Creative Writing: Nonfiction Certificate Program

interlochen online creative writing: nonfiction certificate program

Next session begins Jan. 12

Tuition Rate: $799

Rates increase Jan. 1

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FAQs

Build a strong foundation in core nonfiction writing. Apply new techniques to a diverse range of nonfiction forms, including personal essays, memoirs, and hybrid works that incorporate multimedia elements—enabling you to strengthen your writing skills and craft compelling nonfiction filled with perspective.

Taught by a world-class faculty of writers and educators, our Creative Writing: Nonfiction certificate program offers a unique opportunity to deepen your craft, earn a valuable credential, and receive credit from Interlochen. This program is designed for both adults and teens and consists of three four-week courses that can be taken in any order.

Introduction to Creative Writing

✔Write well-crafted fiction
✔Sketch characters with wants and fears that propel the narrative of your story
✔Write dialogue that develops your characters
✔Create vivid settings with details that are significant and support the characters
✔Write metaphors that are thematically linked to your characters and settings

Creative Writing Techniques: Nonfiction

✔Build strong creative composition skills that also improve academic writing
✔Track the evolution and function of creative nonfiction in different cultures and time periods
✔Write effective essays by understanding their key components and what drives them
✔Write autobiographical pieces using key aspects of memoirs, such as their connection to memory and narrative
✔Apply innovative techniques to create hybrid works by combining poetry, photos, sounds, or other media into your creative nonfiction

Writing Your Memoir

✔Evaluate potential starting points for your memoir and use various framing techniques to control the pacing of your story
✔Write with sensory details to enrich your narrative with vivid descriptions
✔Use your personal archive and conduct research to gather content and write about authentic experiences
✔Develop a distinct narrative voice that reflects your personality and experiences
✔Experiment with various tones, perspectives, and structures in support of developing a cohesive and engaging narrative
Courses

Tuition

$ 897   $799

Ages

Teens: Grades 6-12

Adult Learners: Ages 18+

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Expert guidance
Receive direct, personalized feedback from a professional artist.
Collaborate
Work with your instructor and peers through messaging or optional real-time weekly classes.
Learn on your own schedule
Explore meaningful instruction in about five hours a week per course.
Real growth
Develop skills and projects that are important to your artistic and professional growth.
For all students:

✔ A respected credential from Interlochen Online
✔ Physical and shareable digital certificate upon completion
✔ A portfolio of completed, polished projects
✔ A strengthened résumé, college application, or LinkedIn profile

For middle school and high school students:

✔ An official transcript awarding high school credit
✔ Accreditation by the Independent Schools Association of the Central States (ISACS)

No, course sections are designed for their respective age groups, either for adults (students 18 and older) or young people (students under 18).

Yes, there are eight sessions of courses per year. View the academic calendar for more session dates.

Meet the Faculty

Our faculty of seasoned fiction and nonfiction authors brings a wealth of expertise and passion to guide aspiring writers on the journey of creativity and self-discovery. With our faculty’s mentorship, students unlock their potential and refine their craft in a dynamic environment, shaping their voices as writers and resulting in tangible creative works.

Jeni McFarland

Jeni McFarland

Instructor of Creative Writing

Megan Baxter headshot

Megan Baxter

Instructor of Creative Writing

Questions? Speak with an Advisor.

Email: online@interlochen.org 

Phone: 231.276.5990 

You can also schedule an appointment.

Prevent Writer's Block

Get access to How Published Authors Stay Unstuck, an exclusive guide developed by Interlochen Online faculty.

Creative writing student