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.
City Lit's writing students frequently go on to further study or publication. Read their success stories
Students are warmly encouraged to send in their work to be considered for inclusion in Between the Lines, our annual anthology of creative writing.
We're delighted to announce City Lit’s Malorie Blackman Scholarships for 'Unheard Voices', providing three annual awards worth up to £1000 each, to fund one year’s study within the Creative Writing department at City Lit. Learn more >
For the latest news, courses, events and competitions, stay in touch with the Department on Facebook and Twitter.
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Masters of style: reading and writing Jean Rhys
Course Date: Sun 22 Mar 2020
Location on this date: KS - Keeley StreetJean Rhys was a master of precision and atmosphere. From writing about the immigrant experience through a distinctly female lens, to revising literary history with her incandescent prequel to Jane Eyre, Wide Sargasso Sea, Rhys was a writer who was willing to take risks with style to achieve her vivid portrayals. This day workshop explores the literary interpretations of two of her fictional works, and includes writing exercises that encourage you to experiment with her fluid style.Full fee: £59.00Senior fee: £59.00Concession: £24.00 -
Poetry through the seasons: spring
Course Date: Sat 28 Mar 2020
Location on this date: KS - Keeley StreetSnowdrops blossoming, daffodils yellowing, lengthening days and the blossoms of May. Whatever spring means to you, this day workshop will inspire you to write poems that capture the essence of the brightening world.Full fee: £59.00Senior fee: £59.00Concession: £24.00 -
Local history writing
Course Date: Sun 29 Mar 2020
Location on this date: KS - Keeley StreetOn this inspiring new short course students will learn how to write local history books, booklets and features. Local history covers a broad spectrum of topics but writers in this area are often interested in penning volumes about their family, their home town, the street they live in, the places they love, know well or grew up in, from old buildings to parks, markets and beyond.Full fee: £59.00Senior fee: £59.00Concession: £24.00 -
Developing your fairytale
Course Date: Sun 29 Mar 2020 (and 1 other date)
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 -
Craft focus: narrative time in fiction
Course Date: Sun 29 Mar 2020
Location on this date: KS - Keeley StreetAll fiction is bound by time: a story must begin and it must end. What happens in between is up to the writer. In this one-day practical course learn how time functions in fiction and, through practical writing exercises, how you can manipulate it to great effect. Suitable for those with some creative writing experience.Full fee: £59.00Senior fee: £59.00Concession: £24.00 -
Introduction to advanced academic writing (Year 3 undergraduates and beyond)
Course Date: Sat 4 Apr 2020 (and 1 other date)
Location on this date: KS - Keeley StreetOn this one-day workshop we will explore the building blocks and strategies for good writing. Ideal for those studying, or contemplating writing, at this level.Full fee: £59.00Senior fee: £59.00Concession: £24.00 -
Ways into creative writing
Course Date: Mon 20 Apr 2020 (and 9 other dates)
Location on this date: KS - Keeley StreetWant to have a go at creative writing in a supportive environment? Join one of these introductory courses. Guided exercises will give you the tools to explore language creatively and find your own writing voice.Full fee: £209.00Senior fee: £209.00Concession: £84.00 -
Ways into poetry
Course Date: Mon 20 Apr 2020 (and 5 other dates)
Location on this date: International HouseRelatively new to writing poetry? This inspiring course offers an opportunity to experiment with language and a variety of poetic devices alongside fellow emerging poets. Discover the key elements of a poem in a friendly and interactive class.Full fee: £209.00Senior fee: £209.00Concession: £84.00 -
Writing fiction
Course Date: Mon 20 Apr 2020 (and 5 other dates)
Location on this date: KS - Keeley StreetLovers of fiction can develop their creative writing skills on this practical intermediate course. You'll explore the fundamentals of fiction writing craft such as character and structure, and unlock your imagination to produce compelling prose. Suitable for those with some creative writing experience.Full fee: £209.00Senior fee: £209.00Concession: £84.00 -
Creative non-fiction
Course Date: Mon 20 Apr 2020 (and 3 other dates)
Location on this date: KS - Keeley StreetExplore practical and imaginative approaches to creative non fiction, including travel writing, life writing and the essay. Analyse published work, produce your own pieces, and benefit from detailed feedback.Full fee: £209.00Senior fee: £209.00Concession: £84.00 -
Developing your creative writing
Course Date: Mon 20 Apr 2020 (and 3 other dates)
Location on this date: KS - Keeley StreetThis supportive intermediate course for writers with some experience will provide inspiration, technical guidance and feedback on your work, as well as helping you to sustain your writing practice. This course welcomes those interested in writing poetry and prose.Full fee: £209.00Senior fee: £209.00Concession: £84.00 -
Developing your novel
Course Date: Mon 20 Apr 2020 (and 4 other dates)
Location on this date: KS - Keeley StreetHave 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.Full fee: £209.00Senior fee: £209.00Concession: £84.00 -
Ways into screenwriting
Course Date: Mon 20 Apr 2020 (and 2 other dates)
Location on this date: International HouseLearn to write for the screen on this practical, introductory course. Writing exercises, presentations and screenings will teach you key skills, and you’ll begin to produce work and an outline for a full-length project.Full fee: £209.00Senior fee: £209.00Concession: £84.00 -
Developing your screenwriting
Course Date: Mon 20 Apr 2020 (and 2 other dates)
Location on this date: International HouseContinue your screenwriting journey in this practical intermediate course. Writing exercises, presentations and screenings will teach you key skills, and you’ll begin to produce work and an outline for a full-length project.Full fee: £209.00Senior fee: £209.00Concession: £84.00 -
Ways into playwriting
Course Date: Mon 20 Apr 2020 (and 1 other date)
Location on this date: FRA - Fashion Retail AcademyExplore the fundamental techniques of writing for the stage in this introductory course. Get to grips with dialogue, character, story and structure, and start work on your own play.Full fee: £209.00Senior fee: £209.00Concession: £84.00
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