"More than I expected, and worth every penny. I signed up for the course through Zoetrope.com, an online writing community, and expected to learn a bit about the basics of fiction. But with my instructor's guidance and steady encouragement, I have participated in online conversations with my classmates about the intricacies of plot, dialogue, characterization, conflicts, resolutions, and revising. I have written two short stories, as well as commented and reviewed scores more. I have learned not just the basics of fiction, but what it truly takes to cultivate that passion so that it comes alive for readers. And I have learned that none of this is easy, but attainable with lots of dedication, perseverance and faith. And that's priceless."
-J. S., Journalist
"I've taken a few other online writing classes, and this one stands out as the best by far. This course was worth every penny. Bravo!"
-L. C., Web Editor
Zoetrope: All-Story Fiction and Screenwriting

Zoetrope has partnered with New York's leading creative writing school, Gotham Writers' Workshop, to bring comprehensive Fiction Writing and Screenwriting workshops to the Internet.  Now you can enjoy all the benefits of a professional writing workshop in the comfort of your home or office.

Every Zoetrope 10-week online writing course includes all the features that garnered Gotham "Best of the Web" status from Forbes, including:
• Expert instruction
• Small class size
• Weekly lectures
• Engaging writing exercises

In addition, Zoetrope online writing workshops include special features that make them unique.
 
Zoetrope Fiction Writing workshops include:

• Weekly craft discussions that incorporate works published in Zoetrope: All-Story.
• Instruction by Zoetrope-affiliated editors.
• Student opportunity to submit a manuscript for review by a Zoetrope: All-Story editor and possible publication in the magazine.
• Special guest chat session with a Zoetrope: All-Story editor or contributing author.
• All workshopped stories reviewed for possible publication in Zoetrope: All-Story magazine

Zoetrope Screenwriting workshops include:

• Weekly craft discussions that incorporate films produced by American Zoetrope 
• Student opportunity to submit the first ten pages of a screenplay for review by a development person at American Zoetrope studio

Whether you are an aspiring novice beginning your first work or an experienced writer seeking a comprehensive refresher, a Zoetrope writing workshop will help you take your writing to the next level.

For more information, see How Online Classes Work.  And be sure to tour a Sample Class. If you don't have time for the tour, feel free to browse some Student Quotes.
ZOETROPE FICTION WRITING I
In an easy-to-understand, accessible manner, the course presents the fundamentals of plot, structure, voice, description, character development, point of view, and dialogue.  Lectures, writing exercises, and analyses are used to illustrate these concepts.  Under the direction of a Zoetrope-affiliated editor/teacher, students work to write two short stories or begin a novel.

This comprehensive 10-week workshop includes:

• Weekly writing exercises
• Lectures on fundamental concepts
• Weekly readings and discussions based on stories published in Zoetrope: All-Story
• An online chat with a Zoetrope: All-Story editor or contributing author

All of the short stories from the class reviewed by Zoetrope editors for possible publication in the magazine.

Zoetrope Fiction Writing I is for novice writers seeking a comprehensive introduction to the craft or experienced writers seeking a thorough review of fiction writing fundamentals.

STARTING DATE CLASS AVAILABLE NEW LECTURES EACH TUITION ENROLL
1/19/2010 24 hrs. a day Tuesday $395.00
3/16/2010 24 hrs. a day Tuesday $395.00
ZOETROPE ADVANCED FICTION WRITING
The course focuses on the presentation and critique of writers' work. There is particular emphasis on honing each story's structure, characterization, narrative description, and style. Under the direction of a Zoetrope-affliated editor/teacher, writers work toward the completion of two short stories or chapters of a novel.

During this comprehensive 10-week workshop, participants will:

• Engage in rewriting
• Present work for in-depth analysis
• Read and discussion stories published in Zoetrope: All-Story
• Chat online chat with a Zoetrope: All-Story magazine editor or contributing author

All of the short stories from the class reviewed by Zoetrope editors for possible publication in the magazine.

Zoetrope Advanced Fiction Writing is for writers who have completed a Zoetrope Fiction Writing I section or those with fiction writing experience who are prepared to discuss all the fundamental concepts of the craft.

STARTING DATE CLASS AVAILABLE NEW LECTURES EACH TUITION ENROLL
1/20/2010 24 hrs. a day Wednesday $395.00
3/17/2010 24 hrs. a day Wednesday $395.00
ZOETROPE SCREENWRITING I

This 10-week course is for anyone interested in learning the fundamental techniques of screenwriting. A professional screenwriter from Gotham's acclaimed faculty will guide you in creating characters, building plots, shaping scenes, sharpening dialogue, formatting, and strategies for selling your screenplay. You'll work toward completing a script that is compelling, professional, and produce-able. Whether you seek to write big cinematic epics or low-budget Indies, we'll show you what it takes to get in the screenplay game.

This comprehensive 10-week screenwriting workshop includes:

• Weekly craft lectures and discussions that incorporate films produced by American Zoetrope 
• Skill-building exercises with personal feedback from the instructor
• In-depth critique of student's work by instructor and classmates
• Student opportunity to submit the first ten pages of a screenplay for review by a development person at American Zoetrope studio

Zoetrope Screenwriting I is ideal for the novice seeking a comprehensive introduction to screenwriting basics or the experienced screenwriter seeking a thorough review of craft fundamentals.

Class size is strictly limited, please register early.

STARTING DATE CLASS AVAILABLE NEW LECTURES EACH TUITION ENROLL
1/26/2010 24 hrs. a day Tuesday $395.00
ZOETROPE ADVANCED SCREENWRITING

This 10-week workshop builds upon the basics of screenwriting while also introducing many fine points. In a structured environment, you will elevate the quality of your screenplay and bring it toward completion. 

This comprehensive 10-week advanced screenwriting workshop includes:

• Weekly craft lectures and discussions that incorporate films produced by American Zoetrope 
• Skill-building exercises with personal feedback from the instructor
• In-depth critique of student's work by instructor and classmates
• Student opportunity to submit the first ten pages of a screenplay for review by a development person at American Zoetrope studio

Enrollment is limited to writers who have completed Zoetrope Screeenwriting I or those with screenwriting experience who are prepared to discuss all the fundamental elements of the craft. Writers may repeat the workshop as they continue to develop projects.

Class size is strictly limited to 16 screenwriters, please register early.

STARTING DATE CLASS AVAILABLE NEW LECTURES EACH TUITION ENROLL
1/27/2010 24 hrs. a day Wednesday $395.00