Writing Courses in London
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 >
Read tips for writers battling with self-doubt from tutor Helen Cox.
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Writing poetry: experiments in chance and choice
Course Date: Sat 20 Jul 2019
Location on this date: KS - Keeley StreetExplore interesting, off-beat and diverse approaches to generating verse on this one-day course. Try out cut-ups, found lines, experiments in meter and rhyme, and much more.Full fee: £59.00Senior fee: £59.00Concession: £24.00 -
Jump start your play
Course Date: Sun 21 Jul 2019
Location on this date: KS - Keeley StreetHave you got a script idea but not yet put pen to paper? Or a script you started long ago but never finished? This intensive one-day course is like a dramaturgy bootcamp. You’ll inject some new energy into your idea – and get a headstart at writing it. A perfect motivator to finally fulfill those playwriting resolutions, suitable only for those with playwriting experience.Full fee: £59.00Senior fee: £59.00Concession: £24.00 -
Ways into screenwriting: an introduction
Course Date: Sun 21 Jul 2019 (and 3 other dates)
Location on this date: KS - Keeley StreetWant to write scripts but don't know how to start? Discover the basics of screenwriting - character, conflict and more - on a course that's designed to help you shape your ideas and get your story going.Full fee: £59.00Senior fee: £59.00Concession: £24.00 -
Getting published
Course Date: Mon 22 Jul 2019
Location on this date: KS - Keeley StreetSo you've finished your novel. What's next? This short course provides guidance in submitting to agents and publishers, and helps you to tailor your work to maximise its potential in the marketplace.Full fee: £89.00Senior fee: £89.00Concession: £36.00 -
Autobiographical writing: getting started
Course Date: Tue 23 Jul 2019
Location on this date: KS - Keeley StreetWhether writing for self-discovery, testimony or to tell your story, learn how to get started and what's involved in autobiographical writing. Explore various resources from diaries to dreams, memories and fantasy.Full fee: £119.00Senior fee: £119.00Concession: £48.00 -
Developing your fairytale
Course Date: Thu 25 Jul 2019 (and 3 other dates)
Location on this date: KS - Keeley StreetAlready devised a cunning plan for your own fairytale? This fun day workshop coaches students on how to add an extra dash of magic into the cauldron while writing in the fairytale genre.Full fee: £59.00Senior fee: £59.00Concession: £24.00 -
Micropoetry: small poems, big ideas
Course Date: Sun 28 Jul 2019 (and 1 other date)
Location on this date: KS - Keeley StreetExplore the art of micropoetry in this one-day workshop. Compose your own poetry and learn how to make every word on the page count.Full fee: £59.00Senior fee: £59.00Concession: £24.00 -
What the poem wants: drafting and editing workshop
Course Date: Mon 29 Jul 2019
Location on this date: KS - Keeley StreetWrite fast and edit fast in this poem-blitzing workshop. Learn to step back, look at your poem and think about the different directions it might take. Practise ruthlessness as well as care in the poem’s service.Full fee: £179.00Senior fee: £179.00Concession: £72.00 -
Picture book writing: a taster
Course Date: Tue 30 Jul 2019
Location on this date: KS - Keeley StreetWould you like to write a picture book text for young children? This taster course is designed for children's writers and for illustrators wishing to write their own stories. Develop both your ideas and your technique.Full fee: £59.00Senior fee: £59.00Concession: £24.00 -
Reading for writers: queer fiction (a fortnightly course)
Course Date: Mon 23 Sep 2019
Location on this date: FRA - Fashion Retail AcademyExplore the scope of human experience through the lens of LGBT+ writers, and learn from them the fundamentals of writing compelling fiction. This fortnightly intermediate course combines reading and analysis of key queer texts with practical writing exercises. Suitable for all those with some creative writing experience and an interest in queer perspectives in fiction.Full fee: £129.00Senior fee: £129.00Concession: £52.00 -
Masterclass: fiction (a year-long workshop)
Course Date: Mon 23 Sep 2019
Location on this date: KS - Keeley StreetThis intensive three-term fiction workshop is open by selective application and interview to a maximum of ten fiction writers working at the advanced and professional levels. You will receive rigorous constructive feedback on your novel or short story as you develop it with a view to publication, and participate in detailed tutor-led discussions on advanced elements of fictional craft. Please note: the deadline for applications is Monday 12th August. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview on Sunday 8th September.Full fee: £989.00Senior fee: £989.00Concession: £989.00 -
Autobiographical writing
Course Date: Mon 23 Sep 2019 (and 1 other date)
Location on this date: KS - Keeley StreetDo you already have some experience of writing in the autobiographical genre? Whether writing for self-discovery, testimony or to tell your story, this term-long course explores how to ensure your work is both evocative and powerful. Diaries, dreams, memories and fantasy.Full fee: £209.00Senior fee: £209.00Concession: £84.00 -
Masterclass: poetry (a one-term intensive workshop)
Course Date: Mon 23 Sep 2019 (and 1 other date)
Location on this date: International HouseThis intensive poetry masterclass is open by selective application to a maximum of ten students. You will receive inspiring tutor instruction and rigorous constructive feedback on your poems as you prepare them for publication and performance. Includes an invitation to perform at our termly spoken word event, Late Lines. The current deadline for applications is Friday 30th of August 2019.Full fee: £339.00Senior fee: £339.00Concession: £339.00 -
Writing skills for creative writers
Course Date: Mon 23 Sep 2019 (and 3 other dates)
Location on this date: KS - Keeley StreetGreat poetry and prose begin when the writer puts the right words in the right places. Learn how and why the rules and conventions of language matter in this course, which combines creative writing with opportunities to learn/revise essential points of grammar and useful literary concepts. Suitable for beginning writers looking to build confidence, and those with more experience who would like to practise these essential skills.Full fee: £209.00Senior fee: £209.00Concession: £84.00 -
Writing comics and graphic novels
Course Date: Mon 23 Sep 2019
Location on this date: International HouseLearn the skills to write comics on this introductory course. Discover the history and key features of the medium, generate your own project, and receive advice from special guests.Full fee: £129.00Senior fee: £129.00Concession: £52.00
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