Writing
Writing
If you're looking for top-tier writing instruction, look no further than UCLA Extension.
Finish a novel. Complete a screenplay. Publish poetry. Write your memoir. Take a class for fun!
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Courses
Find courses by discipline and level using the pull-down tabs provided below.
Basics of WritingThese basic creative writing courses are for students with no prior writing experience. Instruction is exercise-driven; the process of workshopping — in which students are asked to share and offer feedback on each other’s work with guidance from the instructor — is introduced. Click here to see offerings. |
Special Topics for All WritersCourses in this section are open to students at all levels and in all genres who want a deeper understanding of a specific craft issue or area of study. Click here to see offerings. |
Fiction (Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced)Beginning Fiction Courses in this section are recommended for students with some prior writing experience. Instruction is a mix of lecture and workshopping. With the close guidance of the instructor, students share and offer feedback in a supportive environment focused on assessing the strengths and weaknesses of their work. Those new to writing should consider courses in the Basics of Writing section. Click here to see offerings. Intermediate Fiction These courses are designed for students who have fulfilled the prerequisites stated in each description. Instruction includes lectures as appropriate, but the focus is on workshopping. Students continue to share and offer feedback in a supportive environment. Click here to see offerings. Advanced Fiction A manuscript submission is required for entry into these workshops. Courses are primarily workshop-driven. It is recommended that students take intermediate level courses prior to submitting their work to an advanced-level course. Click here to see offerings. |
Creative Nonfiction (Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced)Beginning Creative Nonfiction Courses in this section are recommended for students with some prior writing experience. Instruction is a mix of lecture and workshopping. With the close guidance of the instructor, students share and offer feedback in a supportive environment focused on assessing the strengths and weaknesses of their work. Those new to writing should consider courses in the Basics of Writing section. Click here to see offerings. Intermediate Creative Nonfiction These courses are designed for students who have fulfilled the prerequisites stated in each description. Instruction includes lectures as appropriate, but the focus is on workshopping. Students continue to share and offer feedback in a supportive environment. Click here to see offerings. Advanced Creative Nonfiction A manuscript submission is required for entry into these workshops. Courses are primarily workshop-driven. It is recommended that students take intermediate level courses prior to submitting their work to an advanced-level course. Click here to see offerings. |
Writing for Young ReadersCourses in this section offer opportunities for writers to specialize in the full array of books for children, including picture books, easy readers, chapter books, middle grade novels, and young adult novels. Click below for offerings: |
PoetryThese workshops are tailored to students with specific levels of experience in poetry writing. Please review course descriptions carefully or call an advisor to determine which course will best help you reach your writing goals. Click here for offerings. |
Editing and PublishingThese courses are designed for writers who want to improve their editing skills or develop competencies toward a career in editing and publishing. Some courses help advanced writing students prepare and submit their work for publication. Call a Writers’ Program advisor for more information. Click here for offerings. |
Special Topics for Film and TelevisionCourses in this section are open to students who want a deeper understanding of a specific craft issue or area of study. These courses fulfill the elective requirement for screenwriting certificates. Click here for offerings. |
Feature Film (Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced)Beginning Feature Film Recommended for beginning students, these courses build on one another in a four-part sequence. With the close guidance of the instructor, students share and offer feedback in a supportive environment focused on assessing the strengths and weaknesses of the work. By the end of the sequence, students have a completed draft of their first feature film script. Click here for offerings. Intermediate Feature Film Courses in this section are for students who have completed at least one screenplay. A new project is begun with an emphasis on craft issues such as structure, character development, and emotional content. Self-editing techniques are introduced. Click here for offerings. Advanced Feature Film A script-submission is required for these advanced-level courses which are primarily workshop driven. It is recommended that students take courses at the intermediate level prior to submitting their work to an advanced-level course. Click here for offerings. |
Television (Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced)Beginning Television Recommended for beginning students who are writing a spec script of an existing comedy or drama series. With the close guidance of the instructor, students share and offer feedback in a supportive environment focused on assessing the strengths and weaknesses of the work. Click here for offerings. Intermediate Television Courses in this section are for students who have completed at least one draft of a spec script of an existing series. The focus is on writing and polishing a solid first draft of an original pilot. Students also gain a better understanding of the business of writing for television. Click here for offerings. Advanced Television A script-submission is required for these advanced-level workshop-driven courses. It is recommended that students take courses at the intermediate level prior to submitting their work to an advanced-level workshop. Students write original pilots or further refine their existing projects. Click here for offerings. |
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Writers thrive when they immerse themselves in a community of people who share their passion.
Many people fondly remember their Writers’ Program classes for years after—the connections they make with other students and instructors end up being the fuel they need to keep going.
The Write Process Podcast
One writer, one project, from concept to completion
Writers' Program director and host, Charlie Jensen, invites writers to sit down and recount how one of their projects made it into the world.
Listen and subscribe:
Literary Journal
Southland Alibi is the student-run literary journal published by the Writers’ Program at UCLA Extension.
We feature high quality works of art, fiction, poetry, and nonfiction supporting diverse viewpoints.
Writers' Program Newsletter
Receive our quarterly email for the latest on classes, special offerings, upcoming events, and more.
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Programs
Creative Writing
Develop creative writing skills in multiple genres of interest including fiction, creative nonfiction, poetry, and more. This customizable program culminates in a capstone project in which students make significant progress on a polished collection of work.
Editing and Publishing
Get hands-on training for a career in editing, communication, or book and document production.
Feature Film Writing
Complete up to three feature film scripts with the guidance of industry professionals.
Screenwriting: Film and TV Comprehensive
Write feature film and TV scripts, and learn about production in this comprehensive program designed primarily for international students who want to study in the entertainment capital of the world.
Television Writing
Write up to three spec scripts in either one-hour or half-hour TV formats.
Courses
How to Land a Literary Agent
Learn to work strategically toward finding an agent in this workshop that helps you develop a pitch, a list of agents, and materials that identify you as a serious writer prepared for success.