Developing your novel
92% of 100
Have you started work on your novel? This course is suitable for experienced creative writers who want to make progress with a novel draft. Learn more about the art of novel writing and move your project forward in a supportive workshop environment.
Choose a starting date
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.
8 Dates Available
- Start Date: 20 Apr 2026End Date: 13 Jul 2026Mon (Daytime): 12:30 - 14:30OnlineFull fee £259.00 Senior fee £259.00 Concession £130.00
- Start Date: 22 Apr 2026End Date: 01 Jul 2026This course is fullWed (Evening): 19:45 - 21:45In PersonLocation: Keeley StreetDuration: 11 sessions (over 11 weeks)Course Code: HW207Tutors: Sarah LeipcigerFull fee £259.00 Senior fee £259.00 Concession £130.00
- Start Date: 23 Apr 2026End Date: 02 Jul 2026Thu (Evening): 19:00 - 21:00OnlineFull fee £259.00 Senior fee £259.00 Concession £130.00
- Start Date: 14 Sep 2026End Date: 23 Nov 2026Mon (Daytime): 10:15 - 12:15In PersonLocation: Keeley StreetDuration: 11 sessions (over 11 weeks)Course Code: HW302Tutors: Sarah LeipcigerFull fee £279.00 Senior fee £279.00 Concession £181.00
- Start Date: 23 Sep 2026End Date: 02 Dec 2026Wed (Evening): 19:40 - 21:40In PersonLocation: Keeley StreetDuration: 11 sessions (over 11 weeks)Course Code: HW577Tutors: Paula LichtarowiczFull fee £279.00 Senior fee £279.00 Concession £181.00
- Start Date: 11 Jan 2027End Date: 22 Mar 2027Mon (Daytime): 12:30 - 14:30In PersonLocation: Keeley StreetDuration: 11 sessions (over 11 weeks)Course Code: HW278Tutors: Sarah LeipcigerFull fee £279.00 Senior fee £279.00 Concession £181.00
- Start Date: 13 Jan 2027End Date: 24 Mar 2027Wed (Daytime): 12:30 - 14:30In PersonLocation: Keeley StreetDuration: 11 sessions (over 11 weeks)Course Code: HW717Full fee £279.00 Senior fee £279.00 Concession £181.00
- Start Date: 14 Jan 2027End Date: 25 Mar 2027Thu (Evening): 17:30 - 19:30OnlineFull fee £279.00 Senior fee £279.00 Concession £181.00
Any questions? writing@citylit.ac.uk or call 020 4582 0415
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.
Book your place
In stock
SKU
232749
Full fee £259.00 Senior fee £259.00 Concession £130.00
What is the course about?
This one-term course for experienced creative writers explores the essential techniques of novel writing. If you've started writing your novel, this course will help you to shape your material into a coherent whole, and teach you to develop believable characters, structure scenes, and edit your own work.
Students say: I loved the stimulating atmosphere and the motivating comments from the workshop; There was critical feedback encouraging excellence; Very inspiring; It was encouraging, challenging and affirming.
What will we cover?
- Developing techniques for novel writing
- The art of constructive criticism and editing your own work
- Creating and honing a character
- Beginnings, endings, and everything in between
- Methods to thwart writers’ block
- How to Improve your understanding of, and experiment with, craft, including point of view (voice), dialogue, language, plotting, pacing and structure.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
- Respond to and assess pieces of writing with sensitivity
- Improve your plotting and editing skills
- Produce a significant portion of your novel
- Develop a consistent writing routine that realistically fits into your life, and learn strategies to help you complete your first draft (or forge ahead with redrafts)
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This is not a beginners' class. It is best suited for students who have already attended creative writing courses and have made significant progress on a draft of a novel (at least 15,000 words). You should be an avid reader of novels.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
Your tutor will set exercises to support your work-in-progress, and you will be expected to analyse excerpts of published material, however, the main focus will be on students' own work. You will be expected to develop your own writing outside of class and prepare work for submission to workshop. The tutor may set reading and writing exercises designed to support your project as homework.
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?
Pens and writing paper and/ or your laptop.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
If you feel ready to submit your work for rigorous constructive feedback, you can move on to Advanced fiction writing workshop.
Our Craft Focus series is also available to writers who wish to focus on an isolated element of fiction writing craft. We offer short intensive courses in editing your novel, developing character, plot, setting, point of view, and more. See our website or contact the department for advice on how you can develop a programme of fiction writing study.
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.
KR Moorhead See more See less
KR Moorhead is a trans non-binary, neurodivergent writer and educator. Their novel, The First Law of Motion, was published by St Martin's Press in 2009. They lectured in Creative Writing for 14 years at the University of East Anglia, where they earned an MA in Creative Writing: Prose Fiction in 2007. KR also has a Post Graduate Certificate in Higher Education Practice and a Post Graduate Diploma in Education Practice and Research, with a focus in feminist and other critical pedagogies. As a freelance creative writing mentor and facilitator, KR has launched FLUX: Trans* Writers Circle, a series of successful 'Crash Courses' in elements of writing and writing practice, and a programme of author and publishing industry professional events called An Audience With. They have facilitated sessions for Writers in Bloom, Beyond Form Creative Writing, Devotion Workshop, Norwich School of Creative Writing, and Oxbridge Academic Courses, and currently teach on Writing the Novel and the Writer's Portfolio for The University of Hull's online, part-time MA in Creative Writing.
Sarah Leipciger See more See less
Sarah Leipciger’s most recent novel, Moon Road, was published with Doubleday UK and Penguin Canada in 2024 and has been optioned for film. Her debut novel, The Mountain Can Wait, was published in 2015, and her second novel, Coming Up for Air, followed in 2020; it was longlisted for the Historical Writers Association Crown Award and has been adapted for stage with the Leipzig Opera House, to be premiered in spring 2026. She has had short stories shortlisted for the Bridport Prize, the Fish Prize and the Asham Award, and is a past winner of THIS Magazine’s Great Canadian Literary Hunt. She has also written non-fiction for The Guardian and The Toronto Star. Sarah has facilitated writing workshops across the country, including at literature festivals and men's prisons in London. She is an Associate Lecturer with the Creative Writing Department at Birbeck University, and Guest Tutor at Goldsmiths University.
Rene Perez See more See less
Rene S Perez II earned his bachelor's degree in English Literature at The University of Texas at Austin and his MFA in Creative Writing from Texas State University and taught English at secondary, university, and private adult lessons for 10 years before moving to the UK. His first book, Along These Highways, a collection of short stories, was released in 2012 by the University of Arizona Press. His first novel, Seeing Off the Johns was released in 2015 by Cinco Puntos Press. His next novel, Two Twins was published in 2022 by Touchpoint Press. His most recent release, Scavenging, was published in March of 2024 by Insurgent Press. He has been awarded Tejas Foco awards for both First Fiction and Young Adult writing. He was awarded the Alfredo Cisneros del Moral Award. He writes and teaches in London.
Paula Lichtarowicz See more See less
Paula Lichtarowicz is the author is three novels. Her most recent, The Snow Hare, was published by John Murray Press in 2023. She has a Masters in Psychology, a Post Graduate Certificate in Teaching Creative Writing, and a professional background in TV documentary production.
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/developing-your-novel
163668
Developing your novel
https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/d/e/developing_your_novel-square.jpg
259
259
GBP
InStock
/Courses
/Courses/Writing/Novels and short stories/Novels and short stories
/Courses/vm/Writing Courses/Novel Writing
/Courses/vm/Writing Courses/Fiction Writing
/Courses/vm/Writing Courses
/Courses/Writing
/Courses/Writing/Novels and short stories
/Courses/Online courses
2
285
1588
2039
2048
2018
13581
13599
1731
1
2
285
13581
13599
1653
2018
Have you started work on your novel? This course is suitable for experienced creative writers who want to make progress with a novel draft. Learn more about the art of novel writing and move your project forward in a supportive workshop environment. <div data-content-type="html" data-appearance="default" data-element="main">This one-term course for experienced creative writers explores the essential techniques of novel writing. If you've started writing your novel, this course will help you to shape your material into a coherent whole, and teach you to develop believable characters, structure scenes, and edit your own work.<br />
<br />
<b>Students say:</b> <i>"I loved the stimulating atmosphere and the motivating comments from the workshop"; "There was critical feedback encouraging excellence"; "Very inspiring"; "It was encouraging, challenging and affirming."</i>. <br />
<br />
This is a live online course. You will need:<br />
- Internet connection. The classes work best with Chrome.<br />
- A computer with microphone and camera is best (e.g. a PC/laptop/iMac/MacBook), or a tablet/iPad/smart phone/iPhone if you don't have a computer.<br />
- Earphones/headphones/speakers.<br />
We will contact you with joining instructions before your course starts.</div>
22
4.6
2541541
Developing your novel
259
259
https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/d/e/developing_your_novel-square_49.jpg
InStock
Daytime
Mon
Online
Available courses
11 weeks or longer
Weekday
2026-04-20T00:00:00+00:00
Some experience, Advanced
Apr 2026
Writing
HW279
259
259
Developing your novel
259
130
259
KR Moorhead
developing-your-novel/hw279-2526
Have you started work on your novel? This course is suitable for experienced creative writers who want to make progress with a novel draft. Learn more about the art of novel writing and move your project forward in a supportive workshop environment.
0000-Available|2026-04-20 00:00:00
This one-term course for experienced creative writers explores the essential techniques of novel writing. If you've started writing your novel, this course will help you to shape your material into a coherent whole, and teach you to develop believable characters, structure scenes, and edit your own work.<br/><br/><b>Students say:</b> I loved the stimulating atmosphere and the motivating comments from the workshop; There was critical feedback encouraging excellence; Very inspiring; It was encouraging, challenging and affirming.
Have you started work on your novel? This course is suitable for experienced creative writers who want to make progress with a novel draft. Learn more about the art of novel writing and move your project forward in a supportive workshop environment.
<p>- Developing techniques for novel writing<br/>- The art of constructive criticism and editing your own work<br/>- Creating and honing a character<br/>- Beginnings, endings, and everything in between<br/>- Methods to thwart writers’ block<br/>- How to Improve your understanding of, and experiment with, craft, including point of view (voice), dialogue, language, plotting, pacing and structure.</p>
<p>- Respond to and assess pieces of writing with sensitivity<br/>- Improve your plotting and editing skills<br/>- Produce a significant portion of your novel<br/>- Develop a consistent writing routine that realistically fits into your life, and learn strategies to help you complete your first draft (or forge ahead with redrafts)</p>
<p>This is not a beginners' class. It is best suited for students who have already attended creative writing courses and have made significant progress on a draft of a novel (at least 15,000 words). You should be an avid reader of novels.</p>
Your tutor will set exercises to support your work-in-progress, and you will be expected to analyse excerpts of published material, however, the main focus will be on students' own work. You will be expected to develop your own writing outside of class and prepare work for submission to workshop. The tutor may set reading and writing exercises designed to support your project as homework. <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>.
<p>Pens and writing paper and/ or your laptop.</p>
<p>If you feel ready to submit your work for rigorous constructive feedback, you can move on to Advanced fiction writing workshop.<br/><br/>Our Craft Focus series is also available to writers who wish to focus on an isolated element of fiction writing craft. We offer short intensive courses in editing your novel, developing character, plot, setting, point of view, and more. See our website or contact the department for advice on how you can develop a programme of fiction writing study.<br/><br/>All students are invited to join us at <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/latelines" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">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" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">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" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://www.twitter.com/citylitwriting" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Twitter</a>.</p>
Novels and short stories
Novels and short stories
virtual
2541832
Developing your novel
259
259
https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/d/e/developing_your_novel-square_50.jpg
InStock
Evening
Wed
Keeley Street
No longer available
11 weeks or longer
Weekday
2026-04-22T00:00:00+00:00
Some experience, Advanced
Apr 2026
Writing
HW207
259
259
Developing your novel
259
130
259
Sarah Leipciger
developing-your-novel/hw207-2526
Have you started work on your novel? This course is suitable for experienced creative writers who want to make progress with a novel draft. Learn more about the art of novel writing and move your project forward in a supportive workshop environment.
0015-FullStillOpen|2026-04-22 00:00:00
This one-term course for experienced creative writers explores the essential techniques of novel writing. If you've started writing your novel, this course will help you to shape your material into a coherent whole, and teach you to develop believable characters, structure scenes, and edit your own work.<br/><br/><b>Students say:</b> I loved the stimulating atmosphere and the motivating comments from the workshop; There was critical feedback encouraging excellence; Very inspiring; It was encouraging, challenging and affirming.
Have you started work on your novel? This course is suitable for experienced creative writers who want to make progress with a novel draft. Learn more about the art of novel writing and move your project forward in a supportive workshop environment.
<p>- Developing techniques for novel writing<br/>- The art of constructive criticism and editing your own work<br/>- Creating and honing a character<br/>- Beginnings, endings, and everything in between<br/>- Methods to thwart writers’ block<br/>- How to Improve your understanding of, and experiment with, craft, including point of view (voice), dialogue, language, plotting, pacing and structure.</p>
<p>- Respond to and assess pieces of writing with sensitivity<br/>- Improve your plotting and editing skills<br/>- Produce a significant portion of your novel<br/>- Develop a consistent writing routine that realistically fits into your life, and learn strategies to help you complete your first draft (or forge ahead with redrafts)</p>
<p>This is not a beginners' class. It is best suited for students who have already attended creative writing courses and have made significant progress on a draft of a novel (at least 15,000 words). You should be an avid reader of novels.</p>
Your tutor will set exercises to support your work-in-progress, and you will be expected to analyse excerpts of published material, however, the main focus will be on students' own work. You will be expected to develop your own writing outside of class and prepare work for submission to workshop. The tutor may set reading and writing exercises designed to support your project as homework. <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>.
<p>Pens and writing paper and/ or your laptop.</p>
<p>If you feel ready to submit your work for rigorous constructive feedback, you can move on to Advanced fiction writing workshop.<br/><br/>Our Craft Focus series is also available to writers who wish to focus on an isolated element of fiction writing craft. We offer short intensive courses in editing your novel, developing character, plot, setting, point of view, and more. See our website or contact the department for advice on how you can develop a programme of fiction writing study.<br/><br/>All students are invited to join us at <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/latelines" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">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" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">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" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://www.twitter.com/citylitwriting" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Twitter</a>.</p>
Novels and short stories
Novels and short stories
virtual
2541880
Developing your novel
259
259
https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/d/e/developing_your_novel-square_51.jpg
InStock
Evening
Thu
Online
Available courses
11 weeks or longer
Weekday
2026-04-23T00:00:00+00:00
Some experience, Advanced
Apr 2026
Writing
HW186
259
259
Developing your novel
259
130
259
Rene Perez
developing-your-novel/hw186-2526
Have you started work on your novel? This course is suitable for experienced creative writers who want to make progress with a novel draft. Learn more about the art of novel writing and move your project forward in a supportive workshop environment.
0000-Available|2026-04-23 00:00:00
This one-term course for experienced creative writers explores the essential techniques of novel writing. If you've started writing your novel, this course will help you to shape your material into a coherent whole, and teach you to develop believable characters, structure scenes, and edit your own work.<br/><br/><b>Students say:</b> I loved the stimulating atmosphere and the motivating comments from the workshop; There was critical feedback encouraging excellence; Very inspiring; It was encouraging, challenging and affirming.
Have you started work on your novel? This course is suitable for experienced creative writers who want to make progress with a novel draft. Learn more about the art of novel writing and move your project forward in a supportive workshop environment.
<p>- Developing techniques for novel writing<br/>- The art of constructive criticism and editing your own work<br/>- Creating and honing a character<br/>- Beginnings, endings, and everything in between<br/>- Methods to thwart writers’ block<br/>- How to Improve your understanding of, and experiment with, craft, including point of view (voice), dialogue, language, plotting, pacing and structure.</p>
<p>- Respond to and assess pieces of writing with sensitivity<br/>- Improve your plotting and editing skills<br/>- Produce a significant portion of your novel<br/>- Develop a consistent writing routine that realistically fits into your life, and learn strategies to help you complete your first draft (or forge ahead with redrafts)</p>
<p>This is not a beginners' class. It is best suited for students who have already attended creative writing courses and have made significant progress on a draft of a novel (at least 15,000 words). You should be an avid reader of novels.</p>
Your tutor will set exercises to support your work-in-progress, and you will be expected to analyse excerpts of published material, however, the main focus will be on students' own work. You will be expected to develop your own writing outside of class and prepare work for submission to workshop. The tutor may set reading and writing exercises designed to support your project as homework. <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>.
<p>Pens and writing paper and/ or your laptop.</p>
<p>If you feel ready to submit your work for rigorous constructive feedback, you can move on to Advanced fiction writing workshop.<br/><br/>Our Craft Focus series is also available to writers who wish to focus on an isolated element of fiction writing craft. We offer short intensive courses in editing your novel, developing character, plot, setting, point of view, and more. See our website or contact the department for advice on how you can develop a programme of fiction writing study.<br/><br/>All students are invited to join us at <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/latelines" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">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" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">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" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://www.twitter.com/citylitwriting" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Twitter</a>.</p>
Novels and short stories
Novels and short stories
virtual
3035791
Developing your novel
279
279
https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/d/e/developing_your_novel-square_54.jpg
InStock
Evening
Thu
Online
Available courses
11 weeks or longer
Weekday
2027-01-14T00:00:00+00:00
Some experience, Advanced
Jan 2027
Writing
HW182
279
279
Developing your novel
279
181
279
KR Moorhead
developing-your-novel/hw182-2627
Have you started work on your novel? This course is suitable for experienced creative writers who want to make progress with a novel draft. Learn more about the art of novel writing and move your project forward in a supportive workshop environment.
0000-Available|2027-01-14 00:00:00
This one-term course for experienced creative writers explores the essential techniques of novel writing. If you've started writing your novel, this course will help you to shape your material into a coherent whole, and teach you to develop believable characters, structure scenes, and edit your own work.<br><br><b>Students say:</b> "I loved the stimulating atmosphere and the motivating comments from the workshop"; "There was critical feedback encouraging excellence"; "Very inspiring"; "It was encouraging, challenging and affirming.".
Have you started work on your novel? This course is suitable for experienced creative writers who want to make progress with a novel draft. Learn more about the art of novel writing and move your project forward in a supportive workshop environment.
<p>- Developing techniques for novel writing<br>- The art of constructive criticism and editing your own work<br>- Creating and honing a character<br>- Beginnings, endings, and everything in between<br>- Methods to thwart writers’ block<br>- How to Improve your understanding of, and experiment with, craft, including point of view (voice), dialogue, language, plotting, pacing and structure.</p>
<p>- Respond to and assess pieces of writing with sensitivity<br>- Improve your plotting and editing skills<br>- Produce a significant portion of your novel<br>- Develop a consistent writing routine that realistically fits into your life, and learn strategies to help you complete your first draft (or forge ahead with redrafts)</p>
<p>This is not a beginners' class. It is best suited for students who have already attended creative writing courses and<br>have made significant progress on a draft of a novel (at least 15,000 words). You should be an avid reader of novels.</p>
Your tutor will set exercises to support your work-in-progress, and you will be expected to analyse excerpts of published material, however, the main focus will be on students' own work. You will be expected to develop your own writing outside of class and prepare work for submission to workshop. The tutor may set reading and writing exercises designed to support your project as homework. <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>.
<p>Pens and writing paper and/ or your laptop.</p>
<p>If you feel ready to submit your work for rigorous constructive feedback, you can move on to <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/advanced-fiction-writing-workshop" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Advanced fiction writing workshop</a>.<br><br>Our Craft Focus series is also available to writers who wish to focus on an isolated element of fiction writing craft. We offer short intensive courses in developing character, plot, setting, point of view, and more. See our website or contact the department for advice on how you can develop a programme of fiction writing study.<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://bsky.app/profile/citylitwriting.bsky.social" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Bluesky</a>.</p>
Novels and short stories
Novels and short stories
virtual
3035818
Developing your novel
279
279
https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/d/e/developing_your_novel-square_53.jpg
InStock
Daytime
Mon
Keeley Street
Available courses
11 weeks or longer
Weekday
2027-01-11T00:00:00+00:00
Some experience, Advanced
Jan 2027
Writing
HW278
279
279
Developing your novel
279
181
279
Sarah Leipciger
developing-your-novel/hw278-2627
Have you started work on your novel? This course is suitable for experienced creative writers who want to make progress with a novel draft. Learn more about the art of novel writing and move your project forward in a supportive workshop environment.
0000-Available|2027-01-11 00:00:00
This one-term course for experienced creative writers explores the essential techniques of novel writing. If you've started writing your novel, this course will help you to shape your material into a coherent whole, and teach you to develop believable characters, structure scenes, and edit your own work.<br><br><b>Students say:</b> "I loved the stimulating atmosphere and the motivating comments from the workshop"; "There was critical feedback encouraging excellence"; "Very inspiring"; "It was encouraging, challenging and affirming.".
Have you started work on your novel? This course is suitable for experienced creative writers who want to make progress with a novel draft. Learn more about the art of novel writing and move your project forward in a supportive workshop environment.
<p>- Developing techniques for novel writing<br>- The art of constructive criticism and editing your own work<br>- Creating and honing a character<br>- Beginnings, endings, and everything in between<br>- Methods to thwart writers’ block<br>- How to Improve your understanding of, and experiment with, craft, including point of view (voice), dialogue, language, plotting, pacing and structure.</p>
<p>- Respond to and assess pieces of writing with sensitivity<br>- Improve your plotting and editing skills<br>- Produce a significant portion of your novel<br>- Develop a consistent writing routine that realistically fits into your life, and learn strategies to help you complete your first draft (or forge ahead with redrafts)</p>
<p>This is not a beginners' class. It is best suited for students who have already attended creative writing courses and<br>have made significant progress on a draft of a novel (at least 15,000 words). You should be an avid reader of novels.</p>
Your tutor will set exercises to support your work-in-progress, and you will be expected to analyse excerpts of published material, however, the main focus will be on students' own work. You will be expected to develop your own writing outside of class and prepare work for submission to workshop. The tutor may set reading and writing exercises designed to support your project as homework. <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>.
<p>Pens and writing paper and/ or your laptop.</p>
<p>If you feel ready to submit your work for rigorous constructive feedback, you can move on to <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/advanced-fiction-writing-workshop" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Advanced fiction writing workshop</a>.<br><br>Our Craft Focus series is also available to writers who wish to focus on an isolated element of fiction writing craft. We offer short intensive courses in developing character, plot, setting, point of view, and more. See our website or contact the department for advice on how you can develop a programme of fiction writing study.<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://bsky.app/profile/citylitwriting.bsky.social" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Bluesky</a>.</p>
Novels and short stories
Novels and short stories
virtual
3035824
Developing your novel
279
279
https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/d/e/developing_your_novel-square_52.jpg
InStock
Daytime
Mon
Keeley Street
Available courses
11 weeks or longer
Weekday
2026-09-14T00:00:00+00:00
Some experience, Advanced
Sep 2026
Writing
HW302
279
279
Developing your novel
279
181
279
Sarah Leipciger
developing-your-novel/hw302-2627
Have you started work on your novel? This course is suitable for experienced creative writers who want to make progress with a novel draft. Learn more about the art of novel writing and move your project forward in a supportive workshop environment.
0000-Available|2026-09-14 00:00:00
This one-term course for experienced creative writers explores the essential techniques of novel writing. If you've started writing your novel, this course will help you to shape your material into a coherent whole, and teach you to develop believable characters, structure scenes, and edit your own work.<br><br><b>Students say:</b> "I loved the stimulating atmosphere and the motivating comments from the workshop"; "There was critical feedback encouraging excellence"; "Very inspiring"; "It was encouraging, challenging and affirming.".
Have you started work on your novel? This course is suitable for experienced creative writers who want to make progress with a novel draft. Learn more about the art of novel writing and move your project forward in a supportive workshop environment.
<p>- Developing techniques for novel writing<br>- The art of constructive criticism and editing your own work<br>- Creating and honing a character<br>- Beginnings, endings, and everything in between<br>- Methods to thwart writers’ block<br>- How to Improve your understanding of, and experiment with, craft, including point of view (voice), dialogue, language, plotting, pacing and structure.</p>
<p>- Respond to and assess pieces of writing with sensitivity<br>- Improve your plotting and editing skills<br>- Produce a significant portion of your novel<br>- Develop a consistent writing routine that realistically fits into your life, and learn strategies to help you complete your first draft (or forge ahead with redrafts)</p>
<p>This is not a beginners' class. It is best suited for students who have already attended creative writing courses and<br>have made significant progress on a draft of a novel (at least 15,000 words). You should be an avid reader of novels.</p>
Your tutor will set exercises to support your work-in-progress, and you will be expected to analyse excerpts of published material, however, the main focus will be on students' own work. You will be expected to develop your own writing outside of class and prepare work for submission to workshop. The tutor may set reading and writing exercises designed to support your project as homework. <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>.
<p>Pens and writing paper and/ or your laptop.</p>
<p>If you feel ready to submit your work for rigorous constructive feedback, you can move on to <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/advanced-fiction-writing-workshop" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Advanced fiction writing workshop</a>.<br><br>Our Craft Focus series is also available to writers who wish to focus on an isolated element of fiction writing craft. We offer short intensive courses in developing character, plot, setting, point of view, and more. See our website or contact the department for advice on how you can develop a programme of fiction writing study.<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://bsky.app/profile/citylitwriting.bsky.social" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Bluesky</a>.</p>
Novels and short stories
Novels and short stories
virtual
3035884
Developing your novel
279
279
https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/d/e/developing_your_novel-square_55.jpg
InStock
Evening
Wed
Keeley Street
Available courses
11 weeks or longer
Weekday
2026-09-23T00:00:00+00:00
Some experience, Advanced
Sep 2026
Writing
HW577
279
279
Developing your novel
279
181
279
Paula Lichtarowicz
developing-your-novel/hw577-2627
Have you started work on your novel? This course is suitable for experienced creative writers who want to make progress with a novel draft. Learn more about the art of novel writing and move your project forward in a supportive workshop environment.
0000-Available|2026-09-23 00:00:00
This one-term course for experienced creative writers explores the essential techniques of novel writing. If you've started writing your novel, this course will help you to shape your material into a coherent whole, and teach you to develop believable characters, structure scenes, and edit your own work.<br><br><b>Students say:</b> "I loved the stimulating atmosphere and the motivating comments from the workshop"; "There was critical feedback encouraging excellence"; "Very inspiring"; "It was encouraging, challenging and affirming.".
Have you started work on your novel? This course is suitable for experienced creative writers who want to make progress with a novel draft. Learn more about the art of novel writing and move your project forward in a supportive workshop environment.
<p>- Developing techniques for novel writing<br>- The art of constructive criticism and editing your own work<br>- Creating and honing a character<br>- Beginnings, endings, and everything in between<br>- Methods to thwart writers’ block<br>- How to Improve your understanding of, and experiment with, craft, including point of view (voice), dialogue, language, plotting, pacing and structure.</p>
<p>- Respond to and assess pieces of writing with sensitivity<br>- Improve your plotting and editing skills<br>- Produce a significant portion of your novel<br>- Develop a consistent writing routine that realistically fits into your life, and learn strategies to help you complete your first draft (or forge ahead with redrafts)</p>
<p>This is not a beginners' class. It is best suited for students who have already attended creative writing courses and<br>have made significant progress on a draft of a novel (at least 15,000 words). You should be an avid reader of novels.</p>
Your tutor will set exercises to support your work-in-progress, and you will be expected to analyse excerpts of published material, however, the main focus will be on students' own work. You will be expected to develop your own writing outside of class and prepare work for submission to workshop. The tutor may set reading and writing exercises designed to support your project as homework. <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>.
<p>Pens and writing paper and/ or your laptop.</p>
<p>If you feel ready to submit your work for rigorous constructive feedback, you can move on to <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/advanced-fiction-writing-workshop" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Advanced fiction writing workshop</a>.<br><br>Our Craft Focus series is also available to writers who wish to focus on an isolated element of fiction writing craft. We offer short intensive courses in developing character, plot, setting, point of view, and more. See our website or contact the department for advice on how you can develop a programme of fiction writing study.<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://bsky.app/profile/citylitwriting.bsky.social" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Bluesky</a>.</p>
Novels and short stories
Novels and short stories
virtual
3035920
Developing your novel
279
279
https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/d/e/developing_your_novel-square_56.jpg
InStock
Daytime
Wed
Keeley Street
Available courses
11 weeks or longer
Weekday
2027-01-13T00:00:00+00:00
Some experience, Advanced
Jan 2027
Writing
HW717
279
279
Developing your novel
279
181
279
developing-your-novel/hw717-2627
Have you started work on your novel? This course is suitable for experienced creative writers who want to make progress with a novel draft. Learn more about the art of novel writing and move your project forward in a supportive workshop environment.
0000-Available|2027-01-13 00:00:00
This one-term course for experienced creative writers explores the essential techniques of novel writing. If you've started writing your novel, this course will help you to shape your material into a coherent whole, and teach you to develop believable characters, structure scenes, and edit your own work.<br><br><b>Students say:</b> "I loved the stimulating atmosphere and the motivating comments from the workshop"; "There was critical feedback encouraging excellence"; "Very inspiring"; "It was encouraging, challenging and affirming.".
Have you started work on your novel? This course is suitable for experienced creative writers who want to make progress with a novel draft. Learn more about the art of novel writing and move your project forward in a supportive workshop environment.
<p>- Developing techniques for novel writing<br>- The art of constructive criticism and editing your own work<br>- Creating and honing a character<br>- Beginnings, endings, and everything in between<br>- Methods to thwart writers’ block<br>- How to Improve your understanding of, and experiment with, craft, including point of view (voice), dialogue, language, plotting, pacing and structure.</p>
<p>- Respond to and assess pieces of writing with sensitivity<br>- Improve your plotting and editing skills<br>- Produce a significant portion of your novel<br>- Develop a consistent writing routine that realistically fits into your life, and learn strategies to help you complete your first draft (or forge ahead with redrafts)</p>
<p>This is not a beginners' class. It is best suited for students who have already attended creative writing courses and<br>have made significant progress on a draft of a novel (at least 15,000 words). You should be an avid reader of novels.</p>
Your tutor will set exercises to support your work-in-progress, and you will be expected to analyse excerpts of published material, however, the main focus will be on students' own work. You will be expected to develop your own writing outside of class and prepare work for submission to workshop. The tutor may set reading and writing exercises designed to support your project as homework. <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>.
<p>Pens and writing paper and/ or your laptop.</p>
<p>If you feel ready to submit your work for rigorous constructive feedback, you can move on to <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/advanced-fiction-writing-workshop" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Advanced fiction writing workshop</a>.<br><br>Our Craft Focus series is also available to writers who wish to focus on an isolated element of fiction writing craft. We offer short intensive courses in developing character, plot, setting, point of view, and more. See our website or contact the department for advice on how you can develop a programme of fiction writing study.<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://bsky.app/profile/citylitwriting.bsky.social" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Bluesky</a>.</p>
Novels and short stories
Novels and short stories
virtual
259,279
259,279
130,181
HW279,HW207,HW186,HW182,HW278,HW302,HW577,HW717
NONE
Mon,Wed,Thu
20/04/26 - 13/07/26
12:30 - 14:30
12:30
14:30
11 sessions (over 13 weeks)
11
11 weeks or longer
Weekday
Online
Online,Keeley Street
Some experience, Advanced
Available courses,No longer available
2026-04-20T00:00:00+00:00,2026-04-22T00:00:00+00:00,2026-04-23T00:00:00+00:00,2027-01-14T00:00:00+00:00,2027-01-11T00:00:00+00:00,2026-09-14T00:00:00+00:00,2026-09-23T00:00:00+00:00,2027-01-13T00:00:00+00:00
Daytime,Evening
Apr 2026,Jan 2027,Sep 2026
Writing
259
259,279
Developing your novel
developing-your-novel/hw279-2526,developing-your-novel/hw207-2526,developing-your-novel/hw186-2526,developing-your-novel/hw182-2627,developing-your-novel/hw278-2627,developing-your-novel/hw302-2627,developing-your-novel/hw577-2627,developing-your-novel/hw717-2627
Have you started work on your novel? This course is suitable for experienced creative writers who want to make progress with a novel draft. Learn more about the art of novel writing and move your project forward in a supportive workshop environment.
0000-Available|2026-04-20 00:00:00
This one-term course for experienced creative writers explores the essential techniques of novel writing. If you've started writing your novel, this course will help you to shape your material into a coherent whole, and teach you to develop believable characters, structure scenes, and edit your own work.<br/><br/><b>Students say:</b> I loved the stimulating atmosphere and the motivating comments from the workshop; There was critical feedback encouraging excellence; Very inspiring; It was encouraging, challenging and affirming.,This one-term course for experienced creative writers explores the essential techniques of novel writing. If you've started writing your novel, this course will help you to shape your material into a coherent whole, and teach you to develop believable characters, structure scenes, and edit your own work.<br><br><b>Students say:</b> "I loved the stimulating atmosphere and the motivating comments from the workshop"; "There was critical feedback encouraging excellence"; "Very inspiring"; "It was encouraging, challenging and affirming.".
Have you started work on your novel? This course is suitable for experienced creative writers who want to make progress with a novel draft. Learn more about the art of novel writing and move your project forward in a supportive workshop environment.
<p>- Developing techniques for novel writing<br/>- The art of constructive criticism and editing your own work<br/>- Creating and honing a character<br/>- Beginnings, endings, and everything in between<br/>- Methods to thwart writers’ block<br/>- How to Improve your understanding of, and experiment with, craft, including point of view (voice), dialogue, language, plotting, pacing and structure.</p>,<p>- Developing techniques for novel writing<br>- The art of constructive criticism and editing your own work<br>- Creating and honing a character<br>- Beginnings, endings, and everything in between<br>- Methods to thwart writers’ block<br>- How to Improve your understanding of, and experiment with, craft, including point of view (voice), dialogue, language, plotting, pacing and structure.</p>
<p>- Respond to and assess pieces of writing with sensitivity<br/>- Improve your plotting and editing skills<br/>- Produce a significant portion of your novel<br/>- Develop a consistent writing routine that realistically fits into your life, and learn strategies to help you complete your first draft (or forge ahead with redrafts)</p>,<p>- Respond to and assess pieces of writing with sensitivity<br>- Improve your plotting and editing skills<br>- Produce a significant portion of your novel<br>- Develop a consistent writing routine that realistically fits into your life, and learn strategies to help you complete your first draft (or forge ahead with redrafts)</p>
<p>This is not a beginners' class. It is best suited for students who have already attended creative writing courses and have made significant progress on a draft of a novel (at least 15,000 words). You should be an avid reader of novels.</p>,<p>This is not a beginners' class. It is best suited for students who have already attended creative writing courses and<br>have made significant progress on a draft of a novel (at least 15,000 words). You should be an avid reader of novels.</p>
Your tutor will set exercises to support your work-in-progress, and you will be expected to analyse excerpts of published material, however, the main focus will be on students' own work. You will be expected to develop your own writing outside of class and prepare work for submission to workshop. The tutor may set reading and writing exercises designed to support your project as homework. <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>.
<p>Pens and writing paper and/ or your laptop.</p>
<p>If you feel ready to submit your work for rigorous constructive feedback, you can move on to Advanced fiction writing workshop.<br/><br/>Our Craft Focus series is also available to writers who wish to focus on an isolated element of fiction writing craft. We offer short intensive courses in editing your novel, developing character, plot, setting, point of view, and more. See our website or contact the department for advice on how you can develop a programme of fiction writing study.<br/><br/>All students are invited to join us at <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/latelines" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">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" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">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" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://www.twitter.com/citylitwriting" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Twitter</a>.</p>,<p>If you feel ready to submit your work for rigorous constructive feedback, you can move on to <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/advanced-fiction-writing-workshop" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Advanced fiction writing workshop</a>.<br><br>Our Craft Focus series is also available to writers who wish to focus on an isolated element of fiction writing craft. We offer short intensive courses in developing character, plot, setting, point of view, and more. See our website or contact the department for advice on how you can develop a programme of fiction writing study.<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://bsky.app/profile/citylitwriting.bsky.social" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Bluesky</a>.</p>
Novels and short stories
Novels and short stories
configurable
1588
13599
Novels and short stories
https://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/writing/novels-and-short-stories/novels-and-short-stories-1
1/2/285/13581/13599/1588
/Courses/Writing/Novels and short stories/Novels and short stories