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.
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.
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