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.
There are few activities more meaningful than reflecting on the events of our lives, those we care about and the world we live in. Whether you are creating a keepsake containing your most precious moments, hoping to improve your creative writing or simply want future generations of your family to know about your life experiences, this workshop teaches a range of life writing approaches and techniques that will open new avenues of reflection.
What will we cover?
- Approaches to enriching life writing.
- Innovative structural techniques within life writing.
- Developing a voice and style in life writing.
- Life writing prompts of an introspective nature.
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
- Experiment with different writing styles.
- Develop your understanding of structural techniques within life writing.
- Experiment with introspective prompts that open up avenues of exploration in your life writing.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This is an introductory course. The only requirement is a good level of literacy.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
A mix of writing prompts, pair work, group work, class discussion and formal tutor modeling and instruction.
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.
For classes longer than one day, regular reading and writing exercises will be set for completion at home to set deadlines.
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?
Writing materials.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
City Lit offer a range of writing courses that encourages aspiring writers to explore their creativity.
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.
Lucy Popescu is a writer, editor and arts critic. She has published two anthologies about refugee experiences, A Country of Refuge (2016) and A Country to Call Home (2018) and is the author of The Good Tourist (2008). Lucy is chair of the Authors’ Club and its Best First Novel Award. She reviews books for The Observer, FT and TLS, among other publications, has a regular column in the Literary Review and is theatre editor at Camden New Journal. Lucy has taught creative writing for over ten years, is a writing mentor at Freedom for Torture and also curates literary events. Before that, she worked with the English Centre of PEN.
Alice RobbSee moreSee less
Alice Robb is the author of two non-fiction books: Why We Dream (Picador 2019), which was translated into fifteen foreign languages, and Don't Think, Dear: On Loving and Leaving Ballet (HarperCollins 2023), which has been called “devastating” (New York Times) “beautiful, difficult, and compelling” (Vanity Fair); “nuanced, intimate” (Guardian); “enlightening, perceptive” (Wall Street Journal); “enthralling” (New Statesman); “riveting” (Daily Mail) and “fascinating” (Independent). Her journalism and essays have appeared in Vogue, Vanity Fair, the Washington Post, the Guardian, the New Statesman, the Financial Times, the Times Literary Supplement and elsewhere.
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/life-writing-getting-started310562Life writing: getting startedhttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/l/i/life_writing_getting_started-square.jpg7979GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Writing/Creative non-fiction/Creative non-fiction/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Writing/Creative writing taster courses/Courses/Writing/Courses/Writing/Creative non-fiction2285159313396135811359312285135811359311771205This inspiring workshop encourages students to explore a range of techniques and prompts in order to create vivid and engaging life writing.001187083Life writing: getting started7979https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/l/i/life_writing_getting_started-square_1.jpgInStockEveningFriOnlineAvailable courses1 to 4 weeksWeekday2026-02-27T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allFeb 2026WritingHW1097979Life writing: getting started794079Lucy Popesculife-writing-getting-started/hw109-2526This inspiring workshop encourages students to explore a range of techniques and prompts in order to create vivid and engaging life writing.0000-Available|2026-02-27 00:00:00There are few activities more meaningful than reflecting on the events of our lives, those we care about and the world we live in. Whether you are creating a keepsake containing your most precious moments, hoping to improve your creative writing or simply want future generations of your family to know about your life experiences, this workshop teaches a range of life writing approaches and techniques that will open new avenues of reflection.This inspiring workshop encourages students to explore a range of techniques and prompts in order to create vivid and engaging life writing.- Approaches to enriching life writing.<br />
- Innovative structural techniques within life writing.<br />
- Developing a voice and style in life writing.<br />
- Life writing prompts of an introspective nature.- Experiment with different writing styles.<br />
- Develop your understanding of structural techniques within life writing.<br />
- Experiment with introspective prompts that open up avenues of exploration in your life writing.This is an introductory course. The only requirement is a good level of literacy.A mix of writing prompts, pair work, group work, class discussion and formal tutor modeling and instruction. <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>.Writing materials.City Lit offer a range of writing courses that encourages aspiring writers to explore their creativity.<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>.Creative non-fictionCreative non-fictionvirtual2693952Life writing: getting started7979https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/l/i/life_writing_getting_started-square_6.jpgInStockEveningMonOnlineAvailable courses1 to 4 weeksWeekday2026-06-01T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allJun 2026WritingHW4437979Life writing: getting started794079Alice Robblife-writing-getting-started/hw443-2526This inspiring workshop encourages students to explore a range of techniques and approaches for writing about your own life.0000-Available|2026-06-01 00:00:00There are few activities more meaningful than reflecting on the events of our lives, those we care about and the world we live in. Whether you are creating a keepsake containing your most precious moments, hoping to improve your creative writing or simply want future generations of your family to know about your life experiences, this workshop teaches a range of life writing approaches and techniques that will open new avenues of reflection.This inspiring workshop encourages students to explore a range of techniques and approaches for writing about your own life.- Approaches to enriching life writing.<br/>- Innovative structural techniques within life writing.<br/>- Developing a voice and style in life writing.<br/>- Life writing prompts of an introspective nature.- Experiment with different writing styles.<br/>- Develop your understanding of structural techniques within life writing.<br/>- Experiment with instrospective prompts that open up new avenues in your life writing.Open to all levels of writer, from beginners to more experienced, with a willingness to explore a range of writing techniques. Comprehension of written and spoken English is essential.A mix of writing prompts, pair work, group work, class discussion and formal tutor modeling and instruction. <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>.Writing materials / journal to write in.City Lit offer a range of writing courses that encourages aspiring writers to explore their creativity.<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>.Creative non-fictionCreative non-fictionvirtual797940HW109,HW443NONEFri,Mon27/02/26 - 06/03/2618:00 - 20:3018:0020:302 sessions (over 2 weeks)21 to 4 weeksEveningWeekdayOnlineOnlineLucy Popescu,Alice RobbBeginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allAvailable courses2026-02-27T00:00:00+00:00,2026-06-01T00:00:00+00:00Feb 2026,Jun 2026Writing7979Life writing: getting startedlife-writing-getting-started/hw109-2526,life-writing-getting-started/hw443-2526This inspiring workshop encourages students to explore a range of techniques and prompts in order to create vivid and engaging life writing.,This inspiring workshop encourages students to explore a range of techniques and approaches for writing about your own life.0000-Available|2026-02-27 00:00:00There are few activities more meaningful than reflecting on the events of our lives, those we care about and the world we live in. Whether you are creating a keepsake containing your most precious moments, hoping to improve your creative writing or simply want future generations of your family to know about your life experiences, this workshop teaches a range of life writing approaches and techniques that will open new avenues of reflection.This inspiring workshop encourages students to explore a range of techniques and prompts in order to create vivid and engaging life writing.,This inspiring workshop encourages students to explore a range of techniques and approaches for writing about your own life.- Approaches to enriching life writing.<br />
- Innovative structural techniques within life writing.<br />
- Developing a voice and style in life writing.<br />
- Life writing prompts of an introspective nature.,- Approaches to enriching life writing.<br/>- Innovative structural techniques within life writing.<br/>- Developing a voice and style in life writing.<br/>- Life writing prompts of an introspective nature.- Experiment with different writing styles.<br />
- Develop your understanding of structural techniques within life writing.<br />
- Experiment with introspective prompts that open up avenues of exploration in your life writing.,- Experiment with different writing styles.<br/>- Develop your understanding of structural techniques within life writing.<br/>- Experiment with instrospective prompts that open up new avenues in your life writing.This is an introductory course. The only requirement is a good level of literacy.,Open to all levels of writer, from beginners to more experienced, with a willingness to explore a range of writing techniques. Comprehension of written and spoken English is essential.A mix of writing prompts, pair work, group work, class discussion and formal tutor modeling and instruction. <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>.,A mix of writing prompts, pair work, group work, class discussion and formal tutor modeling and instruction. <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>.Writing materials.,Writing materials / journal to write in.City Lit offer a range of writing courses that encourages aspiring writers to explore their creativity.<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>.,City Lit offer a range of writing courses that encourages aspiring writers to explore their creativity.<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>.Creative non-fictionCreative non-fictionconfigurable
