Retirement is a great time for most people, but once they're at home all day, how will they find to fill the time? A large number of them have always thought that it would be great change of pace to experience the life of a writer and maybe pen a novel or write some feature articles. For a new writer, the hardest part is probably figuring out how to start. Should they sign up for a writing course at their Jr. College? Should they visit the library and check out some books on writing? Or should they simply start writing? In the age of the Internet, many have decided to take an online writing course.
There are many advantages to taking an online writing class. One of the largest advantages, naturally, is that you can take the class from the comfort of your own computer. You do not have to startup the car and travel five, ten, or twenty miles to a campus. Also, depending on the type of online class that you are taking, you can go at your own speed. In a live classroom environment, everyone progresses at the same pace. If you are quicker than another classmate, or slower, it doesn't matter. To a certain extent, your learning is restricted by the speed and progress of others.
Online classes hold a number of disadvantages as well. Firstly, because there's no physical person to push you, it is extremely simple to skip a class. It becomes too simple to just ignore class assignments. An additional disadvantage, for those who like interacting with their fellow students is that you don't have that resource. Some people work well and even thrive while alone. But others need that more personal contact. For these, a classroom setting is probably the best option. And lastly, sometimes the feedback is 90% or more written. Some people need that personal and verbal interaction with the instructor to get the most out of a class.
For those that do decide to sign up for an online course, however, there are a few things you should check out:
1) If you're taking the writing class as part of a high school or college curriculum, make sure that the course is accredited in your state. If you're just taking the course to learn to write, it doesn't really matter.
2) Determine if your class instructor is knowledgeable in the kinds and genres of writing that you want to learn. For instance, if you want to learn to write non fiction, you might want to choose an instructor who has actually written non-fiction.
3) Check the class requirements and make sure that you'll have access to everything needed. For example, the course may require that you watch video. Does your computer have the graphic card necessary to do so? Or maybe certain components of the course require that you have broad band access. If you still have dial-up, you may have to upgrade. or, the course may require that you use a certain piece of writing software. Bottom line - check the requirements.
4) Some online classes will offer you incentives to sign up. For example, a free website to promote your work once the class is complete. Or maybe introduction to services that will help you to sell your written materials. If any of the extras appeal to you, take them into consideration when making your choice.
Author Resource:-
Chris Edwards is webmaster and writer for bookauthorservices.com . Please visit his site and find articles on steps to writing a book, tips on writing a book fast, and other author related information and products.
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