discover online Writing classes

Frequently Asked Questions

• What types of writing courses are available?

  +

  Our writing courses cover multiple genres and skill levels: Novel Writing (character development, plotting, publishing pipeline), Creative Nonfiction (writing true stories inspired by everyday life), Screenwriting (scenes, dialogue, script structure), Poetry (form, imagery, musicality), Short Story Writing (8-week comprehensive course), Fairy Tales & Fantasy (magical settings, world-building), and Horror Writing (atmosphere, psychology, suspense). We also offer specialized workshops for young writers, homeschoolers, and teenagers, plus journaling and storytelling courses.

• Are there writing courses suitable for complete beginners?

  +

  Yes. Our Novel Writing Course is designed for both beginners and those with prior writing experience. The Picture Book Writing and Illustrating course explicitly welcomes all skill levels, even beginners. The Creative Writing Club operates as a free and creative class where no writing experience is necessary. Journaling courses like Creative Journaling with Babbling Books are designed for anyone who doubts their creativity or feels intimidated by writing.

• How long do the writing courses typically last?

  +

  Course durations vary by program. Our comprehensive courses run 6-10 weeks: the Picture Book course is 10 weeks, The Poetry Path is 6 weeks, Novel Writing courses are typically 3-4 weeks, and the Short Story Writing Course is 8 weeks. We also offer one-day workshops like Creative Nonfiction: Writing Short True Stories, and single-session webinars. Virtual Writers Groups for young writers operate on a drop-in basis with sessions that stand alone, allowing flexible attendance.

• Do you offer online and in-person writing courses?

  +

  We offer both formats. Online courses are delivered via Zoom, including Novel Writing, Screenwriting, Short Story Writing, Poetry, and the Virtual Writers Groups. In-person options include the Picture Book Writing and Illustrating course, the Storytelling Workshop with John Knowles, and various one-day workshops. Specific locations and formats are noted in individual course descriptions.

• What qualifications do the instructors have?

  +

  Our instructors are experienced professionals: the Novel Writing course is guided by a published author; the Storytelling Workshop is led by professional storyteller and comedian John Knowles; Creative Nonfiction is taught by instructors familiar with writers like Helen Garner and Tim Winton; Screenwriting and other courses are facilitated by specialists with relevant expertise. The Virtual Writers Groups are led by author Melissa Gijsbers, and poetry workshops are facilitated by award-winning poets including Ruby and Eric from Te Kāhui.

• What will I learn in a Novel Writing course?

  +

  Novel Writing courses cover character development (building complex heroes, villains, and dynamics), structure and plot (story arcs and narrative framework), pacing and dialogue, scene construction, and publishing industry insights (how to write synopses, draft submissions, and prepare for publication). Courses like Plan Your Novel focus on story structure, character goals, motivation, conflict, and detailed project planning. Interactive feedback on your manuscript is provided throughout these courses.