Writing Courses in London and Online
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.
You can now study from the comfort of your own home on our new range of interactive online courses whether you're just starting out or ready to publish your first book. The benefits of our online writing courses include expert tuition from a published author and feedback on your work as you develop your writing skills. There will also be opportunities to participate in group discussions and activities with fellow students.
Many of our courses are delivered online. For more information about our live online courses, please see our guide to online learning.
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 >
-
Craft focus: character in fiction
Course Date: Sat 8 May 2021
Location on this date: OnlineIn fiction, character and plot are inseparable elements of craft. Without characters in stories there can be no action, and without characters acting there can be no plot. In this short course you'll learn how to create characters that can drive a narrative forward and deepen its themes.
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.Full fee: £69.00Senior fee: £69.00Concession: £28.00 -
Writing myths: a taster
Course Date: Sat 8 May 2021
Location on this date: OnlineWhether you want to write about mythical beasts in a modern-day setting or pen a traditional epic quest, this fun, interactive taster will equip you with the craft basics to write a myth that will move and inspire.
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.Full fee: £69.00Senior fee: £69.00Concession: £28.00 -
Writing inspiration jam
Course Date: Sun 9 May 2021
Location on this date: OnlineThis fun, inspiring day workshop explores the many sources of inspiration available to writers in their everyday lives.
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.Full fee: £19.00Senior fee: £19.00Concession: £8.00 -
Exploring Medieval literature: The Canterbury Tales
Course Date: Mon 10 May 2021
Location on this date: OnlinePilgrimage, religion, social mores and foibles, exuberant women, drunk millers with a penchant for bashing down doors with his head! Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales are brilliant examples of Middle English writing. The range of characters, diverse plotlines, energy and playfulness all offer a fine insight into 14th Century England.
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.Full fee: £129.00Senior fee: £129.00Concession: £79.00 -
Approaching an agent
Course Date: Sat 15 May 2021
Location on this date: OnlineThis workshop, designed for authors who have finished their manuscript, offers practical advice on finding and approaching a literary agent.
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.Full fee: £69.00Senior fee: £69.00Concession: £28.00 -
Writing children's poetry
Course Date: Sat 15 May 2021
Location on this date: OnlineIn this interactive workshop you will be exploring a range of poetic styles for the different age groups. There will be plenty of practical activities, and a chance to perform a poem in a final ‘slam’.
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.Full fee: £69.00Senior fee: £69.00Concession: £28.00 -
Create your first poetry collection
Course Date: Sat 15 May 2021
Location on this date: OnlineYou've written and workshopped your poetry, and now you're ready to create your first collection. But where do you begin with that process? This workshop offers instruction and advice on putting together your first poetry collection.
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.Full fee: £69.00Senior fee: £69.00Concession: £28.00 -
Writing middle grade fiction: a taster
Course Date: Sat 22 May 2021
Location on this date: OnlineMiddle grade fiction has always had a wide readership, but recently it has been on the rise and now has a higher profile than ever before. Find out more about this rich and exciting category of fiction for young people and discover how it differs from other forms of writing for children and teens. Learn the parameters and essential techniques and, with support from your tutor, develop your own ideas for middle grade stories.
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.Full fee: £69.00Senior fee: £69.00Concession: £28.00 -
Biography writing
Course Date: Thu 27 May 2021
Location on this date: OnlineWhat makes a great biography? Learn to experiment with your own life writing as you uncover the techniques and methods of this exciting genre with a professional biographer.
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.Full fee: £129.00Senior fee: £129.00Concession: £52.00 -
Creating your author platform online
Course Date: Wed 2 Jun 2021 (and 1 other date)
Location on this date: OnlineIncreasingly publishers are looking for an author with an impressive online presence, as well as a sparkling manuscript. In this workshop, you'll learn how to start and grow your author brand, gain a following and build a readership for your future titles.
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.Full fee: £69.00Senior fee: £69.00Concession: £28.00 -
Travel writing: a taster
Course Date: Thu 3 Jun 2021
Location on this date: OnlineYou love travelling and taking photos but how do you decide what to write about and which pictures will sell? This course will help you focus, and give you the skills you need to approach editors with confidence.
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.Full fee: £69.00Senior fee: £69.00Concession: £28.00 -
Writing romance
Course Date: Thu 3 Jun 2021
Location on this date: OnlineIt is a truth universally acknowledged that a writer in possession of a single pen can compose an unforgettable romance novel. This six-week course will chaperone students through the plotting of modern romance stories.
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.Full fee: £129.00Senior fee: £129.00Concession: £52.00 -
Reviewing museums, exhibitions and galleries
Course Date: Sat 5 Jun 2021
Location on this date: OnlineThis fun and informative workshop will consider how to write an effective review of a museum or art gallery, or a specific exhibition. This particularly satisfying form of writing allows you to engage in greater depth with the arts.
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.Full fee: £69.00Senior fee: £69.00Concession: £28.00 -
How to write a book about your expert knowledge
Course Date: Sat 5 Jun 2021
Location on this date: OnlineThis short crash course is aimed at academics, business experts, health practitioners, life-coaches, psychologists, and anyone with a specific professional expertise who wants to write a book. It demystifies the publishing process and helps you formulate the first steps and stages to writing a book.
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.Full fee: £69.00Senior fee: £69.00Concession: £28.00 -
Editing for journalists: how to make your copy shine
Course Date: Sat 5 Jun 2021
Location on this date: OnlineWriting to length, using good language and keeping your story tight is a must for all journalists. Through a series of exercises, you will be shown how to write hard and soft news stories and how to edit them.
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.Full fee: £69.00Senior fee: £69.00Concession: £28.00
Can't see a course you want?
Add this category to your waiting list to set up alerts and we will update you when new courses are released online.
Add to your waiting list