Search | Menu 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.
Noncredit Writing Courses
Bring your stories to life with our creative writing classes!
Creative Writing
Turn your culinary dreams into a published reality! In this inspiring and practical class, you'll learn how to transform your unique food ideas into a beautifully crafted cookbook. Discover the secrets to developing and testing recipes that readers will love, gain insider tips on styling and photographing your dishes like a pro, and master the art of structuring your book for maximum impact. Whether you're planning to self-publish or pitch to major publishers, this course provides all the tools and guidance you need to make your cookbook a success. Let’s bring your vision to life—one delicious page at a time!
#11984, Online Live, 5/21-6/11, Wednesday, 5:30-7 PM Instructor: Shannon Seip
Beginning or advanced writers explore the possibilities of writing for fun and publication by practicing specific writing skills that enhance descriptive language usage, story telling, and exposition, including styles, grammar usage, and imagery.
#11004, Truax-Protective Services Building, 6/10-8/5, Tuesday, 6:30-8:30 PM Instructor: Sarah White
#34948, Online, 9/8-10/27, Instructor: Morgan Harlow
#34948, Online, 9/8-10/27, Instructor: Morgan Harlow
Nature is full of endless possibilities for fiction writers! In this four-week writing workshop, you’ll explore how animals and the natural world can inspire compelling stories, adding depth, drama, and creativity to your writing. Through the study of nature-inspired short stories, guided discussions, and engaging writing prompts, you’ll generate new story drafts while developing a deeper appreciation for the role of nature in fiction. This course offers dedicated in-class writing time, along with the (completely optional) opportunity to share your work in a supportive group setting. Throughout the workshop, we’ll explore a variety of exciting topics, including how to use nature to enhance setting and drama, writing fables with animal protagonists, and experimenting with braided narratives and “hermit crab” stories. You’ll also learn techniques for incorporating anthropomorphism and personification, pushing the boundaries of nature to create surreal and speculative fiction, and crafting stories within the emerging genre of climate fiction. To help bring your work into the world, we’ll also discuss potential submission opportunities. Whether you’re a seasoned writer or just beginning to explore nature’s role in storytelling, this workshop will provide the inspiration and tools needed to bring your fiction to life.
#11952, Online Live, 7/10-7/31, Thursday, 6-8 PM Instructor: Lindy Biller
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.
#35094, Truax - Protective Service Building, 9/4-10/2, Thursday, 6:30-8:30 PM Instructor: Sarah White
Welcome to the Fall Creative Writing Challenge! In this class you will receive a daily creative writing prompt from the instructor to fuel your creativity and build a daily writing habit. The goal is to write every day (even if just for a few minutes) for one month. Each week the class will meet to share the successes and challenges of writing every day, recharge our creativity, and connect with other writers. Each class session will include an in-class writing prompt, a chance to share written work, and other inspiring activities. No previous writing experience necessary.
#35252, Online Live, 9/25-10/30, Thursday, 12-1 PM Instructor: Amelia Fontella
Are you interested in writing about your life? Then this class is the place for you. Whether you want to write about family history, or to tell your stories, or to explore ideas, you will find plenty of strategies and support in this class. My goal is to help you do the kind of writing that you want to do. We’ll have in-class writing exercise, take-home assignments, and time to share our work with each other. I’m looking forward to your histories, stories, and ideas!
#34982, Online Live, 10/2-11/6, Thursday, 1-3 PM Instructor: Kate Stover
This workshop is designed for adult (16+) students writing in the Middle Grade and Young Adult fiction categories! The first goal of this group is to create a community of writers where each student can submit their work for critique in a thoughtful, encouraging group setting. On day one, we’ll start with an overview of Middle Grade and Young Adult fiction, with some sample passages, group discussion, and writing exercises. For the following weeks, each writer will have the opportunity to submit a story or novel excerpt for critique. When time allows, we’ll also continue to read and discuss passages from modern, experimental, and classic novels in the Middle Grade and Young Adult space, and then respond to themed writing prompts inspired by these passages. Course expectations: Providing a written critique for each group member’s story submission, with at least one paragraph of highlights/favorite parts and one paragraph of feedback/suggestions; contributing to workshop discussion, with a focus on encouraging and constructive feedback; and submitting a short story or story excerpt (anywhere between 750 and 5000 words) to workshop with the group.
#35266, Online Live, 10/2-10/23, Thursday, 6-8 PM Instructor: Lindy Biller
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.
#35096, Truax-Protective Services Building, 10/16-11/13, Thursday, 6:30-8:30 PM Instructor: Sarah White
In this course, we will discuss strategies for writing and polishing a picture book manuscript for children. There will also be an opportunity to workshop your manuscript and submit it for a 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.
#34950, Online Live, 10/14-12/2, Tuesday, 6-8:30 PM Instructor: Alina Loux
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.
Future offerings will be posted here
In this four-week workshop for experienced writers of memoir, we will see what happens when we use a variety of methods for structuring a story. We will explore psychologist Robyn Fivush's research on story structures, George Saunders’ radical structural decision in his story “Love Letter,” and Kurt Vonnegut’s lecture on the shape of a story. Weekly exercises will give us opportunities to practice using new strategies in our stories.
Future offerings will be posted here
Professional Development Writing
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.
#11706, Online, 7/9-8/6, Instructor: Kara Vogel
This course will teach new grant writers how to write successful proposals and provide 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.
#36318, Online, 9/9-10/21, Tuesday, Instructor: Vogel, Kara
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.
#36320,Online, 9/11-10/2, Thursday, Instructor: Stephanie Robey
Step into the exciting world of journalism and learn how to report stories that inform, inspire, and make an impact! This dynamic course dives into the core principles of journalistic ethics and standards, guiding you on how to identify compelling stories, research with confidence, and write with clarity and purpose. Master the essentials of reporting and interviewing, craft content that resonates with audiences, and navigate the fast-paced environment of a press conference like a pro. Whether you're aspiring to be a journalist or simply want to sharpen your storytelling skills, this class will give you the tools to uncover the truth and tell it boldly!
Future offerings will be posted here
Three Ways to Register for Noncredit Courses
1. Register by Phone
- Call us at 608.258.2301, Option 2
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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.