Great Courses for Writers

 In addition to the Master Class offerings, Great Courses offers DVD and streaming classes on every topic imaginable. There are quite a few on aspects of writing.

1. Writing Great Fiction: Story Telling Tips and Techniques by James Hynes, Novelist and Writing Instructor. 

2. Analysis and Critique: How to Engage and Write about Anything by Professor Dorsey Armstrong, Ph.D. Purdue University. 

3. The Secrets of Great Mystery and Suspense Fiction by David Schmid, Ph.D.
University at Buffalo, The State University of New York. 

4. How Great Science Fiction Works by Professor Gary K. Wolfe, Ph.D. 

5. Redefining Reality: The Intellectual Implications of Modern Science by Professor Steven Gimbel, Ph.D. Gettysburg College 

6. Masterpieces of Short Fiction by Professor Michael Krasny, Ph.D., San Francisco State University. 

7. English Grammar Bootcamp by Professor Anne Curzon, Ph.D. University of Michigan

8. Building Great Sentences by Brooks Landon

9. How to Market Your Book by Jane Friedman 

10. Writing Creative Nonfiction by Professor Tilar J. Mazzeo, Ph.D, Colby College 

11. Becoming a Great Essayist by Professor Jennifer Cognard-Black, Ph.D., St. Mary’s College of Maryland 

12. Screenwriting 101: Mastering the Art of Story by Professor Angus Fletcher, Ph.D.
The Ohio State University

13. The Secrets of Great Mystery and Suspense Fiction by Professor David Schmid, Ph.D., University at Buffalo, The State University of New York

14. Heroes and Legends: The Most Influential Characters of Literature by Professor Thomas A. Shippey, Ph.D., St. Louis University 

15. Trails of Evidence: How Forensic Science Works by Professor Elizabeth A. Murray, Ph.D. Mount St. Joseph University

16. Forensic History: Crimes, Frauds, and Scandals by Professor Elizabeth A. Murray, Ph.D. Mount St. Joseph University

17. The English Novel by Professor Timothy Spurgin, Ph.D., Lawrence University 

The list prices for the courses are rather high for struggling authors. But there are frequent sales with up to 70% off, especially once you create an account and get emails or mailed catalogs. Some courses are sold in sets with a price break. Share them with your writing pals or critique group if you have one. Perhaps you could all chip in together and watch the lectures together. Also check your local library. It is possible a course has been donated.

I cannot recommend these courses highly enough, especially for those going it alone and when you can't find local resources for writing classes. There are too few! Most conferences cater to beginning writers. The more you learn about your craft, the better your writing will be.

Next week, we look at online college courses.