Every now and then I get emails asking about the writing course I took. I just received another one this week. I’m going to blog about this so that in future, I could just direct the questioner here.

In 1995 I enrolled in a correspondence course from The Writing School, then based in Singapore. The last I heard, it has moved its operation to Australia. It seems they’re also operating in Canada. Then I paid RM1,500 for the 20-lesson course. Today the fees has ballooned.

They send you one lesson and assignment at a time. After you’ve completed it, you mail it back and wait for the next lesson and assignment.

When I took this course, the internet hasn’t exploded in a big way. Today there’s an ocean of writing know-how you can glean from the internet and writing books. What I benefitted most from the course wasn’t the materials provided. It was the training that was invaluable : forcing myself to sit down and complete a writing assignment. And I did sell some of the pieces I wrote for the school. In fact, I broke into print in the NST with an article about my grandfather. I later rewrote the story for my book, Life’s Like That – Scenes from Malaysian Life.The hefty fees also paid a part in kicking the butt. After spending a small fortune on it, the least I could do for myself was to complete the course and make it pay for itself.

Are there writing courses run here? As far as I know, Sharon Bakar runs an 8-week course (classes are held once a week for two hours per session). I’ve attended the sessions held at the British Council. It was great fun to write in a group. If you’re just starting out, I’d recommend Sharon’s course in ‘Getting started – finding the flow.’ She’s a great teacher, very encouraging and personable. Course fees is between RM350 to RM400.

95% also run some writing courses periodically. David Byck, author of It’s a Long Way to the Floor attended this. Fees is quite substantial though.

When Beth Yahp is back in Malaysia, she conducts writing workshops like this one.  Her next workshop will be held on 18 and 25 August 2007. It costs RM450 (RM350 for students and unemployed).

If you don’t want to spend the money, you can check out these free mini courses run by BBC.

Whichever route you take, at the end of the day, you still have to sit down and write. That’s the only way you can get your work out.  And don’t forget to read.  A writer has to read in order to improve.

Having said that, if you have the money and time to spare, go enrol in a writing course. It’s not just the learning that’s fun, it’s the mingling with like-minded people. I’ve attended several workshops and seminars and don’t mind going for more, if not for my other half who keeps insisting, “It’s time for you to stop attending courses. You should be conducting them already.”