This course deals with all aspects of novel writing technique and prose style. Ideal for fiction writers about to begin a novel or those with a novel at early draft stage.
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.
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.
This course aims to demystify the art of novel-writing, equipping students with working methods for getting started on their own long form fiction projects.
What will we cover?
Concept Characterization Point of view Setting Narrative drive The writing life.
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
- draft a strong beginning for your novel - understand the essentials of plot and structure - appreciate the significance of archetypes in storytelling - give and receive critical feedback on your work with sensitivity.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
The course is aimed at people new to the craft of novel-writing, but interested in making a start. You will need a good grasp of spoken and written English to participate in the course.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
The sessions will comprise a mixture of themed instruction, exercises and workshopping. There will be homework and additional challenges.
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?
Pen and paper (or digital equivalent).
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Students will be encouraged to take what they have learned and produced in the course of the term and start work on that novel they’ve always wanted to write! If you feel confident, you can also progress to Developing your novel. Check out our prospectus for further details.
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.
Aliya Ali-Afzal is an author and creative writing teacher. She is the author of two contemporary fiction novels, Would I Lie To You (2021) and The Big Day (2024). Would I Lie To You was chosen for World Book Day 2022 and was featured in Cosmopolitan, Woman and Home, Bustle, Woman, Bella, BBC Radio, London Live TV, the New York Post as a 'fab British export' and was an Editor’s pick in The Bookseller. Aliya has an MA in Creative Witing with Distinction from Royal Holloway and a degree in Russin and German Language and Literature from UCL. Her writing was longlisted for the Bath Novel Award, the Mslexia Novel Award, the Mo Siewcharran Prize, and the Primadonna Prize. Before becoming a writer and writing teacher, Aliya worked as an MBA Career Coach in Business Schools. Instagram: @aliyaaliafzalauthor
Thomas McMullanSee moreSee less
Thomas McMullan lives and works in London. He is the author of Groundwater (Bloomsbury, 2025) and The Last Good Man (Bloomsbury, 2020), which won the 2021 Betty Trask Prize. His short fiction has been published in Ploughshares, The Dublin Review, Granta, 3:AM Magazine, Lighthouse and Best British Short Stories, and his journalism has appeared in The Guardian, The Times Literary Supplement, frieze, ArtReview and BBC News. His practice also encompasses scripts, both for stage and film, and narrative design for video games. For the latter, he was the lead writer on Rollerdrome (Roll7, 2022), which won the 2023 BAFTA for Best British Game.
KR MoorheadSee moreSee 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.
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/how-to-write-a-novel158617How to write a novelhttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/h/o/how_to_write_a_novel-1080.jpg8989GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Writing/Novels and short stories/Novels and short stories/Courses/Short Courses/Courses/Short Courses/History, culture & writing/Courses/Writing/Courses/vm/Summer offers/Courses/Writing/Novels and short stories/Courses/vm/Summer courses/Courses/vm/Summer courses/Summer courses in writing/Courses/vm/Creative courses2285158813411134171358113614135991345713578867312285135811359913411165313457This course deals with all aspects of novel writing technique and prose style. Ideal for fiction writers about to begin a novel or those with a novel at early draft stage. <br />
<i>This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.</i> <div data-content-type="html" data-appearance="default" data-element="main">This course aims to demystify the art of novel-writing, equipping students with working methods for getting started on their own long form fiction projects. <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>552621943How to write a novel8989https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/h/o/how_to_write_a_novel-1080_4.jpgInStockEveningWedKeeley StreetAvailable courses1 to 4 weeksWeekday2026-05-27T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experienceMay 2026WritingHW6918989How to write a novel894589Aliya Ali-Afzalhow-to-write-a-novel/hw691-2526This course deals with all aspects of novel writing technique and prose style. Ideal for fiction writers about to begin a novel or those with a novel at early draft stage.0000-Available|2026-05-27 00:00:00This course aims to demystify the art of novel-writing, equipping students with working methods for getting started on their own long form fiction projects.This course deals with all aspects of novel writing technique and prose style. Ideal for fiction writers about to begin a novel or those with a novel at early draft stage.Concept<br />
Characterization<br />
Point of view<br />
Setting<br />
Narrative drive<br />
The writing life.- draft a strong beginning for your novel<br />
- understand the essentials of plot and structure<br />
- appreciate the significance of archetypes in storytelling<br />
- give and receive critical feedback on your work with sensitivity.The course is aimed at people new to the craft of novel-writing, but interested in making a start. You will need a good grasp of spoken and written English to participate in the course.The sessions will comprise a mixture of themed instruction, exercises and workshopping. There will be homework and additional challenges. <br />
<br />
All writing courses at City Lit will involve an element of workshop. This means that students will produce work which will be discussed in an open and constructive environment with the tutor and other students. The college operates a policy of constructive criticism, and all feedback on another student’s work by the tutor and other students should be delivered in that spirit.<br />
<br />
For classes longer than one day, regular reading and writing exercises will be set for completion at home to set deadlines.<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>.Pen and paper (or digital equivalent).Students will be encouraged to take what they have learned and produced in the course of the term and start work on that novel they’ve always wanted to write! If you feel confident, you can also progress to Developing your novel. Check out our prospectus for further details.<br />
<br />
All students are invited to join us at <a href=" https://www.citylit.ac.uk/latelines" 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" 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" target="_blank">Facebook</a> and <a href=" https://www.twitter.com/citylitwriting" target="_blank">Twitter</a>.Novels and short storiesNovels and short storiesvirtual1188331How to write a novel8989https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/h/o/how_to_write_a_novel-1080_2.jpgInStockEveningThuOnlineStarted: last chance to book1 to 4 weeksWeekday2025-11-06T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experienceNov 2025WritingHW6678989How to write a novel894589KR Moorheadhow-to-write-a-novel/hw667-2526This course deals with all aspects of novel writing technique and prose style. Ideal for fiction writers about to begin a novel or those with a novel at early draft stage.0010-StartedAvailable|2025-11-06 00:00:00This course aims to demystify the art of novel-writing, equipping students with working methods for getting started on their own long-form fiction projects.This course deals with all aspects of novel writing technique and prose style. Ideal for fiction writers about to begin a novel or those with a novel at early draft stage.Concept<br />
Characterization<br />
Point of view<br />
Setting<br />
Narrative drive<br />
The writing life.- draft a strong beginning for your novel<br />
- understand the essentials of plot and structure<br />
- appreciate the significance of archetypes in storytelling<br />
- give and receive critical feedback on your work with sensitivity.The course is aimed at people new to the craft of novel-writing, but interested in making a start. You will need a good grasp of spoken and written English to participate in the course.The sessions will comprise a mixture of themed instruction, exercises and workshopping. There will be homework and additional challenges. <br />
<br />
All writing courses at City Lit will involve an element of workshop. This means that students will produce work which will be discussed in an open and constructive environment with the tutor and other students. The college operates a policy of constructive criticism, and all feedback on another student’s work by the tutor and other students should be delivered in that spirit.<br />
<br />
For classes longer than one day, regular reading and writing exercises will be set for completion at home to set deadlines.<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>.Pen and paper (or digital equivalent).Students will be encouraged to take what they have learned and produced in the course of the term and start work on that novel they’ve always wanted to write! If you feel confident, you can also progress to Developing your novel. Check out our prospectus for further details.<br />
<br />
All students are invited to join us at <a href=" https://www.citylit.ac.uk/latelines" 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" 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" target="_blank">Facebook</a> and <a href=" https://www.twitter.com/citylitwriting" target="_blank">Twitter</a>.Novels and short storiesNovels and short storiesvirtual2540851How to write a novel8989https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/h/o/how_to_write_a_novel-1080_3.jpgInStockEveningThuOnlineAvailable courses1 to 4 weeksWeekday2026-03-12T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experienceMar 2026WritingHW6518989How to write a novel894589how-to-write-a-novel/hw651-2526This course deals with all aspects of novel writing technique and prose style. Ideal for fiction writers about to begin a novel or those with a novel at early draft stage.0000-Available|2026-03-12 00:00:00This course aims to demystify the art of novel-writing, equipping students with working methods for getting started on their own long form fiction projects.This course deals with all aspects of novel writing technique and prose style. Ideal for fiction writers about to begin a novel or those with a novel at early draft stage.Concept<br/>Characterization<br/>Point of view<br/>Setting<br/>Narrative drive<br/>The writing life.- draft a strong beginning for your novel<br/>- understand the essentials of plot and structure<br/>- appreciate the significance of archetypes in storytelling<br/>- give and receive critical feedback on your work with sensitivity.The course is aimed at people new to the craft of novel-writing, but interested in making a start. You will need a good grasp of spoken and written English to participate in the course.The sessions will comprise a mixture of themed instruction, exercises and workshopping. There will be homework and additional challenges. <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>.Pen and paper (or digital equivalent).Students will be encouraged to take what they have learned and produced in the course of the term and start work on that novel they’ve always wanted to write! If you feel confident, you can also progress to Developing your novel. Check out our prospectus for further details.<br/><br/>All students are invited to join us at <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/latelines">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">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">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://www.twitter.com/citylitwriting">Twitter</a>.Novels and short storiesNovels and short storiesvirtual2793687How to write a novel8989https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/h/o/how_to_write_a_novel-1080_22.jpgInStockEveningMon+Wed+FriOnlineAvailable courses1 to 4 weeksWeekday2026-07-20T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experienceJul 2026WritingHW4218989How to write a novel894589Thomas McMullanhow-to-write-a-novel/hw421-2526This course deals with all aspects of novel writing technique and prose style. Ideal for fiction writers about to begin a novel or those with a novel at early draft stage.0000-Available|2026-07-20 00:00:00This course aims to demystify the art of novel-writing, equipping students with working methods for getting started on their own long form fiction projects.This course deals with all aspects of novel writing technique and prose style. Ideal for fiction writers about to begin a novel or those with a novel at early draft stage.Concept<br/>Characterization<br/>Point of view<br/>Setting<br/>Narrative drive<br/>The writing life.- draft a strong beginning for your novel<br/>- understand the essentials of plot and structure<br/>- appreciate the significance of archetypes in storytelling<br/>- give and receive critical feedback on your work with sensitivity.The course is aimed at people new to the craft of novel-writing, but interested in making a start. You will need a good grasp of spoken and written English to participate in the course.The sessions will comprise a mixture of themed instruction, exercises and workshopping. There will be homework and additional challenges. <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>.Pen and paper (or digital equivalent).Students will be encouraged to take what they have learned and produced in the course of the term and start work on that novel they’ve always wanted to write! If you feel confident, you can also progress to Developing your novel. Check out our prospectus for further details.<br/><br/>All students are invited to join us at <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/latelines">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">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">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://www.twitter.com/citylitwriting">Twitter</a>.Novels and short storiesNovels and short storiesvirtual2938908How to write a novel8989https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/h/o/how_to_write_a_novel-1080_23.jpgInStockEveningMon+Wed+FriOnlineAvailable courses1 to 4 weeksWeekday2026-08-03T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experienceAug 2026WritingHW6458989How to write a novel894589Thomas McMullanhow-to-write-a-novel/hw645-2526This course deals with all aspects of novel writing technique and prose style. Ideal for fiction writers about to begin a novel or those with a novel at early draft stage.0000-Available|2026-08-03 00:00:00This course aims to demystify the art of novel-writing, equipping students with working methods for getting started on their own long form fiction projects.This course deals with all aspects of novel writing technique and prose style. Ideal for fiction writers about to begin a novel or those with a novel at early draft stage.Concept<br/>Characterization<br/>Point of view<br/>Setting<br/>Narrative drive<br/>The writing life.- draft a strong beginning for your novel<br/>- understand the essentials of plot and structure<br/>- appreciate the significance of archetypes in storytelling<br/>- give and receive critical feedback on your work with sensitivity.The course is aimed at people new to the craft of novel-writing, but interested in making a start. You will need a good grasp of spoken and written English to participate in the course.The sessions will comprise a mixture of themed instruction, exercises and workshopping. There will be homework and additional challenges. <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>.Pen and paper (or digital equivalent).Students will be encouraged to take what they have learned and produced in the course of the term and start work on that novel they’ve always wanted to write! If you feel confident, you can also progress to Developing your novel. Check out our prospectus for further details.<br/><br/>All students are invited to join us at <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/latelines">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">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">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://www.twitter.com/citylitwriting">Twitter</a>.Novels and short storiesNovels and short storiesvirtual898945HW691,HW667,HW651,HW421,HW645NONEWed,Thu,Mon+Wed+Fri12/03/26 - 26/03/2618:00 - 20:0018:0020:003 sessions (over 3 weeks)31 to 4 weeksWeekdayOnlineKeeley Street,OnlineBeginners, Some experienceAvailable courses,Started: last chance to book2026-05-27T00:00:00+00:00,2025-11-06T00:00:00+00:00,2026-03-12T00:00:00+00:00,2026-07-20T00:00:00+00:00,2026-08-03T00:00:00+00:00EveningMay 2026,Nov 2025,Mar 2026,Jul 2026,Aug 2026Writing8989How to write a novelhow-to-write-a-novel/hw691-2526,how-to-write-a-novel/hw667-2526,how-to-write-a-novel/hw651-2526,how-to-write-a-novel/hw421-2526,how-to-write-a-novel/hw645-2526This course deals with all aspects of novel writing technique and prose style. Ideal for fiction writers about to begin a novel or those with a novel at early draft stage.0000-Available|2026-03-12 00:00:00This course aims to demystify the art of novel-writing, equipping students with working methods for getting started on their own long form fiction projects.,This course aims to demystify the art of novel-writing, equipping students with working methods for getting started on their own long-form fiction projects.This course deals with all aspects of novel writing technique and prose style. Ideal for fiction writers about to begin a novel or those with a novel at early draft stage.Concept<br />
Characterization<br />
Point of view<br />
Setting<br />
Narrative drive<br />
The writing life.,Concept<br/>Characterization<br/>Point of view<br/>Setting<br/>Narrative drive<br/>The writing life.- draft a strong beginning for your novel<br />
- understand the essentials of plot and structure<br />
- appreciate the significance of archetypes in storytelling<br />
- give and receive critical feedback on your work with sensitivity.,- draft a strong beginning for your novel<br/>- understand the essentials of plot and structure<br/>- appreciate the significance of archetypes in storytelling<br/>- give and receive critical feedback on your work with sensitivity.The course is aimed at people new to the craft of novel-writing, but interested in making a start. You will need a good grasp of spoken and written English to participate in the course.The sessions will comprise a mixture of themed instruction, exercises and workshopping. There will be homework and additional challenges. <br />
<br />
All writing courses at City Lit will involve an element of workshop. This means that students will produce work which will be discussed in an open and constructive environment with the tutor and other students. The college operates a policy of constructive criticism, and all feedback on another student’s work by the tutor and other students should be delivered in that spirit.<br />
<br />
For classes longer than one day, regular reading and writing exercises will be set for completion at home to set deadlines.<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>.,The sessions will comprise a mixture of themed instruction, exercises and workshopping. There will be homework and additional challenges. <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>.Pen and paper (or digital equivalent).Students will be encouraged to take what they have learned and produced in the course of the term and start work on that novel they’ve always wanted to write! If you feel confident, you can also progress to Developing your novel. Check out our prospectus for further details.<br />
<br />
All students are invited to join us at <a href=" https://www.citylit.ac.uk/latelines" 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" 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" target="_blank">Facebook</a> and <a href=" https://www.twitter.com/citylitwriting" target="_blank">Twitter</a>.,Students will be encouraged to take what they have learned and produced in the course of the term and start work on that novel they’ve always wanted to write! If you feel confident, you can also progress to Developing your novel. Check out our prospectus for further details.<br/><br/>All students are invited to join us at <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/latelines">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">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">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://www.twitter.com/citylitwriting">Twitter</a>.Novels and short storiesNovels and short storiesconfigurable
158813599Novels and short storieshttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/writing/novels-and-short-stories/novels-and-short-stories-11/2/285/13581/13599/1588/Courses/Writing/Novels and short stories/Novels and short stories
