What students are saying about online creative writing certificates
From a supportive community to expert instructors, here’s what real students loved most about online creative writing courses.
If you’re seeking to improve your writing skills, there’s a good chance you’ve heard about online creative writing certificates.
Flashy ads and polished websites can make these programs sound almost too good to be true: You can hone your skills, receive constructive criticism from expert instructors, and earn a credential from a well-respected institution—all from your own home.
But as dozens of satisfied students will tell you, Interlochen Online’s creative writing certificate programs are exactly as promised: effective, flexible, and fulfilling ways to achieve your goals. To help you understand what online classes are really like, we’ve collected feedback from aspiring writers who recently took online creative writing courses and certificate programs. Here’s what real students had to say about their experience.
Constructive feedback
One of the primary elements that sets an online creative writing certificate program apart from other online resources—such as YouTube tutorials—is the opportunity to receive feedback from instructors and peers. Interlochen Online students of all ages found the constructive criticism they received to be one of the most valuable aspects of their experience:
“With an online course, you can get feedback from all different kinds of people who each share a deep passion for writing. The feedback from other students and instructors has helped me greatly in all of my artistic endeavors.” – Middle school student
“I loved the one-on-one feedback from my teacher. Conversing with others from around the U.S. and getting feedback from people my age has made me a better writer.” – Middle school student
“I found the feedback from the instructor very constructive, thorough, and insightful.” – Adult learner
“[The instructor’s] feedback was personalized, constructive, and helpful. She always had helpful revision suggestions that were motivating.” – Adult learner
A supportive community
While receiving feedback is a vital part of a writer’s development, sharing a short story or poem that you’ve poured your heart into is a deeply vulnerable process. Online creative writing programs strive to foster a nurturing community where students feel safe to share their work with both instructors and peers—a goal which many Interlochen Online students say the program has achieved:
“I really loved how kind and supportive the instructors I had were, as well as my fellow students. I could connect with people across the country—and even globe—in a safe, healthy environment.” – Middle school student
“The teachers and fellow students are all very kind and supportive, and it is really nice to be with other people who love writing in a respectful environment.” – Middle school student
“I enjoyed the environment the teacher created and how safe I felt to share my ideas and work.” – High school student
“My biggest hesitation about signing up for a writing class was the fear that the environment would be highly critical and I would feel out of place. I really appreciated how [the instructor] encouraged us all with equal measures of enthusiasm! She provided feedback in the most positive and uplifting way.” – Adult learner
Flexible structure
Unlike in-person classes—which require students to be in a certain place at a predetermined time—online creative writing certificates can be completed on a schedule that works for you. Here’s what Interlochen Online students had to say about the program’s flexible structure:
“Four weeks was just enough time for me to consistently participate without interference with other aspects of my life.” – High school student
“I loved being able to work at my own pace but having assignments to submit.” – High school student
“I liked the asynchronous structure of this course. The flexibility was great, and I worked at my own pace.” – High school student
“The workload was beyond manageable for a working adult.” – Adult learner
Engaging course content
Interlochen Online’s creative writing courses explore a variety of genres and forms—from fabulist fiction to memoir. But no matter which course students choose, instructors balance theoretical instruction, sample readings, and hands-on activities to maximize student growth:
“I enjoyed how we learned not just techniques of fabulism, but also the history of it. We explored all the different styles of fabulism to understand it better.” – High school student
“I really loved the diversity in what we tried out and wrote throughout the course. I really loved how novel these new topics were, and that made the whole experience very fun.” – Middle school student
“The supporting reading material perfectly aligned with the instruction.” – High school student
“The writing assignments were superb and really captured the takeaways from the lessons.” – Adult learner
Expert instruction
Online creative writing certificates are designed by expert instructors with real-world experience as published authors and editors. Beyond the course content, these dedicated artist-educators also offer individualized guidance and lasting inspiration throughout the experience. Here’s what students had to say about Interlochen Online’s instructors:
“I loved our teacher; she always gave positive feedback, and she would give you advice for things you were stuck on or were curious about.” – Middle school student
“The instructor has the training and skill to create a class that zeros in on this specific genre, and I think that is why the class has benefited me more than previous classes.” – High school student
“The instructor is wonderful: Always thoughtful and supportive. Her thoughts on my writing are invaluable!” – Adult learner
“[Our instructor] was an amazing teacher and was able to inspire me, first to write, then to make it even better. She flipped a switch in me that I didn’t know needed to be switched.” – Adult learner
Discovering your potential
When you enroll in an online creative writing certificate program, you won’t just learn about writing: You’ll learn about yourself. Many Interlochen Online students say they’ve discovered their potential and sparked new passions through participating in an online course:
“I especially loved how this course helped me push the boundaries of my writing.” – Middle school student
“I hesitated to take this course because I rarely read fabulist fiction. What a shame that would have been if I hadn't. I thoroughly enjoyed the course and the writings that I created. It was so much fun. I am now encouraged to search for this type of fiction for learning more about it and the pure enjoyment of reading it for pleasure.” – Adult learner
“I learned that I love writing hybrid essays—who knew? I didn’t even know what those words meant before this class. But now that I do know, I intend to write more and maybe make a difference in things I am truly passionate about.” – Adult learner
“I enjoyed the readings we were given and the challenges of trying new forms and new points of view. Although I thought I'd like to be a writer, it was the inspiration of this course that moved me to actually write!” – Adult learner
“I was apprehensive about this course, yet with [the instructor’s] encouragement, especially in the Zoom class sessions, I was able to take real risks and discover that I have more in me than I thought.” – Adult learner
The bottom line
If you’re dedicated to improving your skills as a writer, online creative writing certificates may be a great choice for you. Enroll today and see for yourself why so many students are raving about this fast-growing educational option.
