We look at writing in the same light as cooking. One can learn to cook with the right amount of support, training, and practice. Similarly, one can learn to write well. Of course, some are naturally talented in cooking and instinctually know what works. Others have to practice and research to develop their own instincts. Learning to write is no different.
While there is a range of options to learn from, here are a few questions that you must consider before confirming any of the online classes for writing.
1. What Are You Learning From the Online Classes for Writing?
To begin with, know your requirements before signing up. Make a list of writing elements/areas that you are looking to learn and compare it with the course contents of your online writing class. For instance, if you want to learn how to plot, make sure that the online writing course you are looking at focuses on plotting and three-act structures. For this step, it is important that you know exactly which area of writing do you wish to improve. This self-awareness also ensures that your hard-earned money is well spent.
2. Does Your Tutor Know What They Are Talking About?
Ill-informed writing advice will do you more harm than good; therefore, it becomes crucial that you select a course with a tutor who specializes in the course area. Devote special time in finding out more about the instructor leading the course. You can look them up online or check to see if they have published any literature pertaining to the subject they will be teaching.
3. How Much Time Can You Dedicate to a Course?
Any kind of learning demands committing time. It is no fun if you realize after joining the course that you can’t commit to the required time. There will be a number of writing exercises/assignments, for which you will need to devote time. Now, if you forcefully cram all of that in the last minute you will end up making the course unnecessarily stressful and sour the whole experience. Enquire about the time commitment demanded by the course before enrolling.
4. Do the Benefits Outweigh the Cost?
Here is a simple equation that you can apply before deciding the worth of any online classes for writing. Does the course allow you to achieve what you want to at a reasonable price? Weigh the value offered by the course. You may be interested in learning a tiny aspect of a course; however, if that burns a whole in your pocket, it would be feasible to look for other suitable courses. On the other hand, if you find a highly valuable course but are unable to afford the entire sum, look for the availability of installment options or concessions rates.
5. What Do the Reviews Say About the Online Writing Course?
People are increasingly candid about their experiences on the internet. There is a robust culture of giving and referring to reviews. You too can know the worth of your course by seeing what others have to say about the experience. Most courses will display testimonials of their students on their websites. You can also consider looking for reviews outside of the website. In fact, you will find diverse reviews, making them more genuine.
Know that you alone can decide whether an online class for writing is for you. Both online and offline, writing courses offer a thrilling chance to discover a new area of writing or to learn more about an element of writing, which you may find difficult.
Finally, to answer your question, are online writing courses worth it? If you put in the time to research some important factors pertaining to the course and the effort to learn, absolutely, yes.