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Online Creative Writing Course ENG-226 - Introduction to Creative Writing

Mariel Embry, who earned her degree in creative writing and English from SNHU, wearing a grey SNHU sweatshirt and writing on her laptop while sitting on the beach.

Course cost $1,026

Learning style 100% online

Term length 8 weeks

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Why SNHU? A faster way to upskill and get ahead

There are lots of advantages to taking a single course. Whether you want to grow in your current career, prepare yourself for a new one or get one step closer to a college degree, an individual course is a great way to get started.


Finish in Just 8 Weeks

Not only is a single course low-commitment, but it’s a fast way to gain skills and college credits while exploring what it’s like to take courses at SNHU.

Upskill for Your Career

SNHU courses focus on real-world, career-focused skills that you can use immediately in the workplace or to help prepare you to advance in the field.

Earn College Credits

Course credits may be transferred to a degree program at SNHU or another university, depending on your university’s transfer policy.

ENG-226 - Introduction to Creative Writing Online English class built for your success

Passionate about writing or want to tap into your creativity? SNHU's Introduction to Creative Writing course offers a space to develop your storytelling skills in a supportive setting. You'll learn key elements like point of view, voice, characterization and dialogue, while crafting your own original material. You’ll also read published works for inspiration and exchange constructive feedback with your classmates.

If you choose to continue your studies, this foundational course counts toward our Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Creative Writing and English program, making it a smart first step if you’re considering a full degree.

Skills you'll learn:

  • Effectively using storytelling elements
  • Understanding literary genre and style
  • Analyzing and discussing published works
  • Providing helpful feedback on creative writing

Highly Recommended
★★★★★★★★★☆

513 students who took this course in 2024 were surveyed and rated it 9 out of 10 stars.

More than your typical creative writing course

Jacob Powers, Associate Dean, Creative Writing

I didn’t anticipate the rich potential and inclusivity of online seminar and workshop courses. I’m happy for the opportunity to teach online, as it helps narrow down distractions so that the focus can be on the craft of writing and storytelling.

Jacob Powers, Associate Dean of Liberal Arts

Geremy Laboy, who earned his degree at SNHU, sitting on his porch and typing on his laptop.

Career-focused curriculum

In this 8-week course, you'll explore the fundamentals of creative writing through a mix of reading, writing and discussion. You'll analyze published works, learn key concepts and terms, complete hands-on exercises and assignments, and share constructive feedback with your peers.

Apply for free in minutes

Our no-commitment application can help you decide if SNHU is the right college for you and your career goals. Apply up until 2 days before the term starts!

Upcoming term starts: October 27, 2025 | January 5, 2026

Next class starts:
September 1, 2025

Get started

College that fits your life

With no set class times and 24/7 access to the online classroom, you can learn on your schedule. Learn more about what it's like to take a class at SNHU.

Online Classroom

What does an online course look like?

You’ll take your courses within SNHU’s Brightspace platform. This is where you’ll find your:

  • Schedule of weekly assignments
  • Discussion boards
  • Grades
  • Instructor announcements
How to Take an Online Class at SNHU

What SNHU Students Are Saying

Kamisha Baseden, who earned her bachelor's in creative writing in English from SNHU in 2024, wearing her cap and gown and holding her diploma.

Taking these classes really made my thought process a lot more complex and a lot more knowledgeable. And definitely I do apply what I learned into my work now.

Kamisha Baseden ’24, BA Creative Writing & English

What's next See where a single course can take you

Catch Up or Get Ahead

Online courses can help lighten the course load required by your degree program at SNHU or another university.

Transfer Your Credits

Credits you earn can transfer to SNHU degree programs, or to another university, depending on their transfer policy.

Upskill for Career Moves

For moving up the ladder or changing fields entirely, new skills can help make you more marketable.

Talk to an admission counselor: 888.327.SNHU | enroll@snhu.edu

Accreditations

SNHU is accredited by the regional accreditor the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). The university also carries specialized accreditations for some programs.

New England Commission of Higher Education Logo

Tuition & Fees

Tuition rates for SNHU's online courses are among the lowest in the nation.

Student
Cost per credit
Cost per course
Credits Earned
Online Undergraduate
$342
$1,026
3

Tuition rates are subject to change and are reviewed annually.

Please note: Books and materials are not included in the above costs. Federal Financial Aid is not available, but you can use employer tuition benefits or tuition reimbursement if available to you. Contact your employer benefits manager to see if you have funds available, or talk to our admission team to learn about payment options.

Frequently Asked Questions

The four main types of creative writing are typically categorized as fiction, nonfiction, poetry and screenwriting.

In ENG-226 - Introduction to Creative Writing, you'll explore all of these genres through weekly assignments. And if you choose to pursue a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Creative Writing and English degree at Southern New Hampshire University after taking this foundational course, you'll have the opportunity to select a concentration in one of these four areas.

Explore what creative writing is all about.

Starting creative writing can simply mean getting ideas down on the page. But for many aspiring writers, staying motivated can be challenging without structure or support.

This course offers the direction needed to develop a consistent writing practice. With regular assignments, clear guidance and set deadlines, you can stay engaged and build confidence as you go. You’ll read examples of published work, explore a variety of genres and receive valuable feedback from peers — all of which help make the process feel less overwhelming and far more rewarding. And as part of SNHU’s creative writing community, you’ll even have opportunities to showcase your work — like our annual Fall Fiction Contest, where students can submit stories for a chance to win a scholarship.

Creative writing requires a mix of imagination and technique. You’ll need a strong sense of storytelling — things like plot, character development and dialogue — but also a good handle on language, tone and pacing. Being open to feedback and revising your work are key too, since creative writers benefit from looking at their own work critically.

This course can help you build these skills step by step, giving you the space and feedback you need to grow as a writer — whether you’re just starting out or looking to level up.

Learn more about what creative writers do.

Fiction is usually the most popular type of creative writing — think mystery, fantasy, romance and more. A lot of new writers start here because it offers the freedom to create your own characters, worlds and stories.

But what’s most popular really depends on what you're into. Some people connect more with poetry or personal essays, while others get excited about screenwriting since they love TV or movies.

In this course, you’ll get to try out all four major types of creative writing — fiction, nonfiction, poetry and screenwriting — so you can see what clicks with you most.

Yes, it's possible to become a writer without a college degree.

That said, enrolling in a course like this can offer significant advantages, especially if you’re just starting out. You'll learn foundational skills like how to develop voice, build characters and craft dialogue — essential tools for any writer. Plus, support from fellow classmates and your instructor can help you stay motivated and approach your work with greater confidence and clarity.

Creative writing is a bit of both! Some people might have a natural ability for storytelling or language, but creative writing is definitely a skill you can learn and improve with practice. That’s where a course like this comes in — it gives you the tools, structure and feedback to build on whatever talent you have and turn it into something stronger. Even if you’re just starting out, the right guidance can make a big difference.

The best creative writing course really depends on your goals and interests. That said, this class is a great starting point for many. It offers a relatively small class size, so you’ll get personalized feedback from both your instructor and your peers. Getting thoughtful input from readers is a big part of growing as a writer, making this course especially valuable if you're looking to improve your craft.

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