One Story classes are spaces for students to build community around a shared passion for the written word. Led by accomplished authors and editors, our educational programming is a chance for readers and writers to receive high-quality creative writing instruction. Our course offerings are designed to be helpful for writers at all levels – from beginners to those with significant publishing experience. Since 2013, over 7,600 students have learned  the craft of fiction with One Story.

Participant Behavior Policy
Our classes are designed to be safe spaces for all who participate. One Story will not tolerate hate speech, bullying, or harassment directed toward instructors or fellow students, and reserves the right to remove participants who engage in such behavior from our classes

Patron Discounts
In order to qualify for our patron discount, you must be a member of our Patron Circle at the time of registration. Patrons commit to annual donations and receive benefits that allow them to participate in our non-profit organization in more meaningful ways. Not all One Story subscribers or supporters are patrons. If you’d like to find out more about becoming a patron, you can do so here.

Refund Policy
Class payments cannot be refunded after the start date of the class.

Technology
Our online classes use Zoom and the Thinkific learning platform. Our longer term options use Slack. Tutorials are provided for Thinkific and Slack. 

For more information and commonly asked questions about our classes, please visit the FAQ at the bottom of this page.

Self-Guided Classes

Our self-guided classes are designed to be taken at your own pace—there are no set dates, so you can start learning right away. Lessons are delivered via short pre-recorded videos and written text, and may include writing prompts or other downloadable materials. There is no discussion board or interaction with other students. Students will have access to self-guided classes for one year after their enrollment date.

Asynchronous Craft Classes

These large classes (75-200 students) are structured around a specific craft element and consist of short pre-recorded video lectures, lessons that are written text, light reading assignments, and writing prompts. Classes generally run from three to seven days, and the instructor is available to field questions on the discussion board for the duration of the class. There is no instructor feedback on writing prompts, but students can give one another feedback on their work. Students will be able to access course material for five weeks after the class start date.

Reading Groups

Designed for writers and readers alike, our reading groups analyze a single text or multiple texts. Classes meet once a week for live zoom lectures to discuss the reading with the instructor. There may be optional writing and/or discussion prompts on the online discussion board. Reading groups generally run four weeks. Some reading group sessions will be recorded. Reading groups are capped at 50 students.

Craft Courses

Our craft courses analyze fiction from a craft perspective and include generative writing exercises. Class will meet once a week for a live zoom lecture based on the assigned reading, along with a discussion and writing prompt. Students are encouraged to share their work on the discussion board for light feedback by fellow students. Courses are  four weeks long; some are recorded. Craft courses are capped at 25 students.

Fiction Workshops

Limited to ten students, these six-week workshops are opportunities for students to receive in-depth feedback on their work from fellow students and their instructor. Classes meet on zoom once a week. Fiction Workshops have rolling admission and are designed for writers without workshop experience; Advanced Fiction Workshops have a juried submission process and require previous workshop experience.

Generative Fiction Workshops

Designed for writers of all levels, each class is made up of generative exercises created to illuminate different craft elements. Classes meet on Zoom once a week for six weeks. Sharing work is optional but encouraged. Instructors and students will provide light feedback on work that is shared.

Lecture Series

These live virtual lectures feature writers teaching a single craft topic or in conversation with one another. 

One Story Writers' Conference

Created for fiction writers who are serious about their craft and excited to be part of a literary community, our Writers’ Conference is held in Manhattan for five days in July and features workshops, craft lectures, readings, and opportunities to meet with agents and editors. Applications for the Writers’ Conference generally open in January or February.

One Story Field Trips

One Story Field Trips are site-specific writing classes held at various landmarks in the five boroughs. In the past, we’ve led Field Trips to Green-Wood Cemetery, Coney Island, the Gowanus Canal, the Queens Museum, and Jane’s Carousel.