Writing Noncredit Courses

Chances are you’ve been writing or wanting to write for a long time. We’re glad you’re here!

Our noncredit writing courses allow you to hone your craft and explore your literary voice. Whether you’re ready to write that screenplay, novel or book of poems, or simply find a new way to express yourself, these classes will serve you well.

Creative Writing: Memoirs | $125

If you're interested in writing about your life, this class is the place for you. Whether you want to write about family history, tell stories or explore ideas, you'll learn strategies and get support. Enjoy in-class writing exercises, take-home assignments and sharing our work with each other.
#63644, Goodman South, 4/4-5/9, Tuesday, 1-3 PM

Picture Books for Children | $185

In this course, you will study the history of children’s literature and discuss strategies for making narrative, conceptual, and wordless books. You will also work on writing and polishing your own manuscript with two rounds of professional critique from the instructor. By the end of the course, you will gain knowledge on next steps for either submitting to the publishing industry or for self-publication.
#63406, Online Live, 3/22-5/3, Wednesday, 5:30-8 PM

30 Day Poetry Challenge | $105

April is National Poetry Month, so why not have an intensive poetry adventure?  In this class you will receive a daily poetry prompt from the instructor to fuel your creativity.  Each week the class will meet to share the successes and challenges of writing every day.  You will also have the opportunity to have your pieces workshopped.  Students will be guided in putting their work into a chapbook, so your poetry adventure will be with you forever.  No previous writing experience necessary.
#63121, Online Live, 3/30-5/4, Thursday, 7-8:30 PM

Grant Writing Essentials | $179

This course will teach new grant writers how to write successful proposals, providing an overview of the core components of all grant proposals. Students will learn to develop a submission timeline, find funding opportunities, research grant opportunities, brainstorm and plan, write proposals, develop budgets and supplemental documents, and learn to pitch ideas.
#63270, Online Live, 4/4-5/9, Tuesday, 6-8:30 PM

Business Writing for Success | $99

Learn to write to make the best first impression and to be recognized as ready for the next step in your career through clear and concise communication. Employers place clear and concise communication skills at the top of their list when evaluating job applicants. This course will provide you with tips and techniques to quickly elevate your writing skills for success.
#63728, Truax-Early Learning Center, 3/23-4/13, Thursday, 6:30-8:30 PM

Do Your Own Will | $45

This course covers basic estate planning, taxes, marital property, trusts, and funeral planning. Participants receive instruction on how to write their own wills using the Wisconsin Basic Will. No legal advice or counseling is given. Individual wills will not be drafted or reviewed during class.
#10995, Truax-Early Learning Center, 6/24, Saturday, 9 AM-12 PM

Writing: Online Adventure | $125

Ramp up your writing with an online writing adventure. Each week, you will be provided with a writing prompt, with room to adapt to your own preferred genre and style. In the following week’s online class, we will share and discuss our work and processes. Also, you will have the chance to receive feedback from the instructor and fellow students in a workshop setting. What to expect: writing both in and outside of class, lively discussions, workshop opportunities, and a supportive environment. Our goal? Generate new work, connect with other writers, get out of your comfort zone, and have a blast! And bonus–since this is an online class, you can be almost anywhere and still participate. Writers of all experience levels are welcome!
#10986, Online Live, 7/10-8/14, Monday, 1-3 PM

Technical Writing and Communication | $179

What is technical writing and why is it so important? Professionals, technical experts, and managers all require communication skills at work. Learn how to effectively communicate with an intended audience to clearly convey your intended information. Apply the principles and guidelines for technical communication through the development and review of documents, graphics and visuals.
#10829, Online, 7/17-8/14

Intro to Guided Autobiography | $105

Guided Autobiography (GAB) is a process pioneered by Dr. James Birren that is based on personal writing on life themes and sharing those stories in a supportive small group. By using the Guided Autobiography method, you will do more than start writing down your memories—you will gain insights into how the events of your life have contributed to the person you are today—and may become tomorrow. People who undertake Dr. Birren’s Guided Autobiography process join an international movement; there are over 600 instructors around the world in a connected community. Guided Autobiography workshops are organized around a sequence of themes—topics that are common threads in the fabric of just about anyone’s life. In "Introduction to Guided Autobiography," we cover the first four of GAB's nine themes: Branching points, family, role of money in your life, and your major life work or career.
#10991, Truax-Early Learning Center, 5/30-6/27, Tuesday, 6:30-8:30 PM
#10992, Truax-Early Learning Center, 6/1-6/29, Thursday, 10 AM-12 PM

Going Deeper with Guided Autobiography | $105

In this workshop, participants go deeper into the Guided Autobiography (GAB) is a process pioneered by Dr. James Birren.  In "Going Deeper with Guided Autobiography," we cover more of GAB's nine themes: healthy/body, gender identity, experiences/ideas about death, and spiritual life and values. Students are in complete control of what they write and share; no one is pressured to read more than they are comfortable sharing with the group. The GAB method places more emphasis on self-development than writing craft. Participants should have completed “Introduction to Guided Autobiography” or a comparable workshop.
#10993, Truax-Early Learning Center, 7/18-8/15, Tuesday, 6:30-8:30 PM
#10994, Truax-Early Learning Center, 7/20-8/17, Thursday, 10 AM-12 PM

Online Courses

Check out these 100% online noncredit classes offered in partnership with ed2go.

A to Z Grant Writing (Self-paced) | $99

This course provides students with the hands-on experience and knowledge they need to successfully begin writing grant proposals, including real-world scenarios, and the opportunity to improve their work by reviewing previous grant proposals completed by peers.

Grammar Refresher | $99

Develop English grammar skills and take your writing and speaking to the next level. This course explores the eight parts of speech, punctuation and mechanics, foundational sentence construction, phrases, clauses, problem words, common mistakes, and more with practical, hands-on exercises.

The Keys to Effective Editing | $115

Learn the essential skills and resources you will need to become a successful and confident copyeditor. This course provides the fundamentals of top-notch editing for both fiction and nonfiction.

Beginner's Guide to Getting Published | $115

Get your writing directly into the hands of an editor and on the shelves of your favorite stores. This course, taught by a successful journalist and author, will help you understand every step of the publishing process and how to give yourself the credibility publishers notice.