(If any of the links below have expired, try running the URLs through the Wayback Machine.)
“Absolute Write is a comprehensive informational Website for writers of all levels. Absolute Write offers articles and information about fiction, non-fiction, screen writing, freelancing, and copy-writing. In addition, we provide information about editing, publishing, agents, and market research. You’ll find links to classes, software, and a large and active on-line community of writers and publishing professionals.”
BRANDON SANDERSON LECTURE SERIES (VIDEO PLAYLIST)
Write About Dragons got permission from author Brandon Sanderson to film his creative writing class lectures.
BRIDGE TO STORY WRITING LESSONS
Free, self-paced on-line writing classes by author and writing coach E.J. Runyon. “These lesson categories will take you through a year of better writing. With 52 lessons to work with, jump in anywhere.”
THE CHICAGO MANUAL OF STYLE ONLINE
Per Wikipedia, “The Chicago Manual of Style (abbreviated in writing as CMS or CMOS [. . .]) is a style guide for American English published since 1906 by the University of Chicago Press. Its sixteen editions have prescribed writing and citation styles widely used in publishing. It is ‘one of the most widely used and respected style guides in the United States’.” From the CMS website: “Completely searchable and easy to use, The Chicago Manual of Style Online provides recommendations on editorial style and publishing practices for the digital age. Now offering the full contents of the 16th and 15th editions, it is the must-have reference for everyone who works with words.”
THE CRAFTY WRITER’S CREATIVE WRITING COURSE
“Are you a beginner writer? Do you know you want to put pen to paper but not know where to start? This eight-session online creative writing course will give you an introduction to the basic elements of creative writing, from prose fiction to poetry. The course is entirely free and you can work through it at your own pace. […] Feedback from a tutor will not be provided. However, you may ask questions along the way if there is something you don’t understand about how the course is put together.”
“Grammar Girl provides short, friendly tips to improve your writing. Covering the grammar rules and word choice guidelines that can confound even the best writers, Grammar Girl makes complex grammar questions simple with memory tricks to help you recall and apply those troublesome grammar rules. Whether English is your first language or second language, Grammar Girl’s punctuation, style, and business tips will make you a better and more successful writer. Mignon Fogarty is the creator and host of Grammar Girl. Grammar Girl is a Quick and Dirty Tips podcast.”
A site that features free English grammar lessons and tests. The site’s owner uses British English, but the rules the site goes over are broadly applicable to all variants of the English language.
Friedman is one of my heroes. Her range of on-line offerings — blog, classes, consulting — are some of the best in the industry. “Jane Friedman has more than 15 years of experience in the publishing industry, with expertise in digital media strategy for authors and publishers. From 2001–2010 she worked at Writer’s Digest, where she ultimately became publisher and editorial director of the $10-million multimedia brand. Most recently, she served as the digital editor for the Virginia Quarterly Review, where she led a strategic overhaul of its website and launched digital subscriptions. Jane specializes in educating authors about the publishing industry (without drama or hype) to help them make the best long-term decisions for their careers. She is known for thought-provoking talks on the future of authorship, and recently delivered keynotes at The Muse & The Marketplace, the University of Wisconsin Writers’ Institute, and PubSmart. She currently teaches digital media and publishing at the University of Virginia and is working on a Great Courses lecture series on writing for publication.”
OPEN LEARN LITERATURE & CREATIVE WRITING COURSES
“Much of the content on OpenLearn will be accessible to anyone with a general interest in a subject. Each free course is set at a particular level to indicate the amount of previous educational experience expected for you to be able to study the unit without too much difficulty, and within the stated hours of study. There are four levels – introductory, intermediate, advanced and masters – indicated in the summary description of each free course. If you are new to higher education we recommend that you start with free courses at introductory level.”
PARIS WRITERS RETREAT ON-LINE COURSES
“Authors of fiction and non-fiction join this acclaimed, weekly on-line course to work live with The New York Times best-selling authors and literary agent Wendy Goldman Rohm. Our cool, digital classroom features document sharing, live audio and video, screen sharing, and chat. Each class is limited to 10 writers. You will receive one printed lecture each week, one live class per week, and weekly assignments targeted at your particular project. Weekly critique and developmental editing of your work. Participating writers are guided through the creation process, fine tuning and perfecting their manuscripts–from the seed of an idea to a high-quality first draft.”
THE UNIVERSITY OF IOWA INTERNATIONAL WRITING PROGRAM MOOCS
“In 2014 the IWP announced its first MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses), which offer opportunities for the study and practice of creative writing and literary analysis to participants around the world. Funded by the United States Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and the University of Iowa, the IWP’s MOOCs are available to anyone who wishes to enroll; there is no cost to participants and there are no application requirements.”
An excellent and informative blog sponsored by the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America, with additional support from the Mystery Writers of America, the Horror Writers Association, and the American Society of Journalists and Authors. “Writer Beware […] provides warnings about literary schemes and scams, along with information on how writers can protect themselves; the Writer Beware blog, which covers schemes and scams in real time along with publishing industry news and advice for writers; and the Writer Beware Facebook page, which links to writing-related articles, blog posts, and news items and provides a forum for discussion. […] Although we’re sponsored by US-based organizations of professional fiction authors, our efforts aren’t limited by country, genre, or publication history. We’ve designed the Writer Beware website so it can be used by any writer, new or established, regardless of subject, style, genre, or nationality.”
A few of the best titles in my office are published by Writer’s Digest. Their website contains a wealth of information for new writers, along with plenty of opportunities for professional learning and networking.
“We have courses for every range of experience. And because we keep class sizes small, they’re also simple, friendly and intimate. If you haven’t taken an online course before, don’t worry. Our courses are easy to navigate and easy to fit into your life. Everything – videos, lectures, discussions, homework and feedback – can be accessed any time of day or night.”
WRITING UNIVERSITY OPEN COURSES
“Explore, learn, write. The Writing University Open Courses program offers free online classes for writers at every level. Depth and discovery await.”
Love this resource list? 
Sea Chapman 