This shorter version of our introductory creative non-writing course explores the core elements of creative non-fiction across genres such as travel writing, the personal essay and life writing.
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 covers core elements of the creative non-fiction genre. Students will be encouraged to think creatively and imaginatively about their approach to writing their own creative non-fiction.
What will we cover?
What is creative non-fiction? How do we constructively analyse a creative non-fiction text? Which core language and structural techniques are used for effect?
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
- Develop your understanding of the creative non-fiction genre. - Constructively analyse creative non-fiction texts. - Write your own creative non-fiction pieces.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
No formal requirements except a good standard of literacy and a love of reading.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
- Analysis of short pieces in class through group discussion. - Pair work and group work. - Regular individual short writing exercises. - Formal instruction from the teacher combined with group discussion.
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.
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?
The Writing department offers a range of creative writing courses, including Autobiographical writing, Biography writing, Writing a memoir and The art of the personal essay.
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.
Erica BuistSee moreSee less
Erica Buist has been writing features for the Guardian for over a decade. A memoir piece she wrote for Guardian Weekend ended up forming the basis for the first chapter of her debut book, This Party’s Dead. She has worked as a playwright for various theatre companies, an writer/ interviewer for the charity St Mungo’s, and is now working on her first novel. Erica has taught journalism at various universities including Cambridge, Goldsmiths, Lincoln, Exeter and Keele, and has led numerous courses with Guardian Masterclasses.
Claire CollisonSee moreSee less
Writer and visual artist Claire Collison was awarded the Women Poets’ Prize, 2018. Her first novel was a finalist in the Dundee Book Prize, 2005. Her poetry appears in magazines and anthologies, and has been placed in Winchester, Resurgence, and Hippocrates prizes. She has worked as subeditor for MAKE, the magazine of Women’s Art, and Arts Editor for Disability Arts Magazine. Claire was the first MaxLiteracy writer at Kettle’s Yard, Cambridge, and designs engagement resources, including for the Government Art Collection, National Maritime Museum, and Photographers’ Gallery. She has led creative projects within hospitals and schools, and with refugees and asylum seekers, vulnerable adults, elders, and young children. Her recent cross-disciplinary project, Truth Is Beauty was performed in venues across the UK. She is a founder member of Poets for the Planet.
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/writing-creative-non-fiction-intensive345011Writing creative non-fiction: intensivehttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/w/r/writing_creative_non-fiction_1.jpg159159GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Writing/Creative non-fiction/Creative non-fiction/Courses/Writing/Courses/Writing/Creative non-fiction/Courses/Online courses2285159313581135931731122851358113593<p>This shorter version of our introductory creative non-fiction course explores the core elements of creative non-fiction across genres such as travel writing, the personal essay and life writing.</p>33.71187167Writing creative non-fiction: intensive159159https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/w/r/writing_creative_non-fiction_1_6.jpgInStockEveningWedOnlineAvailable courses5-10 weeksWeekday2026-02-18T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experienceFeb 2026WritingHW319159159Writing creative non-fiction: intensive15980159Lucy Popescuwriting-creative-non-fiction-intensive/hw319-2526<p>This shorter version of our introductory creative non-fiction course explores the core elements of creative non-fiction across genres such as travel writing, the personal essay and life writing.</p>0000-Available|2026-02-18 00:00:00This course covers core elements of the creative non-fiction genre. Students will be encouraged to think creatively and imaginatively about their approach to writing their own creative non-fiction.<p>This shorter version of our introductory creative non-fiction course explores the core elements of creative non-fiction across genres such as travel writing, the personal essay and life writing.</p>What is creative non-fiction?<br/>How do we constructively analyse a creative non-fiction text?<br/>Which core language and structural techniques are used for effect?- Develop your understanding of the creative non-fiction genre.<br/>- Constructively analyse creative non-fiction texts.<br/>- Write your own creative non-fiction pieces.No formal requirements except a good standard of literacy and a love of reading.- Analysis of short pieces in class through group discussion.<br/>- Pair work and group work.<br/>- Regular individual short writing exercises. <br/>- Formal instruction from the teacher combined with group discussion.<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 />
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.The Writing department offers a range of creative writing courses, including Autobiographical writing, Biography writing, Writing a memoir and The art of the personal essay.<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-fictionvirtual2694015Writing creative non-fiction: intensive159159https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/w/r/writing_creative_non-fiction_1_7.jpgInStockEveningWedOnlineAvailable courses5-10 weeksWeekday2026-06-03T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experienceJun 2026WritingHW509159159Writing creative non-fiction: intensive15980159Erica Buistwriting-creative-non-fiction-intensive/hw509-2526This shorter version of our introductory creative non-writing course explores the core elements of creative non-fiction across genres such as travel writing, the personal essay and life writing.0000-Available|2026-06-03 00:00:00This course covers core elements of the creative non-fiction genre. Students will be encouraged to think creatively and imaginatively about their approach to writing their own creative non-fiction.This shorter version of our introductory creative non-writing course explores the core elements of creative non-fiction across genres such as travel writing, the personal essay and life writing.What is creative non-fiction?<br/>How do we constructively analyse a creative non-fiction text?<br/>Which core language and structural techniques are used for effect?- Develop your understanding of the creative non-fiction genre.<br/>- Constructively analyse creative non-fiction texts.<br/>- Write your own creative non-fiction pieces.No formal requirements except a good standard of literacy and a love of reading.- Analysis of short pieces in class through group discussion.<br/>- Pair work and group work.<br/>- Regular individual short writing exercises. <br/>- Formal instruction from the teacher combined with group discussion.<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 />
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.The Writing department offers a range of creative writing courses, including Autobiographical writing, Biography writing, Writing a memoir and The art of the personal essay.<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-fictionvirtual2822277Writing creative non-fiction: intensive159159https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/w/r/writing_creative_non-fiction_1_8.jpgInStockDaytimeTue+ThuKeeley StreetAvailable courses5-10 weeksWeekday2026-07-21T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experienceJul 2026WritingHW327159159Writing creative non-fiction: intensive15980159Claire Collisonwriting-creative-non-fiction-intensive/hw327-2526<p>This shorter version of our introductory creative non-fiction course explores the core elements of creative non-fiction across genres such as travel writing, the personal essay and life writing.</p>0000-Available|2026-07-21 00:00:00This course covers core elements of the creative non-fiction genre. Students will be encouraged to think creatively and imaginatively about their approach to writing their own creative non-fiction.<p>This shorter version of our introductory creative non-fiction course explores the core elements of creative non-fiction across genres such as travel writing, the personal essay and life writing.</p>What is creative non-fiction?<br/>How do we constructively analyse a creative non-fiction text?<br/>Which core language and structural techniques are used for effect?- Develop your understanding of the creative non-fiction genre.<br/>- Constructively analyse creative non-fiction texts.<br/>- Write your own creative non-fiction pieces.No formal requirements except a good standard of literacy and a love of reading.- Analysis of short pieces in class through group discussion.<br/>- Pair work and group work.<br/>- Regular individual short writing exercises. <br/>- Formal instruction from the teacher combined with group discussion.<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 />
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.The Writing department offers a range of creative writing courses, including Autobiographical writing, Biography writing, Writing a memoir and The art of the personal essay.<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-fictionvirtual15915980HW319,HW509,HW327NONEWed,Tue+Thu18/02/26 - 25/03/2618:00 - 20:0018:0020:006 sessions (over 6 weeks)65-10 weeksEvening,DaytimeWeekdayOnlineOnline,Keeley StreetLucy Popescu,Erica Buist,Claire CollisonBeginners, Some experienceAvailable courses2026-02-18T00:00:00+00:00,2026-06-03T00:00:00+00:00,2026-07-21T00:00:00+00:00Feb 2026,Jun 2026,Jul 2026Writing159159Writing creative non-fiction: intensivewriting-creative-non-fiction-intensive/hw319-2526,writing-creative-non-fiction-intensive/hw509-2526,writing-creative-non-fiction-intensive/hw327-2526<p>This shorter version of our introductory creative non-fiction course explores the core elements of creative non-fiction across genres such as travel writing, the personal essay and life writing.</p>,This shorter version of our introductory creative non-writing course explores the core elements of creative non-fiction across genres such as travel writing, the personal essay and life writing.0000-Available|2026-02-18 00:00:00This course covers core elements of the creative non-fiction genre. Students will be encouraged to think creatively and imaginatively about their approach to writing their own creative non-fiction.<p>This shorter version of our introductory creative non-fiction course explores the core elements of creative non-fiction across genres such as travel writing, the personal essay and life writing.</p>,This shorter version of our introductory creative non-writing course explores the core elements of creative non-fiction across genres such as travel writing, the personal essay and life writing.What is creative non-fiction?<br/>How do we constructively analyse a creative non-fiction text?<br/>Which core language and structural techniques are used for effect?- Develop your understanding of the creative non-fiction genre.<br/>- Constructively analyse creative non-fiction texts.<br/>- Write your own creative non-fiction pieces.No formal requirements except a good standard of literacy and a love of reading.- Analysis of short pieces in class through group discussion.<br/>- Pair work and group work.<br/>- Regular individual short writing exercises. <br/>- Formal instruction from the teacher combined with group discussion.<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 />
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.The Writing department offers a range of creative writing courses, including Autobiographical writing, Biography writing, Writing a memoir and The art of the personal essay.<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
