New York City, a global hub of creativity, offers a plethora of writing classes catering to all levels and genres. Whether you dream of penning the next great American novel, crafting compelling screenplays, or mastering the art of persuasive copywriting, the city that never sleeps has a course for you. This guide highlights 12 of the best writing classes in NYC, ensuring you find the perfect fit to nurture your writing talent.
Finding the Right Writing Class for You
Before diving into our list, let's consider what makes a writing class "best." Factors to consider include:
- Your Writing Goals: Are you a beginner seeking foundational skills, or an experienced writer aiming to refine your craft? Different classes cater to different experience levels.
- Genre Focus: Do you want to write fiction, non-fiction, poetry, screenplays, or something else entirely? Specialized classes provide targeted instruction.
- Instruction Style: Some instructors favor a workshop approach with peer feedback, while others focus on individual instruction and critique. Consider your preferred learning style.
- Class Size: Smaller classes often offer more personalized attention from the instructor.
- Cost and Schedule: Writing classes vary significantly in price and schedule. Choose a class that fits your budget and availability.
Top 12 Writing Classes in NYC
Here are 12 exceptional writing classes in New York City, categorized for easier navigation:
Fiction Writing
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Gotham Writers Workshop: A renowned institution, Gotham offers a wide array of fiction writing classes, from beginner to advanced levels. Their instructors are often published authors, providing invaluable insight and mentorship. They're known for their supportive workshop environment.
- Focus: Novels, short stories, creative nonfiction
- Style: Workshop-based, peer feedback emphasized.
- Cost: Varies by course length and level.
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The New School's Creative Writing Program: Part of a larger university program, The New School provides rigorous and challenging fiction writing courses taught by established writers. Expect in-depth analysis and high expectations.
- Focus: Diverse fiction genres, literary analysis.
- Style: More formal, lecture-based with writing assignments and individual critiques.
- Cost: Higher than some other options due to university affiliation.
Non-Fiction Writing
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Catapult: Catapult offers a diverse range of non-fiction writing classes, including memoir, essay writing, and personal essay. Their instructors are often established journalists and writers. They're known for their strong focus on craft.
- Focus: Memoir, essays, personal essays, journalism.
- Style: Combines lecture, writing exercises and peer review.
- Cost: Moderate, competitive with other similar programs.
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The Writer's Digest University: While not solely located in NYC, Writer's Digest offers online and in-person workshops throughout the city and provides various non-fiction writing courses. They often feature well-known authors as instructors.
- Focus: Wide range of non-fiction genres, including business writing.
- Style: Varies depending on instructor and course.
- Cost: Varies by course.
Screenwriting
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NYU Tisch School of the Arts: For aspiring screenwriters, NYU's Tisch School of the Arts offers highly regarded programs, though often at a higher cost. The curriculum is rigorous and focused on industry standards.
- Focus: Feature films, television, screenwriting techniques.
- Style: In-depth, professional training, industry connections.
- Cost: High, reflects the prestige of the program.
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UCLA Extension (NYC location): While primarily known for its California campus, UCLA Extension offers screenwriting courses in NYC, bringing the prestigious institution's expertise to the East Coast.
- Focus: Film and television screenwriting.
- Style: Practical, industry-focused instruction.
- Cost: Competitive, reflects the quality of instruction.
Other Genres & Skills
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The Poetry Project: Located at St. Mark's Church in the East Village, this renowned organization offers poetry workshops, readings, and open mics, fostering a vibrant community for poets of all levels.
- Focus: Poetry, open mics, community building.
- Style: Relaxed, community-focused atmosphere.
- Cost: Relatively affordable.
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Creative Writing Program at Columbia University: Columbia's Creative Writing program offers a wide range of classes, including fiction, poetry, and playwriting, taught by renowned faculty. The program is highly competitive.
- Focus: Wide range of genres, emphasis on literary merit.
- Style: Rigorous, academically focused.
- Cost: High, reflects the prestige of the program.
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Scribe: The Writers' Center: Scribe offers creative writing courses across various genres and skill levels, fostering a supportive and collaborative environment. They focus on building a community.
- Focus: Fiction, non-fiction, poetry, screenwriting.
- Style: Workshop based, group critique.
- Cost: Varies.
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The Center for Fiction: This non-profit offers a variety of writing workshops, readings, and events focused on the craft of fiction writing.
- Focus: Primarily fiction writing.
- Style: Workshops, seminars and lectures.
- Cost: Moderate.
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Manhattanville College: This college offers various creative writing courses, catering to both beginners and experienced writers, often at a more affordable price point than some others on this list.
- Focus: Fiction, non-fiction, poetry.
- Style: Balances classroom learning with workshop activities.
- Cost: More affordable than many other options.
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B&N Writers' Workshops (Barnes & Noble): Many Barnes & Noble locations offer writing workshops, often focusing on specific genres or skill sets, providing a convenient and relatively inexpensive option.
- Focus: Varies by location and offering.
- Style: Intro to genre, building confidence.
- Cost: Low cost, more of an introduction to writing.
This list is not exhaustive, and many other excellent writing classes exist in New York City. Remember to research individual instructors, read reviews, and consider your personal learning style to find the perfect fit for your writing journey. Happy writing!
