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Posted on Nov 19, 2018

15 of the Best Online Writing Communities for Aspiring Authors

About the author.

Reedsy's editorial team is a diverse group of industry experts devoted to helping authors write and publish beautiful books.

About Dario Villirilli

Editor-in-Chief of the Reedsy blog, Dario is a graduate of Mälardalen University. As a freelance writer, he has written for many esteemed outlets aimed at writers. A traveler at heart, he can be found roaming the world and working from his laptop.

As enjoyable and fulfilling as writing can be, the truth is that it’s often a solitary endeavor. While we might romanticize the focused artist typing away while imaginary worlds and narratives swirl inside their minds — authors know the truth: writing can get lonely. And moreover, when you’re working on a one-person project, it can be hard to remain motivated and accountable. That’s where writing communities come in.

Writing communities are the perfect place to find answers to your writing questions and to discuss the ins and outs of the writing life with people who actually understand what you’re talking about.

So, if you are tired of listening only to the voices in your head, take a look at our list of top online writing communities. (And if you're hungry for more, check out our more exhaustive list of the very best writing websites!)

Top online writing communities

1. absolute write water cooler.

With over 68,000 members, this is a large and highly active community. Here you can find threads on every genre imaginable, as well as discussions about freelance writing, the publishing industry, pop culture, writing prompts and exercises, and much more.

Perfect for: writers who are looking for a large and active community.

2. AgentQuery Connect

While this forum will come in handy for any writer, it’s especially helpful for authors who have already completed their manuscript and are wondering what to do next. The site boasts a wealth of information on publishing topics such as querying agents, self-publishing tips, and book promotion advice.

Perfect for: writers who are looking to connect with agents and learn more about the publishing industry.

3. Camp NaNoWriMo

If you’ve ever wanted to go to a writer’s retreat but can’t afford it just yet, then this site might help scratch your itch. Holding online “camp sessions” in April and July, Camp NaNoWriMo offers a digital space to encourage and empower writers at any point of their career. Here you can work on drafts, revisions, short stories, or any other writing project that involves word-count goals.

Perfect for: writers who can’t wait until November to get some writing done .

best creative writing communities

4. Critique Circle

Feedback should be a vital part of any writer’s process, and this is exactly what Critique Circle offers. This members-only site allows authors to post stories in exchange for feedback on other people’s writing. You can also find storyboarding tools , writing prompts, workshops, name generators, games like hangman, and much more.

Perfect for: writers who want honest feedback on their writing.

5. Chronicles

As the world’s largest Science Fiction and Fantasy online community, Chronicles offers writers the opportunity to get together and discuss the latest books, news, and pop culture in the Sci-Fi and Fantasy world. This is an active community with thousands of threads that include genre-specific challenges, workshops, critiques, and even publishing and industry information.

Perfect for: writers interested in Science Fiction and Fantasy writing.

6. Facebook Groups

If social media is more your style, don't miss the chance to interact with your fellow writers by joining Facebook groups in your own niche. Look for groups with a strict "no self-promotion" rules so that it remains supportive and useful to your writing goals.

There are a lot of groups out there in a variety of topics that range from genre-specific writing tips to traditional and self-publishing industry news. Here are just a few of them:

10 Minute Novelists — a group for the time-crunched writer. Calls for Submissions  — for writers looking for publication opportunities. Fiction Writers Global — a great resource for information about traditional and self-publishing. Writers Unite! — an active group with plenty of support and motivation for novice and experienced writers alike.

Perfect for: writers who prefer using social media.

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7. Insecure Writer’s Support Group

Whether you are a debut or seasoned author, there’s no doubt that writing a book can be intimidating and rife with bouts of self-doubt. The Insecure Writer’s Support Group aims to help you overcome those insecurities by hosting a community of like-minded authors.

Perfect for: writers who have doubts about their writing and are in need of encouragement.

best creative writing communities

8. The Next Big Writer

This is an international forum where writers can receive feedback on their writing and support on every other part of the creative process from drafting to publishing and marketing. The critiques are often thorough and many come from published authors. Keep in mind that there is a monthly cost associated with the membership, but it might be worth it to be able to bend the ear of published authors.

Perfect for: writers seeking in-depth critiques from an international audience.

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More than just a single writing community, Reddit has countless ‘subreddits’ where writers of all genres, interests, and levels of experience flock. While it may not offer workshops or tools, members can find niche threads that relate to their interests, critique other people’s work, and discover helpful sources of information.

There are so many different subreddits that you can get lost browsing them, but here are a few of the most popular ones:

r/writing — for general writing purposes. r/writingprompts — for user-submitted writing prompts. r/destructivereaders — beware, if you don’t like harsh criticism this may not be the best fit. But if you are willing to endure it, you will come out a better writer at the end. r/worldbuilding — user submitted fiction worlds. r/fantasywriters — for anybody interested in the fantasy genre. r/characterforge — the place to be for character building. r/writerchat — for those interested in talking with fellow writers. r/selfpublish — for anybody interested in self-publishing. r/logophilia — “the love of words and word games,” and that’s exactly what you’ll find here. r/freelanceWriters — for anybody interested in a career in freelance writing . r/books — because reading is just as important as writing if you want to be a successful author.

Perfect for: writers who want niche threads based on a particular interest or need.

10. Scribophile

One of the largest communities in the world, Scribophile offers workshops, tutorials, and critiques for authors in just about any genre imaginable. While it is free to join, only users who pay for a membership get access to all their features.

Perfect for: authors who want to take part in writing workshops alongside writers of all experience levels.

best creative writing communities

11. She Writes

With over 30,000 members, this is the largest writing community exclusively for women. Here you can find articles on writing, editing, and marketing for every genre. There are forums tailored to specific needs, like travel writers, writing about trauma, NaNoWriMo, and many other topics.

Perfect for: women writers who want a place to connect and learn from fellow writers.

12. Talentville

If your passion lies in screenwriting, then you’ll want to book a one-way ticket to Talentville. Here, you can get feedback on your writing and learn the skills necessary to perfect your screencraft. Plus, you can work on and build your network of contacts: the site is also a frequent stop for industry professionals (like agents, managers, and producers) on the lookout for new talent.

Perfect for: writers who are interested in screenwriting and networking.

13. Underlined

A writing community by Penguin Random House. While any author can find helpful information on this website, it’s geared more towards younger writers. It has a well-designed platform, quizzes, genre-specific information, the latest news on book releases, Q&As with authors, and even some giveaways and excerpts as perks.

Perfect for: younger writers looking for genre-specific information and bookish perks.

best creative writing communities

14. Writers Helping Writers

This is a free-to-register community where you can find resources for writers, teachers, and editors alike. They offer a vast array of tools to perfect your craft, no matter your level. Their extensive creative library includes webinars, free writing and marketing tools, a thesaurus collection, story maps, idea generators, and more.

Perfect for: writers, editors, and teachers who are looking to build up their writing toolbox.

15. #WritingCommunity

Sometimes, all you need is a hashtag. And indeed, Twitter's own #WritingCommunity is one of the most robust writing collectives on the web. Ask a question, and it'll almost certainly get answered (without a lot of Twitter's trademark snark). The key here is to keep your questions concise, reply often to others, and don't go crazy with other hashtags. The community can tell if you're just thirsty for RTs. Perfect for: writers who are finally ready to use Twitter for good — and not just for procrastinating.

13 responses

27/11/2018 – 22:42

Very useful post. Thanks for this. I will be linking to it on my blog.

Dr Jack Edward Effron says:

18/02/2019 – 16:40

You left out taylz.com. It’s truly free. They are not going to give you a rubbish service to make you join their pay site because they have no pay site. Your story can be 8,000 words. They are not going to force you into flash fiction of 3,000 words. One critique out, one critique in: no mucking about with “karma” or critiquing 5+ stories to get one critique. The great new idea whose time has come! And it’s British, not American.

marieseltenrych says:

08/05/2019 – 12:28

Reedsy, thank God you are here! I want to ask a question to other authors or self publishers here: I have been approached by OmniScriptum to publish my books (research) with them. I cannot find much about this company online, so wondered if anyone has published with them recently? Thanks Reedsy in anticipation. Marie

↪️ Reedsy replied:

08/05/2019 – 12:29

Hi Marie! Sounds potentially very shady to me. If you haven't already, check out our post on predatory companies in publishing. One of the rules of thumb is that if a publisher contacts you first, be very wary. I just did 20 seconds worth of Googling and found some people who had a bad experience.

Eunice Brownlee says:

I am a member of illuminate, which is a group designed around supporting women who want to share their stories but don't know how. The majority of us write non-fiction essays and memoirs, but we have a few poets and fiction writers in the mix as well. The overall goal is to support each other, especially through those harder moments of not wanting to write, or not knowing where to start. There are monthly themes and prompts, a weekly exercise inside the Facebook group, and cross-sharing of what we're working on. My favorite feature is the expert review, where you can submit any piece you're working on each month and you'll get quality feedback from one of the editors that manage the group. This group is perfect for anyone who is just getting started writing.

↪️ Brittani B replied:

11/02/2020 – 19:27

I tried the link multiple times both from this page and separately searched and was unable to access the site.

Harry says:

05/06/2019 – 07:51

Personally I think you missed out the best writing community: https://community.jerichowriters.com/ Jericho Writers is a free writing community that writers can safely share thought, make friends, swap work and get advice

Christian says:

08/08/2019 – 12:21

I only recommend Scribophile if you enjoy being coerced into groupthink. If you hope to get meaningful critique that will help you, look elsewhere. The critiques here are mostly SPAG, and it's forbidden to discuss your work on the main forums, except in the broadest, vaguest way.

Randy says:

18/08/2019 – 06:11

I have all my dads writing research and copyrights to 18 different books....all this was before the digital world .... many negatives photos ....every major story from all over the world with his .copyright . These are huge stores and his books are really well written ....what should I do with them .....incredible spy work as well

Ratih says:

27/08/2019 – 03:50

As a new writer this article is really useful for me. Thank you reedsy

Jennifer says:

02/09/2019 – 14:15

Hi guys! Great blog! Just wanted to let you know that we linked to you in a blog on the Peaceful Living Wellness Online Magazine :) It will be published on Friday, September 6th, 2019

↪️ Martin Cavannagh replied:

17/09/2019 – 09:04

Thanks! We appreciate that!

Kaylee Downey says:

14/02/2020 – 19:09

Um...what about Wattpad?

Comments are currently closed.

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11 Top Writing Communities You Should Join and Why

The life of a writer is pretty solitary, both by design and necessity. While you may find yourself in the neighborhood coffee shop a few days a week just for a change of pace, being a writer can be lonely and quiet.

Well-meaning as they are, your friends and family don’t understand the nuance between conflict and crisis. Try as they might, they can’t relate to the complexity of creating a consistent voice . And, heaven help them, they’ll never get the agony of choosing between traditional and self-publishing .

It’s no wonder that writing and alcohol are familiar companions.

But it’s not happy hour yet. Here’s the good news: you’re not alone. In fact, right this moment, writers just like you are actively participating in writing communities all over the web. It’s time that you meet.

But first, you may be wondering, what’s the point of joining a writing community? I’m glad you asked, because there’s a lot of compelling reasons to join. Let’s break it down:

Have you ever gotten to a point in your story where something just doesn’t sound right, but you can’t figure it out? You don’t want to ask your friends and family for their opinion because, let’s be honest, they’ll just say it sounds great to avoid hurting your feelings (even when you know it doesn’t).

Submitting a difficult piece to your writing community allows you to get honest, actionable feedback while you’re still working on your manuscript.

+Support & Encouragement

Writers understand other writers. They understand what it’s like to fall in love with a character, to struggle with dialogue, and to build entire worlds from scratch. These are your people. You need an environment where you can talk to fellow writers who struggle in the same areas you do. Those people can also help pull you from the mire of despair when the going gets tough, and they’ll motivate you to write those last thousand words.

After you’ve written and edited your book, you can ask your writing community to review your book. Swapping reviews is a popular practice. It’s free and easy to do, and a win-win for both writers.

+Beta Readers

So, what is a beta reader? Beta readers can help catch common, easy to fix mistakes such as detail inconsistencies, that you'll most likely miss after having read over the manuscript 300 times. Often the most important thing beta readers can offer is the indication that something is wrong. They may not know how to fix it or may not offer the right suggestion, but they'll alert you to the fact that X isn't working.

If you’re self-publishing, you’ll need to get marketing savvy quickly. In addition to subscribing to our blog , get thee involved in a writing community where you can learn a lot of interesting marketing tricks and techniques from seasoned pros.

Also, most online writing communities have a dedicated space for writers to promote their books. Share your book with a wider audience.

Here are five easy steps for getting involved in an online writing community. Subscribe to receive this extra resource.

Download your bonus content:

Now that you’re fully convinced on the benefits of becoming an active member in an online writing community, let’s look at the very best ones to join (in alphabetical order) :

1. Absolute Write Water Cooler

absolutewrite

Absolute Writer is a popular and passionate writer’s forum on everything from politics to science fiction (which may in fact be the same thing). It welcomes writers of all genres, including novels, non fiction, screenwriting, and greeting cards.

Why Join? This community is well moderated and extremely popular. You’ll find kindred spirits here.

Popular boards include Ask the Agent , Self-Publishing , and Young Adult .

2. AgentQuery

AgentQuery is a great place to go for critiques and feedback. If you’re further along in the writing process and would love to know how to get an agent, for example, this is the go-to writing community. Check out successful query letters and learn about marketing your book after it’s published.

Why Join? There’s plenty of advice for after you’ve completed your manuscript and are interested in shopping it around. Find out what needs to be done by those who’ve been there/ done that.

Popular boards include Spectulative Fiction , Author and Book Promotion Tips , Agent Submission Process

bookrix

BookRix is a community for independent writers who are interested in self-publishing. While the site BookRix does provide writers with self-publishing help, its community is full of diverse topics that can help any writer improve and commiserate (or both!).

Why Join? You’ll enter an established book community with lots of activity.

Popular boards include Serious Writers , Book Promotion , The Reading List

4. Critique Circle

Established in 2003, Critique Circle is one of the oldest writing communities online. The majority of members are young adults between 21 to 30. As the name implies, members take advantage of critique help, but there’s also a chill vibe for this site. For example, a popular thread at the time of this post is word association.

Why Join? Join for critique help and camaraderie. You may lose hours interacting with other writers in this community, and that’s a good thing every now and then.

Popular boards include Publishing , The Procrastination Lounge (no surprise), Publishing

5. Critters Writers Workshop

critters

For all you sci-fi, fantasy, or horror writers out there, here’s the group for you. While it’s not the most active community out there, there’s a lot of genre specific nuggets you’ll love to read.

Why Join? This board is a must-join for the sci-fi, fantasy, or horror crowd.

Popular boards include Critique Discussions , Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror Writing , Help!

6. SCRIBOPHILE

Scribophile is one of the largest writing communities online. Writers of any genre join to post their writing for critique, give each other feedback on how to improve their writing, and help each other on their journey to publication. Their forums are busy, with over 5.1 million posts at the time of writing, and their members have gone on to be published by the likes of HarperCollins, Macmillan, Penguin Random House, Simon and Schuster, and more.

Why Join? This community is one of the top places to get professional feedback on your writing, and to meet other writers working in your genre.

Popular boards include

[Writing]( https://www.scribophile.com/forums/writing/ )

[Publishing] ( https://www.scribophile.com/forums/publishing/ )

[General discussion: Cool Hang-Out Chill Zone ( https://www.scribophile.com/forums/the-cool-hang-out-chill-zone/ ).

7. Hatrack River Writers Workshop

hatrack

While the Hatrack River Writers Workshop forum has an old school look and feel, there’s plenty of fresh ideas and energetic discussions.

Why Join? Get involved in vibrant discussions about developing character and plot. Learn more about improving your writing from fellow writers.

Popular boards include Open Discussions About Writing , Fragments and Feedback for Short Works , Writing Class

Mibba skews young, but it’s welcoming to any age group. Mibba users create blogs and write narrative posts or stories that can then be critiqued by other members. It’s a great community for young writers who need extra support.

Why Join? This community nurtures young authors by providing an active community, opportunities for collaboration, and peer feedback.

Popular boards include Role-Playing , General , Tips

9. NaNoWriMo

nanowrimo

Short for National Novel Writing Month, NaNoWriMo is something of a revolution that challenges writers everywhere to write an entire novel in one month. Crazy, but scores of dedicated fanatics have proven it’s possible.

Why Join? This is a wildly popular community that provides tons of support and writing strategies.

Popular boards include Plot Doctoring , Reference Desk , Writing 101

10. The Next Big Writer

In this community, you’ll find writers who offer professional, no-fluff feedback. There’s not a lot of random activity here, but rather a more somber discourse on writing.

Why Join? Join for professional critique from established writers.

Popular boards include The TheNextBigWriter Basic Group , The Writing Tips & Advice Group , The Fantasy World Builders Group

11. The Reddit Writer's Group

Last but certainly not least is Reddit. Reddit features a subreddit dedicated to write and another to writing . Confusing, right? Just join both. Both subreddits are active and popular, and great for a quick hit of inspiration.

roadrunner

Why Join? Where else can you see this treat: Knowing your character rules and boundaries is essential; here's Chuck Jones' cheat sheet for the Coyote and Roadrunner ?

Popular boards include Write , Writing

Final Thoughts

Joining a writing community is one of the best things you can do to improve your morale and hone your skills. While these communities are completely free, you’ll be amazed at how much value they add to your life.

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on November 2015 and has been updated for accuracy.

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Whether it's fiction, nonfiction, fanfiction, or anything in between, the web offers countless spaces where writers are free to share their work, explore other people's writings, and find a community.

Aspiring creators can dip their toes in the water and see what it's like to deal with constructive criticism, while established writers can test out ideas and see what works better for their story.

Let's look at some platforms that house the best communities for online writers.

1. Critique Circle

Critique Circle Library

Critique Circle has been around since 2003 and is one of the oldest online writing communities. It's well-known, and its members are there to offer assistance and camaraderie.

Its members don't blast you with criticism, but instead, actively work towards providing constructive feedback that will help your work.

For every critique you post, you'll get served with credits. Depending on the length of your post and the story you're critiquing, the credits you earn can range from 0.5 to two credits. You need three credits to submit a story of your own.

The platform houses thousands of members, with over 100,000 stories shared and 400,000 critiques posted. You can interact with everyone, create discussions on various topics, and belong to an accepting community.

2. Writers Helping Writers

Writers Helping Writers Resources

Writers Helping Writers is a platform that offers an array of resources for writers, as well as for editors and teachers. You're free to register as a user and work towards improving your writing.

You can find various tutorials, webinars, as well as marketing and writing tools that you can use for free. There's even an idea generator available.

With Writers Helping Writers, you can find a community willing to accept, support, and help you as a writer.

3. Underlined

Underlined Inspiration

If you're an aspiring writer that lacks experience, this is the place for you. Underlined offers to help build you up as a writer, craft your skills, and boost your confidence.

The site was created by Penguin Random House, and it's geared towards newer writers. It offers a welcoming writing community willing to give support and advice.

Underlined provides a space to make connections, explore the world of writing, chat with authors, and more. It's an inclusive community dedicated to supporting writers.

4. Scribophile

Scribophile Groups

Scribophile is among the most well-known writing communities available online. It offers guidance, help, and support for aspiring writers. You can access tutorials and workshops, as well as reach out to professional writers who can provide tips and tricks of the trade.

Like with Critique Circle, Scribophile requires you to collect points (karma points) before it allows you to submit a work yourself. You get these points by posting critiques on other people's writings. In other words, you give feedback in order to receive feedback.

Joining the community is free, but the free profile comes with some limitations. If you choose to pay for the $9/month ($65/year) subscription, you get access to everything Scribophile offers, including unlimited submissions and messaging. Either way, the site is ad-free, and is an excellent resource to use to help you grow as a writer.

5. NaNoWriMo

NaNoWriMo Prep

If you want to push yourself as a writer or simply lack motivation or drive, NaNoWriMo is for you. NaNoWriMo boasts a community of writers who challenge themselves to become more productive.

NaNoWriMo is short for "National Novel Writing Month." The platform sets out an annual challenge to writers, daring them to produce 50,000 words for a novel during the month of November.

You don't have to complete your novel in this one single month, but rather aim to get a large chunk of work done. You're free to plan out your work throughout the year and reach out to other members for advice, support, and feedback on your thoughts and ideas.

Motivation can sometimes be hard to come by, and if you're a procrastinator at heart, it can be difficult even to start the writing process. The idea of becoming an organized writer  may seem like an aspirational dream. But if a challenge can get you going, look no further than NaNoWriMo.

6. The Next Big Writer

The Next Big Writer

The Next Big Writer provides a welcoming environment where you can find camaraderie. It offers writing classes and workshops, discussions, feedback, support, and advice for writers.

The community can assist you with every step of your creative process, helping you get published, and market your book. Many members of the community have already been published, and you're encouraged to reach out to them.

The Next Big Writer offers a free and paid membership. The Basic Membership is free but has limitations. On the other hand, the Premium Membership unlocks everything the platform has to offer, including the ability to post unlimited content. It costs $7.95/month or $69.95/year.

The Benefits of Being Part of a Community

Online writing

A community grants you access to constructive criticism. And, not just a bunch of people spewing negativity for the sake of it, but actual valuable advice to help you become a better writer .

Sometimes, you simply need a second opinion. A pair of fresh eyes looking at what you've been writing can be genuinely helpful.

While you might not realize that something can be improved upon, someone new to your work can reach that conclusion much faster. All it takes is a slight adjustment to the direction, and that can prove to be a major help.

Apart from guidance on a piece you're still writing, you can also ask your community to review a work you've already completed. Strangers often offer the best criticism—unlike family or friends, they won't sugarcoat their words to avoid hurting your feelings.

Aside from receiving feedback, you can also benefit from support. A community willing to welcome you and provide any assistance is invaluable. After all, who can better understand what you're going through than another writer?

Joining a Community Is a Must

Being a writer can often feel reclusive. Belonging to a community of people like you, who face the same challenges, is an excellent way to find kindred spirits.

And, if you're not one for socializing, the right community can be beneficial to your writing. Having access to published authors and getting constructive criticism, advice, and support is invaluable.

Every artist can benefit from finding a like-minded community and sharing their work. Make the jump and find your community. With so many options at your fingertips, don't be scared to explore them all and find the right fit for you.

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7 Online Writing Communities for Authors

Paul H

  • March 27, 2020

Writing is, and has always been, a solitary endeavor. Still, any accomplished or novice writer will tell you that a writing community is just as important as their keyboard or notebook. Thanks to the internet, it’s easier than ever to find online writing groups to connect with other authors and grow your craft.

We write alone, but what we write is for a broader audience. And unless you’re ‌1) a literary genius or 2) extremely lucky, you won’t be able to transition from solitary creation to popular adoption without an intermediary step. That step is your writing community.

Why Online Writing Communities Matter

Because we are social animals. Plain and simple. Even the most introverted of our fellow writers need some interaction. Having a community of writers is more than just a way to discuss writing with your peers. And it’s more than just a means to improve your writing. Taking part in writing communities is beneficial for your writing and your mental health.

We don’t just need to socialize because it’s good for our psyche ; we also need the advice, encouragement, and criticism of other writers. Published authors, who may seem like some of the least social creatures, need a community as much or more than anyone. 

Thankfully, we have more options and opportunities to connect than ever before. Online writing groups for beginners, novices, and seasoned professionals exist and thrive all across the web. It’s important that you look for an online writing community frequented by writers like you who can lend support, empathize with your struggle, and ultimately help you become a better writer.

Today, I’ve got seven of the top online writing communities you can consider. Even if none of these examples are a good fit for you, I’m sure there is a community of writers out there. 

1. NaNoWriMo Forums

NaNoWriMo (the official name for National Novel Writing Month) has long been an annual challenge for me . Basically, authors commit to writing 50,000 words (about the length of a short novel) in ‌November. For anyone who writes regularly, this is both ambitious and exciting. 

But what about the other eleven months? Over the years, the staff at NaNoWriMo have spun out the idea, with many virtual writing groups called ‘Camps’ during the year to help keep the inspiration flowing. Their writing forums are some of the best on the web for authors. From simply chatting in the Coffee House to finding genre-specific advice, NaNo’s forums are rich with authors like you.

Note that accessing their forums requires you to sign up for a free account.

Who It’s For – Authors at all levels, but specifically great for authors in the first/second draft stage.

Check Out The NaNo Forums – https://nanowrimo.org/about-nano  

2. Chronicles

The Chronicles is another writing forum, this time focusing specifically on science fiction and fantasy genres. If that’s you, then you’ll probably find something to love on the Chronicles!

In contrast to the NaNo forums, the Chronicles are not as active a community. You’ll notice threads have new posts and comments, but not a lot of them. So, if you’re looking for a bustling place, the Chronicle may not be for you. But if you want something highly specialized, focusing on sci-fi and fantasy, you’ll find good advice, delightful conversation, and lots of classic author spotlights.

Who It’s For – Science fiction and fantasy authors who want to connect and find inspiration.

Go To Chronicles – https://www.sffchronicles.com/  

3. Critique Circle

Don’t let the drab layout and colors of the Critique Circle fool you. The CC is a very active community, featuring both a user forum and a peer-to-peer critique section. They also offer some really nice free resources—from listing useful websites to guides on using metaphors, magic systems, and character development.

I’ve never used the critique functions from Critique Circle (I’ll talk about one I have used later), but the idea is one of the most useful I’ve found to date for writers. If you’ve ever taken part in a writer’s workshop (and if not, you should!) you’ll be familiar with the form. Basically, you post some work you’ve done, usually within a word count limit. Other authors read it and chime in with thoughts, criticisms, and encouragement. 

Who It’s For – Serious authors looking for valuable critiques and resources.

Get In The Circle – https://www.critiquecircle.com/forums.asp  

4. Underlined

Underlined, it must be noted, is part of Penguin Random House. I hesitated to even add them for that reason alone. But after spending some time checking out the site, I would be remiss not to mention Underlined.

Underlined is more of an aggregated set of user-generated blogs than a forum, so it differs from the other communities I’ve mentioned. The upside of this is that there are a lot of active members and with the backing of PRH, the site is well-designed and easy to navigate. 

I suggest thinking about Underlined like a mini-Medium; rich in content to read and discuss, with a focus on reading, creating, and creative lifestyles. But it’s not a true creative writing group online, nor is it a place for critiques or beta readers. Underlined really is for authors who write and share long-form content.

Who It’s For – Readers and writers who want to learn and connect over long-form content.

Get Underlined – https://www.getunderlined.com/  

5. Writing.Com

Another amazing writing hub, Writing.com is part forum, part resource center, and part industry news site. They really do it all to foster an online community for authors. 

The forums are very active and they host several really great writing prompts (which is one of my favorite ways to overcome writer’s block). With so much content, Writing.com offers fiction and nonfiction writers lots of resources and opportunities to connect. The Shameless Plug Page is also really cool, giving authors a space to share a short story or segment from a longer work with like-minded and interested readers. 

Who It’s For – Anyone looking for feedback, writing tips, and connections with other authors.

Check Out Writing.com – https://www.writing.com/main/newsfeed  

Reddit is a massive forum community, hosting groups that focus on literally everything and anything. Their thread for writing, writers, and publishers, r/writing , is a writing forum for beginners and veterans. If you’re looking for a space with a lot (1 million-plus) members, Reddit’s writing thread is for you.

It’s also a bit more open to ‘off-topic’ content like industry news, book promotions, and general writing-related content. 

Still, if you’re into the writing life and want to stay in the loop or just chat with others who are likewise interested, Reddit is a wonderful place to pass some time. You’ll also find lots of posts boosting writing courses, new books from indie authors, and similar self-promoted content. Not all of it will be worth your time, but Reddit’s writing thread has some gems from time to time.

Who It’s For – Authors who want to connect with other authors on a variety of levels.

Become A Redditor – https://www.reddit.com/r/writing  

7. Scribophile

I saved the best for last! I enjoy using Scribophile regularly. The site has two primary offerings; writing critiques and general author forums. While Scribophile does many of the same things Critique Circle does, I’ve found the users to be more responsive and the site just easier to navigate.

You can offer and ask for critiques, giving authors feedback and requesting your own work be critiqued. Again, we have that writing workshop feeling, but with a bit more emphasis on being an uplifting, positive community. The critiques are honest and pointed, but rarely unkind or disparaging–something I’m sure we’ve all experienced in the past. I’ve ‌used Scribophile to give and receive critiques and I’ve never been disappointed.

Who It’s For – Serious and novice authors looking to improve and connect.

Check Out Scribophile – https://www.scribophile.com/  

Building Your Writing Skills

There’s a lot that goes into writing. And there are a lot of writing groups to support every aspect of the process. I didn’t even touch on social media (unless you count Reddit), but Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn all have active writer groups you could join. I personally like to shy away from crossing over my writing and social media for fear of distraction. Keep social media for the marketing step , I say.

Paul H, Content Marketing Manager

Paul is the Senior Content Manager at Lulu.com . When he’s not entrenched in the publishing and print-on-demand world, he likes to hike the scenic North Carolina landscape, read, sample the fanciest micro-brewed beer, and collect fountain pens. Paul is a dog person but considers himself cat-tolerant.

Very nice i wanna join

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  • Mar 18, 2020

Top 10 Online Writing Communities to Perfect Your Craft

Top 10 Online Writing Communities to Perfect Your Craft

Whatever type of writer you are, you could use some company. Personally, I only sit with a group of wordsmiths and get letters onto paper a couple of times during the year. In a bid to hone my craft, I’ve been participating in text conversations all over the web in online writing communities. These dedicated forums for writers enrich my content and daily life in many ways, whether it’s finding motivation to keep prose flowing, getting help to build characters, or simply improving my style.

I also found that these online writing groups are among the best places for getting ideas out there. To begin, introduce yourself in the forums, respond to comments and suggest new ideas. You’ll quickly link with people who will push your vocab, views and verbal reasoning. Most importantly of all, use discussion to escape from the mundane while making your writing exquisite.

Keep in mind that these writing forums have different target audiences. From this article, you’ll get an inkling of the main characteristics of each community. The next thing you should do is go and participate in the discussions, to see which one is right for you.

So, stick with me as I narrate you through the top online writing communities for authors of all levels, genres and styles:

Writing Forums

Mythic Scribes

Writing about Writing

Writing Prompts

Writers Anonymous

Critique Circle

Bonus: Start your own writing community

01. Writing Forums

Best for: Writers who want to improve their skills.

This is one of the best places to connect with other writers. 22,551 (and counting) literati of all abilities exchange tips and engage in discussions about writing techniques. If you’re in the mood for a natter, simply jump into the various topics up for debate, suggest your original ideas and respond to copy concepts. If you’re more of the emulous type, you’ll find it exciting to join contests that motivate and build your skill levels.

But the most glorious aspect of Writing Forums really is the palpable sense of solidarity. Swapping reviews is popular practice between members. You’ll get lots of actionable feedback from word-loving comrades. What’s more, this community is supported by mentors who have an important responsibility in the social hierarchy. To see who your own private group of helpers could be, check out the people in the Mentor Directory - a golden resource for finding the right person to appraise your words.

02. Mythic Scribes

Best for: Fantasy authors and rambling Game of Thrones fans.

Ready to bring folkloric elements to your writing life? If you’re a fantasy author, or remotely interested in anything magical, I strongly recommend joining the Mythic Scribes forum. You’ll get to discuss all aspects of building your legendary world, from the intricacies of ergot mixed with mead, to the detailed origins of dragons. There’s an open-minded forum atmosphere, where people freely roam imaginary realms and discuss historical research.

On signup, you’re prompted to create five posts - an engagement trick that worked well for me, because moderators quickly replied to my initial messages and got me talking. The mods are working hard to make writing easier and more enjoyable. Seriously, you’ll be improving your writing every time you post. As an added bonus, the website has a fairly quiet chat room, meaning you can have a coherent chin-wag, without getting swamped with a bombardment of banter or annoying notifications.

03. She Writes

She Writes online writing community

Best for: Self-published female authors looking for business tips.

Joining She Writes is an indispensable career move for female authors who want to develop a professional network or get advice. Even though the organisation’s aim is to support women writers, you don’t have to be a lady to sign up. In fact, anyone can make the most of the science shared within the chats.

To get deeper into discussions about different writing styles , start joining the groups. You’ll find that disseminating practical writing knowledge is this community’s strength. Perhaps you need some pointers on how to get an agent? Tips regarding marketing your work? Or guidance whilst writing a memoir? This is the place to ask your questions and link up with successful fictionistas, inspired poetesses and freelancing ghostwriters. Take a look at the site members for a who’s who and you will see a clan of women who can help you along your writing journey.

04. NaNoWriMo

Best for : Procrastinating novelists needing a bit of motivation.

This community is based around the annual challenge of writing a 50,000 word novel during the month of November - hence NaNoWriMo , which is not the name of a waggish Star Wars droid, but the abbreviation of “National Novel Writing Month”. However, chats in this forum are not limited to one month. All year round, you can plan your next novel and make notes, with help from other members. It became so popular that many of the other writing communities have multiple threads devoted to NaNoWriMo .

When November arrives and you start to pour out a novel, just keep writing and don’t give up! If you feel like you’re slacking at any time, you can get a surge of literary productivity from your digital mates. On completing the challenge, you’ll finally have the first version of a book you can go on to edit and improve.

05. Wattpad

Best for: Chick-lit fans who love using emojis.

As an online self-publishing platform, with a booming forum to go with it, this site embodies the digital reformation of the writing industry. Netflix’s hit movie The Kissing Booth is based on a story published via Wattpad that got super famous, demonstrating that, in the 2020s, it’s all about getting your drafts out into the universe.

Half of the Wattpad site is devoted to digital books, the other half to the bustling forum community. The forum functions for readers to hang out, discuss characters and their daily lives too. It’s also the place for authors to create some hype and interact with their audience. If you publish a story on Wattpad , follow up by generating social buzz in the community. To quote Ken Blanchard, “feedback is the breakfast of champions.” Be brave enough to ask for opinions. It’s scary at first, but it’s a great way to boost your confidence as a writer.

06. Writing about Writing

Best for: Humorous writers whose phones are extensions of their arms.

This group is the place to go when you should be writing but you’re on social media instead. (Writing comments on Facebook counts, right?) Apparently loving a good meme, the page admin posts conversation starters and is thoroughly fluent in the language of sarcasm.

This community is less about posting written work and more about what’s going on in the replies. Sometimes crude yet often refreshing points of view are strewn in amongst the pun madness, alongside sprinklings of useful links. Keep in mind that you might need to learn a few new words to understand the punchlines of the community’s wordplay jokes. And, if you’re not attuned to the participants’ humor, it’s possible to think some people in this digital-ecosystem are a bit grumpy.

This Facebook page deserves a humongous shout-out for being proactive regarding accessibility . It’s glorious that all text in pictures is transcribed, so software can read it out loud.

07. Commaful

Commaful online writing community

Best for: Snapchatters in tune with their feelings.

The format of the Commaful community’s super short stories is what makes this site unique. Thriving on succinct multimedia writing, members are doing more than just using written words to communicate. They illustrate their stories, chunked line by line, with pictures, resulting in interactive digital picture books. Because there’s less text on a screen at one time, it makes reading more manageable. Instead of leafing through pages of a book, the interactive tapping is equally as tactile.

Commaful is home to a community of nicely spoken, emerging writers who enjoy inspiring and sensitive poetry. They use writing as catharsis, so you can sense emotions running high. Holistically a great space for creative expression and therapeutic writing.

08. /r/Writing Prompts

Best for: Newsfeed scrollers looking for inspiration.

Encompassing a gigantic amount of activity, it may be hard to initially find your feet in the Reddit social sphere because of the intense multi-layered landscape. But if you invest enough time to surf through Reddit , you’ll find the right spot to write. Writing Prompts is a good place to start. With over 14.2 million promptians signed up, it’s one of the most visited online meeting places for scribes on the net right now.

Kickstart your writing by creating short stories inspired by any of the prompts. Be warned though, the Reddit community does not hold back in their reviews. Just try not to blub. You’ll get a thicker skin and you’ll become a tougher writer. You could even discover someone to collab’ with.

09. Writers Anonymous

Best for: Technologically savvy creative writers.

Writers Anonymous is good for meshing with people from many backgrounds, with different mindsets, who can read your work with fresh eyes. Consequently, this makes writing even more inspiring for you. As usual, share cool links, but avoid major self-promotion. There’s definitely more opportunity to use chatspeak compared to forementioned communities.

Getting used to the Discord platform initially takes lots of clicking around, because of its hashtag-based user interface . The platform was initially created for gamers to chat via their microphone headsets, so it’s the perfect setting for role-play writing. No wonder the stylish dark-mode interface is silky sleek, as gamers are some of the most tech-trendy peeps I know. Check out Disboard , an index for all the Discord subcommunities and search for writing keywords that take your fancy.

10. Critique Circle

Critique Circle online writing community

Best for: Writers searching for beta readers.

Fab’ for scouting beta readers, it’s no wonder Critique Circle is one of the Internet’s most popular writing forums. Running on a credit system, you “pay” credits to submit your story and score credits for writing a critique on someone else's stuff. The amount you earn depends on the word count of the story and the review. Note that the quality of critiques can vary and some critters may not pay attention to your overarching plotline. You don’t have to write for critiques though. Just write because you enjoy it, in a similar fashion to the heaps of passionate writers that congregate there.

The sign up and browsing experience is easy-going. You can bookmark interesting reads for later and even personalize your front page. As an added bonus, you can access all sorts of statistical information about the members. According to the figures, most users are 26-30 years old who prefer to post critiques on Wednesdays! There’s awesome word association amusements and it’s a great place to chat about the books that you’ve been reading.

11. Bonus: Start your own writing community

Hopefully, this article has inspired you to join one of these digi-communities. Alternatively, it’s completely possible to build your very own writers’ community today. Ready to start? Then create your forum with Wix. It’s literally as straightforward as writing a couple of posts and inviting members to join the conversation. If you’re an author, you’ll find that bringing together the right contacts to chat about writing on your very own individual website will set you apart from the rest of the crowd. Or, simply create some excellent written content and be confident enough to share it with the world.

Looking to create a blog ? Wix has got your covered with thousands of design features, built-in SEO and marketing tools, that will allow you to scale your content, your brand and your business.

best creative writing communities

Ffion Quick, UX Writer at Wix

Eat, sleep, write, repeat.

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Become a better writer and meet beta readers in our online writing group

Scribophile is one of the largest and most award-winning online writing communities.

Scribophile in Writer’s Digest 101 Best Websites for Writers 2014

Make your writing shine with feedback from other writers

You’ve spent a lot of time writing your story. But how can you make it perfect before you start thinking about publishing?

Scribophile is a writing group focused on getting you feedback on your manuscript. — in fact, we’re one of the largest online writing groups out there. Our points-based peer critique system guarantees you’ll get feedback from writers from all walks of life. You can then use that feedback to polish your writing before you take the next step in your publishing journey.

How Scribophile works

1 earn points by giving feedback.

Earn karma points by critiquing writing. Giving feedback to group members is fast, easy, fun, and helps improve your own writing, too!

2 Get feedback on your own writing

Spend karma points to post your own writing for critique from our writing community — anything from flash fiction to novels. Our writer’s group will give you detailed feedback on how to improve it, regardless of your specific genre, and all in a supportive environment.

3 Make friends and meet beta readers

As you participate in our writing group, you’ll meet and form relationships with many different kinds writers. They’ll become your inspiration, your encouragement, and even your beta readers, ready to help with your current manuscript, and your next ones too!

Scribophile was the first place I stopped when I went from being an I-wanna-be-a-writer to I-am-an-author. Now I have four international bestselling novels with major publishers, and when authors come to me I always send them to Scribophile. Genevieve Graham Tides of Honour and others published with Simon & Schuster

Join writing workshops and level up your writing

Our writing workshops are taught by bestselling authors, expert teachers, and industry insiders. We have workshops for writers of any skill level, where we cover everything from beginning topics to advanced techniques.

Our writing workshops are designed to be both comprehensive and transformational — they’re your fast track to leveling up your writing.

Some of our upcoming writing workshops

best creative writing communities

Unlocking Your Story’s Climax with Jacquelin Cangro

Sep 7, 2024 • 2 hour webinar

Author and book coach Jacquelin Cangro shows you the techniques master storytellers use to craft powerful and impactful narrative climaxes.

best creative writing communities

Perfecting Your Key Scenes with John DeDakis

Sep 28, 2024 • 2 hour workshop, with instructor feedback on your writing

Join author and editor John DeDakis as he shows you techniques and strategies for making the key scenes in your story shine.

Our writing group welcomes writers of any skill level

Our writing group welcomes writers of all skill levels — from beginners to published authors, and every writer in between.

Each critique you receive on your manuscript is a fresh perspective for you to incorporate. Our bustling writing forums feature writers discussing the craft twenty-four hours a day — share inspiration, ignite your creativity, get support, and connect with others no matter your genre. Plus, our extensive Writing Academy is full of insightful articles on the art — and business — of writing.

Scribophile played a major part in helping me polish my novel for submission. I learnt a huge amount from critiquing other people’s work, as well as from reading critiques of mine. I now have a wonderful agent and have signed a three-book deal in the UK, a two-book deal in Germany, and a TV option. The book was also shortlisted for The Debut Dagger! Roz Watkins The Devil’s Dice and others published with HarperCollins
Giving and receiving critiques on Scribophile made a big difference to the quality of my writing. I learned how to write a query letter here and that led to an agent and a book deal. Ruth Lauren Prisoner of Ice and Snow and others published with Bloomsbury

No more writing alone — meet your new community

Sometimes, the hardest part of the writing process is how lonely it can get.

That’s why the most important part of Scribophile is our community of hundreds of thousands of writers from all over the world. No matter what genre you work in, or how far along you are in your manuscript, the friends you make at Scribophile will give encouragement, accountability, and will finally take the loneliness out of our solitary craft.

My years on Scribophile have given me a master’s level education in writing. The critiques are great, but I’ve learned as much from reading and analyzing other writers on Scribophile. I don’t think I could have polished my novel to a publishable level without this site. I’m an addict. Laura Creedle The Love Letters of Abelard and Lily published with Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

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11 Finest Author & Writer Communities for Every Stage

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Rituparna C.

July 12, 2023

In this article...

An author seeking to enhance the craft, and the support and camaraderie of a thriving writer community can be invaluable. In this article, we unveil a curated selection of a few best Author & Writer Communities tailored to cater to every stage of your writing journey. From nurturing environments for aspiring writers to dynamic platforms for established authors, these communities provide a fertile ground for collaboration, inspiration, and growth. So, lace up your writing boots and prepare to discover the perfect community that will elevate your writing prowess to new heights.

Gone are the days when writing was an isolated endeavour. Being a writer can sometimes be a solitary pursuit, but that doesn’t mean you have to go it alone. Connecting with other Author & Writer Communities can provide valuable support, feedback, and inspiration at every stage of your writing journey.

Whether you’re a beginner looking for guidance, an aspiring writer seeking critique, or an established author wanting to connect with peers, there are numerous Author & Writer Communities available to cater to your needs. In this article, we will explore some of the finest Author & Writer Communities for every stage, where you can find like-minded individuals and grow as a writer.

For writers, joining an online writing community opens up a world of advantages, regardless of their genre or stage of development.

These Author & Writer Communities offer much-needed motivation during the arduous battle with a stubborn first draught and can serve as a launchpad when the time comes to share your work with readers.

Here, we present the best online Author & Writer Communities:

Table of Contents

Online author & writer communities.

Author-Writer-Communities

1. Self-publish-on-demand FB community: perfect for Novice Writers

The self-publish-on-demand Facebook community tops our list as an exceptional platform for authors.

While selfpublishondemand primarily focuses on link management tools to boost book sales, its Facebook group provides an incredible space for authors to delve into book marketing strategies.

Members can freely post questions, seek advice, and engage with fellow writers in a supportive atmosphere. Regardless of your experience level, this community welcomes all with open arms.

To maintain a harmonious environment, direct self-promotion is discouraged, and respectful interaction with other members is encouraged.

2. Author Ever After: Ideal for Aspiring Romance Writers

Each year, new Author & Writer Communities emerge, making it daunting to find the perfect fit.

This is especially true if you’re seeking colleagues in your genre, aiming to connect with like-minded individuals who share your passion for particular types of stories or non-fiction. If you haven’t joined an online writer’s community yet, this post will illuminate the myriad benefits of being a part of one.

Once you’re convinced that a community is a missing piece in your writing journey, we’ve curated a selection of the most active and promising communities in 2023. These Author & Writer Communities will offer you a supportive network, help improve your writing skills, and enable valuable industry connections.

Joining an online writing community is just as essential for aspiring authors as having a trusty laptop and a remarkable story idea. Among these Author & Writer Communities, Author Ever After stands out as the go-to destination for romance writers who yearn for that elusive happily ever after—the publication of their romance novels.

For passionate romance writers seeking growth, Author Ever After offers personalised guidance, group workshops, targeted challenges, and, most importantly, the invaluable connections needed to advance your writing career.

Don’t fall into the common pitfalls faced by aspiring authors who are unaware of the crucial information they lack. Gain confidence and knowledge through supportive weekly meetings tailored specifically for romance writers.

With access to beta readers , valuable advice, peer support, and connections with industry professionals, you’ll be well-equipped to independently publish your romance novel. Explore the Community tab on the top menu bar to discover more about this enriching platform.

3. Critique Circle: Optimal for Receiving Manuscript Feedback

best creative writing communities

Enhance your writing abilities within one of the most extensive and longstanding online Author & Writer Communities: Critique Circle.

Securing critique partners can be challenging without belonging to a writing group.

While you can seek feedback from strangers in Facebook groups, it’s not worth the risk, as those who have experienced insensitive or uninformed critiques early in their writing journey can attest.

Critique Circle offers a well-structured platform where writers who understand the art of giving and receiving critiques can provide feedback on their work. Despite its asynchronous nature, this community fosters a sense of camaraderie, allowing you to forge meaningful connections with fellow authors, improve your manuscripts, and engage in discussions covering a wide array of topics.

4. Author Nation: Ideal for Nonfiction Authors in the Early Stages

Author Nation acts as a guide for nonfiction authors, leading them from initial ideas to published books.

Sadly, 97% of aspiring authors never complete their manuscripts, missing out on the opportunities for visibility, expert positioning, and business growth that come with being a published author.

Success lies in receiving the necessary support.

At Author Nation, you’ll find answers to all your questions, a structured approach to achieving success, and the accountability required throughout the process.

5. The Novel Smithy’s Forge: Excellent for Character and Plot Development

best creative writing communities

The Novel Smithy’s Forge community offers aspiring authors support, education, and a sense of camaraderie, particularly those looking to take their writing practise seriously.

Designed for authors of genre fiction, this community empowers you to elevate your storytelling skills, whether aiming for a traditional publishing deal or considering self-publishing, in order to craft the best possible novel.

From brainstorming to publication, this community guides you through every stage of the writing process, ensuring you approach your novel with confidence rather than overwhelming uncertainty.

Please note that The Forge is currently closed to new members until late spring 2023. Stay tuned to The Novel Smithy for updates or join their weekly writing newsletter to be notified when the doors open, and in the meantime, enjoy a free character interview questionnaire.

6.4TheWords.com: A Gamified Writing Community for Added Excitement

Defeat writer’s block and experience the thrill while doing it!

That’s the promise of 4TheWords.com , and if you’re a gamer, this community might be precisely what you need to motivate yourself to sit down, put your fingers to the keyboard, and embark on a writing journey.

By battling monsters, completing quests, earning items, leveling up your hero, and exploring a game world created by writers for writers, you’ll find a unique and enjoyable writing experience.

Connect with like-minded peers, make new friends, exchange feedback, read, learn, and extend a helping hand. The Words is a community of warriors united in their passion for writing and sharing stories.

Join 4TheWords today!

7. Pages and Platforms: Boosting the Author Mindset

best creative writing communities

Pages & Platforms assists writers in creating outstanding books and finding their audience through a range of marketing, editing, and coaching services. This includes the Happily Ever Author Club , an online membership community.

The Happily Ever Author Club warmly welcomes authors from all genres who are determined to complete their books and connect with their audience.

Their team helps authors break through barriers by addressing mindset, marketing strategies, and manuscript improvements. With four weekly calls, a monthly mindset session, the Story Path course, and a comprehensive bundle of writing and marketing resources, this community equips authors with the tools they need to succeed.

8. Scribophile: Optimum for Beta Readers

best creative writing communities

Celebrating 15 years of assisting writers in their publishing endeavours, Scribophile stands as one of the largest online Author & Writer Communities on the web.

At Scribophile, writers from diverse genres and stages of their writing journey come together to connect, forge friendships, discuss their craft, and receive feedback on their writing from fellow writers across the globe. This platform also provides opportunities to find beta readers and participate in writing classes led by bestselling and award-winning authors.

Joining the community is free, although there may be costs associated with taking classes.

9. Creative Academy for Writers: The All-Inclusive Author Community

best creative writing communities

The Creative Academy for Writers offers a comprehensive online coaching, support, and community platform for writers of all genres and skill levels.

With regular discussions on craft, business aspects, genres, and engaging writing sprints, this academy creates a supportive online environment where authors can interact with one another.

If this sounds like the right fit for you, explore the “JOIN US” section on the Creative Academy for Writers website.

10.Wattpad: The Leading Social Storytelling Platform

Renowned as the world’s beloved social storytelling platform, Wattpad connects a massive community of 90 million readers and writers through the magic of storytelling.

Participation on Wattpad is as simple as 1, 2, 3.

  • Share your story.
  • Connect with your community.
  • Build connections, expand your audience, and gain recognition for your creative endeavours.

11.20Books Vegas: Exceptional Author Conference

While most Author & Writer Communities primarily exist online, 20Books Vegas is an extraordinary author conference that offers live and in-person interactions. This conference is touted as the greatest gathering of independent authors worldwide.

Held annually in Las Vegas, Nevada, in November, this event attracts major publishing industry service providers. Attendees have the opportunity to gain firsthand knowledge from audiobook producers, publishers, and numerous other professionals in the publishing field.

With around 200 presentations, panels, and sessions designed to elevate your writing and publishing skills, 20Books Las Vegas is an invaluable resource. Furthermore, the conference hosts a mass book signing event that brings thousands of readers and fans, offering authors an excellent opportunity to connect with their audience if they already have published books.

The journey of a writer can be enriched by joining Author & Writer Communities that cater to every stage of development. From beginner writers seeking guidance to established authors looking to connect with peers, there are communities available to provide support, feedback, and inspiration.

By exploring platforms, websites, local groups, and genre-specific communities, writers can find a space where they can grow, learn, and thrive alongside like-minded individuals. Remember, writing may be a solitary endeavor, but the power of community can elevate our craft and ignite our passion.

So, embrace the opportunity to discover the finest Author & Writer Communities, and embark on a journey of shared creativity and endless possibilities.

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The Best Online Creative Writing Courses: 12 Things to Look For

Sean Glatch  |  April 11, 2024  |  Leave a Comment

best online creative writing courses

Are you looking for the best online creative writing courses? You may have found some promising classes online, but you may also be unsure if the course is actually good. How can you know you’ll benefit from the course without spending your money first?

The good news is, there are creative writing courses out there for everyone, and they’re sure to improve your writing. Even better news, the best online creative writing courses share many of the same qualities.

If you want to learn how to write creatively, or if you simply want to improve your everyday writing, the best online creative writing courses can transform your writing abilities. Let’s explore what you might learn in creative writing classes, and how they help writers of all skill levels.

The Best Online Creative Writing Courses: Contents

What do you do in a creative writing class?

  • Reputable Instructor
  • Clear Course Description
  • Promise of a Great Experience
  • Constructive Feedback
  • Focus on Craft
  • Respect Your Creative Autonomy
  • A Writing Community
  • Motivate You to Write
  • Jumpstart a Writing Habit
  • Broaden Your Literary Horizons
  • Offer a Healthy Creative Outlet
  • Give You Next Steps

How to Make the Most of Online Creative Writing Courses

Every online creative writing class is unique, and different courses emphasize different things. We have classes that are entirely generative, meaning the focus is on writing new poems, essays, stories, or making headway into a novel or memoir project. Other courses might have more of a workshop component, in which you share your work with the class and receive feedback on how to improve your writing.

Some online writing courses also focus on specific skills or types of writing. You might take a class focused entirely on learning the tools for revision, or on learning the elements of fiction writing so you can later employ them in a story or novel.

In short, the best online writing courses typically include the following:

  • Lectures and discussions on a topic of creative writing craft.
  • Assignments that help you generate new work or revise old work.
  • Opportunities to give and receive feedback with your fellow classmates.
  • Feedback on your work from the instructor, who themselves is a successfully published author of the type of writing you’re producing.
  • A weekly video call. Some courses, including ours, are entirely text-based and asynchronous, but many classes meet at least once a week on Zoom.

In addition to all of this, you will make new friends and connections in the best online creative writing classes. Writing is often a lonely experience for writers, and the bonds you make in creative writing workshops can last a lifetime.

12 Things to Look For In the Best Online Creative Writing Courses

The best online creative writing courses will sharpen your writing skills, help you find your confidence, and introduce you to new communities of writers. How do they do it? Here’s 12 things to look for to make sure you’re spending your money on the right online writing class. 

1. The Best Online Creative Writing Courses Have a Reputable Instructor

Your course is only as good as the instructor who teaches it. For online writing classes to teach you the craft, they need to have reputable, trustworthy instructors. A great instructor will also be empathetic, community-oriented, adaptive to your writing needs, and a great writer themselves.

A great instructor will also be empathetic, community-oriented, adaptive to your writing needs, and a great writer themselves.

Do some research on the course instructor: they should have a terminal degree in their field (M.A., M.F.A., Ph.D., etc.), as well as a significant publication history. A reputable instructor will make all the difference in your course: as part of their education, the instructor should have undergone dozens of writing workshops, submitted to countless literary journals, and had their work scrutinized by critics and book lovers alike.

In order for an instructor to help you develop your creative writing skills, they need to be successful on their own. The best instructors are what make the best online creative writing courses.

2. The Best Online Creative Writing Classes Have a Clear Course Description

What does the course teach you, and what will you learn week by week? In addition to listing a reputable instructor, the course description should tell you exactly what you’ll gain from taking the course.

In addition to listing a reputable instructor, the course description should tell you exactly what you’ll gain from taking the course.

Be sure you know exactly what you’re getting out of your online creative writing course, including what you might learn and write in the process. Consider what will help you the most as you embark on your writing journey: entering a course with certain goals or learning objectives will help you make the most of the course’s lectures and writing assignments.

There should be no ambiguity: if you’re paying for the course, you deserve to know exactly what you’re paying for. And, if you have questions, ask the program administrator before you enroll. They should be happy to hear from you!

woman taking the best online creative writing classes

3. The Best Online Creative Writing Classes Promise a Great Experience

The best online creative writing courses prioritize one thing: YOU! Your learning, your goals, and your writing should be at the center of your experience. And, your course should guarantee that experience.

The best online creative writing courses prioritize your learning, your goals, and your writing.

Creative writing classes can be a risk, since they probably won’t confer university credit and you probably haven’t interacted with that instructor before. You want to be confident that your learning is guaranteed, otherwise you’ll only waste your time, money, and creativity.

Before you enroll in an online writing course, look to see if the program administrators have a student promise . Your experience in the course should be the number one priority of the instructor and administrators; otherwise, you’re better off looking elsewhere for the best online creative writing courses.

4. The Best Online Creative Writing Courses Offer Constructive Feedback

In addition to useful lectures and assignments, creative writing courses give you access to helpful, instructional feedback. Most instructors hold Masters or Doctoral degrees in English or creative writing and, as a result, they have ample knowledge of what works in literature, as well as tons of experience in giving feedback.

Creative writing courses give you access to helpful, instructional feedback.

In the best online creative writing classes, an instructor will both inspire you to write and guide you towards being a better writer. Their feedback will cover the many aspects of great writing. For example, your instructor might comment on:

  • Unclear language
  • Ideas that need to be expanded
  • Sentences that are too wordy or passive
  • Opportunities to use more engaging vocabulary
  • Places to improve writing structure
  • Grammar and spelling corrections

Finally, an instructor will tell you what you are already doing well in your writing. When you write a really great metaphor , use interesting word choice, or find a moment of great insight, your instructor will tell you—highlighting the creative writing skills you have already mastered.

5. The Best Online Creative Writing Courses Focus on Craft

You might be wondering how creative writing classes are different from high school English. The big difference is that, where a typical English class focuses on basic grammar and literacy skills, creative writing classes focus specifically on craft.

Creative writing classes focus specifically on craft: the elements of language and storytelling that make a work of prose or poetry successful.

What is creative writing craft? Craft involves the elements of language and storytelling that make a work of prose or poetry successful. Focusing on craft is how creative writing classes primarily improve your writing.

Your writing class might focus on the structure of a short story, the different types of literary devices , the importance of effective word choice , or the elements of storytelling . A writing class should break down successful works of literature into the components that make it work, giving you the tools to practice your own creative writing skills.

Additionally, craft-focused writing helps you with everyday writing. From improving your vocabulary to structuring an email, the creative writing practice translates to improved writing in every aspect of your life.

journaling in an online creative writing course

6. The Best Online Creative Writing Classes Respect Your Creative Autonomy

One of the benefits of creative writing classes is the perspective you get from different writers. No two writers are working on the same projects, and in your course, you’re likely to work with students of different genres and writing styles.

your creative authority should be respected no matter how new you are to creative writing.

With so many different writing philosophies in one class, the new ideas you encounter can help strengthen your own writing. But in the worst-case scenario, a student or instructor might try to force their writing philosophy onto you. This is always unfair, as there is no one-size-fits-all writing advice, your creative authority should be respected no matter how new you are to creative writing .

For example, let’s say you’re writing a poem about your childhood cat, and the instructor thinks it should be a poem about your experiences growing up. No matter how many times you explain you want this poem to be about your cat, the instructor keeps telling you to write more about your childhood. By ignoring your goals for the poem, the instructor is not respecting your creative autonomy, because they think they know your writing needs better than you do.

No matter where you are in your writing journey, you are a writer, and you deserve respect and compassion as such. Every writer is on a constant journey of growth and discovery; your instructor and course should acknowledge and respect that. In your course, you will encounter many different ideas, but you should also encounter the freedom to accept or reject those ideas. It’s your writing: you get the final say!

7. The Best Online Creative Writing Courses Foster a Writing Community

A creative writing course fosters a creative writing community . This community gives you the motivation to create, as it creates a safe environment to experiment, take risks, and grow in your writing practice.

A writing community gives you the motivation to create, as it creates a safe environment to experiment, take risks, and grow in your writing practice.

For even the most solitary of writers, writing doesn’t happen in a vacuum. Participating in a community of word enthusiasts can jog your creativity and give you useful feedback on your work. Additionally, the feedback you provide other writers in the community also helps you learn. It’s a self-fulfilling, self-sustaining process, where members of a writing group can continuously grow, improve, and fine-tune their love of the craft.

In fact, well-known authors throughout history have been a part of valuable writing communities, such as The Beat Poets, Stratford-on-Odeon, and other famous writing groups .

When you enroll in creative writing classes, you also take part in a writing community. Foster relationships, make new writing friends, and forge your own writing group—it may one day be famous, too!

8. The Best Online Creative Writing Classes Motivate You to Write

Writing is a skill that you can only develop through practice. For anyone just starting on our writing journeys, the best online creative writing classes keep you motivated and accountable.

The best online creative writing classes keep you motivated and accountable.

Every instructor works differently, but you can expect the following in a creative writing class:

  • Creative writing prompts
  • Daily journaling assignments
  • Helpful revisions
  • Inspirational readings
  • Ideas to combat writer’s block
  • Different opinions on how to write creatively

Some courses are even designed to motivate you, such as our course Write Your Novel! The Workshop With Jack . Sometimes, the biggest struggle is simply to begin, and creative writing courses help you do that.

9. The Best Online Creative Writing Classes Jumpstart a Writing Habit

The best online creative writing courses will get you into a writing habit. By combining lectures with thought-provoking assignments, one of the primary goals of a writing course is simply to get you writing.

You’ll gain the most from your creative writing courses if you block out the time to write every day.

To make the most of your creative writing classes, try to find time to write every day. It’s best to write at the same time every day, but if your schedule doesn’t allow this, sneak time where you can.

Here are some ways you can steal time as a writer:

  • Journal for 15 minutes before you go to bed.
  • Write while you wake up with your morning breakfast or coffee.
  • Keep a journal on your phone during work and lunch breaks.
  • Write on your commute to and from work. If you’re driving, consider keeping an audio journal, where you write by speaking into your phone’s recording device.
  • Write on your phone while running on the treadmill.
  • Put pen to paper while taking a bath.

These ideas won’t work for everyone, and it all depends on your schedule and lifestyle. Nonetheless, you’ll gain the most from your creative writing courses if you block out the time to write every day, no matter how brief that time is. And, your course should help you find the time to write!

10. The Best Online Creative Writing Courses Broaden Your Literary Horizons

You need to read great writing to produce great writing. The best online creative writing courses will introduce you to great literature, giving you additional opportunities to explore the writing craft.

The best online creative writing courses will introduce you to great literature, giving you additional opportunities to explore the writing craft.

In creative writing classes, you might read both classic and contemporary literature. As writers, it’s good to have knowledge of both worlds. Classic literature introduces you to the bedrock of modern writing, including the devices and rhetorical strategies that make for effective poetry and prose.

Contemporary literature, on the other hand, gives you a glimpse into today’s literary zeitgeist. It’s important to understand today’s publishing landscape and the type of work that’s being published, even if you don’t intend to write like contemporary authors.

In fact, it’s better if you don’t try to write like anyone else! Reading other writers shows you what works in literature and what doesn’t, giving you opportunities to experiment with form and style. But, at the end of the day, your writing is for you, not for publishers or particular writing schools.

Use your creative writing classes as opportunities to explore literature, experiment with words, and discover what you’d like to write yourself.

reading in a creative writing course online

11. The Best Online Creative Writing Classes Offer a Healthy Creative Outlet

Creative writing classes offer a healthy outlet for your creativity and emotions.

A healthy writing space can supplement your emotional health and wellbeing.

How is that so? With a space to put thoughts to paper, many writers inevitably reach breakthroughs about their own feelings and experiences. This is true regardless of whether you write poetry, fiction, plays, articles, or creative nonfiction.

Now, even the best online creative writing courses can’t replace the benefits of therapy. But, a healthy writing space can certainly supplement your emotional health and wellbeing. Between the prompts, community, and writing habits that a creative writing class fosters, you’re sure to come away from your course with renewed emotional health.

12. The Best Online Creative Writing Courses Give You Next Steps

Your education doesn’t end at the end of your course. If anything, the best online creative writing courses are only the beginning of your writing journey!

The best online creative writing courses are only the beginning of your writing journey!

The best online creative writing courses give you opportunities for continuous growth. Those opportunities can take many forms, such as: a list of literary journals to submit to, further readings on a topic of interest, future creative writing classes, or even simply the instructor’s email.

If you’re ready to move on to the next level of your career, your instructor should provide you with next steps. And if you crave more learning, ask the instructor!

A creative writing course is much like life: the more you put into it, the more you get out of it. Being an active participant will teach you as much about creative writing as the instructor will, because engaging with language is how you grow as a writer. Actively working with suggestions and ideas, keeping a daily writing practice, and offering other students constructive feedback will all boost your creative writing skills.

A creative writing course is much like life: the more you put into it, the more you get out of it.

Additionally, do your research before you enroll in the course, or you might end up taking a class that isn’t suited to your needs. Look up the instructor for the course, their teaching style and previous publications, and how much experience they have as a writing coach. If they don’t seem well suited towards your learning style, they might develop your creative writing skills, and they won’t be worth the cost.

Find the Best Online Creative Writing Courses at Writers.com!

Are you looking for a writing community? Are you ready to get writing? Check out some of the upcoming courses at Writers.com , the oldest creative writing school on the internet.

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Sean Glatch

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best creative writing communities

Top Online Writing Communities – The Ultimate List for 2024

Are you a writer grappling with character development or an idea that you want to convey it is time that you connect with like-minded groups of people and discuss your craft. throughout history, to encourage writing, writers, critics, and serious readers of all walks of life gathered and formed circles, with some attaining timeless fame – the socrates school, the bloomsbury group, stratford-on-odeon, the dill pickle club, and the inklings, to name a few.  the digital era has revamped these support systems to online writing communities meeting the diverse needs of promising and established writers alike. read on to get yourself familiarised with some of these online groups for writers and the support and services which these provide..

Top Online Writing Communities

So, what are online communities for writing? Which are the different platforms for such communities? How do they work and what forms of assistance would you receive from these online writing groups? Let’s take a look.

Written words, despite being passive, hold more power for transformation than most other devices. If you are a writer, you have the grave responsibility to use your faculty judiciously. But with great responsibilities comes the demand for great sacrifices.

When it comes to writing, one has to often isolate oneself and concentrate completely on the flow of thoughts and write down the words as a story unravels in one’s mind. But at the end of the day, you would exhaust your thoughts and ideas if you are in want of some social interaction. You would also encounter a lack of constructive feedback for your work.

It would take only a minute on your mobile or laptop for you to search for online writing communities which are suitable for you. These are virtual communities or groups, monitored either by a single person or a group of persons and where writers, editors, critics, and readers connect. They function on different social media platforms or as websites and serve a slew of services to their members.

best creative writing communities

The following are some of the reasons why writers would want to choose such writing communities for help in the progress of their writing career:

➔  critiques and reviews.

So, you have spent hours arduously typing words and have finally finished your dream book or an article. Asking your near and dear ones their opinions wouldn’t suffice. You, as a writer, need a detailed review of your work from a critic who can dedicate a good amount of time to the same.

Joining a reliable online community for writers would help you find a critic who has expertise in your field of writing. You can also review other writers’ works thereby honing your critical skills.

➔  Beta Readers

Now that you have polished up your manuscript, it’s time for you to seek feedback for your writing from a representative of an average reader. Though you could ask your friends and family to read your work, it is best to opt for beta readers with whom you are not acquainted.

You can invite beta readers who would read and suggest improvements that would help in effectively engaging your readers. You can opt to choose more than one beta reader for an all-rounded opinion. Writers often swap beta reading for each other’s works in these communities.

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➔  Call for Submission

Another advantage that comes with joining one of these writing communities is the ease of access to information regarding calls of submissions. This opens a vast opportunity for finding the right publishers for your writing.

➔  Marketing

After getting your book reviewed and edited, you are all set to publish it. But another aspect that has to go hand in hand with publication is marketing. You have to increase the recognition for your work.

Most of the writing communities provide designated space where writers write a word of publicity for their work. This also helps you to get acquainted with the works of your peers.

Enhance your digital marketing skills under the tutelage of expert pundits with the Best Online Digital Marketing Course

➔  Support and Encouragement

Many writing communities provide an emotional boost to writers in their writing careers. Being in a community of writers helps you to share the problems you face as a writer with people who have been through the same and can suggest practical solutions. Online groups also motivate and aid writers with writing contests and free or paid resources.

The following are some of the best online writing communities you should consider joining in 2024:

1.   academic writing club.

Academic Writing Club is an initiative for supporting professors and students to overcome writer’s block . There are three joining plans from which you can choose to fulfill your writing goal. This online group for academics works on the principles of self-accountability.

There is a progress page where you can log your daily work to develop a habit of writing regularly . Writers write in marked time blocks to make steady progress.   There are also daily coaching sessions where you answer questions on a hurdle you face, to get more insight on the same.

You can also make use of helpful comments from your coaches and colleagues. Academic Writing Club is the online writing group for academics to derive motivation for completing dissertations and other academic writings .

2.   AgentQuery.com

AgentQuery.com is a creative writing community with a free membership. It holds one of the most elaborate databases on literary agents. It is the go-to website for writers of fiction, nonfiction, and short stories, whose works are completely ready to be published.

Writers of these genres can go through the website to learn how to write an appealing query letter to receive invitations for chapters of their manuscript. You can also go through the portfolio of these literary agents before deciding to contact them. At AgentQuery.com, you also get useful information regarding the intricacies involved in the publishing process of both traditional hard copies and e-books.

3.   BookRix

BookRix is a creative writing community where writers can go for free self-publishing and for assistance in marketing their e-books on popular e-book shopping sites. Its online editor makes your work ready for sale.

This is one of the most suitable online writing groups for beginners who want greater freedom with their published books while earning from the monthly royalty. You will also get feedback for your work from its large community of other writers and readers.

4.   Commaful

Commaful is also another creative writing community where you can give more life to your work of creativity with the help of custom images. Flash fiction and poetry conveyed in page-by-page format with meaningful images is what makes this site different from other support platforms for creativity.

Commaful is the online writing group for beginners who want to try their craft in short pieces of writing or for anyone interested in engaging stories told in brevity.

5.   Critique Circle

Formed in 2003, Critique Circle is one of the oldest writing communities which is relied on by both top writers and beginners alike for genuine critiques for their works. Among online critique writing groups, Critique Circle boasts the services of acclaimed writers.

There is also an opportunity to rate feedback. Writers can sign up on this platform for critique writing and later if they wish, they can upgrade as premium members to enjoy more features.

6.   CritiqueMatch

Critiquematch is one of the online critique writing groups that bring out the best critic in you. In this creative writing community, you can either swap reviews with a free partner or can choose to get a detailed analysis of your writing from a paid freelance editor. High ratings for your critique on this online writing community bring the opportunity for you to be recognized as a pro critique to earn for your services.

7.   Critters.org

Crittters.org is the online writing workshop for writers of fantasy, science fiction, and horror. Critters is also the community to go for a review of your whole novel. A membership would improve you not only as a writer but also as a critic.

Unlike the other online critique writing groups, on Critters, writers do not directly mail their critiques to the requesters but submit them for approval. Thus, they are held more accountable for what they write. Critters also come with a wide range of writing resources designed for improving the art of literary criticism.

This online group has a queue system for getting your manuscript critiqued after you submitted. With non-pro members required to write one critique per week, and pro members having to submit one critique per month, Critters is one of the best online critique writing groups where you can learn to do a detailed scrutiny of your fiction.

8.   Facebook Groups

If you are someone who prefers social media to connect with your peers then you can choose from among a group of Facebook pages like The Street Team, Ten Minute Novelists, Calls for Submission, and Writers Unite!

These Facebook groups mostly work as morale boosters and as communities for creative writers. Their stern attitude against self-promotion except for on selected days and uncompromised monitoring of posts and comments ensures that you are joining an affable community.

9.   Holly’s Writing Classes

Holly’s Writing Classes is an online writing community started by American writer Holly Lisle where members can join by creating an account for free. The group boasts a membership of 7000 members.

This is the perfect online writing community for beginners who would like to get well-structured guidance as they take baby steps in creative writing. Pro writers too, benefit from Holly’s specially designed classes while learning ways to improve their literary works.

10.    Insecure Writer’s Support Group

This is one of the most appreciated online writing communities where writers write about their struggles.  A writer gets a therapeutic experience from this blogging platform. The members are presented with a question on writing struggles every month.

A blogger can either use the question as a prompt for his post or can write on another subject that holds personal significance to him. If you are writing a blog post on this platform, make sure that it is regarding the worries of writers. You can make a blog post on the first Wednesdays of every month which is observed as the insecure writer’s Support Group Day.

11. Mythic Scribes

Mythic Scribes is an online community that privileges fantasy fiction writers. It is one of the best online writing communities for beginners and it also facilitates the discussions between writers and fans in its Fantasy writing forums.

Writers can get their articles on fantasy writing featured on the homepage weekly. There is also a Showcase forum where you can post your stories or excerpts of your book for other members to read and give feedback when requested.

12. NaNoWriMo

Started in 1999 and later becoming a nonprofit organization, NaNoWriMo is one of the most popular online writing communities that encourages creativity and empowers writers. It has to its credit a worldwide network of members.

NaNoWriMo is famous, particularly for its intimidating dare to complete 50,000 worded novels in the 30 days of November which is known as the National Novel Writing Month. Young Writers Programme is another initiative of NaNoWriMo that encourages writers under the age of 18 to write in a goal-oriented manner.

At Camp NaNoWriMo held every year in April and July you can make progress in any of your creative writings while being guided by published authors. As a writer, you shouldn’t overlook the free membership of this reputed creative writing community.

13.   Reddit Groups

Reddit, with its numerous subreddits, is best suited for writers who want to join online writing communities that focus on niche threads. On Reddit, you can also find subreddits that provide writing prompts and useful information related to writing.

Writing, Writing Prompts, DestructiveReaders, Worldbuilding, Fantasy Writers, Character Forge, Writerchat, Self Publish, Logophilia, FreelanceWriters, Books, etc are some of the major subreddits on writing.

14. Scribophile

Critiques, beta readers, free writing resources, and lifelong friendships with other members are all promised in this creative writing community. Scribophile is one of the most acclaimed online writing communities in which you can join to work along with writers of all levels of experience.

Their vast collection of free lessons to perfect writing and to familiarise you with different literary jargon would be invaluable. Scribophile also aids you in publishing your works.

15.  She Writes

She Writes claims to be the biggest online community of women writers irrespective of their expertise, genre, and generation. At She Writes, you can also read articles on the life and experiences of writers which are contributed by bestselling female authors, reputed bloggers, and publishers. She Writes Press is also an initiative to publish deserving manuscripts of female writers.

16.  SFFChronicles

SFFChronicles is a  creative writing community that focuses on science fiction and fantasy.  If you are a die-hard fan of Science fiction or fantasy you can find a lot of engaging discussions on popular works as well as new books of these genres. This online writing community provides dedicated areas for writers who have attained high recognition.

You can also submit your fiction for detailed reviews and editing on this site. But SFFChronicles is not confined just to literature as it has distinct forums and subforums to discuss films, series, and history which either pertains to or contributes to science fiction and fantasy writings.

17.  StoryADay.org

StoryADay is the online group for short story writers who want to motivate themselves by taking Julie Duffy’s challenge of writing a short story a day in May and September.

Like, in many other online writing communities, here writing prompts act as a fillip to your writing. At StoryADay you can choose from different challenges mapped out to encourage you in your creative endeavor. StoryADay also publishes blog posts and podcasts.

18.   Talentville

Among a slew of online writing communities, Talentville stands out as the most indispensable creative writing community for storytellers and screenwriters. At Talentville you get valuable feedback for your storytelling and you can return the favor and support to other writers.

This is also the right place for you to make connections with publishers and media persons who might contact you directly if they are impressed by your work showcased in Talentville’s script library.

19.  The Next Big Writer

The Next Big Writer has its niche among the best online writing communities for its critique-driven support to its members. Writers can choose from monthly, quarterly, or yearly plans to join. As a premium member, you can participate in the writing contests for free.

An acronym for WRiter ACcountability, WRAC is one of the best goal-oriented online writing communities where writers are encouraged to be accountable for their progress.

As a member of this creative writing community, you can publicize three realistic goals a year to write and finish a work in the most presentable form. Best works would be featured in the annual WRACList.

21.   Wattpad

Wattpad is one of the most favored online storytelling platforms for writers all over the world. With ninety million members, Wattpad is the writing community that allows you to publish chapters of your unfinished work to gradually grow a fanbase. This is also one of the best online writing communities where publishers and media persons go searching for new talents in storytelling.

Wattpad also encourages its members through Wattpad picks where their works get the spotlight if they get cherry-picked by Wattpad staff. The annual Watty Award is also an opportunity for writers to get more recognition on this online writing platform for creative writing.

22.   Writer’s Cafe

Writer’s Cafe is the writing community where online writers can post their creative writings and get critiques and reviews for the same. This is one of the best online writing communities to make friends with other writers, subscribe to their writings, and showcase your work to them.

On this site, you can either join existing groups or can create a new one. Free online writing courses and writing contests are other attractions of this community.

23. Writing.com

Writing.com is the online community of writers who enjoy writing in the comfort of anonymity by choosing a nickname. Among the online writing communities, Writing.com allows a free member to showcase up to ten creative works in their portfolio.

In Writing.com you use your proprietary points called gift points to purchase memberships, other resources and products, and also services of other members.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1.    How do I become a member of a writing community?

You can begin by searching for writing groups in your locality. Often you get such information from local libraries or coffee shops which host writer’s retreats.

You can also make use of websites like Meetup.com which facilitates people who share similar interests to get to know one another and form support groups. If you are not particular about being a part of a physical group you can opt for online writing groups, many of which have a free membership.

2.    Can writing skills be improved?

Yes, writing skills can be improved and for that, you have to keep writing. Journaling which involves a free flow of thoughts helps you to practice writing without much intimidation. You can attend writing workshops to familiarise yourself with specific methods to polish your writing.

Reading a good piece of literature, trying to understand sentence construction, tone, and style of the writer, and later explaining it in your vocabulary too would help you to improve your writing skills.

3.    What is meant by a workshop for writing?

A workshop for writing is meant to improve your writing. It mostly consists of four parts – minilesson, writing, conferring, and sharing time. Minilesson is when an instructor introduces a specific skill in writing.

In the next step, students try to master the skill by using it in their writings. After that, the instructor takes a look at the individual works and determines the following action to be taken in the workshop. Share time is when students share their works with others.

4.    Can a fresher be a freelance writer?

You can become a freelancer with no experience if you can still produce enough sample writings to showcase to any potential employers willing to hire freshers. These writing samples could build an impressive and credible portfolio for you.

You can start by creating a blog of your own and posting regularly. Medium, Quora, Goodreads, etc are other platforms where you can write to increase your digital presence.

Now, it’s time for you to stop worrying about writer’s block. Join one of these dedicated virtual groups for writers and notice your steady progress in writing. You might also earn reliable friends for a lifetime.

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23 Of The Best Cities For Writers To Live And Work

You’ve been thinking about it — moving to a place that inspires you in your writing. Even better if the city is full of bookstores and has an active writing community.

You’ve looked at a few tantalizing options. But some of the most literary cities on the planet aren’t necessarily the best places to live. Some are well beyond your budget. Others don’t have everything you need.

Welcome to Authority Pub’s own list of 23 of the best places for writers to live.

Best Cities for Writers in the US

1. new york city, new york, 2. portland, oregon, 3. philadelphia, pennsylvania, 4. seattle, washington, 5. austin, texas, 6. chicago, illinois, 7. new orleans, louisiana, 8. taos, new mexico, 9. pittsburgh, pa, 10. washington, d.c., 11. los angeles, california, 12. asheville, north carolina, 13. saint paul, minnesota and its “twin,” minneapolis, 14. cambridge, massachusetts, 15. detroit, michigan, 16. livingston, montana, best cities for writers in europe, 17. edinburgh, scotland, 18. dublin, ireland, 19. london, england, 20. berlin, germany, 21. medellin, colombia, 22. paris, france, 23. chiang mai, thailand, where do most writers live, what city inspires you to write, 23 best cities for writers.

Some of the best cities for aspiring writers are right here in the U.S.A., though plenty are not. Depending on your writing goals and your means, if you’re hoping to earn a good living as a writer, each of these cities has something unique to offer.

If you’re in the U.S. and not planning to leave it, there are still many options to choose from, whatever your budget and priorities.

Even with the jaw-dropping median rental price ($3,977/mo as of March, 2020), you knew this would be on the list, right?

With its large number of big-name publishing houses and a host of established writing communities, New York City holds a special place in many a writer’s heart. And while the average rent is daunting, the average salary for writers isn’t low, either.

Aside from the breathtaking beauty of the Pacific Northwest, Portland, Oregon has Powell’s Books, a massive resource center for independent authors.

Portland also has well-established literary organizations (like the Mountain Writers Series) and a thriving and supportive writing community. And while rents have been on the rise here, the average writer’s salary is 23% above the national average.

Even if you’re not an Edgar Allen Poe fan, the cultural benefits of living here, combined with its thriving foodie scene and picturesque, tree-lined streets, make it a uniquely charming option for creatives.

Add the array of writing workshops and conferences, and any writer would find Philadelphia a supportive and inspiring place to live. It helps, too, that the average writing salary here ($40 an hour) is 63% higher than the national average.

Nestled in the Pacific Northwest, Seattle’s scenery, weather, and coastal feel make it an attractive option for many writers.

Why be out in the rain if you can enjoy a gorgeous view from your home while sipping fresh, hot coffee (or tea), enjoying the sound of raindrops on the roof, and writing away?

This city is home to creators of high art, underground movements, popular trends, and counter culture alike. If you love to create, you’ll find a welcome here.

Austin’s open and welcoming community, combined with its colorful and creative ambience, makes it an ideal place for developing writers with a preference for warmer weather.

Situated in the heart of Texas, Austin is home to a blossoming cultural mecca. It’s also a relatively affordable place to find a home and start building your creative network.

An average writing salary of $51,000 makes a thriving career as a writer attainable.

If you’re looking for a big city with a bustling literary scene and a supportive writing community, you’ll feel right at home in Chicago, one of the top cities for writers.

Check out the number and variety of independent bookstores and coffee shops, along with the huge crowds drawn to the city’s writing conventions, workshops, and festivals, and I dare you to find an environment more friendly to writers and readers a like.

It helps, too, that the average writing salary is 30% above the national average.

If you’re looking for a culturally rich city that famous writers have called home, New Orleans is an ideal spot for genre fiction writers — from mystery to horror to crime — particularly those with an interest in the supernatural.

The average writing salary of $50,000 meets much lower living expenses (compared to many others on this list) to make this city an affordable option.

If you’re open to checking the place out, the food alone is worth a tour.

If you’re looking for something more out of the way — a “hidden gem” which is steadily attracting creatives (including writers) — consider Taos, New Mexico,

Tiwa Native Americans have inhabited the Taos Pueblo for a millennium, while artists have been making their homes in the more modern town since the 1920s.

Explore and savor both, from the charming village plaza and the Harwood Museum of Art to the futuristic Earthship Biotecture .

Diverse and dynamic, Pittsburgh is so much more than the “City of Steel.” Look for writing communities like Littsburgh, the Pittsburgh Writers Project, and The Writing Studio.

Writers and readers alike will love Pittsburgh’s eclectic indie bookstores. And with a lower median rental price than its neighbor, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, it’s one of the most affordable cities on this list.

And it’s close enough to New York City that you can visit now and then, when the mood strikes — or when one of its publishing houses call.

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Considered the “most literate city” nationwide, D.C. has a variety of bookstores, including one of the best in the country: Politics and Prose . And writing communities like Split This Rock, The Inner Loop, and Story District provide both support and prestige for writers .

A median writing salary of $70,330, combined with its beautiful neighborhoods and diverse population, makes this a city worth considering.

Song writers, screenwriters, and creative and technical writers alike are drawn to Los Angeles. While art is center stage, creatives of all kinds find their place here.

With a median rental price comparable to New York City and an average writing salary of under $50,000, it won’t be every writer’s #1 option.

But if your hustle matches your love for the city and its creative environment, it’s worth getting acquainted with its writing communities and top publishers.

If you’re looking for a city south of the Mason-Dixon line that has great bookstores and a culture all its own, look at Asheville, NC. Check out Malaprop’s Bookstore/Cafe or sip an espresso or glass of wine at Battery Park Book Exchange while you scan the shelves.

Check out Firestorm Books & Coffee , which hosts events and writing workshops by and for queer authors, tarot circles, and community services.

Add the town’s beautiful setting, its literary history, and the supportive Writer’s Workshop, and it may just be where you’ll want to spend the rest of your life.

Saint Paul is the smaller of the Twin Cities and has its own variety of bookshops and cultural festivals. Right next door, you’ll find the Minneapolis Institute of Art and Guthrie Theater.

Both cities host a variety of writing groups and events, including the annual Minnesota Writing Workshop.

Add to that the lower cost of living and the general impression that people love living here, and it’s understandable why so many writers and other creatives brave the Minnesota winters. And with all the coffee shops, maybe you will, too.

Cambridge is considered the brilliant-people capitol of the U.S., with MIT and Harvard within its limits and situated near Boston (where famous YA fantasy author Rick Riordan lives).

If you’ve always wanted to live on the east coast, but you’d rather steer clear of New York City, you’ll find a lively writing community here, along with lots of quiet places to buy new or used books or just to sit and get some writing done.

Many writers and artists have moved to Detroit because of the low cost of living there, but the city has far more to offer than that.

Whether you’re looking for inspiration through art, food, or music, you’ll see the variety of all three reflected in the resilient people who live here,

As locals would say, “Once a Detroiter, always a Detroiter.” Wherever you come from, this city works extra hard to make you part of its evolution into something the whole community can be proud of.

Described as the “northern gateway” to Yellowstone National Park, Livingston, Montana and its surrounding area has more professional writers per capita than New York City, Los Angeles, or any other literary hotspot you can think of.

Many of the top writers in the country live within 100 miles of this picturesque town surrounded by snow-capped peaks. Writers here can enjoy the social scene at the acclaimed Elk River Books, where writing and the outdoors support each other.

Now, we come to some of the best cities for writers outside the United States, some of which (we hope) will surprise you.

The first UNESCO City of Literature, Edinburgh has a rich literary history. As the former home of literary giants like Sir Walter Scott, Muriel Spark, and Robert Louis Stevenson, this Scottish city has plenty to attract writers from around the world.

Keep in mind that internet access is one of the few things that cost more in the UK than in the U.S.. And parking is expensive enough that using a taxi is often more affordable.

But if you’ve always wanted to live in Scotland, Edinburgh has several expat organizations that will help you get settled.

The birthplace of James Joyce, Dublin has literary tradition goes back thousands of years to when monks would carefully transcribe sacred texts.

The Dublin Writers Museum celebrates his work, along with the whole spectrum of Ireland’s literary history, beginning with Irish poetry and Celtic storytelling.

The Abbey Theater (founded by W.B. Yeats in 1903) is another draw for creative expats, along with St. Patrick’s Cathedral, where writer Jonathan Swift acted as Dean from 1713 to 1745.

Few places are as full of literary landmarks as London. While the rental cost is higher here than elsewhere in the UK, it’s still considerably lower than New York City.

Take advantage of  London Walks’ lively themed tours through the city. Explore Shakespeare’s or Dickens’ London and take the Literary London Pub Walk. The more you get out and explore, the more you’re likely to find creative inspiration.

Not only is Berlin one of the most affordable European cities to live in, but, according to Lone Wolf Magazine , Germany is one of the most socially supportive countries in the world, designed so that no one (including a starving artist) can fall through the cracks.

So, if you’re looking for an affordable creative community in a place rich with beauty and history, Berlin is a worthy option to consider, as long as you’re willing to learn German .

Once considered the most dangerous place in the world to live, the second-biggest city in Colombia now attracts creatives from all over the world — thanks to its low cost of living and its new reputation as the world’s most innovative city.

According to British travel writer Lisa Imogen Eldridge , you can share an apartment with gorgeous views, a pool, and security for about $257 USD per month. You can even have organic food delivered to your home for roughly $25 USD per month.

Add a fast WiFi connection and loads of great cafes to work from, and you’ve got an ideal living situation for a writer on a budget.

This list wouldn’t be complete without Paris — quite possibly the most literary city on Earth. Writers and other creatives throughout the centuries have come here to be inspired and shaped by its storied past and lively atmosphere.

Early in the 20th century, Ernest Hemingway, Ezra Pound, and Gertrude Stein, among others, left the U.S. for Paris as part of the “Lost Generation.”

Writers in Paris today can still feel their influence and enjoy what they were looking for, especially in the lively bookshops and cafes of the Latin Quarter and the Left Bank.

With its friendly climate and low prices, this city in northern Thailand has earned its favored status among freelancers and digital nomads. According to Forbes Magazine, rents start at around $100 USD per month. And food is both extremely cheap and tasty.

Add to that the extensive network of entrepreneurs in the city and the ease of making profitable connections at meet-ups and conferences, and you have an ideal place to build your writing career while keeping your expenses low.

It’s hard to answer the question, “Where do most writers live?” But with a bit of hunting and scouring, we can make an educated guess at the top three:

  • Livingston, Montana
  • New York City, New York
  • Los Angeles, California

Thanks to the internet, writers can live where they want and work remotely, but many choose to live near New York City or Los Angeles.

A more difficult question to answer is “Which country has the best writers?”

In 2019 , over 45.8 thousand writers lived and worked in the U.S. But many writers end up leaving the U.S. for more affordable or more historic locales. And other countries have celebrated writers of their own.

It’s not so much a competition as a numbers game.

Now that you’ve looked through 23 of the best cities for writers to live and work, which ones appealed to you most? Are you looking at U.S. cities, or are you thinking of taking up residence in a different country?

Think of what you want most in the city you choose. Make a list of everything that comes to mind and look through the list again.

Then narrow your choices down to the ones that have what you need, before you zero in on the options that get your imagination working on the possibilities.

Might be time to pay a visit.

You’ve been thinking about moving to a place that inspires you to write. Check out our list of 23 of the best places for writers to live.

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125 Stanford Stories

70 years of great writing.

stegner

Imagination flourishes in Stanford’s Creative Writing Program

“Minds grow by contact with other minds. The bigger the better, as clouds grow toward thunder by rubbing together.” — Wallace Stegner

The novelist Wallace Stegner came to Stanford in 1946 to teach writing. He found a campus swollen with returning GIs and war workers. This cohort – later known as the Greatest Generation – had interesting stories to tell. At Stanford, Stegner  developed a program  of  workshops, community and freedom to write  that would nurture these writers’ talents and those of generations to come.

The Stegner Fellowships, as Stanford’s two-year writers’ fellowships are now called, are perhaps the best-known facet of Stanford’s  Creative Writing Program . Stegner Fellows have gone on to become Pulitzer Prize winners (N. Scott Momaday, Larry McMurtry, Adam Johnson ), poets laureate of the United States (Robert Pinsky, Philip Levine) and bestselling novelists (Scott Turow). Diverse in origin, they have brought new understanding of their own countries and cultures through literature ( NoViolet Bulawayo ). Many have returned to Stanford to teach new generations (Johnson, Kenneth Fields, Tobias Wolff).

The milieu in which the Stegner Fellows flourish also nourishes the creative gifts of hundreds of Stanford undergraduates each year. Creative writing workshops and tutorials are among Stanford’s most sought-after courses. That’s unsurprising when one considers the value that Stanford puts on output, on expressing one’s ideas.

“We hated the idea that someone would come to this great university and think it’s either/or — ‘I’m going to be a science student, or I’m going to be a creative writer.’ We made the minor so people would know they didn’t have to make that choice.” —  Eavan Boland , director of the Stanford Creative Writing Program

“It’s the art of imagination. It’s a muscle that students want to activate,” explained Tom Kealey, a lecturer in the Creative Writing Program.

Nearly all of Stanford’s creative writing courses are open to undergraduates across the curriculum, though some, like the one-on-one Levinthal Tutorials, require a manuscript review. Nearly 70 percent of Stanford’s English majors have emphases in creative writing, whether in poetry or prose. There is also a creative writing minor. Its new Fiction into Film option culminates in the Hoffs-Roach Tutorial, in which students complete a 100-page screenplay. Another popular option is to take four or five writing courses as an informal emphasis.

The creative nonfiction courses are popular with students in the sciences, Kealey said: “Many want to make sense of their lives by creating narratives.”

Lectures about the craft of writing are also very popular. Professor Elizabeth Tallent teaches a course each spring,  Development of the Short Story , that can attract up to 100 students.

The newest member of the program’s distinguished faculty is  novelist Chang-Rae Lee , who comes to Stanford in fall 2016.

Informal workshops such as Poets’ House and Art of Writing offer an introduction to creative writing across disciplines. Innovative courses seek to explore new literary forms and to bring appreciation of writing to more people in new ways.

Stanford’s creative writing program was the first to offer a course in  completing a graphic novel , a popular class repeated every other year. It gives undergraduate awards for environmental writing, an  important aspect of Wallace Stegner’s legacy .

In spring 2015, program director Eavan Boland led a free online course on  Ten Premodern Poems by Women  that drew more than 1,000 participants from 105 countries. For the course, the office of the Vice Provost of Teaching and Learning enhanced Stanford’s OpenEdX platform to allow participants to submit narrative responses and even poems, an innovation that will help future online humanities courses.

Watch the creation of the Creative Writing Program’s latest graphic novel in this video.

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CalArts is located in Santa Clarita, Calif., 30 miles north of Los Angeles. Explore the local area and community.

Offering innovative continuing education arts courses designed to meet the needs of both emerging artists and lifelong learners.

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Creative Writing

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2-Year Program

The CalArts MFA Creative Writing is unique in the field for the way it combines a dedication to experimental practice and a resolutely non-genre tracking curriculum . These commitments are intertwined: unlike in many MFA programs our students are free to pursue their imaginative and experimental impulses into whatever genre their work takes them—including into hybrid genre forms of their own. This is all in keeping to CalArts’s foundational commitment to experiment and interdisciplinarity. Students who come to our program regularly engage in substantial projects in multiple genres across their coursework and beyond. In other words, each student designs their own path through our curriculum, engaging with what questions of genre and practice inform their work as it develops. All this gives special import to the work each student does with their mentor during their time in our program. Students meet with their mentors multiple times each semester to discuss their plan of study, their creative work, and larger questions related to a life in writing and to connections between writing, other art forms, and intellectual endeavors. Our commitment to the mentor relationship is foundational  to the pedagogy of CalArts.

While our program is non-tracking we do offer four optional emphases that help guide our students through our curriculum and the course offerings of other schools and programs in the Institute. We call these emphases our Concentrations . These non-required Concentrations are Image + Text , Writing and Performativity , Writing and its Publics and Documentary Strategies . Image + Text traces the relationship of the written word and the visual image, including the cinematic, the static image, and the materiality of language. Writing and Performativity offers students an array of courses focused on the creative and critical practices of performative writing. Writing and Its Publics deals with the public face of writing, be it publishing, community-based work, or writing for various art audiences, while Documentary Strategies takes on a wide array of artistic engagements with documentation, witnessing, and archives of all kinds. Students whose work and interests closely engage one of these four areas can formalize that engagement by declaring an official Concentration, which may be advantageous in their professional lives after the MFA.

In the Creative Writing Program, our core courses attend closely to questions of form and aesthetics, as well as to the historical and critical contexts of literary work. Most classes combine workshopping of student-generated work with discussion of assigned texts. While not all classes are offered every year, over the two-year program all students will take a wide selection, honing their individual visions and practices while experimenting with new forms and subjects. Writing students also benefit from being able to take courses for elective credit in the MA Program in Aesthetics and Politics, as well as other MFA/upper-level BFA courses throughout the Institute.

Full Curriculum

Detailed curriculum and academic requirements can be found in the online course catalog.

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Interdisciplinary Opportunities

In addition to CalArts' rich and diverse community and naturally collaborative atmosphere, the Institute provides several programs of study that can be pursued concurrently with a student's chosen metier.

The Center for Integrated Media concentration is designed specifically for MFA students whose creative use of technology—in particular digital media—goes beyond their primary areas of study.

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  • Creative Writing (BA) Portfolio Process
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About Creative Writing at ASU

The Creative Writing Program encourages all interested students, regardless of their field of study, to join our community of writers through

  • beginning and intermediate workshops in fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction,
  • diverse special topics courses, 
  • internships with Hayden’s Ferry Review, ASU’s national literary journal, 
  • and by participating in the many exciting writing events held on campus. 

About the Creative Writing Concentration

Interested students who have already taken the beginning and intermediate workshops in their genre of specialty, and who are committed to continuing their study of Creative Writing, have an opportunity to develop their skills in supportive, highly focused workshops through the Creative Writing Concentration. 

Please note that acceptance into the Creative Writing Concentration is restricted. Students must submit a portfolio for review and be offered a seat in the advanced workshops.

Students interested in pursuing more than one genre at the 400-level must check with their academic advisor to ensure that the necessary courses will fit their degree plan. Dual-genre students must submit two portfolios—one in each genre—to be considered for admittance into advanced coursework in both areas. 

Students pursuing the Creative Writing Concentration must either have selected as their major the bachelor's in English with a concentration in creative writing upon being admitted to ASU or, after entering the university, meet with an English advisor to change to this major and concentration. Non English-majors will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

  • To complete the concentration, English majors completing the concentration in creative writing must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.25 or higher in their major.
  • Concentration students must complete the two advanced courses in their genre. N ote that enrollment into these courses is restricted. Spaces are limited. Students must have submitted a portfolio and been selected to move forward. Completion of the concentration in creative writing is open only to those who pass through Portfolio Review. 
  • Transfer students must seek advisement as to whether they will be able to successfully fulfill the creative writing concentration requirements.
  • PLEASE NOTE:  Students admitted to begin 400-level coursework through Portfolio Review will start their coursework in the following semester. Workshop classes cannot be taken simultaneously.  
  • Students are only allowed to apply for the creative writing concentration twice during their time at ASU.

Portfolio Submission: How to Apply

Your portfolio should include:

  • COVER SHEET
  • Poetry Sample: 5 poems
  • Fiction Sample: 1 piece of fiction of at least 5 double-spaced pages and not longer than 10 double-spaced pages
  • Creative Nonfiction Sample: 1 piece of creative nonfiction of at least 5 double-spaced pages and not longer than 10 double-spaced pages 
  • Discuss your interest in the relevant genre
  • What do you hope to gain from the creative writing concentration
  • Submit an essay on a single poem, short story, or short creative nonfiction work, focusing on an element of craft you identify in the piece, how that craft element works within the piece, and how this aspect of craft is pertinent to your own writing.
  • Please provide textual examples (quotations) from the creative piece in your essay and make sure to closely read/explain their relevance. 
  • A link will be provided each semester to students enrolled in the major and/or registered for the prerequisite creative writing workshops each term to submit for Portfolio Review. Specific submission dates will be included. 
  • Fall: October-November
  • Spring: March-April  

Santa Clara University

The jesuit university in silicon valley.

  • Creative Writing Minor
  • College of Arts and Sciences
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The Creative Writing Program offers students a coherent course of study in poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction.

The creative writing minor is firmly grounded within the liberal arts tradition, integrating courses in poetry, fiction, screenwriting, and creative nonfiction writing within their broader literary and cultural context.

Introductory courses familiarize students with the practice and theory of creative writing. Advanced courses offer a workshop setting in which students write and critique one another’s work. Electives focus on particular genres of creative writing, such as Lifewriting, Fantasy and Science Fiction, and Screenwriting. All creative writing courses incorporate some study of literature as well as close attention to students’ own creative writing.

English majors who complete the Creative Writing minor may use their Creative Writing track courses for both the major and the minor.

*English majors who complete the Creative Writing minor may use their Creative Writing track courses for both the major and the minor.

Two Introductory Courses:

  • English 71 . Fiction Writing

English 72. Poetry Writing

Two Sections of the Practicum Course:  

  • English 91. Literary Review Practicum

One Advanced Course:

  • English 171. Advanced Fiction Writing or English 172. Advanced Poetry Writing (may not double dip)

Three Electives From the Following:

  • English 73. Lifewriting
  • English 74. New Forms for Creative Writing
  • English 170. Writing for Children and Young Adults
  • English 171. Advanced Fiction Writing
  • English 172. Advanced Poetry Writing
  • English 173. Screenwriting
  • English 175. Creative Nonfiction
  • English 176. Creative Writing and Social Justice
  • English 177. Writing Genre Fiction
  • English 178. Creative Writing and Performing
  • English 179W. Playwriting
  • English 179. Advanced Playwriting

All SCU students have the opportunity to work on the University’s literary magazine. Published twice a year,  the Review includes fiction, essays, poetry, book reviews, art and photography from the Santa Clara University Community and the Bay Area. In the Literary Magazine Practicum, one-unit courses offered every quarter, students discuss submissions.

Each year three department literary prizes for undergraduates are given: the McCann Prize for the best short story, the Shipsey Prize for the best poem or group of poems, and the Academy of American Poets “Tamara Verga Poetry Prize” for the best poem or group of poems. In addition, SCU participates in the Ina Coolbrith Memorial Poetry Prize, choosing three finalists to compete with other California university undergraduates. The winning manuscripts receive cash awards and maybe published in the Santa Clara Review.

The Writing Forward Reading Series  brings creative writers with international, national, and regional reputations to the Santa Clara University campus for readings, classroom discussions, informal meetings with students, and interviews with the Santa Clara Review literary/arts magazine. This collaborative program between the English Department’s Creative Writing Program and the student-run Santa Clara Review is grounded in the Department’s and University’s commitment to involving undergraduate students in research collaboration with faculty, and is dedicated to reaching out to both the campus and local communities.

Poets and writers brought to campus include  Robert Hass  (U.S. Poet Laureate, Pulitzer Prize),  Carolyn Forché  (Yale Younger Poets, NEA and Lannan grants),  Khaled Hosseini  (NYT Bestseller List, SCU alumnus),  Viet Thanh Nguyen  (Pulitzer Prize, MacArthur Grant),  Tobias Wolff  (Pen/Faulkner Award, National Medal of the Arts),  Reyna Grande  (American Book Award, International Latino Book Award),  Gerald Stern  (National Book Award, Guggenheim),  Juan Felipé Herrera  (American Book Award, National Book Critics Circle Award, US Poet Laureate),  Dana Gioia  (American Book Award, Chair of NEA),  Rigoberto Gonzalez  (American Book Award, Guggenheim),  Raina Leon  (Cave Canem and MacDowell Fellow),  Jim Shepard  (Guggenheim Award, The Story Prize)  Alexandra Teague  (Stegner and NEA Fellowships), Norma Cantú (MLA Distinguished Scholar Award), and  Cheryl Dumesnil  (Agnes Lynch Starrett Prize, SCU alumna).

Students majoring or minoring in English and/or Creative Writing and those working on the Santa Clara Review from a variety of majors are actively engaged in planning, inviting, and organizing the series, in close collaboration with faculty. This involvement gives undergraduates hands-on experience with the fields of writing, publishing, and public relations, while also ensuring that the series continues to speak to our campus population. The faculty-student collaboration that undergirds the series is also mirrored in interdisciplinary collaboration on campus and in community collaboration off campus. 

In the last few years, over two dozen SCU students who have studied Creative Writing have been accepted into M.A., M.F.A., and Ph.D. programs in Creative Writing at University of Virginia, University of Iowa, Syracuse University, New York University, San Francisco State, University of Denver, University of Montana, University of Arizona, Bennington College, UC Davis, Brown University, San Diego State University, San Jose State University, USC, among others. Several have received prestigious fellowships and teaching assistantships to these universities. English major alumni include Neal Jimenez, who won first prize at the Sundance Film Festival for his film, Waterdance, and Jeff Brazil, who won a Pulitzer Prize in Journalism.

  • Jerald Enos - Theater and Dance
  • Francisco Jimenez, Tonia Riviello - Modern Languages
  • Diane Dreher, Ron Hansen, Claudia MonPere McIsaac - English

Kirk Glaser, Claudia MonPere McIsaac, Cory Wade, Juan Velasco

Fiction and Screenwriting:

Kirk Glaser, Ron Hansen, David Keaton, Claudia MonPere McIsaac, Tim Myers, Juan Velasco

Nonfiction:

Simone Billings, Diane Dreher

For more information, contact:

Kirk Glaser

Director Creative Writing Program (408) 554-4384 Direct (408) 554-4837 Fax [email protected]

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Creator School

Small, personalized classes;

highly qualified instructors

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Courses 2024

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Surrealist Writing Workshop

For Middle School Students

Location: Zoom

Are you ready to explore the wild and wonderful world of surrealist writing? Let your imagination take flight! This workshop helps students tap into their limitless creativity with activities to develop their ability to play with words and ideas, fine-tune their craft through revision, analyze short mentor texts, present their work to an audience and learn how to give helpful feedback. The class is capped at 16, so students will receive personal attention and build a strong sense of community.

Instructor Sam Prestianni has over thirty years of experience teaching creative writing, expository writing, music, and media literacy to students of all ages. He is a Bay Area writer, editor, teacher, musician, filmmaker, and founder of 21st Century Learning .

June 24-28, 2024

12:30pm-2:30pm

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Truth and Connection: A Course in Memoir

For Adults and Mature Teens

This popular, five-week memoir class investigates some of the vast array of memoir techniques, offers prompts with 5-15 minutes of writing time, a discussion of the challenges of memoir, publication leads, and feedback from the instructor on 25 double-spaced pages (if you wish). The atmosphere is warm and accepting and offers starting points for new writers and new possibilities for experienced writers. This 1-hour course is offered on Zoom one night a week.

Instructor Lita Kurth  is a semi-retired college professor and the co-founder of San Jose's long-running Flash Fiction Forum, as well as the author of One Creative Writing Prompt A Day (Callisto Press, 2024). She has been published in numerous literary journals and her work has received multiple nominations and awards.

All Mondays in July, 2024

6:00pm-7:00pm

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For High School Students

In this poetry and short fiction writing workshop, students will engage in multilayered literary analysis and creative problem-solving activities. Individual and collaborative writing practices will teach students to embrace multiple perspectives. Class times are flexible and classes virtual, custom-designed to meet each young writer's needs. Classes are capped at 6 students.  

Pick dates that work for you! Click to learn more...

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College Essay Camp

For Rising High School Seniors

Location: Cubberley Community Center, Palo Alto

In a positive, collaborative environment, rising seniors will learn the principles of an effective college essay, study successful models, generate original ideas, draft essays, and receive meaningful feedback from their teacher and peers. They will end the week with less fear, more inspiration, and a solid draft of their Common Application. They will also have the opportunity to work on UC applications, supplements, and scholarship applications. Classes are capped at 16. This one-week course will be offered twice; once in June and once in August.  

Instructor Justin Brown  earned a BA in Modern Literature and an MA in Creative Writing. He has been an English teacher for nineteen years, with much experience coaching the college essay. 

June 24-28, 2024 or August 5-9, 2024 9:30am-12:30pm

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Writer's Playground

In this popular middle school course, writers will play with a range of genres. Based on student interest, we may explore fiction, memoir, scriptwriting, poetry, and humor. We will also experiment with a variety of writing strategies, such as idea generation, dialogue, imagery, character development, foreshadowing and/or suspense. The class is capped at 16, so students will receive personal attention and build a strong sense of community.

Instructor Kari Nygaard is an experienced local middle school English and Creative Writing teache r. She has taught a range of summer courses in creative writing, civic leadership, and design thinking.

July 8-12, 2024

9:00am-12:00pm

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Color Outside the Lines

For Adults (Teachers, Counselors, Parents... Anyone!)

Location: Zoom webinar

Most people avoid uncomfortable emotions, but this valuable workshop will help you embrace, explore, and understand your emotions by learning... to doodle them! As we all prepare to jump back into the whirlwind of the school year, treat yourself to this fun and engaging 2-hour workshop in which you learn to let go of perfectionism and tap into the creativity of your inner child. No drawing skills or experience with watercolors required.  

Instructor Renée Johnson is an experienced middle school English teacher, creative writing camp leader, private writing tutor, and certified Heartwork Journaling coach.

Sunday, August 4, 2024 or

Sunday, August 11, 2024 3:00pm-5:00pm on Zoom

High School : Creative Writing Camp

Kari nygaard.

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Director and Instructor

Kari Nygaard has taught middle school English for twenty years. For six of those years she was the Instructional Lead of her department, and for another six years she mentored teachers who were new to the profession. She currently teaches English and Creative Writing at JLS Middle School in Palo Alto. She has also taught in a variety of summer programs for youth all over the Bay Area, developing courses in civic leadership, design thinking, creative writing, college essay writing, Italian, music, and even HIV/AIDS education (in Malawi, Africa, back in 2003). Kari received a BA in International Studies from Middlebury College and an MA in Educational Administration from Santa Clara University. She has worked with the San Jose Area Writing Project both as a participant and an instructor; she is a regular volunteer with Poetic Justice ; and in 2015, she co-wrote a staff-student musical for her middle school.

Justin Brown

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Justin Brown has taught high school English for more than nineteen years. He currently works at Henry M. Gunn High School, where he teaches Film Literature, Advanced English (grades 9 and 10), and Honors English (grades 11 and 12). Justin received a BA in Modern Literature from UC Santa Cruz and an MA in Creating Writing from San Francisco State University. He has tutored many students in creative writing and the art of the college essay. In his spare time, Justin enjoys acting and has performed on stage in two Palo Alto Players productions: Death of a Salesman  and The Man Who Came to Dinner . 

Sam Prestianni

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Sam Prestianni is a veteran Bay Area writer, editor, teacher, musician, filmmaker, and founder of 21st Century Learning , an online platform that provides students with uplifting education and personal growth experiences that transcend the traditional classroom. For nearly three decades, he taught Language Arts, Humanities, and SEL Development in California independent schools while leading his own summer workshops in Creative Writing, Expository Writing, Media Literacy, and Music. A widely published journalist and critic, his work has appeared in dozens of magazines and newspapers, including SF Weekly, New York Press , and JAZZIZ magazine. His professional committee efforts include serving as a Juror for the MacArthur Fellowship Genius Grant. He has edited both fiction and nonfiction books. Often under a pen name, he has published fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction and toured the country as a literary performer and multimedia artist. He attended University of Maryland on a Writing Scholarship and earned a BA in English with a Writing minor.

Renée Johnson

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Renée Johnson has a passion for helping others express themselves through writing. She moved to California from Massachusetts and graduated from California State University, Hayward with a BA in English and a focus in creative writing. She has been a full-time seventh and eighth grade English teacher in the Palo Alto Unified School District since 1998. She has experience teaching a variety of summer writing courses, including Future Author Camp, a writing camp for gifted creative writers. She also enjoys coaching adults and teens in a variety of writing projects, from personal statements to essays and speeches. Renée has worked with the San Jose Area Writing Project both as a participant and an instructor, and she is also a certified Heartwork Journaling coach.

Maya Mahony

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Maya Mahony graduated from Stanford with a degree in English and creative writing and is currently a graduate student in fiction at the Iowa Writers' Workshop. Her stories and poems have been published in The Antigonish Review, Scrivener Creative Review, Anser Journal, BALLOONS Lit. Journal, Collision Literary Journal, Ambrosia Feminist Zine, the Stanford Daily, the Leland Quarterly , and  Terrain.org . 

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Lita Kurth has taught at Santa Clara University and De Anza College as well as in private workshops for many years. A co-founder of San Jose’s Flash Fiction Forum, she holds three Master’s degrees, including an MFA. She is a recipient of the Diana Woods Memorial Award and a two-time Pushcart nominee (creative nonfiction and fiction). Sample publications include Lunchticket, Redux, Raven Chronicles, Main Street Rag, Tikkun, Chicago Literati, NewVerseNews, ellipsis…literature and art, Compose , and more.

Tarn Wilson

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Tarn Wilson has been teaching creative writing to high school students and adults for over twenty years. She currently works at Gunn High School. She earned an MA in education from Stanford and an MFA in creative writing from the Rainier Writing Workshop, specializing in memoir and the personal essay. She is the author of the memoir The Slow Farm (2014), the award winning memoir-in-essays In Praise of Inadequate Gifts (2021), and 5-Minute Daily Writing Prompts: 501 Prompts to Unleash Your Creativity and Inspire You to Write (2022). Her essays have been published in numerous literary journals, including Brevity, The Harvard Divinity Bulletin, River Teeth, and The Sun , and she has been nominated for a Pushcart Prize.

Christopher Bell

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Co-Founder and I.T. Support

Chris Bell has been teaching math and computer science since 2006.  He has taught courses intended for beginning students and advanced students alike, including Programming for Mobile Devices, which he created. Having received degrees from UC Davis and Notre Dame de Namur University, he has also dedicated a large part of his career to teaching teachers how to effectively integrate technology into their courses, speaking at conferences, providing professional development, and teaching at local colleges.

  • Library of Congress
  • Research Guides
  • American Folklife Center

Folklife and Creative Writing: Resources in the American Folklife Center

Cowboy poetry.

  • Introduction
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  • Additional Resources
  • Searching the Collection

In 2000, Congress designated the annual cowboy poetry gathering in Elko, Nevada, as the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering. The gathering had taken place since 1985 and grown into a week-long event that drew participants from around the country. The popularity of the gathering emphasizes the prevalence of cowboy poetry and the importance poetry plays within the community. Cowboy poetry has existed since the late nineteenth century and cites a variety of influences, including the Bible, Shakespeare, and cowboy films and novels. Though the cowboy may exist in popular imagination as an old timer, cowboys continue to adapt to current circumstances, and their poetry reflects contemporary social, environmental, and political issues. Cowboy poetry is one of the most popular forms of occupational poetry. Several examples from our collections are featured here. Others can be found online or through the American Folklife Center's reading room.

Selected Collections

Cover Art

Public Programs: Cowboy Poetry

A working cowboy, D. W. Groethe performed his own compositions as well as traditional songs in this concert at the Library of Congress on July 20, 2005. Groethe was born and grew up in western North Dakota, the third generation descendant of Norwegian immigrants. He talks about the region locally known as "MonDak" that spans the border of Montana and North Dakota. 

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  • Last Updated: Aug 23, 2024 3:22 PM
  • URL: https://guides.loc.gov/folklife-creative-writing

Screen Rant

Why kevin costner left yellowstone.

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Yellowstone's Season 5 Trailer Confirms It Can't Escape Kevin Costner

Taylor sheridan's new yellowstone replacement sounds better than his sequel plan, 3 yellowstone stars returning for new spinoff after reportedly resolving pay dispute.

With Yellowstone returning with part 2 of season 5 in just a few months, it's now well-known that Kevin Costner will not be rejoining the Yellowstone season 5 cast . Costner's protagonist John Dutton has been the glue that's held Yellowstone together, with the entire show revolving around him. Dutton is the patriarch of the Dutton Family, a ranching dynasty that owns the largest ranch in Montana. Yellowstone 's story follows the Dutton family trying to balance familial drama and maintain their traditional way of life while the realities of the modern era threaten to take away all they've built.

Through it all, Kevin Costner has been at the center Yellowstone , helping the show to become the ratings juggernaut it is. For two years straight, it's been the most-watched cable series, not just for Paramount Network, but across all cable channels. The Yellowstone season 5 premiere, which dropped in November 2022, was the most-watched single episode and TV show for the entire year with almost 16 million viewers tuning in. It can be hard to understand how an actor of Costner's level could walk away from such a hit, but Yellowstone season 5, part 2 got messy behind the scenes.

Kevin Costner's Decision To Quit Yellowstone Is Due To Several Factors

Creative differences, scheduling conflicts, & pay dispute are all reasons for costner's departure.

Instead of any one, overarching issue, it's been reported that several factors fed into Costner's decision to exit the show. The first is that shooting Yellowstone takes quite a lot of time to shoot, with the shooting schedule for each season generally running from April through October. Depending on where in the month the shoot starts and ends, the cast and crew were looking at a minimum of five months all the way to seven months out of the year spent filming.

That lengthy shooting schedule held Kevin Costner back from being able to work on his passion project, Horizon: An American Saga . The second half of Yellowstone season 5's shoot got delayed for a few reasons, the 2023 writer's strike being the main one; production for the second part of season 5 shut down in May 2023. However, even after the strike ended in September 2023, the shoot was still delayed as shooting in Montana during the winter was a no-go. So production didn't resume for almost a full year in April 2024. That delay led to a conflict over shooting schedules, with Costner wanting to shoot Horizon: An American Saga , but Yellowstone season 5, part 2 still needing to be shot. Reportedly, Costner only wanted to shoot one week on part 2, but that was later denied by Costner's reps.

With the prolonged pay negotiations, Costner's unhappiness with the creative direction, Sheridan's frustration over Costner's divided attention between Yellowstone and Horizon , and Yellowstone being held up waiting on Costner, the actor made the decision to exit the series.

However, it wasn't just scheduling that led to Costner's Yellowstone departure. A reported pay dispute also factored in, with Costner set to make $12 million for the second part but contract negotiations turning sour. With the prolonged pay negotiations, Costner's unhappiness with the creative direction, Sheridan's frustration over Costner's divided attention between Yellowstone and Horizon , and Yellowstone being held up waiting on Costner, the actor made the decision to exit the series.

What Kevin Costner Has Directly Said About Leaving Yellowstone

He's hurt most reports have put the blame on him.

_John Dutton Sr (1)

Interestingly enough, some of the backstory came out during a child support payment court hearing with Kevin Costner's ex-wife Christine Baumgartner. While on the stand, Costner touched upon some of the reasons for leaving Yellowstone , citing the scheduling conflicts, creative differences, and pay. He explained he hated the idea of splitting Yellowstone season 5 into two parts, both creatively, and because of his personal schedule.

Kevin Costner as John Dutton III in Yellowstone.

Paramount released the first trailer for Yellowstone season 5, part 2, and although Kevin Costner is not in the episodes, he is still in the teaser.

" I couldn’t help them anymore ," he said. " We tried to negotiate, they offered me less money than previous seasons, there were issues with the creative… " Finally, he got fed up and told his reps " have them pay me whatever number, we came up with a number, and they [Yellowstone] walked away. " When asked if he'd get a payout for the second half of the season, he replied

" I will probably go to court over it ." (via People ) He then confirmed he thought the number was about $12 million.

Costner also revealed that he was a little hurt about the rumors swirling that put the onus of blame squarely on him:

"I loved the show. I liked the people on the show. I liked what it was about. I love that world... There was a moment where that show for me stopped for 14 months. That’s the fact. I could have done a lot of things in that time, but I wasn’t aware that that [hold-up] was going to happen... I read all the stories. I was disappointed that nobody on their side … ever stepped up to defend what it was I actually did for them. There came a moment where I thought, ‘Wow, when is somebody going to say something about what I have done versus what I haven’t done?" (via People )

However, Costner seems to hold no ill will toward Taylor Sheridan, stating that he loved Sheridan's work and that working together again in the future on a different project wouldn't be out of the question. He's also expressed his appreciation for Yellowstone fans multiple times since the confirmation of his exit, stressing that it's a great fanbase and he's deeply grateful to the viewers who watched him play John Dutton for five seasons.

What Taylor Sheridan Has Said About Kevin Costner's Yellowstone Exit

The yellowstone creator has been carefully diplomatic in addressing the departure.

Taylor Sheridan and Kevin Costner from Yellowstone

According to Vulture , one of the conditional requests Costner made to return for Yellowstone season 5, part 2 as John Dutton was that he get final veto or approval on all episode scripts, which Taylor Sheridan, who is known for writing solo, was not exactly keen on. For his part, though, Sheridan hasn't had anything negative to say about Costner or his decision to exit, aside from expressing his general feelings of disappointment about how it all ended. ​​​​​​​

It should be noted that Taylor Sheridan is currently working on multiple spinoffs in the Yellowstone universe.

" My opinion of Kevin as an actor hasn’t altered, ” Sheridan said. “ His creation of John Dutton is symbolic and powerful … and I’ve never had an issue with Kevin that he and I couldn’t work out on the phone ." Still, he admitted that things did get tense and messy behind the scenes , allowing that it took an ugly turn (via THR ):

"Once lawyers get involved, then people don’t get to talk to each other and start saying things that aren’t true and attempt to shift blame based on how the press or public seem to be reacting. He took a lot of this on the chin and I don’t know that anyone deserves it. [ Horizon ] seems to be a great priority to him and he wants to shift focus. I sure hope [the movie is] worth it — and that it’s a good one." ​​​​​​​

Sheridan is understandably disappointed about how it all turned out. " I’m disappointed ,” he admitted. “ It truncates the closure of his character. It doesn’t alter it, but it truncates it. "

How Is Yellowstone Season 5 Writing Out Kevin Costner's John Dutton?

He will almost certainly be killed off (hopefully respectfully).

Kevin Costner smiling as John Dutton in Yellowstone

As of right now, we don't yet know exactly how the second part of Yellowstone season 5 will write out John Dutton. Kevin Costner's character was in the first part of the season, but a new teaser trailer for Yellowstone season 5, part 2 was recently released, and things don't look good for John. Considering the trailer's dark tone and especially the ominous line of dialogue of John Dutton agreeing with his son that he's not sure how much longer they'll get to keep doing this, the foreshadowing is pointing to John Dutton being killed off.

Right now, the easiest and cleanest solution to handle John no longer being part of the show would be his death. However, in some ways, that would also be the most disappointing, especially as it would have to happen off-screen. It would be a disservice to Kevin Costner and the towering figure of John Dutton for that death to happen in such an offhanded way; both deserve to be treated as more than an afterthought or a pesky plot thread that needs to be tied off. It doesn't appear that will be the case, though, according to Sheridan himself.

It would be a disservice to Kevin Costner and the towering figure of John Dutton for that death to happen in such an offhanded way; both deserve to be treated as more than an afterthought or a pesky plot thread that needs to be tied off.

" I was killed in a f----you car crash! " he laughed to THR , referring to how his character, David Hale, was casually killed off in Sons of Anarchy . “ I don’t do f----you car crashes. Whether [Dutton’s fate] inflates [Costner’s] ego or insults is collateral damage that I don’t factor in with regard to storytelling. ” Considering the messiness of Costner's exit, Sheridan's all-but-confirmation that he'll kill off Costner's character, and that foreboding teaser, a long life does not seem to be in the cards for the Dutton patriarch.

How Yellowstone Is Continuing Without Kevin Costner

Yellowstone season 6 has recently been confirmed.

Interestingly, new reports have indicated that Yellowstone will not bow after season 5, as has been the plan for a few years now. It had been rumored for a while this could be the case, but now it's officially confirmed. Instead, Yellowstone season 6 is reportedly happening, with the sixth season essentially acting as a soft reboot of the show as it goes in a new direction. Reportedly, Yellowstone season 6 will focus on Kelly Reilly's Beth and Cole Hauser's Rip , who will take over from Costner's John Dutton as the focal point of the TV show moving forward. This makes sense, as Kelly and Rip are the two strongest characters and the most readily poised to take over the narrative.

2018-2024

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2021-2022

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2022-Present

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On the other hand, it's a bit of a surprise, especially, as noted above, Yellowstone season 5 was always intended to be the last season. But with the show being a ratings juggernaut and most of the cast still seemingly eager to keep at it, it's understandable that Sheridan and Paramount would want their cash cow to continue. It's not yet clear what Yellowstone season 6's story will be, but considering the explosive season 5 hasn't ended yet, Beth and Rip's season 6 story will hinge upon what happens through the Yellowstone season 5 finale.

Sources: People , People , Vulture , THR

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Yellowstone stars Kevin Costner and centers on his character John Dutton. Dutton and his family live on a cattle ranch just a few hours away from Yellowstone National Park. The series chronicles the family’s struggle to defend their home from an Indian reservation and land developers. As if their life wasn’t complicated enough, the Duttons also have medical issues, political aspirations, and family secrets stacked against them.

Yellowstone

More From Forbes

American fashion house tom ford appoints haider ackermann as creative director.

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PARIS, FRANCE - SEPTEMBER 29: Designer Haider Ackermann acknowledges the audience during the Haider ... [+] Ackermann show as part of the Paris Fashion Week Womenswear Spring/Summer 2019 on September 29, 2018 in Paris, France. (Photo by Kristy Sparow/Getty Images)

After much intrigue, it has been announced today that Colombian-born French designer, Haider Ackermann has been appointed the Creative Director of Tom Ford , effective immediately.

Tom Ford, who stepped away from his brand in April 2023 following the sale to Estée Lauder for $2.8 billion, passed the brand baton onto long-standing and much-revered deputy Peter Hawkings, who had been with the brand since its launch and served the position for a year, having left in July—and next up, we see Ackermann take the reins.

The appointment marks Ackermann’s return to the catwalk too, with his last runway being in 2018 showing his own brand; he shares, “It is with tremendous pride that I will seek to honor the legacy of Tom Ford, a man I have long admired and have the utmost respect for. I am much looking forward to what lies ahead.”

The American fashion house, founded in 2005 is synonymous with rebellious-yet-polished, and oh-so-sexy clothing collections for women and men, and as we see this next chapter unfold, we expect Ackermann’s avant-garde approach to design to be incorperated. After all, he did study fashion at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp (alumni also include Ann Demeulemeester and Dries Van Notenthe of the infamous Antwerp six), and these graduates are rooted in strong silhouettes and on-point tailoring, for which Tom Ford is also known.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 12: Tom Ford walks the runway at the conclusion of his Tom Ford SS22 ... [+] during NYFW: The Shows at David H. Koch Theater, Lincoln Center on September 12, 2021 in New York City. (Photo by JP Yim/Getty Images)

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On the appointment, Founder Tom Ford says, “I have long been a great fan of Haider’s work. I find both his womenswear and menswear equally compelling. He is an incredible colorist, his tailoring is sharp, and above all he is modern. We share many of the same historical references, and I could not be more excited to see what he does with the brand. I suspect that I will be the first on my feet to applaud after his show in March.”

Ackermann's first collection will debut at Paris Fashion Week in March 2025, and based in Paris, he will report into Guillaume Jesel, President and CEO, Tom Ford and Luxury Business Development, who says, “Haider stands out as one of the world's most visionary and inspiring talents in fashion. He draws on his deep affinity for global culture and the arts to create arresting fashion and memorable emotional connections. He is the ideal steward to usher Tom Ford into the future.”

He'll also bring word to Lelio Gavazza, CEO, Tom Ford Fashion, Ermenegildo Zegna Group, who says tribute to Ackermann’s ingenuity, “His unparalleled creativity, which is aligned with the brand's DNA, as well as his renowned experience in luxury, will be instrumental in driving the fashion business forward during its next important phase of expansion. Working alongside the talented team at Tom Ford Fashion, Haider’s modern vision, for both men’s and women’s wear, will be essential as we advance and execute the many projects we have in development.”

We’ll eagerly await his debut collection, which will be shown at Paris Fashion Week in March 2025.

Felicity Carter

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