Want to Learn to Write for Free?

I crave learning how to write better. So much so, that I've looked into getting an MFA degree in creative writing. However, my empty pocket-book defies such a venture.

So how does one learn to write better without paying for a college certificate or degree? Here are some ways.

Go to the Library: Most libraries have at least two or three shelves of books on writing. You can see my list of books and what I thought about them on my website.  https://sonjamcgiboney.wixsite.com/sonjamcgiboney/bibliography 

Join: 

• Find a local author group:  Check in your area and see if there are any author groups and join them. 

• Book club:  Join a book club.  Just by interacting with other people over the plot of a book can teach you a lot about what people look at when they read. 

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Writing platforms. 

Reedsy.  I am writing all my manuscripts on Reedsy.  After I make changes, I download a backup copy.  But I like how the chapters are all laid out for you. 

Websites I subscribe to: 

• The Dialogue Doctor:  https://dialoguedoctor.com/  He has podcasts on his website you can listen to and sometimes he'll have a free author interview.  I get his newsletter which comes about once a month with little tidbits. 

• Nathan Bransford:  He's an agent /editor and he shares a lot of information on editing,  publishing, and querying.  He sends newsletters out about once or twice a week.  He has a full page of blog posts with writing advice.  https://nathanbransford.com/writing-advice-database 

Free Webinars: Scour the internet for free writing webinars. Authors and editors will often share a portion of their expertise then at the end try to sell you their book or their course, but the free stuff they give you is very valuable.  

Courses: 

• Coursera is an online platform for teaching all kinds of things.  They have some free writing courses.  I did one and learned a lot but nobody actually grades your work in the free class, but you have peers that can make comments.  Here is one I did.  https://www.coursera.org/learn/write-your-first-novel 

• Reedsy has a lot of free stuff too.  I'm still working my way through their free fantasy writing module.  (There never seems to be enough time.) https://blog.reedsy.com/learning/ 

• Google:" Free Writing Courses" and you will find at least one that appeals. Be careful not to "sign up" for something or get sucked into subscriptions.

Conferences:  I know, I said free, but if you look hard enough, you can find conferences that won't break your bank. Find someone to go with you and share a room if you need to spend the night. See if the conference has scholarships for people to attend.