Technical writing is short and to the point. Classes in technical writing teach you to be concise and present information in a practical and accessible way. The finished product is an expository piece calling the reader to particular action. Classes teach you to be clear, objective, logical and factual. People looking for training in technical writing should explore a journalism class or a technical writing course through a local college or online. California State University offers an online Technical Writing Certificate of Completion attesting that the holder knows the skills necessary to the profession. If you are considering writing of any kind, technical writing will advance your skills and equip you to write concisely regardless of the assignment. (See Reference 1.)
Creative writing has several branches of study: fiction, nonfiction, poetry and memoir. Most creative writing classes study styles of poets and novelists and examine characters and plots before students attempt to create their own stories or poems. Professors teach students to study the world around them and then transfer those observations into the story world. Classes in creative writing also prepare students for publishing, editing and advertising. The Christian Writers Guild offers classes in both fiction and nonfiction with assigned mentors to take a writer from beginning stages to eventual novel. The courses are not accredited by a university. (See Reference 2.)
Children's writing can be more difficult than writing for the adult market because specific requirements exist to appeal to children. Writers should choose a main character who is older or the same age as the intended audience. Identify issues that children struggle with such as sharing, bullies and making friends. Use these issues to create an engaging plot, characters and dialogue. Write4Kids.com offers instruction on writing children's books with a subscription to "Children's Book Insider." The program has aided both established and aspiring authors of children's books for 20 years. (See Reference 3.)
Research writing is a valuable skill for all aspiring writers. Whether writing fiction or nonfiction, research papers or poems, research is necessary to enhance the credibility of your theme or argument. In college, research writing is also known as academic writing. Those aspiring to write literary works for journals or writers magazines would benefit from a writing class tailored to these issues. The class instructs students on writing intellectual and well-informed material, how to use sources and cite them using APA style and how to formulate a well-rounded argument supported by research. The course also addresses research techniques, such as a note card system with a piece of information from a certain source documented on each note card. The Genesee Valley Center Writing Program through Empire State College offers multiple courses in academic or research writing. (See Reference 4.)