Masterclass: fiction (a one-term intensive workshop)

What is the course about?

This course is designed to support advanced and professional fiction writers who are working on long or short form fiction projects with a view to publication. The course offers an opportunity to share and receive constructive critical feedback, network with other writers, and discuss elements of advanced fictional craft. 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.

What will we cover?

- Constructive workshopping of short stories and novel excerpts
- Advanced craft issues that arise from the material under review
- The process of revision.

What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

- Assess and respond to pieces of writing with acumen and sensitivity
- Identify complex issues involved in writing fiction, short stories, novellas, novels, etc.
- Apply your critical and editorial skills to your own work
- Produce submissions for comment on a regular basis.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

You will be an enthusiastic reader of fiction, able to commit to attending regularly and participating fully, and fluent in English. This course is suitable only for fiction writers who have advanced workshop experience and/or a history of publication. Writers are invited to submit details of their writing background and workshop experience, and a sample of prose no longer than 500 words.

Please use the assessment link on this page to apply. All applicants will be contacted with the outcome of their application, after the deadline has passed.

Application deadlines:
For the course beginning 28 April 2025 (HW222), the application deadline is Sunday 30 March 2025.

For the course beginning 23 September 2025 (HW220), the application deadline is Sunday 31 August 2025.

For the course beginning 20 January 2026 (HW221), the application deadline is Sunday 21 December 2025.

For the course beginning 20 April 2026 (HW222), the application deadline is Sunday 22 March 2026.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

Through discussion, peer evaluation and tutor feedback. You will be expected to read your peers' workshop submissions closely at home and to provide them with constructive written feedback that will then be shared in class. The tutor will not provide feedback to any member of the workshop who does not attend regularly and/or participate fully.

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?

There are no additional costs. Writers will be expected to submit manuscripts in advance of class.

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

The next step will be discussed individually with each participant.

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.