Beat writer’s block

What is the course about?

Bring in a project you're stuck on, or an idea you can't seem to get started with, or just a blank notebook. This course will help you identify what you want to write, and why; teach you how to generate a surfeit of ideas; solve plot problems; bring characters to life; and rediscover the joy of creative writing.

What will we cover?

Generating new ideas for plots and characters
Revisiting existing work and bringing it back to life
Resolving plot problems
Delving deeper into characters
Rediscovering the joy of writing.

What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

Generate new ideas for your projects
Understand the common plot pitfalls and devise ways to avoid them
Revitalise your writing practice

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

This course is suitable for writers of all levels. You will need an active interest in writing creatively, and fluency in written and spoken English.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

You will learn through a mixture of interactive tutor presentation, discussion, and writing exercises. You may also be asked to participate in optional acting exercises to free up your creativity. This is a one-day course and there will be no work outside class.


All writing courses at City Lit will involve an element of workshop. This means that students will produce work which will be discussed in an open and constructive environment with the tutor and other students. The college operates a policy of constructive criticism, and all feedback on another student’s work by the tutor and other students should be delivered in that spirit.

For classes longer than one day regular reading and writing exercises will be set for completion at home to set deadlines.

City Lit Writing endeavours to create a safe and welcoming space for all and we strongly support the use of content notes in our classes. This means that learners are encouraged to make their tutor and classmates aware in advance if any writing they wish to share contains material that may be deemed sensitive. If you are unsure about what might constitute sensitive content, please ask your tutor for further clarification and read our expectations for participating in writing courses at City Lit.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

There are no additional costs. Please bring writing materials.

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

City Lit offers a fantastic range of creative writing courses covering all genres and levels of ability. You can progress to the Developing your Creative Writing course, where you'll continue to experiment with a range of forms. Or you can take a course in a particular medium, including novels and short story writing, screenwriting, playwriting, and creative non-fiction.

All students are invited to join us at Late Lines, our regular performance night for City Lit writers. Students are also encouraged to submit their work to Between the Lines, our annual anthology of creative writing. For the latest news, courses and events, stay in touch with the Department on Facebook and Twitter.