Got a great idea for a novel? Jump start your project in this supportive course that covers craft basics such as character and plot. Ideal for writers of fiction with some experience who have an idea for a novel.
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 will cover the basic aspects of novel writing, and is ideal for students who have an idea for a novel or a novel in progress. The syllabus will cover a wide variety of techniques including character, point of view, dialogue, structure and style. There is also an element of workshop in this course.
What will we cover?
- Issues of craft and content, including character, point of view, structure and style - Examination of technical elements including dialogue, scene-building, and effective writing on a sentence-by-sentence level - Keeping readers' interest - Workshopping of students' work
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
- Respond to and assess pieces of writing with sensitivity - Apply your critical and editorial skills more effectively - Demonstrate familiarity with a wide range of techniques for effective prose writing - Complete at least one chapter of your novel.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This course is suitable for those with some experience of writing fiction who wish to learn more about the craft of novel writing and begin or continue with a long-form project of their own. You should be an ethusiastic reader of novels.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
You'll be taught through a systematic discussion of issues, problem-solving, writing exercises, and peer evaluation. You will be expected to develop your own writing outside of class and prepare work for submission to workshop. The tutor may set reading and writing assigments designed to support your project as homework.
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?
Please bring writing materials and, if you can, bring a short summary of the idea for your novel (maximum 300 words) to the first session. You will be expected to submit work prior to class by a set deadline.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
You can progress to Developing your novel, which will encourage you to share more of your work and explore craft concepts in greater depth.
Our Craft Focus series is also available to writers who wish to focus on an isolated element of fiction writing craft. We offer short intensive courses in developing character, plot, setting, point of view, and more. See our website or contact the department for advice on how you can develop a programme of fiction writing study.
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.
A former journalist, Sophie McKenzie attended a writing class at City Lit in 2003 and has been writing fiction ever since. She has published over 25 books - including award-winning teen thrillers and crime fiction novels for adults. She is currently writing a new story featuring several strong female characters and working on a drama script for a TV production company.
Vicky has been teaching creative writing at City Lit since 2018. She has also taught for the Open University, London South Bank University and the University of Greenwich, and she reads for the manuscript assessment agency The Literary Consultancy. Her short fiction has appeared in new writing anthologies published by Picador, Granta, Duckworths, Serpents’ Tail and Bloomsbury. Her nonfiction essay 'Into the Valley' was mentioned in Best American Essays, 2013. Her short story collection 'Live Show, Drink Included' was published by Holland Park Press in 2018 and is long-listed for the £10,000 Edge Hill Prize. One of the stories is in Best British Short Stories, 2019.
Paula LichtarowiczSee moreSee less
Paula Lichtarowicz is the author is three novels. Her most recent, The Snow Hare, was published by John Murray Press in 2023. She has a Masters in Psychology, a Post Graduate Certificate in Teaching Creative Writing, and a professional background in TV documentary production.
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/starting-your-novel220862Starting your novelhttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/s/t/starting-your-nove-hw180-1080.jpg269269GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Writing/Novels and short stories/Novels and short stories/Courses/vm/Writing Courses/Novel Writing/Courses/vm/Writing Courses/Fiction Writing/Courses/vm/Writing Courses/Courses/Writing/Courses/Writing/Novels and short stories/Courses/Online courses228515882039204820181358113599173112285135811359916532018Got a great idea for a novel? Jump start your project in this supportive course that covers craft basics such as character and plot. Ideal for writers of fiction with some experience who have an idea for a novel.134.83035764Starting your novel269269https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/s/t/starting-your-nove-hw180-1080_48.jpgInStockDaytimeTueKeeley StreetAvailable courses11 weeks or longerWeekday2026-09-22T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experienceSep 2026WritingHW094269269Starting your novel269175269Vicky Grutstarting-your-novel/hw094-2627Got a great idea for a novel? Jump start your project in this supportive course that covers craft basics such as character and plot. Ideal for writers of fiction with some experience who have an idea for a novel.0000-Available|2026-09-22 00:00:00-Got a great idea for a novel? Jump start your project in this supportive course that covers craft basics such as character and plot. Ideal for writers of fiction with some experience who have an idea for a novel.<p>- Issues of craft and content, including character, point of view, structure and style<br>- Examination of technical elements including dialogue, scene-building, and effective writing on a sentence-by-sentence level<br>- Keeping readers' interest<br>- Workshopping of students' work</p>- Respond to and assess pieces of writing with sensitivity<br>- Apply your critical and editorial skills more effectively<br>- Demonstrate familiarity with a wide range of techniques for effective prose writing<br>- Complete at least one chapter of your novel.This course is suitable for those with some experience of writing fiction who wish to learn more about the craft of novel writing and begin or continue with a long-form project of their own. You should be an ethusiastic reader of novels.<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>.<p>Please bring writing materials and, if you can, bring a short summary of the idea for your novel (maximum 300 words) to the first session. You will be expected to submit work prior to class by a set deadline.</p>You can progress to Developing your novel, which will encourage you to share more of your work and explore craft concepts in greater depth.<br><br>Our Craft Focus series is also available to writers who wish to focus on an isolated element of fiction writing craft. We offer short intensive courses in developing character, plot, setting, point of view, and more. See our website or contact the department for advice on how you can develop a programme of fiction writing study.<br><br>All students are invited to join us at <a href=" https://www.citylit.ac.uk/latelines" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">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" rel="noopener noreferrer">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" rel="noopener noreferrer">Facebook</a> and <a href=" https://www.twitter.com/citylitwriting" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Twitter</a>.Novels and short storiesNovels and short storiesvirtual3035785Starting your novel269269https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/s/t/starting-your-nove-hw180-1080_46.jpgInStockEveningMonOnlineAvailable courses11 weeks or longerWeekday2026-09-14T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experienceSep 2026WritingHW180269269Starting your novel269175269Sophie McKenziestarting-your-novel/hw180-2627Got a great idea for a novel? Jump start your project in this supportive course that covers craft basics such as character and plot. Ideal for writers of fiction with some experience who have an idea for a novel.0000-Available|2026-09-14 00:00:00<p>This course will cover the basic aspects of novel writing, and is ideal for students who have an idea for a novel or a novel in progress. The syllabus will cover a wide variety of techniques including character, point of view, dialogue, structure and style. There is also an element of workshop in this course.</p>Got a great idea for a novel? Jump start your project in this supportive course that covers craft basics such as character and plot. Ideal for writers of fiction with some experience who have an idea for a novel.<p>- Issues of craft and content, including character, point of view, structure and style<br>- Examination of technical elements including dialogue, scene-building, and effective writing on a sentence-by-sentence level<br>- Keeping readers' interest<br>- Workshopping of students' work</p>- Respond to and assess pieces of writing with sensitivity<br>- Apply your critical and editorial skills more effectively<br>- Demonstrate familiarity with a wide range of techniques for effective prose writing<br>- Complete at least one chapter of your novel.This course is suitable for those with some experience of writing fiction who wish to learn more about the craft of novel writing and begin or continue with a long-form project of their own. You should be an ethusiastic reader of novels.You'll be taught through a systematic discussion of issues, problem-solving, writing exercises, and peer evaluation. You will be expected to develop your own writing outside of class and prepare work for submission to workshop. The tutor may set reading and writing assigments designed to support your project as homework. <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>.<p>Please bring writing materials and, if you can, bring a short summary of the idea for your novel (maximum 300 words) to the first session. You will be expected to submit work prior to class by a set deadline.</p>You can progress to Developing your novel, which will encourage you to share more of your work and explore craft concepts in greater depth.<br><br>Our Craft Focus series is also available to writers who wish to focus on an isolated element of fiction writing craft. We offer short intensive courses in developing character, plot, setting, point of view, and more. See our website or contact the department for advice on how you can develop a programme of fiction writing study.<br><br>All students are invited to join us at <a href=" https://www.citylit.ac.uk/latelines" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">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" rel="noopener noreferrer">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" rel="noopener noreferrer">Facebook</a> and <a href=" https://www.twitter.com/citylitwriting" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Twitter</a>.Novels and short storiesNovels and short storiesvirtual3035815Starting your novel269269https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/s/t/starting-your-nove-hw180-1080_49.jpgInStockEveningWedKeeley StreetAvailable courses11 weeks or longerWeekday2027-01-13T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experienceJan 2027WritingHW257269269Starting your novel269175269Paula Lichtarowiczstarting-your-novel/hw257-2627Got a great idea for a novel? Jump start your project in this supportive course that covers craft basics such as character and plot. Ideal for writers of fiction with some experience who have an idea for a novel.0000-Available|2027-01-13 00:00:00<p>This course will cover the basic aspects of novel writing, and is ideal for students who have an idea for a novel or a novel in progress. The syllabus will cover a wide variety of techniques including character, point of view, dialogue, structure and style. There is also an element of workshop in this course.</p>Got a great idea for a novel? Jump start your project in this supportive course that covers craft basics such as character and plot. Ideal for writers of fiction with some experience who have an idea for a novel.<p>- Issues of craft and content, including character, point of view, structure and style<br>- Examination of technical elements including dialogue, scene-building, and effective writing on a sentence-by-sentence level<br>- Keeping readers' interest<br>- Workshopping of students' work</p>- Respond to and assess pieces of writing with sensitivity<br>- Apply your critical and editorial skills more effectively<br>- Demonstrate familiarity with a wide range of techniques for effective prose writing<br>- Complete at least one chapter of your novel.This course is suitable for those with some experience of writing fiction who wish to learn more about the craft of novel writing and begin or continue with a long-form project of their own. You should be an ethusiastic reader of novels.You'll be taught through a systematic discussion of issues, problem-solving, writing exercises, and peer evaluation. You will be expected to develop your own writing outside of class and prepare work for submission to workshop. The tutor may set reading and writing assigments designed to support your project as homework. <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>.<p>Please bring writing materials and, if you can, bring a summary of your novel idea (maximum 300 words) to the first session. You will be expected to submit work prior to class by a set deadline.</p>You can progress to Developing your novel, which will encourage you to share more of your work and explore craft concepts in greater depth.<br><br>Our Craft Focus series is also available to writers who wish to focus on an isolated element of fiction writing craft. We offer short intensive courses in developing character, plot, setting, point of view, and more. See our website or contact the department for advice on how you can develop a programme of fiction writing study.<br><br>All students are invited to join us at <a href=" https://www.citylit.ac.uk/latelines" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">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" rel="noopener noreferrer">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" rel="noopener noreferrer">Facebook</a> and <a href=" https://www.twitter.com/citylitwriting" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Twitter</a>.Novels and short storiesNovels and short storiesvirtual3035836Starting your novel269269https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/s/t/starting-your-nove-hw180-1080_47.jpgInStockEveningThuKeeley StreetAvailable courses11 weeks or longerWeekday2026-09-17T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experienceSep 2026WritingHW337269269Starting your novel269175269starting-your-novel/hw337-2627Got a great idea for a novel? Jump start your project in this supportive course that covers craft basics such as character and plot. Ideal for writers of fiction with some experience who have an idea for a novel.0000-Available|2026-09-17 00:00:00<p>This course will cover the basic aspects of novel writing, and is ideal for students who have an idea for a novel or a novel in progress. The syllabus will cover a wide variety of techniques including character, point of view, dialogue, structure and style. There is also an element of workshop in this course.</p>Got a great idea for a novel? Jump start your project in this supportive course that covers craft basics such as character and plot. Ideal for writers of fiction with some experience who have an idea for a novel.<p>- Issues of craft and content, including character, point of view, structure and style<br>- Examination of technical elements including dialogue, scene-building, and effective writing on a sentence-by-sentence level<br>- Keeping readers' interest<br>- Workshopping of students' work</p>- Respond to and assess pieces of writing with sensitivity<br>- Apply your critical and editorial skills more effectively<br>- Demonstrate familiarity with a wide range of techniques for effective prose writing<br>- Complete at least one chapter of your novel.This course is suitable for those with some experience of writing fiction who wish to learn more about the craft of novel writing and begin or continue with a long-form project of their own. You should be an ethusiastic reader of novels.You'll be taught through a systematic discussion of issues, problem-solving, writing exercises, and peer evaluation. You will be expected to develop your own writing outside of class and prepare work for submission to workshop. The tutor may set reading and writing assigments designed to support your project as homework. <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>.<p>Please bring writing materials and, if you can, bring a short summary of the idea for your novel (maximum 300 words) to the first session. You will be expected to submit work prior to class by a set deadline.</p>You can progress to Developing your novel, which will encourage you to share more of your work and explore craft concepts in greater depth.<br><br>Our Craft Focus series is also available to writers who wish to focus on an isolated element of fiction writing craft. We offer short intensive courses in developing character, plot, setting, point of view, and more. See our website or contact the department for advice on how you can develop a programme of fiction writing study.<br><br>All students are invited to join us at <a href=" https://www.citylit.ac.uk/latelines" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">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" rel="noopener noreferrer">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" rel="noopener noreferrer">Facebook</a> and <a href=" https://www.twitter.com/citylitwriting" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Twitter</a>.Novels and short storiesNovels and short storiesvirtual269269175HW094,HW180,HW257,HW337NONETue,Mon,Wed,Thu14/09/26 - 23/11/2618:00 - 20:0018:0020:0011 sessions (over 11 weeks)1111 weeks or longerWeekdayOnlineKeeley Street,OnlineBeginners, Some experienceAvailable courses2026-09-22T00:00:00+00:00,2026-09-14T00:00:00+00:00,2027-01-13T00:00:00+00:00,2026-09-17T00:00:00+00:00Daytime,EveningSep 2026,Jan 2027Writing269269Starting your novelstarting-your-novel/hw094-2627,starting-your-novel/hw180-2627,starting-your-novel/hw257-2627,starting-your-novel/hw337-2627Got a great idea for a novel? Jump start your project in this supportive course that covers craft basics such as character and plot. Ideal for writers of fiction with some experience who have an idea for a novel.0000-Available|2026-09-14 00:00:00-,<p>This course will cover the basic aspects of novel writing, and is ideal for students who have an idea for a novel or a novel in progress. The syllabus will cover a wide variety of techniques including character, point of view, dialogue, structure and style. There is also an element of workshop in this course.</p>Got a great idea for a novel? Jump start your project in this supportive course that covers craft basics such as character and plot. Ideal for writers of fiction with some experience who have an idea for a novel.<p>- Issues of craft and content, including character, point of view, structure and style<br>- Examination of technical elements including dialogue, scene-building, and effective writing on a sentence-by-sentence level<br>- Keeping readers' interest<br>- Workshopping of students' work</p>- Respond to and assess pieces of writing with sensitivity<br>- Apply your critical and editorial skills more effectively<br>- Demonstrate familiarity with a wide range of techniques for effective prose writing<br>- Complete at least one chapter of your novel.This course is suitable for those with some experience of writing fiction who wish to learn more about the craft of novel writing and begin or continue with a long-form project of their own. You should be an ethusiastic reader of novels.<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>.,You'll be taught through a systematic discussion of issues, problem-solving, writing exercises, and peer evaluation. You will be expected to develop your own writing outside of class and prepare work for submission to workshop. The tutor may set reading and writing assigments designed to support your project as homework. <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>.<p>Please bring writing materials and, if you can, bring a short summary of the idea for your novel (maximum 300 words) to the first session. You will be expected to submit work prior to class by a set deadline.</p>,<p>Please bring writing materials and, if you can, bring a summary of your novel idea (maximum 300 words) to the first session. You will be expected to submit work prior to class by a set deadline.</p>You can progress to Developing your novel, which will encourage you to share more of your work and explore craft concepts in greater depth.<br><br>Our Craft Focus series is also available to writers who wish to focus on an isolated element of fiction writing craft. We offer short intensive courses in developing character, plot, setting, point of view, and more. See our website or contact the department for advice on how you can develop a programme of fiction writing study.<br><br>All students are invited to join us at <a href=" https://www.citylit.ac.uk/latelines" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">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" rel="noopener noreferrer">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" rel="noopener noreferrer">Facebook</a> and <a href=" https://www.twitter.com/citylitwriting" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">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
