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.

students in a writing workshop

Noncredit Writing Courses

Bring your stories to life with our creative writing classes!

Creative Writing

Picture Books for Children | $185
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.
#11985, Online Live, 7/3-8/14, Wednesday, 6-8:30 PM Instructor: Alina Loux
Creative Writing: Memoirs | $125
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!
#35176, Online Live, 10/3-11/7, Thursdays, 1-3 PM Instructor: Cate Stover
Creative Writing: All Levels | $165
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.
Future offerings will be posted here.
Publishing Basics for Creative Writers | $105
This course will provide a general overview of publishing for creative writers—with a focus on poetry, fiction, and creative non-fiction. Our aim is to help participants navigate the publishing world and learn how to publish their creative pieces. Participants will also learn important terminology and best practices for submission requirements, and we will explore different types of publications, discuss helpful organizational tools, and develop a publication plan for each participant’s creative piece(s).
Future offerings will be posted here.
30 Day Poetry Challenge | $65
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.
Writing Middle Grade Fiction: All Levels | $125
Learn the basics of writing fiction for middle grade readers (children ages 8-12). We’ll learn about and practice key elements of fiction, as viewed through a middle-grade lens: dialogue, story structure, worldbuilding, and the thematic and line-level details that set the middle grade category apart from early reader and young adult books. Participants will have the opportunity to workshop one short story or novel excerpt with the group and receive feedback.
#11981, Online Live, 6/20-8/1, Thursday, 6-8 PM Instructor: Lindy Biller

 

 

 

Professional Development Writing

Business Writing for Success | $109
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.
#11966, Online Live, 6/5-6/26, Wednesday, 6:30-8:30 PM Instructor: Stephanie Robey
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.
#11430, Online, 7/17-8/14 Instructor: Kara Vogel

Register Today!

Three Ways to Register for Noncredit Courses

1. Register by Phone
2. Express Registration
3. Log into MyMadisonCollege
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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.