What is Creative Writing?
Liberal Arts | 8min Read
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.
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.
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.
Course credits may be transferred to a degree program at SNHU or another university, depending on your university’s transfer policy.
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.
513 students who took this course in 2024 were surveyed and rated it 9 out of 10 stars.
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
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.
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
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*If you are currently a high school student who hasn't graduated yet, you can still take individual courses at SNHU. Please reach out to an admission counselor for documents and forms that may be required.
If you choose to enroll in a degree program in the future, we’re here to help with additional forms, transcripts and other materials that may be necessary. For degree programs, acceptance decisions are made on a rolling basis throughout the year for our 6 (8-week) undergraduate terms.
At Southern New Hampshire University, you'll have access to a powerful network of more than 400,000 students, alumni and staff that can help support you long after graduation. Our instructors offer relevant, real-world expertise to help you understand and navigate the field. Plus, with our growing, nationwide alumni network, you'll have the potential to tap into a number of internship and career opportunities.
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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
Online courses can help lighten the course load required by your degree program at SNHU or another university.
Credits you earn can transfer to SNHU degree programs, or to another university, depending on their transfer policy.
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
SNHU is accredited by the regional accreditor the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). The university also carries specialized accreditations for some programs.
Tuition rates for SNHU's online courses are among the lowest in the nation.
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.
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.