your story to life.
Wired for Story: How to Become a Story Genius (Self-Paced)
CreativeLive See all classes by this school - Self-paced Video Training
See how to craft stories that resonate by grasping what readers are genuinely wired to crave. Get comfortable with a clear, practical method for developing richer characters, stronger drafts, and more compelling narratives. Grow your confidence and write stories that engage and shift your audience.
Making a Short Documentary (Self-Paced)
CreativeLive See all classes by this school - Self-paced Video Training
Learn how to turn a compelling idea into a focused, finished documentary. Look at storytelling, working with subjects, technical essentials, and practical planning so you can approach your project with clarity, confidence, and purpose, from concept to completion.
Memoir 1: Memorable Memoir Workshop with Erika Schickel
Writing Pad See all classes by this school
Turn your life's stories into captivating narratives with Erika Schickel. In this engaging online workshop, you will learn how to craft a compelling memoir with authenticity and vivid detail. Pick up personalized feedback and discover the secrets to turning memory into a powerful emotional journey. A great fit for new and experienced writers alike.
Oct 14th
5–8pm PT
Meets 5 Times
Oct 17th
10am–1pm PT
Meets 5 Times
Dec 9th
5–8pm PT
Meets 5 Times
NY Times Worthy Personal Essay with Brett Paesel
Writing Pad See all classes by this school
Dream of placing a personal essay in The New York Times? Let Brett Paesel, a "Modern Love" contributor, walk you through the process. In this workshop, you'll learn the unspoken expectations of the format, receive expert feedback, and shape a polished essay ready for submission. Ideal for writers looking to break into prestigious publications and lift their personal storytelling.
Oct 20th
5:30–8:30pm PT
Meets 5 Times
Nov 15th
2–5pm PT
Meets 5 Times
Nov 16th
5:30–8:30pm PT
Meets 5 Times
Creative Writing Weekly via Zoom
The Writing Studio See all classes by this school @ Live Online via Zoom
Build confidence and find your voice in a supportive creative writing studio focused on memoir and fiction. Through calming meditations, inspiring prompts, and group sharing, you’ll strengthen your creative practice and develop fresh, original work in a small, welcoming community. Writers of all experience levels are welcome; bring a notebook and pen or a laptop.
Oct 12th
4–7pm PT
Meets 4 Times
Oct 14th
1–4pm PT
Meets 4 Times
Oct 15th
6:30–9:30pm PT
Meets 4 Times
Oct 19th
4–7pm PT
Meets 4 Times
Oct 21st
1–4pm PT
Meets 4 Times
This class has 68 more dates.
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Creative Writing 101: 6 Weeks (Online)
Gotham Writers Workshop See all classes by this school
Get creative and explore the world of creative writing with confidence in this immersive course. Tap into observation, imagination, and language as you learn to craft compelling fiction and nonfiction narratives. Find your unique voice and step into a process that will deepen your passion for storytelling.
Oct 27th
12am–11:45pm ET
Meets 2 Times
Nov 10th
12am–11:45pm ET
Meets 2 Times
Dec 1st
12am–11:45pm ET
Meets 2 Times
Jan 5th
12am–11:45pm ET
Meets 2 Times
Feb 2nd
12am–11:45pm ET
Meets 2 Times
Character 1: Creation (Online)
Gotham Writers Workshop See all classes by this school
Learn how to build compelling characters that land on the page and linger in the mind. The course walks you through the fundamentals of character creation, from inner drives to outer contradictions. A great fit for writers of all levels working in fiction, nonfiction, or script.
Oct 13th
12am–11:45pm ET
Meets 2 Times
Nov 10th
12am–11:45pm ET
Meets 2 Times
Jan 5th
12am–11:45pm ET
Meets 2 Times
Feb 9th
12am–11:45pm ET
Meets 2 Times
Creative Writing Workshop – All Genre
Los Angeles Writers Group See all classes by this school
Push your writing into new territory in a dynamic online workshop that challenges you to experiment with genre and voice. Thought-provoking prompts, craft-focused discussions, and encouragement from a community of writers will help you break through creative blocks. Join from wherever you are and leave with pages that surprise even you.
Oct 10th
10am–12:30pm PT
Oct 24th
10am–12:30pm PT
Nov 7th
10am–12:30pm PT
Nov 21st
10am–12:30pm PT
Dec 5th
10am–12:30pm PT
This class has 2 more dates.
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Screenwriting 101 with Chris Reed
Writing Pad See all classes by this school
Ready to break into screenwriting? Veteran screenwriter Chris Reed, known for his work with Disney and the legendary "The Lion King," leads you through crafting memorable characters and shaping the structure of your film. This seminar lays the essential groundwork for turning your story ideas into actual scripts. Begin your screenwriting path with expert insights and build a strong foundation.
Horror Feature Writing 1 with Cheryl Meyer
Writing Pad See all classes by this school
Build the craft of horror screenwriting and bring your terrifying vision to life. Explore high-concept ideas, blend subgenres, and craft compelling characters that haunt the screen. With expert guidance, uncover the practices of structure, suspense, and scares while making your script shockingly producible. Step inside if you dare and start building the next breakout fear fest.
Oct 13th
5:30–8:30pm PT
Meets 5 Times
Dec 1st
5:30–8:30pm PT
Meets 5 Times
Effective Technical Writing
American Management Association See all classes by this school
Sharpen your technical writing to communicate complex information with clarity and precision. You'll pick up practical strategies and techniques from industry experts. A strong fit for engineers, scientists, and IT professionals.
Oct 15th
9am–5pm ET
Meets 2 Times
Dec 15th
10am–6pm ET
Meets 2 Times
Mar 4th
10am–6pm ET
Meets 2 Times
May 24th
10am–6pm ET
Meets 2 Times
Compelling Main Character
Jacob Krueger Studio See all classes by this school
Great scripts start with unforgettable characters. Learn how to craft protagonists that captivate audiences, attract top actors, and grab Hollywood’s attention from page one. Discover why “likable” can be a mistake, how to make character choices feel inevitable, and what executives are really looking for. This intensive experience includes a one-on-one consultation to refine your work and set you on the path to success.
Nov 7th
12–6pm ET
Meets 2 Times
Applying for Residencies, Fellowships and Small Grants
Penumbra Foundation See all classes by this school @ Virtual Classroom
Feeling overwhelmed by application writing? This course will help you master the art of crafting compelling artist statements, résumés, bios, project descriptions, and proposals. Through interactive sessions and guided research, you'll develop a comprehensive portfolio and gain the confidence to pursue residencies, fellowships, and small grants with ease.
Oct 14th
6–8pm ET
Meets 6 Times
Dialogue Writing Level 1: 3-Week Intensive (Online)
Gotham Writers Workshop See all classes by this school
Build the craft of writing lifelike, impactful dialogue through this intensive online course. Learn to write dialogue that resonates with readers, whether you're working on fiction, nonfiction, or scripts. Discover the techniques behind creating dialogue that brings your characters to life and propels your story forward.
Oct 13th
12am–11:45pm ET
Meets 2 Times
Feb 2nd
12am–11:45pm ET
Meets 2 Times
Video Game Writing I: Conception (Online)
Gotham Writers Workshop See all classes by this school
Explore the art and craft of storytelling for video games through interactive lessons and writing exercises built for all experience levels. Learn how to build compelling worlds, create dynamic characters, and structure narratives that integrate smoothly with gameplay. Whether you're aiming for indie innovation or blockbuster storytelling, this course sets the foundation.
Oct 13th
12am–11:45pm ET
Meets 2 Times
Jan 19th
12am–11:45pm ET
Meets 2 Times
TV Comedy 1: Pilot Writing Workshop with Anna Salinas
Writing Pad See all classes by this school
Bring your comedy concept to life with coaching from a successful TV writer. Learn how to define your show's DNA, build unforgettable characters, and craft a strong beat sheet for a standout pilot. With expert feedback and practical tools, you will move one big step closer to your own breakout series.
Oct 18th
10:30am–1:30pm PT
Meets 5 Times
TV Comedy 2: Draft Writing Workshop with Berkley Johnson
Writing Pad See all classes by this school
Turn your comedy pilot beat sheet into a polished first draft with expert guidance from a seasoned TV writer. Learn how to transform your outline into an engaging script, craft dynamic characters, and write a compelling opening scene. With personalized feedback, you'll make significant progress on your draft and be well on your way to refining your pilot for the screen.
Oct 10th
10:30am–1:30pm PT
Meets 7 Times
Dec 1st
5:30–8:30pm PT
Meets 10 Times
TV Drama 2: Draft Writing Workshop with Evelyn Yves
Writing Pad See all classes by this school
Turn your TV pilot outline into a compelling script with techniques that strengthen structure, dialogue, and character development. Learn how to craft engaging scenes, establish a distinctive voice, and create an opening that hooks readers from the first page. Gain valuable feedback while making meaningful progress toward a polished, production-ready draft.
Oct 17th
10:30am–2pm PT
Meets 8 Times
Dec 13th
10:30am–2pm PT
Meets 8 Times
Inside the Writers Room
Jacob Krueger Studio See all classes by this school
Step into the fast-paced world of TV writing alongside an award-winning showrunner in a simulated writers’ room. Collaborate on story structure, pitch ideas, and run the room as you develop your own episode. Gain the tools, insight, and confidence to thrive as a professional television writer.
Nov 17th
7–10pm ET
Meets 4 Times
Reviews for Writing Classes in Chicago
Writing Classes in Chicago are rated 4.4 stars based on 29 verified reviews from actual CourseHorse.com purchasers.
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Dynamic Interactions
This was incredibly helpful. I learned so much about myself and how I interact with others. My confidence definitely grew throughout this workshop. I loved learning what "color" style others and I fall into, definitely helps understand communication. -
Presenting with Impact
I enjoyed the program today and think it will really help me professionally going forward. I think the materials were helpful but the opportunity to actually practice made the most impact on my learning experience. Thank you! -
Proofreading & Editing
Due to the Coronavirus - 19 the class has been rescheduled until August, hoping this crisis will be over. -
Business Writing with Positive Impact
Very informative with exercises! Made the class very light hearted with sense of humor and initiative to involve others. -
Proofreading & Editing
I really enjoyed the class! The information was very helpful. It clarified for me what to expect in terms of what a proofreader actually does and how to go about gaining experience. I felt Alison had many useful examples and wanted to make sure we were getting what we came for. I would definitely take another class with her. -
Turn Your Movie Idea Into a Screenplay
Class was great. Only 2 minor issues. Chairs not comfortable at all for 8-9 hours and over slides ancient. However great class. Well worth time and money -
Executive Presence
This class allowed me to view my Presentation skills with a new viewpoint. I appreciated the open opinion and suggestions from not just the instructors but from my peers as we were all learning and improving together. -
Introduction to Screenwriting
Gorgeous place. Very helpful and friendly employees -
Introduction to Screenwriting
The Newberry library is such a wonderful place to have in our community for education, history and connection. -
Proofreading & Editing
It was a very informative class, Alison had many examples to reference. -
Hella Good Content 2.0
I left this class feeling inspired and happy. @Hassanisms was the man! Take his courses, you won't be disappointed. -
Communication Skills Boot Camp
Lisa was a phenomenal instructor! She knew the material had a dynamic way to make the content relevant. She was lively, engaging and over a lot of fun! She made the class interesting with her knowledge and life's experience! I will definitely recommend her to friends and co-workers, she was pretty AWESOME! -
Turn Your Movie Idea Into a Screenplay
The class may be a little lengthy but Dr. Douglas Bell is a fantastic professor and an absolute myriad of information stuffed in one man!