creative writing classes houston

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4 Best Creative Writing Classes in Houston

Showing 4 courses that match your search.

Quilting Together Your Scraps and Pieces of Writing

Anyone else have scraps of writing just sitting in the Google drive or an overstuffed notebook? What do you do with them all? These pieces do all have something in common; you wrote them and you like them, so we are going to have an old fashioned quilting bee.

Website: https://www.writespacehouston.org/creative-writing.html

Categories: Book, Fiction, Essay, Nonfiction, and Poetry

Start date:

Prerequisites: No prerequisites

Sweet & Savory, Salty & Bitter: Memories & Experiences with Food

In this three-hour workshop, we will approach personal essay through memories and experiences with food. In these essays, you can explore your relationship with particular people or with a gathering or event in your life. We will practice several techniques for connecting with food to craft a satisfying personal essay.

Categories: Essay, Nonfiction, and Food

April, 2024

Revising and Publishing Flash Fiction and Nonfiction

Alberto Giacometti famously said, “only beauty in imperfection.” How then do we approach revision, in such a way to emphasize not a perceived lack of flaws, but a celebration of imperfection? This workshop will explore that question but focusing on strategies for revising flash fiction and nonfiction.

Categories: Fiction, Book, Nonfiction, and Publishing

March, 2024

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Creative Writing

The Women's Institute of Houston

This is a writing class that welcomes all genres—whether you’re working on a novel, writing an essay about an intense moment in your life, or wondering what it takes to write a poem that encapsulates a rare moment of beauty.

Website: https://www.wih.org/product/creative-writing-may-2-may-30/

Categories: Book

So you’re looking for creative writing classes in Houston

Houston might be more famously known as the hometown of Hilary Duff, Tila Tequila, and Queen Bey herself. But what commonly goes under the radar is that Houston is also an exciting scene for many up-and-coming authors—and with such a thriving literary community, it will come as no surprise to you that there are also many great creative writing classes available in Houston for you to take if you’re looking to hone your writing skills.

This directory of the best writing courses in Houston is meant to help you locate the right one for yourself.  We’ve included filters for price and genre so that you can quickly sort through the writing classes. And before you commit to any one writing class, consider the following questions:

• Who is the instructor?
• What is the price of the writing course?
• How far away is the writing course in Houston? Is there a remote alternative?
• How long could the course last?

Got any questions about finding the right writing class in Houston for you? Feel free to reach out to us at [email protected] . Good luck!

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In-Person & Online Camps For K-12 Students Creative Writing Camp

REGISTER TODAY

We live in a creative world where ideas, collaboration, and adaptability are a must–and writing is essential. So how do we prepare our children for their future? How do we ensure that they become thoughtful leaders for change, passionate learners, and curious thinkers we need to improve our world? Through Creative Writing Camp, young people discover the power within themselves – to create, innovate, and connect with others.  

The Only Place Where Children Learn from Talented Educators & Writers

In addition to being accomplished educators working in classrooms year-round, many have Masters and Ph.D.s in writing and education and are published authors. Our instructors are experts at this, and they’re ready to help your child shine.

How We Measure Up

For 20 years, Dr. Carl Scott of the University of St. Thomas has evaluated the success of the program and found students improved in writing skills, creativity and self-confidence.

How Creativity Leads to Success

According to Becoming Brilliant: What Science Tells Us about Raising Successful Children (Kathy Hirsh-Pasek and Roberta Golinkoff), what children most need for 21st-century learning are the 6Cs: collaboration, communication, content, critical thinking, creative innovation and confidence.

Creative Writing Camp works because it’s where writing is an exploration. It’s where one day your child will create their own map to a planet they’ve just discovered, and the next day they’re writing the ending to a 3-act play with a group of friends. It’s where they’ll publish their first poem. It’s where they’ll begin to see what they can become. Whether they’re not sure how to get started or they already write a million pages a day, they’ll feel at home writing here. This is where the spark of invention begins.

GET STARTED

Register Today

Please read through the information below and view the embedded tutorial videos to make the process as smooth as possible.

The 3-step process for registering includes: Step 1 - Family Account setup Step 2 - Pre-registration application for your student(s) Step 3 - Registration.

If you completed Steps 1 and 2 during the Pre-registration period between Jan. 16-29, please proceed to Step 3. All others should start at Step 1.

Note: Completion of Steps 1 and 2 during the Pre-registration period does not guarantee your student(s) a place in camp.

A Family Account is required to register a student for our 2024 Creative Writing Camp. To register a student for camp, a parent/guardian must create a Family Account using their own name in order to successfully begin the pre-registration application process. Once you have set up your account, you will be able to add your student(s)/member(s) to the Family Account. You will be able to manage all members in your Family Account.

Note: If you created a Family Account when registering for a previous summer's CWC, please use your existing account.

Should you need step-by-step instructions, we have created a brief video tutorial to help guide you through the Family Account Set up. 

Video Tutorial - Create a Family Account

Video Tutorial - Manage Your Members

After setting up or logging into your Family Account, including adding student(s)/member(s) you plan to register for camp, you are now ready to complete the parent permissions application for each student. Cick “New Application” in the menu options of your Family Account, then “More Information” and “Apply Now.” You will now be able to “Start” CWC pre-registration for your student(s)/member(s). During the application process, there are six “To Do” pages to complete for each student. As you complete each page, you will see a green check mark next to each page to reflect your progress. To move to Step 3, Registration, you must complete all “To Do” items in order to submit the parent permissions application. Completing these “To Dos” will take approximately 10 minutes per student/member.

Before you begin Step 2: “Pre-registration”, you will need the following:

• Medical Insurance Information
• Emergency Contact Information
• Contact Information for an alternate authorized person to pick up your student(s), if applicable.

Note: If registering for virtual camps, a unique email address is required for each student you plan to register.

Video Tutorial - Submitting Student Applications

Once you have successfully completed all six “To-Dos” in the Pre-Registration Application (Step 2) and they reflect “Complete,” you will be able to register and complete the payment process for your student(s).

Please use the following instructions to complete the registration process. Should it be helpful, you can download the Registration Instructions .

Registration Instructions

1.   Scroll down on this webpage to the listing of the Camps available.

2.   Select a camp, and this will take you to the cart. If you want to select an additional camp, click the Back button on your browser, or click “Keep Shopping” in the Cart.

3.   When you are finished selecting camp/s, click “Checkout.”

4.   If you have already completed pre-registration, log in under “I have a Family Account already.” If you haven’t already completed pre-registration, please go back up to “How to Set Up a Family Account – Step 1” above.

5.   At the cart screen, click on “Add/Remove Members” for a camp selection, and in the pop-up window select the student for that camp. Then click on “Enroll Members.” Repeat this step for additional camps selected, if any.

6.   If you are registering 2 or more students, the siblings discount will be automatically applied at the end of the checkout process. If it’s not automatically applied, please check "Apply a Discount" in the Cart, then select "SLC CWC Siblings" from the dropdown menu to apply the discount.

7.   Click on “Checkout.”

8.   Now, you will select the t-shirt size for your child/ren. Click on the plus sign on the far right of their name and then click on the pull-down menu to see the sizes. Select the size. Repeat this step for each student and click on “Continue Checkout.”

9.   Next, click on “View Members” for each camp to confirm you selected the correct student for the camp. Click on “Continue checkout.”

10.  Enter your credit card information and click “Continue.”

11.  Next, check your email for confirmation of your registration. Note: reception of email may take a few minutes.

Note: Completion of Pre-registration between Jan. 16-26 does not guarantee your student(s) place in camp.

Virtual Camp Single Student - $495

On-Campus Single Student - $525

Sibling Discount (Two or more) – 5% discount per student

The sibling discount will be applied automatically to your cart during Step 3: Registration. You must register two or more at the same time to be eligible for this discount.

Just Write It! Our signature camp experience for incoming K – 12th grade students, in-person and online

Jump into the magic of creative writing! This course offers an array of fun, interactive writing activities and customized exercises designed to help students develop their unique voices, broaden their imaginations, and boost their confidence as writers. With the help of professional writers and teachers, students will explore a range of poetry, prose, and creative nonfiction as they use their writing to investigate their worlds and examine issues that are important to them. During the week, students will peer review each other’s work, and receive feedback from their instructors. Students will share their creations at a celebration on the last day of camp and take home a portfolio of their collected work.

Magical Worlds (6th/7th) Do you enjoy folklore, stories with magical settings, characters with superhuman abilities? As far back as ancient times, people have lived by the phrase, “Life is what you make it so make the best of it.” In this playful course you will do just that—build your own world! Guided by your writing coaches you will learn the basics of worldbuilding and create, explore and develop your own original world. You will delve into narrative genres such as science fiction, fantasy, and superhero fiction as you explore writings with a fantastical edge. You will leave with the tools needed to help you create new worlds in a variety of genres.

Nature: A Writing Inspiration (6th/7th) “Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts…. Rachel Carson

A wooded pass covered in freshly fallen leaves, or perhaps a thunderstorm rolling in through the evening sky. Nature has a way of capturing the eye, and inspiring those who gaze upon its natural beauty. Through this course students will have a chance to experience writing that centers nature as its inspiration. By using outside writing time as well as prompts and mentor text that show how other artists around the world have crafted writing for and inspired by the great outdoors, your young writer will be able to capture the beauty from their eyes while enjoying nature.

Focus on Fiction: Characters and Conflict (8th/9th) Dive deep into the heart of storytelling! This course is an exploration of the elements that breathe life into compelling narratives. Uncover the secrets of creating multi-dimensional characters with depth and authenticity, while also delving into the art of crafting engaging conflicts that drive your plot forward. Through a combination of insightful discussions, writing exercises, and constructive feedback, you will hone your skills in character development and conflict resolution—the tools you need to captivate readers and weave unforgettable tales!

Uncanny and Unreal: Adventures in Sci-Fi and Fantasy Writing (8th/9th) Embark on a captivating journey into the extraordinary realms of science fiction and fantasy. Whether you're a novice or a seasoned fantasy writer, discover the secrets of crafting immersive worlds, creating compelling characters, and mastering intricate plots in speculative fiction with other fantasy fanatics. From the art of genre blending to developing your unique voice, this course offers a dynamic blend of writing exercises, workshops, and collaborative discussions, providing the tools and inspiration to bring your wildest imaginings to life on the page. Join us and unleash your creativity in the fantastical landscapes of the uncanny and unreal.

The Art of the Essay (10th/12th) The history of the essay finds its origins in the core Renaissance ideal of “rebirth.” This course will allow you to give “new life” to the art of essay writing by asking you to examine your personal story and connect it to a broader world of concepts and ideas. We’ll analyze this important and passionate literary form that will take your writing beyond familiar boundaries. We’ll experiment with fun, contemporary non-fiction forms like flash non-fiction, recipe writing, humor, and even lampoon to expand and sharpen your essay writing skills. Through the writing workshop model of peer review, you will work with your fellow writers to hone techniques and approaches, and you will leave with a portfolio of several completed essays.

Begin the registration process by finding your grade level and campus below. Please note camps often fill up quickly. You must complete checkout to secure your spot. If your desired camp is not visible, then it is currently at capacity.

Filter by grade:

Registration for Creative Writing Camp 2024 opens Monday, Jan 29! Sign up below to be the first to know when registration opens.

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Dates, Locations and Grade-levels for Creative Writing Camp 2024

Choose among five in-person camp locations, or an online option for campers anywhere!

Frequently Asked Questions

For questions about Creative Writing Camp programming – Please leave a voice messagefor School Literacy and Culture at 713-348-5333 or Writer’s in the Schools at 713-523-3877. Your message will be answered as soon as possible. For technical help with registration, please contact 713-348-4803.

Seats may become available due to cancellations or the opening of new classes. Please check the website often to see if any seats have opened at a particular campus. Creative Writing Camp does not have a waitlist.

If you are enrolling your child in the 2024 Rice + WITS Creative Writing Camp, you have read and understand the following cancellation and refund policy:

A 10 percent processing fee will be subtracted from all refunds. Due to the high demand for courses, registrations are considered final 30 days before classes start. No refunds will be issued after these dates and credits will not be given for future classes. No refunds will be granted for participants who miss a portion of a program. Refund requests before the deadline must be made in writing to  [email protected] . Refunds for credit card payments will be processed as credits to the accounts from which they were paid and may not appear as a credit on your statement for up to four to six weeks. Refunds for enrollments paid by check take up to four to six weeks to be processed and mailed by the Rice University accounting office. There is a $30 charge for any check returned for insufficient funds.

If multiple children are registered and have received the sibling discount, and later one or more registrations are canceled so that only one child remains registered, the remaining child's registration will be adjusted to the full price, and a refund for the appropriate amount will be issued.

A limited number of scholarships are available based on financial need. Please make your request by emailing [email protected] and an application form will be sent to you. Submitting a scholarship application does not guarantee receiving a scholarship. Please note if your child was awarded a scholarship last summer, you are not eligible to apply for the upcoming summer.

After you create your Family Account, please save your credentials. To revisit your Family Account, you can save the link to login or click on the link directly from the Creative Writing Camp webpage. To access your account, use the login username and password credentials and follow the login instructions. If you no longer know or have access to your credentials, please follow the Forget Password instructions directly on the login page. GO TO FAMILY ACCOUNT

All classes will be team-taught with class sizes capped at approximately 20 students.

• Health and safety protocols for each camp session will be dependent upon campus-based policies in effect at the time camp is offered.
• Participating campers will be invited to bring basic supplies (paper, pencils, colored pencils, crayons, markers, small watercolor kits) for individual use throughout the week of camp.
• Classes will be divided into age-level groupings that may include students from more than one grade level.  Based on enrollment, classes may include students from more than one grade level.
• Creative writing and fine arts activities will be planned by highly qualified teacher/writer pairs and feature low staff-to-camper ratios.

Friend requests may be made in the student's Pre-registration application. Requests are not guaranteed but we will do our best to grant them.

Focus groups of professional writers and highly effective teachers have come together to craft this exciting online approach to Creative Writing Camp, which has received positive reviews from parents and students since its inception in 2020. Wherever possible, student experiences will draw upon our traditional camp model, but we will also embrace this opportunity to explore new approaches and think creatively. Join us as we explore just what is possible in a virtual environment!

All classes will be team-taught with class sizes capped at approximately 20 students. Classes will be divided into age-level groups:

• Morning: 3rd–5th grade
• Afternoon: 6th–8th and 9th–12th grade

Classes for younger students will include a combination of:

• Live community-building activities
• Live large and small group times that might include anything from the reading of a great children’s book as inspiration for creative writing to a virtual field trip
• Live story dictation activities with a teacher and
• “Center time” featuring pre-recorded activities and a wealth of independent art and extension projects to enjoy at your family’s convenience.

Classes for older students will include:

• Live large and small group times
• Live personalized consultation with experienced writers/teachers and
• Independent pre-recorded activities and extension projects to enjoy at your family’s convenience.
• All camp courses will utilize the Canvas learning platform. Each student will need a unique e-mail address to access the system. Emails are to be provided by the parents.
• Students will also need a laptop, tablet or phone to access the course, but we recommend a laptop or tablet. The best user experience is achieved through the Google Chrome web browser. If using a tablet or phone, download the Canvas Student app to access the course.
• Each student will need a notebook, journal, or folder with blank paper and writing implements such as pencils, pens, and markers.
• Extension activities will utilize basic arts and crafts materials such as scissors, colored paper, glue, watercolors, etc. that students typically use at school. Parents will not be asked to buy specific art materials.
•  All families will be asked to complete a “tech check” the week before their virtual camp session. Support staff will be available for assistance that day should families have any challenges logging into the system.
• During “tech check” students will be able to “meet” their teachers as they view pre-recorded videos uploaded by the teachers and writers leading the course. Students will also be asked to record their own introductory video to share with their classmates.
• “Tech check” will also provide an opportunity for parents to receive more detailed information regarding each class’s daily schedule, should they have a need for specifics.

Finally, should families have challenges with technology at any point during the camp experience, they will be able to connect directly with IT support staff via phone or e-mail. 713-348-4803 or [email protected]

Creative Writing Camp is a collaboration between Writers in the Schools and Rice University’s School Literacy and Culture and has inspired young writers for over 30 years. Our online and in-person camps deep dive into writing topics that hone creativity and prepare students for future success. With low student-teacher ratios and mentorship from professional writers, Creative Writing Camp offers a writer’s workshop experience!

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College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences    > Department of English    > English Creative Writing Minor

A minor in English Creative Writing consists of 18 semester credit hours. Students may focus on poetry, fiction, or nonfiction. Portfolio admission is required before students can enroll in 4000-level Creative Writing courses. Students submit portfolios after the completion of ENGL 3331    and while enrolled in at least one of the following courses: ENGL 2318   , ENGL 3330   , or ENGL 3332   . Students can transfer in 3 hours of credit for a creative writing course taken at the second-year level or beyond; the transfer course must include a workshop element. Courses to be applied to the minor must be approved by the department.

Creative Writing Minor Requirements

Credit hours required for this minor: 18.0

Beginning Creative Writing

3.0 Credit Hours

It is suggested that students take this course within the first six hours of advanced English.

• ENGL 3331 - Beginning Creative Writing: Poetry Credit Hours: 3.0

Creative Writing Courses at the 2000 and/or 3000 Level

6.0 Credit Hours

Two Creative Writing courses at the 2000 and/or 3000 level selected from among the following:

• ENGL 3330 - Beginning Creative Writing: Fiction Credit Hours: 3
• ENGL 3332 - Beginning Creative Writing: Nonfiction Credit Hours: 3.0
• ENGL 2318 - Creation and Performance of Literature Credit Hours: 3.0

Literature Course at the 3000 or 4000 Level

One literature course at the 3000 or 4000 level that expands the student’s understanding of literary traditions.

• ENGL 3324 - The Development of the Novel Credit Hours: 3
• ENGL 3325 - Structures of Poetry Credit Hours: 3
• ENGL 3328 - Masterpieces of British Literature from the Eighteenth Century Credit Hours: 3
• ENGL 3351 - Am Lit Since 1865 Credit Hours: 3
• ENGL 3354 - Contemp Amer Fiction Credit Hours: 3
• ENGL 4332 - Modern and Contemporary Poetry Credit Hours: 3

Creative Writing Courses at the 4000 Level

Two Creative Writing courses at the 4000 level taken only AFTER the 3000 level course requirements and the literature requirement have been satisfied, as well as successful admission by portfolio. Choose from fiction, poetry, or nonfiction.

• ENGL 4386 - Short Story Writing Credit Hours: 3
• ENGL 4382 - Poetry Writing Credit Hours: 3
• ENGL 4352 - Nonfiction Writing Credit Hours: 3.0
• ENGL 4387 - Senior Writing Projects in Creative Writing: Fiction Credit Hours: 3
• ENGL 4384 - Senior Writing Projects in Creative Writing: Poetry Credit Hours: 3
• ENGL 4385 - Fiction Forms Credit Hours: 3
• ENGL 4383 - Poetic Forms Credit Hours: 3
• ENGL 4358 - Senior Writing Projects in Creative Writing: Nonfiction Credit Hours: 3.0
• ENGL 4357 - Nonfiction Forms Credit Hours: 3.0
• ENGL 4395 - Advanced Topics in Creative Writing Credit Hours: 3

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Want to Write? These Classes and Workshops Will Help You Get Started

By Nick Esquer January 5, 2016 Published in the January 2016 issue of Houstonia Magazine

Image: Phillip Cheaney

From hands-on workshops​ to online courses ​, there's no excuse to let that short story or screenplay go unwritten this year. Read on, and write on.

Gale Courses

Busy writers who can’t set aside classroom time can benefit from this online program from the Houston Public Library system, which offers classes in creative writing, business writing, grant writing and publishing. houstonlibrary.org

Leisure Learning Unlimited

Classes range from beginner-level overviews in fiction, screenwriting and grammar to more intensive courses on creating three-dimensional characters or, you know, writing a book in three weeks or less. 2990 Richmond Ave., 713-529-4414

School of Literacy & Culture at Rice

Rice’s Glasscock School of Continuing Studies offers dynamic courses for writers from virtually any background. The program’s classes include journal writing, story shaping and even a course in children’s and young adult writing. 5615 Kirby Dr., 713-348-5333

Spectrum Center

The Galleria-area holistic center, known for its workshops on psychotherapy and natural healing, also has an in-house writers guild. Along with classes and writing retreats, the center provides private tutoring. 4100 Westheimer Rd., 713-840-8957

In addition to hosting high-profile authors each year, this literary institution offers fiction, poetry, memoir and nonfiction workshops. Personal essay courses teach would-be authors how to build a narrative and write persuasively. 1520 Main St., 713-521-2026

The Women's Institute of Houston

The institute offers both an eight-week creative writing course focusing on fiction, poetry, memoir and journaling and a 10-week memoir course. 2202 Avalon Pl., 713-529-7123

Writers in the Schools

WITS has teamed up with Houston Public Library to offer a weekly Young Writers Workshop at the HPL Express Library at Discovery Green, which is free and open to Houston kids in grades 2–8. witshouston.org

Founded in 2014, this organization hosts weekly workshops led by local writers, who review members’ work and guide them through revisions. Hate writing alone? Attend a three-hour intensive session, where members meet in a group setting to work on their manuscripts. Silver Street Studios, 2000 Edwards St.,  713-516-5679  

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Houston Writers Guild

Craft, Career, Community

2024  AuthorPalooza Extravaganza Conference

Authorpalooza conference tickets are available now thank you to all our amazing presenters, agents, editors, vendors, and participants. we are grateful for your continued support and commitment to growing our authors community., welcome to the houston writers guild.

     The Houston Writers Guild is a volunteer-run, nonprofit organization working to create a community of writers of all skill levels. Together we strive to improve our writing craft and help each other build successful careers through education, collaborative marketing efforts, and camaraderie.

     The Guild offers a myriad of programs for both published and unpublished writers.  It creates opportunities to build careers through networking, as well as, opportunities for author book sales throughout the Greater Houston area and neighboring communities. The Guild is also a place for hobbyist authors to enjoy writing in a relaxed and fun environment.

     Please note that the Guild is run by volunteers. When contacting us, please allow 4-7 business days for a response as the directors work to support our writing community in the midst of their personal and professional lives.

We appreciate your patience.

Our Mission

     The HWG is a community of Houston-area writers whose purpose is to support each other in the author’s craft and writing career through:

Engendering safe environments for writers of all skill levels. (Critique Groups)

Reciprocally sharing time, talent, and knowledge. (Socials and Round Tables)

Creating opportunities for the development of writing careers. (Through Conferences and Workshops)

Celebrating the success of each as a success of all. (Via Newsletter and Social Media)

Providing a platform through which members forge life-long relationships in writing and publishing.

Fostering a culture of continuous learning. (Through Conferences and Workshops)

     Won’t you join us in some of our great programs? Browse our site to see all we have to offer.

Members receive substantial discounts on workshops, conferences and contests. Feel free to sign up for our monthly newsletter, whether you join or not. You must be a member to participate in critique circles (although you can visit once as a guest).

Your Houston Writers Guild Board

Chief Executive Officer & President

Alicia Richardson

Chief Financial Officer

Ronel Golden

Chris Lombardi

Brenda K Preuss

Critique Director

Mark Anderson

Membership Director

Event Programing Director

Alexandria Willbond

Communications Director

Your Houston Writers Guild Staff and Volunteers

Karina Sokulski

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Creative classes in houston.

Channel your inner artist at one of Houston's adult-friendly, DIY creative studios

Set in a little art studio, on the edge of Montrose and Midtown,  Pinot's Palette , welcomes guests for weekly, adult art classes. The regular events combine local artist-led painting courses with the option to BYOB and snacks. Classes feature specific subject themes like Texas Bluebonnets and the Houston skyline, as well as step-by-step instruction so that even novice artists can keep up. Attention shutterbugs.  The Houston Center for Photography  offers more than 250 workshops annually. These open courses in film and digital photography cover everything from beginning basics to image composition. Students of all levels can choose topics they are interested in or follow a curriculum guide. Class schedules are released quarterly.    Make a one-of-a-kind gift for a friend or create custom dishes at one of  The Mad Potter ’s three studio locations. Whether it’s for a birthday, date night or corporate party, the paint-your-own-pottery studio offers guests an array of paintable pottery (plates, bowls, vases and everything in between), as well as endless paints and tools to make it your own. Stop by on Friday nights for date night and enjoy a glass of Chardonnay while you flex your artistic muscles.

Enjoy a refreshing cocktail and snacks while learning a new skill at Joyful Ink’s Cocktails and Calligraphy Workshops! This beginner calligraphy classes are typically taught by Kimberly Coffman of Joyful Ink Calligraphy. Enjoy a fun and educational night out with friends and learn to create amazing invitation and gifts for your bridal party, Christmas cards or wedding invites. The workshop comes with calligraphy pens, workbook, clipboard, and of course cocktails. Ever watch shows like TLC's Cake Boss and wonder if you've got what it takes to make amazing confections? Try your hand at this specialty skill at  Cake Craft Shoppe  in Sugar Land. This retail and education shop offers hands-on classes in advanced cake decorating. This isn't how to bake or frost properly, but rather lessons on how to create elaborate cakes taught by guest instructors that have studied with top international sugar artists. Sculpture and drawing. Two art forms that trace back to the origins of man. If you're trying to hone your skills in one of these ancient mediums, or want to experiment for the first time, check out the classes offered at  The Glassell Studio School .This institution, part of the Museum of Fine Arts Houston, provides multi-week, hands on training in a number of artistic disciplines. From the 4,500-square-foot sculpture studio to the fully-equipped jewelry andenamel studio, Glassell offers the perfect environment to discover your artistic self.  Think you have a story to tell? Three times a year,  Inprint Houston , offers non-credit writers' workshops taught by accomplished local authors. Though modeled on graduate-level creative writing courses, the workshops are open to individuals of all skill levels, those exploring writing for the first time and others interested in preparing work for publication. Genres covered in different workshops include fiction, memoir, novel, poetry and more. All workshops are held at Inprint House in Montrose. From creative journaling to jewelry soldering, the people at  Texas Art Asylum  offer classes in a number of disciplines that will ignite your creative spirit. This gallery/re-sale shop/classroom is a great spot for those interested in turning yesterday's trash into tomorrow's works of art. Walk their aisles and get inspired. 

At one of The Rustic Brush 's various locations, you can create a work of art in a DIY studio that focus on sign and home décor workshops and building projects you can display anywhere!

Whether you're interested in learning the basics of floral design or want to play the piano like Billy Joel, there's a class for you through Houston's Leisure Learning Unlimited. This multi-platform, non-credit academy offers a host of classes in areas such as outdoor activities, arts and crafts, languages, music and much more. Classes happen year-round and are updated regularly on the group's website.

By:  AJ Mistretta   

To Houston Free Insider's Guide

Start planning your trip to Houston with this must-have guide that covers the city's best attractions and sightseeing.

Cooking Classes

Houston has plenty of cooking classes to go around. From Central Market to Sur La Table to various cooking schools around town, there’s something for every taste and budget.

Getting Around Houston

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About the Program

The Houston Community College English Department offers a diverse range of courses, including Composition I and II (dedicated to teaching college level writing), Literature courses on all genres and periods, Creative Writing courses that explore multiple genres, and Technical Writing courses focused on professional writing.

AWARD TYPES: Associate in Arts

AREA OF STUDY: Liberal Arts & Humanities

Degrees and Certificates

Learn more about the Degrees and Certificates offered by this program by visiting the HCC Catalog.

Program Outcomes

Write in appropriate genres using varied rhetorical strategies.

Write in appropriate genres to explain and evaluate rhetorical and/or literary strategies employed in argument, persuasion, and various genres.

Analyze various genres of writing for form, method, meaning, and interpretation.

Employ research in academic writing styles and use appropriate documentation style.

Communicate ideas effectively through discussion.

Program Information

General Requirements

To be eligible for an Associate in  Arts (AA), an Associate of Arts in Teaching (AAT), or an Associate in Science (AS) degree from HCC, a student must successfully:

Complete at least 60 semester hours of credit as follows: (a) for the AA degree, 43 hours of required core courses and 17 hours of transferable electives, usually focusing on the student's transfer major (b) for the AAT degree, 44 hours of required core courses plus 16-18 hours of required pre-teaching courses (c) for the AS degree, 43 hours of required core courses plus six additional hours of mathematics, four additional hours of natural science, and 7 hours of transferable electives, usually focusing on the student's transfer major.

Additional Degree Requirements

A student who has received an associate degree or higher from an accredited institution must meet specific requirements to earn an additional degree from HCC.

• The student must complete a minimum of 18 semester hours at HCC for each additional degree. These hours may not repeat credit applied from a previous HCC degree.  These hours may not be satisfied through credit by exam.
• All additional hours must be applicable toward the additional degree. If the student has prior credit in required courses, appropriate substitutions may be arranged.
• All courses required by the specific HCC program of the additional degree must be completed.
• A grade point average of at least 2.0 must be earned on all hours since the previous degree.
• Academic courses from previous degrees may be applied to an additional AAS degree required academic core where equivalent and appropriate, which waives the need for approval, except where program restrictions prevail.
• If the first degree was an Associate in Arts, an Associate of Arts in Teaching, Associate in Science, a bachelor degree, or higher degree from an accredited educational institution in the United States, the student will be considered to be “Core Complete”, thus needing to complete only the requirement of 18 additional semester hours at HCC toward a new associate degree.
• Each additional academic associate degree obtained from HCC must be of a different type.  Thus, a student may only obtain one Associate in Arts, one Associate of Arts in Teaching, and/or one Associate in Science from HCC. For example, if one degree from HCC was an AA, then any additional degrees must be an AAT, AS, or AAS.
• Multiple Associate of Applied Science degrees may be earned from HCC if all AAS program requirements are met including earning at least 18 additional semester hours at HCC, 12 of which must be earned in the major program of the additional degree. In most cases, however, there is only one AAS degree allowable per workforce program. See counselor or program chair for clarification.
• Multiple workforce Certificates of Completion may be earned from HCC if all program requirements are met for each certificate including earning at least 9 additional unique semester hours at HCC toward the major program of the additional certificate.
• All other state and institutional graduation requirements, including TSI policies and financial obligations, must be met.

There are 1,682 Poets, Lyricists and Creative Writers employed in the Greater Houston Area. This number is expected to decrease by 1.4% over the next four years.

• The estimated annual job openings is 47 jobs a year.
• Median Wages - $20.33 hourly, $42,000 annually

Addtional Employment Information »

Online Program Restrictions

Some online programs may require up to 15% of their curriculum be taken in-person on one of HCC’s campuses.  Please contact your advisor for more information about specific program requirements.

Language Option Restrictions

Some online programs require students to participate in foreign language courses as part of the program’s required curriculum. Please contact your advisor for more information about specific program requirements and available language options. If you would like to take courses in a language that is not offered online, you would have to do so on campus.

Elective Course Restrictions

Some online programs may have a limited number of elective options available, based on which of the designated electives are currently offered online.  Please contact your advisor for more information about specific program requirements.

Required Course Restrictions

Some online programs may require students to participate in one or more campus-based courses as part of a given program’s required curriculum. Please contact your advisor for more information about specific program requirements.  

Potential Course Restrictions

Some online courses may have face-to-face requirements for exams, laboratory sessions, and other activities. Please review your course syllabus to determine if your online course has an on-campus laboratory or examination requirement.

Field of Study Curriculum

English Field of Study (FOS) Curriculum

Field of Study Coursework :

• ENGL 1301        Composition I
• ENGL 1302        Composition II

Choose two of the following Literature Survey courses:

• ENGL 2341        Forms of Literature
• ENGL 2321        British Literature
• ENGL 2322        British Literature I
• ENGL 2323        British Literature II
• ENGL 2327        American Literature I
• ENGL 2328        American Literature II
• ENGL 2332        World Literature I
• ENGL 2333        World Literature II

Fully Transferable: 

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) has designated the Field of Study Curriculum courses as “fully transferable” to other public colleges and universities in Texas. Students planning on transferring to either private or out-of-state institutions should direct transfer questions to that college or university.  

For more information, refer to the  HCC Catalog ( https://www.hccs.edu/programs/catalog/ ) and Field of Study Curricula Approved by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board  thecb.state.tx.us/institutional-resources-programs/public-universities-health-related-institutions/transfer-resources/field-of-study-curricula/

Marketable Skills

Learn more about the marketable skills—skills valued by employers that can be applied in variety of work settings—so you can communicate these to potential employers. Click on the relevant award title below to see descriptions of marketable skills for that area.

English - Field of Study, A.A.

Career Opportunities

Explore real-time labor market data on occupations you may pursue post-graduation, offering insight into career opportunities, potential earnings, and job demand in the Greater Houston region.

For more in-depth information about this career and other career pathways, visit Career Coach .

Search for a English Professor or request more information

• Find Professors
• More information

Get in touch

Chair Dr. Mary Lawson [email protected]

Associate Chair Prof. Stacey Higdon [email protected]

Associate Chair Dr. Robin Nealy [email protected]

Associate Chair Prof. Mandy Palmer [email protected]

Hours of Operation: Mon.-Fri. 8am-5pm

Summer camp

WITS Creative Writing Camps give students from pre-K through 12th grade the opportunity to work with professional writers across a number of literary genres and topics during the summer months. 

Creative Writing Camp

Rice University

Writing Camp

U of H - Downtown

Camps at JCC Houston

JCC Houston

WITS Writers Workshop

Duchesne Academy

Undergraduate Studies

Graduate Studies

Read news from the Department of English

• Why Major in English?
• Faculty Bookshelf
• Upcoming Events

Latest News

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Undergraduate Kalena Holeman Reimagines Dantean Katabasis at Harvard University

It’s the rare undergraduate who has already experienced presenting their original research at an academic conference. Now imagine you’re a sophomore bringing a new, Black Studies-meets-Deep Time lens to literary studies and Harvard University comes knocking. Even amid the immense field of talent in Roy Cullen, only one undergraduate currently fits this bill: Kalena Holeman.

The English M.A., Reimagined

In 2021, the English Department launched a revamped, nationally competitive online M.A. program. Dr. Lynn Voskuil spearheaded the effort to fully redesign our Master’s in English to be relevant to the social, political, and environmental challenges of the 21st century and to accommodate professionals who work full- or part-time. Interactive, asynchronous courses are offered online, and face-to-face courses are offered during evening hours with the goal of eventually providing the option of a fully online M.A.

UH Creative Writing Program's Current Students and Alumni Publish Eight Stunning New Books

Three current students and five alumni of the Creative Writing Program have recently published new books. From award-winning debut novels and poetry collections to a Louisville poets anthology conceived in the aftermath of city-wide protests in 2020, there’s something for every reader in these stunning new publications. We invite you to explore this eight-book list with evocative covers, publisher information, blurbs from Mark Doty to Dana Levin, and be inspired by the wealth of literary talent nurtured at UH .

Francine J. Harris Receives 2020 National Book Critics Circle Poetry Award

The University of Houston College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences (CLASS) and the Department of English are pleased to announce that Associate Professor of English Francine J. Harris is the winner of the 2020 National Book Critics Circle (NBCC) Award for poetry. She received this honor for her most recent work, “Here is the Sweet Hand” (Farrar, Straus & Giroux, 2020).

UH Poet Awarded National Endowment for the Arts Fellowship

Joy Priest is a first-year doctoral student in the UH Creative Writing program in the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences. She has been awarded a fellowship from the National Endowment for the Arts which will allow her to set aside time for writing, research and travel.

English Department News and Events

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About English at the University of Houston

About English > | Academic Programs >

Faculty and students in the Department of English collaborate in a rich mix of intellectual and creative pursuits. Together, we ask crucial questions about the role of the humanities and literature in a diverse, pluralistic public life. How do texts, writers, and readers make meaning? What is at stake in our study and creation of literary texts? Our award-winning faculty contribute to four programs within the department—literary studies, creative writing, rhetoric and composition, and linguistics—with many working across those boundaries. Students may pursue bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral level degrees.

Connect with us

• Fine Arts Degrees

BFA in Creative Writing

Houston Christian University’s (HCU) Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Creative Writing degree program is an immersive exploration into the world of writing, where traditional and modern storytelling techniques converge with internship experience to launch vibrant careers in writing and publishing.

Our Creative Writing program is grounded in a deep appreciation for storytelling, encouraging students to explore various genres, including poetry, fiction, nonfiction, and screenwriting. It’s a place where your talent is nurtured within a supportive network of fellow writers and mentors, ensuring a rich, collaborative learning experience.

Experience opportunities to publish academic research and receive guidance from established authors, transforming your passion for words into a refined skill for various careers and further graduate education. Embark on a journey to hone your voice and make an indelible mark in the literary world with our BFA in Creative Writing program.

Creative Writing Major Overview and Requirements

For a total of 125 undergraduate credits, the curriculum encompasses a broad spectrum of general education and narrative arts core courses alongside specialized classes in professional and technical writing, creative genres including poetry, nonfiction, and fiction, and a comprehensive portfolio development process.

As a Creative Writing major at HCU, engage in the art of pitching stories and extending your network within author spaces, which are vital practices for any aspiring writer aiming to navigate the publishing industry successfully. Your academic journey is punctuated by hands-on experiences, including an internship that offers real-world writing and editing exposure.

Degree Plans

As a Creative Writing major in a Fine Arts bachelor’s degree program, you will enroll in in-depth courses exploring various works and genres. These classes help you learn to write your own creative content in your preferred genre and expand your horizons by pushing boundaries in styles and techniques you may not have attempted before.

The BFA in Creative Writing degree curriculum includes courses such as:

• Advanced Grammar and Writing
• Creative Writing: Fiction
• Creative Writing: Nonfiction
• Creative Writing: Poetry
• Professional and Technical Writing
• Storytelling in Creative Writing

Creative Writing Minor

If you feel pulled to pursue a different HCU bachelor’s degree, adding a minor in Creative Writing intersperses your main area of study with hands-on writing workshops in poetry, fiction, nonfiction, and literary and narrative writing electives of your choice.

What Can I Do With a BFA in Creative Writing From HCU?

By engaging deeply in the practice of writing across genres, receiving insightful feedback, and refining their craft in collaborative workshop settings, graduates of the BFA in Creative Writing from HCU are well-prepared to bring their literary creations to life in the diverse landscapes of today’s literary and media environments.

This balanced approach ensures that you’re proficient in crafting compelling stories and poised for success in various professional writing contexts upon graduation.

Career and Salary Outcomes

From mastering the art of storytelling for traditional publishing and digital platforms to honing the skills necessary for effective content creation in marketing and communications, you’re ready to enter a wide range of writing-focused careers strengthened by versatile knowledge and practical experiences.

Roles that you can pursue with a BFA in Creative Writing include:

• Marketing Copywriter
• Travel Writer
• Writing Professor

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that writers and authors in the publishing industry earn an average of $73,150 annually. Becoming an editor can bring an average annual salary of $73,080 .

Embrace your entrepreneurial spirit to explore self-publishing or content creation ventures and develop the essential communication and networking skills to succeed in the dynamic and competitive realms of creative writing, publishing, and beyond. Whether your path leads you to becoming a novelist, screenwriter, editor, or content strategist, a BFA in Creative Writing from HCU offers the foundation and inspiration to pursue your passion and make a significant impact with your words.

Opportunities for Creative Writing Majors

Tutoring and writing center.

Feel comprehensively supported in your writing journey through our Tutoring Center , which covers 90+ course subjects, and the Writing Center , where you receive in-depth assistance on writing assignments. Becoming a tutor at the Center enhances your résumé and allows you to contribute to the success of your peers, embodying the spirit of community and collaboration that defines our institution.

With the assistance of the Department of Student Success specialists, you can ensure you graduate on time with the experiences you’ve aimed to have.

Pursue Graduate Writing Programs

HCU’s Master of Arts (MA) in Creative Writing , Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Creative Writing , and MFA in Screenwriting programs present an exceptional opportunity for bachelor’s degree students to further refine their talents across various disciplines, including poetry, fiction, nonfiction, and professional writing. This continuation of education allows you to dive deeper into their craft, ensuring mastery of a chosen genre under the guidance of esteemed faculty.

Engaged Artistic and Writerly Community

The melding of academic rigor and creative exploration is a hallmark of student involvement and student life at HCU . The Houston Christian University campus and the vibrant city of Houston offer a rich tapestry of cultural experiences, from art galleries showcasing contemporary works and timeless masterpieces to museums that inspire and educate.

Join the English Honor Society, or attend School of Fine Arts events such as the Writer’s Conference that draw authors from various genres to share insights and connect with writing students.

Related Programs

If you love words and language, we offer multiple writing and creatively focused bachelor’s degree programs because we’re confident that our students have the gifts and talents that lead to fulfilling lives and vocations using creativity to better the world.

Explore taking courses or earning a minor in a secondary field or different creative medium. Or, choose another major from our fine arts and writing degree offerings :

• Bachelor of Arts in English : A bachelor’s degree in English crosses the boundaries of critical reading and writing practice to prepare for many careers.
• Bachelor of Arts in Great Texts : Read and understand the works of writing that shape our consciousness as humans and the contemporary world around us.
• Bachelor of Arts in Narrative Arts : Break down genre and medium to learn the art of narrative, from writing to film and media.
• Bachelor of Science in English, Language Arts & Reading 7-12 With Teacher Certification : Teach English and the gift of reading and writing to students in middle and high school settings.

See our breadth of majors and minors in all areas .

Admissions and Aid

Join a community where words craft worlds and stories ignite change. In our BFA in Creative Writing program, accomplished writers are your mentors and you engage in dynamic workshops, becoming part of a network of peers who share your passion for storytelling.

• Begin the undergraduate admissions journey : Submit a free application.
• Discover success through understanding tuition and aid : Explore financial aid options designed to meet your needs.
• Dive into our essence : Learn about our mission, values, and the vibrant community waiting to welcome you.

Become a Creative Writing Major at Houston Christian University

HCU’s BFA in Creative Writing program is the first step to becoming a writer who tells stories that change the world. Take on success in multiple professional settings, backed by an unrivaled education in crafting the written word.

Apply to HCU as a Creative Writing major today .

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From Chaos to Creativity: One Teacher’s Path to a Writing Degree

Heather hein.

Senior Editor

Former high school teacher and lifelong writer Ellie Moran finds her perfect fit in the Professional Creative Nonfiction Writing program at University College.

Ellie Moran will never forget the day she decided to go to graduate school.

It was the fall of 2021, and she was in her classroom at Denver’s East High School, where she taught English. Suddenly, the school was placed on lockdown, and Ellie was stuck with her rowdiest class of seniors, waiting for two hours while a dozen police officers, a SWAT team and bomb-sniffing dogs went through the building.

“And I said to myself, that’s it, I’ve got to go to grad school. That was quite literally the moment I decided. I went home that day and applied to DU,” she says.

Ellie had been teaching at East, her alma mater, for five years—an experience she calls both “delightful” and “tumultuous.” She loved her students, her colleagues and the field of education, but the pressures of being a teacher were too much—and not just because of lockdowns.

“I was only in my fifth year, and I felt like I was drowning, like I didn’t have the brain space or capacity to learn or be creative,” she says. The curriculum she taught had started to feel monotonous, and she wanted to spend more time writing.

As an undergraduate, she double majored in creative writing and secondary education at the University of Colorado Boulder. A couple years into her job at East, she decided to get a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction but, just before she was set to start the program, she had an “aha” moment.

“I was walking to a coffee shop and, I don’t know why, but I just asked myself, ‘Why are you going to grad school?’ And the only answer I had was to make more money. And I was like, ‘What?’ I can’t do something I’m not passionate about,” Ellie says. That afternoon, she says, she deferred her enrollment and removed herself from the pool completely about a week later.

'I have to write every day'

She realized that writing was what she wanted to do. “It’s like survival to me. I don’t know how to navigate the world without it,” Ellie says. “I have to write every day. I observe so many things in a day, there’s so many things in [my head], that I have to expel them.”

In the fall of 2022, Ellie enrolled in University College’s Professional Creative Nonfiction Writing program, which she says is a perfect fit for the memoir style of writing she enjoys most. “I have the memory of an elephant. I remember everything and enjoy writing about the things I remember,” she explains. “I don’t necessarily enjoy writing about things that haven’t happened.”

The creativity comes in, she says, by embedding her nonfiction with poetry and figurative language or adding images and “kind of just visually playing around” on the page.

“It feels like weaving, weaving creativity into the truth. It’s essentially making your personal story universal, taking the stories I see in my everyday life and pulling out the universal truths,” she says.

Now working as an enrichment coordinator for a Montessori academy in Denver, Ellie says her long-term goal is to get into publishing. The University College program, she says, was an easy choice because of its flexible schedule and virtual option.

“There are times where I’ve been wildly overwhelmed—because it’s grad school—but for the most part, it’s been really accessible, which I’m so thankful for,” she says.

That accessibility has allowed her to zero in on her writing. “I know how to write, but I wanted to get better. I wanted professors to look at my work and say, ‘That’s terrible’ or ‘That makes no sense.’ I wanted to learn how to structure my writing better, to work on the process.”  

One of her main writing outlets is a SubStack she started last year called Mis(s) Education . She writes narrative nonfiction essays on the state of education, including topics like school shootings (including one at East High School in 2023), teacher burnout and the “epidemic of ego” in educational leadership.

She plans to continue combining her love of writing and her love of education when she moves to New York City in the fall. She has applied to several publishing houses but is also applying to some schools and community colleges for non-classroom positions in areas like student engagement and community event planning.

“The biggest thing that I've learned is that you can’t change a system while you're in it. Teachers are too tired to write about their experiences. I want to have the time to, on their behalf, talk to them, take their words, write them down and get them out there.”

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Inspiring Readers & Writers

Senior memoir workshops.

Inprint offers free memoir writing workshops for senior citizens at diverse community centers across the city.

Based on the theory that good writing and storytelling are keys to a healthy mind, Inprint Senior Memoir Workshops enliven memories and involve seniors in a stimulating group activity. Workshop participants write about their lives, recording them for their children and grandchildren, themselves, and their communities. By writing, reading aloud, and revising their stories with a skilled teacher, the seniors experience a sense of accomplishment, enhanced mental alertness, and increased wellbeing. These workshops also provide the seniors with an all-too-rare opportunity for personal growth and new friendship. One long-time participant has since published her poetry in regional literary magazines, and has read her poetry at the Houston Poetry Fest and the Round Top Poetry Festival.

Workshops are led by accomplished local writers, including students, alumni, and faculty from the prestigious University of Houston Creative Writing Program. Courses run every fall and spring for 6 – 10 weeks, meeting 2 hours per week. At the end of the year, each workshop leader collects work from the seniors to publish in an anthology. The workshops end with a joyous celebration where participants give a reading for family, friends, and community members.

Inprint Senior Memoir Workshops are currently being offered at Harris County Precinct One’s Finnigan Park Community Center and the Evelyn Rubenstein Jewish Community Center. In the past, workshops have been held at Amazing Place, Talento Bilingüe de Houston, Lincoln Park Community Center, Denver Harbor, Hester House, Ripley House, and Magnolia Multi-Purpose Center.

Inprint is deeply grateful to The Samuels Foundation and Robin Angly and Miles Smith for providing underwriting support for this program.