Have you taken any online writing classes? I've taken several. The courses offered through RWA chapters are inexpensive, flexible, and perfect for anyone who is time-challenged. However, not all classes are equal. Some have great titles but fail to deliver what they offer, while others deliver all that and then some.
Most classes offered through RWA chapters cost between fifteen and thirty dollars. They usually are scheduled to last a month. All classes take place through a Loop, usually Yahoo! Groups. You get the assignment delivered to your e-mail, and you can ask the instructor questions and interact with other students on the Loop.
I have mixed emotions about the classes I've taken. I believe the class's effectiveness rests on one thing: the teacher.
The teacher needs to spend time coming up with focused assignments relavent to the course's title. If she gives assignments on a regular basis, makes it clear when they're due, and responds to students' work, the class is a success. But if she fails to regularly hand out assignments and none of them relate to the course's title, the class will not be a success.
Also, if a teacher doesn't respond to homework, students should be upset. How can you possibly learn if you have zero feedback?
Two wonderful resources for free--yes, free!--online courses are through RWA's PRO-Class Loop, and ACFW's course archives. To access RWA's Loop, you have to be an RWA PRO member. To access ACFW's course archives, you need to be a member of ACFW. RWA's PRO-Class Loop offers classes several times a year and each lasts a week or two. ACFW offers courses every month. Past courses can be accessed through ACFW's archives also.
There are also many writing courses available from other sites, and colleges offer online classes too.
As far as what classes are more valuable than others, I think it depends on the writer. Are you struggling with craft issues? Would you like to learn basic HTML codes? Are you dying to add more conflict to your books? There are classes for almost any topic related to your writing career.
Have you taken any online courses? What did you think--waste of time or totally worth it?
Happy Writing!
You know, that's an avenue I haven't yet considered going down. Not to say I'm against it, by any means, just that it's been under my radar. And I guess with all my other involvements, I haven't felt a need to seek an online course.
ReplyDeleteGood morning!
ReplyDeleteJanna: I don't think they are necessary. I did take a basic HTML code class that I found extremely useful, but the few craft courses I took disappointed. The RWA Pro classes are worth it. One of them had a panel of agents and editors we could ask any question to. I loved that one!
Thanks for stopping by!
I haven't, but my MC has. Does that count?
ReplyDeleteI am really looking forward to the upcoming MUSE conference online.
~ Wendy
I'm attending an online conference with online workshops and I hope it is beneficial!
ReplyDeleteI'm considering joining the RWA and or the AFCW. It's a toss up! Thanks for your opinions.
Wendy: Your MC can tell you all about it :) Ha! You're so funny! I signed up for the Muse Conf. too.
ReplyDeleteMarybeth: Ooo, have fun! I'm sure you'll enjoy them!
Thanks for stopping by!
I've taken the ACFW online courses, which I usually find helpful. I took one through another website, that was both helpful and disappointing. I know, weird. Anyway, I think an ocassional online workshop will help refresh your knowledge and key in on areas where you need work. :)
ReplyDeleteI've taken a few that I paid for that were "okay". And one that was VERY good.
ReplyDeleteSamhain Publishing gives their authors free classes--like HTML or how to make a brochure, etc... which I think is nice.
Those classes have been EXCELLENT!
I have yet to take any online writing courses, but I've been thinking a lot about it. I get nervous, though. I'm afraid they will be a waste of time.
ReplyDeleteI haven't ever taken an online writing class but I think it sounds fun. Maybe someday...
ReplyDeleteI've done a few online courses, and I agree, the teacher's methods need to work with you for you to really benefit from the course. We're not always so luck to have that happen though.
ReplyDeleteYou also need lots of time to devote to these courses to really benefit from them, usually. So pick when you take them carefully.
Great post, Jill, totally understand what you're saying here.
I took Camy Tang's first synopsis class. It was worth more than what she charged, definitely. :-) Thanks for this info though. I didn't realize some classes don't live up to the hype. Good to know. :-)
ReplyDeleteI like your idea that there are classes for just about any topics relating to your writing career. That can be expanded to, say, if you write historical fiction, maybe taking a history course for a particular era; if your characters like photography, take a photography appreciation course. There are so many ways to enrich the knowledge you bring to the page.
ReplyDeleteI've never taken any writing courses. Right now I am learning so much from other writers and books that I have enough to work on as it is.
ReplyDeleteLike you said, they aren't all created equal. Unfortunately, it's hard to tell what's going to be worth your time until you've signed up and the class is in progress.
ReplyDeleteWhile the ones I've taken haven't been equal in quality, I do find I usually at least pick up a tidbit or two I wouldn't have if I hadn't taken the class. Makes it worthwhile.
I've heard from a few people who have taken online courses, and they all say that these classes can be quite good. So, I'm a believer, though I haven't tried it myself. Thanks for the free links!
ReplyDeleteI've been considering taking some writing courses, but hadn't looked into it too deeply yet. I think an online course would be beneficial, but would love to sit in a classroom and hear the instructor speak as well. I'm balancing multiple plates right now so I'll have to put it off until I can set one of my plates down. lol
ReplyDeletei have taken a few free online classes through the ACFW course loop. i've enjoyed them and really felt that most were worth the few minutes to delve into the exercise for that week.
ReplyDeletejeannie
Where Romance Meets Therapy
I'm with Cindy on this one. I'm learning so much with books and websites that I haven't ventured into online classes for fear that my brain will explode! Thanks for the insight, though!
ReplyDeleteThanks Jill for the direction. I have considered taking online writing course, but I have been reluctant concerning my time constraints.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the resources that you have found helpful.
Can you tell me more about the Muse Conference?
Blessings to you...
Ralene: Love those ACFW courses! And yes, I do know what you mean, because I've felt the same. The only courses I take now are free ones that appeal to me.
ReplyDeleteJennifer: Thanks for the head's up about Samhain! Impressive! It's nice they offer resources for their writers.
LazyWriter: You do have to spend time on the assignments in order to get anything out of them, and if a teacher isn't responding to homework, the class isn't worth it. I think you can get tons of info just by following blogs and reading books about writing.
Natalie: It's always nice to try something different, isn't it?
Eileen: You captured my thoughts in a nutshell!
Jessica: Camy Tang's Story Sensei blog is awesome. Enough said!
Joanne: Oh, I love this! You're right. I'd love to take a photography class, and a cooking class, and a bird-watching... :) Great tips!
Cindy: The info on blogs and in books blows me away. I feel like I'm getting a master's degree just by studying them.
Connie: Oh yeah. I totally agree. And you're right, even if overall I was unhappy with a class, I still get something out of it.
Thanks so much for stopping by!
I've never taken an online course, but have been curious.
ReplyDeleteDavin: Again, I don't think they're necessary! But sometimes it's fun to try something new!
ReplyDeleteCMOM: Well, one advantage to online courses, especially Loop-type ones, is that you can do as little or as much as you'd like. There's no grade, and if you can't complete the course, no one is going to come after you!
Jeannie: I've been very impressed with ACFW's courses too. I've learned a lot from each of them.
Beth: I don't want your brain to explode! Seriously, though, blogs, other writers, magazines, writing books--all give so much information. Classes are not necessary.
Tamika: I know! It's hard to find the time to write let alone take a class. I learned about the Muse Conference from Jennifer Shirk's blog, Me, My Muse, and I. I'm not sure if registration is still open, but here's the URL to check it out: http://www.freewebs.com/themuseonlinewritersconference/
Thanks so much for stopping by!
Let's see: I took an online course that was offered through a local college, it was not what I expected and I didn't gain much from it. I just wrapped up another online course from a writer whose work I appreciate and I've acquired quite a bit from that class. The class is not cheap but she does offer scholarships, which I was lucky enough and thankful, to receive.
ReplyDeleteI am signed up for the museonlinewriter's conference and this weekend I'm attending a conference not too far from me. In case you can't tell, I love to learn.
The only online classes I've taken have been through ACFW. And I agree with your assessment. The benficialness of the classes depends almost solely on the teacher. Some have been great, some have been not so great, and some have been downright disappointing. :)
ReplyDeleteJill, I haven't taken any online classes though I have often wondered if it would be worth it. I have heard great things about some of the writing schools that are online. It might be something to consider if I can squeeze any more hours out of twenty four. :)
ReplyDeleteHeather: Sorry your comment slipped through me! Not all classes are equal, and few are necessary. There are so many ways to learn--it's just another avenue to explore.
ReplyDeleteDiane J: How wonderful to be taking a class from a writer you admire! And congrats on the scholarship and finding it beneficial!
Erica: The free classes I've taken have been the best for me. They are usually well organized. I try to take 3 or 4 a year.
Robyn: Squeeze...I know! It's so hard to fit everything in. That's why I'd say to skip online classes if you're time crunched. There are tons of other ways to learn!
Thanks for stopping by!
Hi Jill -
ReplyDeleteI've thought about online courses, but always hesitated because of the time commitment. The thought of homework on top of my already busy schedule makes me turn green.
I didn't know ACFW had their classes archived. I'll have to check that out. I'd rather read and take things at my own pace. Thanks for the tip.
Blessings,
Susan :)
Susan: That's what I love about ACFW. You can go back and look at the previous months'. It can be confusing because so many people post to the loop, but I only open the messages marked assignments from the instructor (each course will list the instructor).
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for stopping by!
Ooh, this is interesting. I've never heard about online classes like this before. It sounds like they'd be a lot more practical than an in-person class for me. I'll have to look into it!
ReplyDeleteACFW has online courses that I've taken before. One was really helpful. The others were pretty good. But I just didn't have time to keep up with them. I'm a fan of craft books (as you know). :)
ReplyDeleteGreat topic. I haven't ever taken one, but I can see (and completely agree with) your point. What have been your favorites?
ReplyDeleteNo, I have never taken a course. But I think it's a great idea. Free ones hey? Have to check that out...
ReplyDeleteGreat post. I have taken online courses and I really enjoy doing so. I like being able to work at my own pace and I have had the fortune of getting instructors that are really involved.
ReplyDeleteI really recommend them; but they do require more discipline ... which is hard for me sometimes.
Lisa and Laura: Yes, they're practically stress free. You can do assignments at midnight if you want. What can be better than that? (Umm...sleep?)
ReplyDeleteKatie: Same here. Time, time, time. So hard to find time for everything, isn't it?
Danyelle: My favorites were an HTML code class and a class about planning your novel. Both gave me tools I use on a regular basis.
Tabitha: Free and chocolate are my two favorite words!! Can't beat free!
Regina: I'm so glad you had good experiences. And it is nice to be in control of the schedule.
Thanks so much for stopping by!