Scenes in fiction are like those in film: we experience action as it unfolds. Action has to take place somewhere, which is why setting is also key. In this practical intensive course, you'll learn how to create scenes and establish settings that engage and convince readers.
Learning modes and locations may be different depending on the course start date. Please check the location of your chosen course and read our guide to learning modes and locations to help you choose the right course for you.
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
Alongside character, setting is one of the most integral elements of story-telling. When successful, it can help readers immerse themselves in the story world, anchor character actions and perspectives, and even assume the features of a character in its own right. Scenes are structural units in fiction that connect events, deepen readers' understanding and push a story closer to its resolution. Crafted well, they can make words on a page come alive. In this course, you'll learn how to establish compelling settings and how to write scenes with structural integrity that will animate your stories. Suitable for those with some experience of creative writing.
What will we cover?
- How does genre affect setting? - Which techniques are useful when creating a sense of setting? - What is a scene? Key elements - Types of scene and their purpose - When to create a scene and when to write summary - How to structure a scene - Transitioning between scene and summary.
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
- Identify the elements of setting that can be manipulated by the author. - Apply some of the structural and language techniques useful to establishing setting in your own work. - Write your own scene that conveys a layered sense of setting. - Identify the components of a scene. - Craft a scene that deepens character and moves a narrative forward. - Give and receive constructive feedback with sensitivity and confidence.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This course is open to those new to writing fiction and those with some experience. You should be an avid reader of fiction. Fluency in English is essential.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
A mixture of writing exercises, group work, pair work and formal teacher instruction.
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?
No additional costs. Please bring writing materials.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Collect the other Craft Focus courses on offer to give key elements of your writing the special attention they deserve. Or, why not try one of our term-long fiction courses? You may also enjoy a Reading for writers course, or the Craft of fiction reading and writing group. There are lots of options to develop your fiction available via the online prospectus. If you need help finding the right one, just give us a call!
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.
Thomas McMullan lives and works in London. He is the author of Groundwater (Bloomsbury, 2025) and The Last Good Man (Bloomsbury, 2020), which won the 2021 Betty Trask Prize. His short fiction has been published in Ploughshares, The Dublin Review, Granta, 3:AM Magazine, Lighthouse and Best British Short Stories, and his journalism has appeared in The Guardian, The Times Literary Supplement, frieze, ArtReview and BBC News. His practice also encompasses scripts, both for stage and film, and narrative design for video games. For the latter, he was the lead writer on Rollerdrome (Roll7, 2022), which won the 2023 BAFTA for Best British Game.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
product
https://www.citylit.ac.uk/craft-focus-scenes-and-setting-in-fiction343193Craft focus: scenes and setting in fictionhttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/c/r/craft_focus_scenes_in_fiction_10.jpg7979GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Writing/Novels and short stories/Novels and short stories/Courses/Writing/Courses/Writing/Novels and short stories/Courses/vm/Summer courses/Courses/vm/Summer courses/Summer courses in writing2285158813581135991345713578122851358113599165313457<p>Scenes in fiction are like those in film: we experience action as it unfolds. Action has to take place somewhere, which is why setting is also key. In this practical intensive course, you'll learn how to create scenes and establish settings that engage and convince readers.</p>002793642Craft focus: scenes and setting in fiction7979https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/c/r/craft_focus_scenes_in_fiction_10_4.jpgInStockDaytimeSunKeeley StreetAvailable coursesOne-off onlyWeekend2026-07-19T00:00:00+00:00Some experience, AdvancedJul 2026WritingHW4187979Craft focus: scenes and setting in fiction794079Thomas McMullancraft-focus-scenes-and-setting-in-fiction/hw418-2526<p>Scenes in fiction are like those in film: we experience action as it unfolds. Action has to take place somewhere, which is why setting is also key. In this practical intensive course, you'll learn how to create scenes and establish settings that engage and convince readers.</p>0000-Available|2026-07-19 00:00:00<p>Alongside character, setting is one of the most integral elements of story-telling. When successful, it can help readers immerse themselves in the story world, anchor character actions and perspectives, and even assume the features of a character in its own right. Scenes are structural units in fiction that connect events, deepen readers' understanding and push a story closer to its resolution. Crafted well, they can make words on a page come alive. In this course, you'll learn how to establish compelling settings and how to write scenes with structural integrity that will animate your stories. Suitable for those with some experience of creative writing.</p><p>Scenes in fiction are like those in film: we experience action as it unfolds. Action has to take place somewhere, which is why setting is also key. In this practical intensive course, you'll learn how to create scenes and establish settings that engage and convince readers.</p>- How does genre affect setting?<br/>- Which techniques are useful when creating a sense of setting?<br/>- What is a scene? Key elements<br/>- Types of scene and their purpose<br/>- When to create a scene and when to write summary<br/>- How to structure a scene<br/>- Transitioning between scene and summary.- Identify the elements of setting that can be manipulated by the author.<br/>- Apply some of the structural and language techniques useful to establishing setting in your own work.<br/>- Write your own scene that conveys a layered sense of setting.<br/>- Identify the components of a scene.<br/>- Craft a scene that deepens character and moves a narrative forward.<br/>- Give and receive constructive feedback with sensitivity and confidence.This course is open to those new to writing fiction and those with some experience. You should be an avid reader of fiction. Fluency in English is essential.A mixture of writing exercises, group work, pair work and formal teacher instruction. <br />
<br />
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 <a href=" https://www.citylit.ac.uk/expectations-for-participating-in-writing-courses" target="_blank">expectations for participating in writing courses at City Lit</a>.No additional costs. Please bring writing materials.Collect the other Craft Focus courses on offer to give key elements of your writing the special attention they deserve. Or, why not try one of our term-long fiction courses? You may also enjoy a Reading for writers course, or the Craft of fiction reading and writing group. There are lots of options to develop your fiction available via the online prospectus. If you need help finding the right one, just give us a call!<br/><br/>All students are invited to join us at <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/latelines">Late Lines</a>, our regular performance night for City Lit writers. Students are also encouraged to submit their work to <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/betweenthelines">Between the Lines</a>, our annual anthology of creative writing. For the latest news, courses and events, stay in touch with the Department on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/citylitcreativewriting">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://www.twitter.com/citylitwriting">Twitter</a>.Novels and short storiesNovels and short storiesvirtual3035857Craft focus: scenes and setting in fiction7979https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/c/r/craft_focus_scenes_in_fiction_10_5.jpgInStockDaytimeSatKeeley StreetAvailable coursesOne-off onlyWeekend2026-10-24T00:00:00+00:00Some experience, AdvancedOct 2026WritingHW4027979Craft focus: scenes and setting in fiction795179Thomas McMullancraft-focus-scenes-and-setting-in-fiction/hw402-2627Scenes in fiction are like those in film: we experience action as it unfolds. Action has to take place somewhere, which is why setting is also key. In this practical intensive course, you'll learn how to create scenes and establish setting that engages and convinces readers.0000-Available|2026-10-24 00:00:00Alongside character, setting is one of the most integral elements of story-telling. When successful it can help readers immerse themselves in the story world, anchor character actions and perspectives, and even, sometimes, assume the features of a character in its own right. Scenes are structural units in fiction that connect events, deepen readers' understanding, and push a story closer to its resolution. Crafted well, they can make words on a page come alive. In this course, you'll learn how to establish compelling setting and how to write scenes with structural integrity that will animate your stories. Suitable for those with some experience of creative writing.Scenes in fiction are like those in film: we experience action as it unfolds. Action has to take place somewhere, which is why setting is also key. In this practical intensive course, you'll learn how to create scenes and establish setting that engages and convinces readers.- How does genre affect setting?<br>- Which techniques are useful when creating a sense of setting?<br>- What is a scene? Key elements<br>- Types of scene and their purpose<br>- When to create a scene and when to write summary<br>- How to structure a scene<br>- Transitioning between scene and summary.- Identify the elements of setting that can be manipulated by the author.<br>- Apply some of the structural and language techniques useful to establishing setting in your own work.<br>- Write your own scene that conveys a layered sense of setting.<br>- Identify the components of a scene.<br>- Craft a scene that deepens character and moves a narrative forward.<br>- Give and receive constructive feedback with sensitivity and confidence.This course is open to those new to writing fiction and those with some experience. You should be an avid reader of fiction. Fluency in English is essential.A mixture of writing exercises, group work, pair work and formal teacher instruction. <br />
<br />
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 <a href=" https://www.citylit.ac.uk/expectations-for-participating-in-writing-courses" target="_blank">expectations for participating in writing courses at City Lit</a>.No additional costs. Please bring writing materials.Collect the other Craft Focus courses on offer to give key elements of your writing the special attention they deserve. Or, why not try one of our term-long fiction courses? You may also enjoy a Reading for writers course, or the Craft of fiction reading and writing group. There are lots of options to develop your fiction available via the online prospectus. If you need help finding the right one, just give us a call!<br><br>All students are invited to join us at <a href=" https://www.citylit.ac.uk/latelines" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Late Lines</a>, our regular performance night for City Lit writers. Students are also encouraged to submit their work to <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/betweenthelines" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Between the Lines</a>, our annual anthology of creative writing. For the latest news, courses and events, stay in touch with the Department on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/citylitcreativewriting" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Facebook</a> and <a href=" https://www.twitter.com/citylitwriting" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Twitter</a>.Novels and short storiesNovels and short storiesvirtual797940,51HW418,HW402NONESun,Sat19/07/2610:30 - 16:3010:3016:301 session1One-off onlyWeekendKSKeeley StreetThomas McMullanSome experience, AdvancedAvailable courses2026-07-19T00:00:00+00:00,2026-10-24T00:00:00+00:00DaytimeJul 2026,Oct 2026Writing7979Craft focus: scenes and setting in fictioncraft-focus-scenes-and-setting-in-fiction/hw418-2526,craft-focus-scenes-and-setting-in-fiction/hw402-2627<p>Scenes in fiction are like those in film: we experience action as it unfolds. Action has to take place somewhere, which is why setting is also key. In this practical intensive course, you'll learn how to create scenes and establish settings that engage and convince readers.</p>,Scenes in fiction are like those in film: we experience action as it unfolds. Action has to take place somewhere, which is why setting is also key. In this practical intensive course, you'll learn how to create scenes and establish setting that engages and convinces readers.0000-Available|2026-07-19 00:00:00<p>Alongside character, setting is one of the most integral elements of story-telling. When successful, it can help readers immerse themselves in the story world, anchor character actions and perspectives, and even assume the features of a character in its own right. Scenes are structural units in fiction that connect events, deepen readers' understanding and push a story closer to its resolution. Crafted well, they can make words on a page come alive. In this course, you'll learn how to establish compelling settings and how to write scenes with structural integrity that will animate your stories. Suitable for those with some experience of creative writing.</p>,Alongside character, setting is one of the most integral elements of story-telling. When successful it can help readers immerse themselves in the story world, anchor character actions and perspectives, and even, sometimes, assume the features of a character in its own right. Scenes are structural units in fiction that connect events, deepen readers' understanding, and push a story closer to its resolution. Crafted well, they can make words on a page come alive. In this course, you'll learn how to establish compelling setting and how to write scenes with structural integrity that will animate your stories. Suitable for those with some experience of creative writing.<p>Scenes in fiction are like those in film: we experience action as it unfolds. Action has to take place somewhere, which is why setting is also key. In this practical intensive course, you'll learn how to create scenes and establish settings that engage and convince readers.</p>,Scenes in fiction are like those in film: we experience action as it unfolds. Action has to take place somewhere, which is why setting is also key. In this practical intensive course, you'll learn how to create scenes and establish setting that engages and convinces readers.- How does genre affect setting?<br/>- Which techniques are useful when creating a sense of setting?<br/>- What is a scene? Key elements<br/>- Types of scene and their purpose<br/>- When to create a scene and when to write summary<br/>- How to structure a scene<br/>- Transitioning between scene and summary.,- How does genre affect setting?<br>- Which techniques are useful when creating a sense of setting?<br>- What is a scene? Key elements<br>- Types of scene and their purpose<br>- When to create a scene and when to write summary<br>- How to structure a scene<br>- Transitioning between scene and summary.- Identify the elements of setting that can be manipulated by the author.<br/>- Apply some of the structural and language techniques useful to establishing setting in your own work.<br/>- Write your own scene that conveys a layered sense of setting.<br/>- Identify the components of a scene.<br/>- Craft a scene that deepens character and moves a narrative forward.<br/>- Give and receive constructive feedback with sensitivity and confidence.,- Identify the elements of setting that can be manipulated by the author.<br>- Apply some of the structural and language techniques useful to establishing setting in your own work.<br>- Write your own scene that conveys a layered sense of setting.<br>- Identify the components of a scene.<br>- Craft a scene that deepens character and moves a narrative forward.<br>- Give and receive constructive feedback with sensitivity and confidence.This course is open to those new to writing fiction and those with some experience. You should be an avid reader of fiction. Fluency in English is essential.A mixture of writing exercises, group work, pair work and formal teacher instruction. <br />
<br />
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 <a href=" https://www.citylit.ac.uk/expectations-for-participating-in-writing-courses" target="_blank">expectations for participating in writing courses at City Lit</a>.No additional costs. Please bring writing materials.Collect the other Craft Focus courses on offer to give key elements of your writing the special attention they deserve. Or, why not try one of our term-long fiction courses? You may also enjoy a Reading for writers course, or the Craft of fiction reading and writing group. There are lots of options to develop your fiction available via the online prospectus. If you need help finding the right one, just give us a call!<br/><br/>All students are invited to join us at <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/latelines">Late Lines</a>, our regular performance night for City Lit writers. Students are also encouraged to submit their work to <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/betweenthelines">Between the Lines</a>, our annual anthology of creative writing. For the latest news, courses and events, stay in touch with the Department on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/citylitcreativewriting">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://www.twitter.com/citylitwriting">Twitter</a>.,Collect the other Craft Focus courses on offer to give key elements of your writing the special attention they deserve. Or, why not try one of our term-long fiction courses? You may also enjoy a Reading for writers course, or the Craft of fiction reading and writing group. There are lots of options to develop your fiction available via the online prospectus. If you need help finding the right one, just give us a call!<br><br>All students are invited to join us at <a href=" https://www.citylit.ac.uk/latelines" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Late Lines</a>, our regular performance night for City Lit writers. Students are also encouraged to submit their work to <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/betweenthelines" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Between the Lines</a>, our annual anthology of creative writing. For the latest news, courses and events, stay in touch with the Department on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/citylitcreativewriting" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Facebook</a> and <a href=" https://www.twitter.com/citylitwriting" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Twitter</a>.Novels and short storiesNovels and short storiesconfigurable
158813599Novels and short storieshttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/writing/novels-and-short-stories/novels-and-short-stories-11/2/285/13581/13599/1588/Courses/Writing/Novels and short stories/Novels and short stories
