Take an online writing course with Margaret Atwood, author of ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’

Picture this: you’ve just finished reading (or watching) The Handmaid’s Tale. You’re so inspired by the dystopian plot, the enthralling characters, and crafty writing style that you decide to take a creative writing class. On the first day you sit down, your professor walks in, and *plot twist* — your professor is none other than Margaret Atwood, the author of the story you love so much.

Well my friend, MasterClass can make that fantasy a reality — and you don’t even need to leave your couch.

The beauty of sites like MasterClass is that you get to do exactly as the name implies — learn from the masters. Plus, since MasterClass is online and on-demand, you get to do it at your own pace, on your own time, from wherever. Praise be, ya’ll. 

Fangirls and fanboys everywhere now get to rejoice in the fact that Margaret Atwood, also known as the “Prophet of Dystopia,” has hopped on the MasterClass bandwagon as an official instructor, providing first-hand insight in the form of 23 online video classes with topics ranging from how to get started as a writer, to how to craft intriguing plots and characters, to researching for historical accuracy, to writing as a business. In addition to the exclusive video classes, students will also have access to a class workbook, complete with lesson recaps, downloadable assignments, and supplemental materials.

You’ll also have “office hours,” where you can upload videos to get feedback from others taking the class, and — wait for it — you may even get some direct feedback from Margaret Atwood herself if she selects your work to critique. Honestly, even just being able to say “Margaret Atwood read my work” is pretty cool. 

Apart from The Handmaid’s Tale, Atwood has penned books such as The Blind Assassin, Alias Grace, Oryx and Crake, and Cat’s Eye. Even as one of the most influential literary voices of our generation, her videos come from a very real, down-to-earth place, making the experience feel all the more personal.

The cost of the class is surprisingly affordable, especially if you go for the all-access option for $180 annually (as opposed to $90 for a single class.) Sure, $180 isn’t pocket change, but for what you’re getting? I’ve paid more to see a famous person do their thing in a packed stadium from hundreds of rows away where the only thing I received in return was the risk of a nosebleed, and I guarantee you I paid more for the creative writing course I took in college (where, regretfully, my professor was not Margaret Atwood.)

MasterClass is a way for us regular folk to learn and receive advice directly from the people we most admire. (Other classes on the site include Spike Lee on filmmaking, Stephen Curry on basketball, Helen Mirren on acting, and many others.)

Under his eye.