Writing
Learn to write stories, articles and poetry in the same college where big names in literature such as Dylan Thomas, Andrea Levy and Malorie Blackman have trained or taught. Our short writing courses take place in the evenings, daytimes and at weekends, and are suitable for all levels - whether you're just starting out or ready to publish your first book. All our writing courses are taught by practicing writers.
Student stories
Discover the impact studying at City Lit had for published poet Peter Ebsworth.
City Lit's writing students frequently go on to further study or publication. Read their success stories here.
Read tips for writers battling with self-doubt from tutor Helen Cox.
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Writing highlights
Journalism
Introductory and general creative writing courses
Writing for stage and screen
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Creative non-fiction: a taster
Course Date: Sat 20 Oct 2018
Location on this date: KS - Keeley StreetThis engaging one-day course will introduce the key features of creative non-fiction. Explore narratives such as memoir and the non-fiction novel. You'll also get the chance to take part in practical writing exercises.Full fee: £59.00Senior fee: £59.00Concession: £24.00 -
Comedy sketch writing
Course Date: Sun 21 Oct 2018
Location on this date: KS - Keeley StreetDiscover the art of creating a great comedy sketch. Study the brilliance of classic sketches and learn how to deploy their techniques in your own work.Full fee: £59.00Senior fee: £59.00Concession: £24.00 -
Writing for magazines
Course Date: Wed 24 Oct 2018 (and 3 other dates)
Location on this date: KS - Keeley StreetGet inspired to write on this practical course for freelance journalists and bloggers. Learn to carry out research, interview people, pitch and publish stories, and build your presence on social media.Full fee: £119.00Senior fee: £119.00Concession: £48.00 -
Travel writing
Course Date: Wed 24 Oct 2018
Location on this date: KS - Keeley StreetMake travelling pay. Find out what travel editors of newspapers and magazines look for, how to get a commission, write a saleable article and get your trip financed. Practical advice on identifying suitable outlets and contacting editors.Full fee: £119.00Senior fee: £119.00Concession: £48.00 -
Writing horror for the screen
Course Date: Sat 27 Oct 2018
Location on this date: KS - Keeley StreetAs Halloween approaches, unleash your terrifying idea for a script onto the world with this intensive writing horror for the screen workshop. Suitable for beginning screenwriters and all those with an interest in the horror genre.
Full fee: £99.00Senior fee: £99.00Concession: £40.00 -
Writing situation comedy for TV
Course Date: Sat 27 Oct 2018
Location on this date: KS - Keeley StreetExplore the fundamental techniques for writing situation comedy for TV. Learn how to set up your own comic world, fill it with characters, and tell your story through well-crafted scenes.Full fee: £59.00Senior fee: £59.00Concession: £24.00 -
Writing for children: a taster
Course Date: Sun 28 Oct 2018 (and 2 other dates)
Location on this date: KS - Keeley StreetDevelop your ideas for children's stories in a practical interactive session. Topics will include plot, characterisation and viewpoint, and how to approach the children's publishing industry today.Full fee: £59.00Senior fee: £59.00Concession: £24.00 -
Biography writing: an introduction
Course Date: Wed 31 Oct 2018
Location on this date: KS - Keeley StreetWhat makes a great biography? This introductory course, led by a professional biographer, covers the key techniques used in this exciting genre.Full fee: £119.00Senior fee: £119.00Concession: £48.00 -
Picture book writing: workshop
Course Date: Wed 31 Oct 2018 (and 2 other dates)
Location on this date: KS - Keeley StreetWould you like to develop the skills to plan, write and edit picture book texts for young children? This course is designed for children's writers and for illustrators wishing to write their own stories. Explore ideas and learn techniques through teacher-led activity and group workshops.Full fee: £119.00Senior fee: £119.00Concession: £48.00 -
Digital journalism: pitching and writing for modern media
Course Date: Sat 3 Nov 2018 (and 1 other date)
Location on this date: KS - Keeley StreetWith the dawn of online media outlets, there are more opportunities than ever before for writers to showcase their talent to the world. This day workshop guides students in successfully writing and pitching news and features to multiple digital channels.Full fee: £59.00Senior fee: £59.00Concession: £24.00 -
Erotic poetry
Course Date: Sat 3 Nov 2018 (and 1 other date)
Location on this date: KS - Keeley StreetThe erotic is a glass prism, refracting a spectrum of ideas, experiences and desires for each individual. This day workshop guides students in developing poems that sensitively capture and deconstruct elements of the erotic that grip and stimulate the reader.Full fee: £59.00Senior fee: £59.00Concession: £24.00 -
Writing sports news and features
Course Date: Mon 5 Nov 2018 (and 1 other date)
Location on this date: KS - Keeley StreetWhether you want to write about tennis, athletics or the Women's Premier League, this short introductory course offers guidance on crafting quality sports news and features for online, print and broadcast. The course includes expert guidance from an ex-BBC sports editor and numerous guest speakers currently working in sports journalism.Full fee: £119.00Senior fee: £119.00Concession: £48.00 -
Introduction to journalism
Course Date: Mon 5 Nov 2018 (and 3 other dates)
Location on this date: KS - Keeley StreetOn this course students will explore the basic skills a freelance journalist needs to write and sell news and features to newspapers and magazines. From developing ideas and identifying outlets to interview skills and approaching editors.Full fee: £119.00Senior fee: £119.00Concession: £48.00 -
Ways into creative writing: an introduction
Course Date: Tue 6 Nov 2018 (and 11 other dates)
Location on this date: KS - Keeley StreetNot sure whether creative writing is for you? Give it a try on this fun and supportive short course covering the basics of fiction and poetry. Increase your confidence and produce work through guided exercises and discussion.Full fee: £119.00Senior fee: £119.00Concession: £48.00 -
Poetry and the city
Course Date: Sat 10 Nov 2018
Location on this date: KS - Keeley StreetThe excitement and frustrations of city life have inspired poets from 18th-century Grub Street to the 50s Beats and modern-day rappers. This one-day workshop explores ways in which the city can inspire poetry.Full fee: £59.00Senior fee: £59.00Concession: £24.00