Writing Courses & Workshops Online & in London
Be inspired to write, and learn how to get published at the college where Andrea Levy, Malorie Blackman, Anna Burns, and other celebrated authors studied. Read our success stories to see what's possible for you as a writer.
Learn from published authors
Whether you're just starting out or ready to publish your first book, the benefits of our writing courses include expert tuition from a published author and feedback on your work as you develop your writing skills. There will also be opportunities to participate in group discussions and activities with fellow students.
Unheard Voices Scholarship
City Lit’s Malorie Blackman Scholarships for 'Unheard Voices' provide three annual awards to fund one year’s study within the Creative Writing department at City Lit. Learn more >
See what it's like be part a City Lit online creative writing course.
- Picture book writing
Course start date: Sat 17 May 2025 (and 6 other dates)Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Lou KuenzlerWould you like to write a picture book text for young children? This course is designed for children's writers and for illustrators wishing to write their own stories; a starter course to develop both your ideas and your technique.Full fee £119.00 Senior fee £119.00 Concession £60.00 - Joke writing Course start date: Sat 17 May 2025
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Kate SmurthwaiteUncover the workings of the classic one-liner, practise joke writing and find out what makes a good joke. Learn how to refine and develop your own writing skills for stand up, comedy writing and pleasure. - Write a short story in a weekend Course start date: Sat 31 May 2025 (and 4 other dates)
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Vicky GrutTurn your great idea into a short story on this fun practical course. You'll be introduced to some key fiction writing techniques and encouraged to draft a short story from beginning to end. Suitable for beginners who are comfortable learning at a fast pace.Full fee £119.00 Senior fee £119.00 Concession £60.00 - Train the TrainerCourse start date: Sat 25 Oct 2025
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Trevor England'Train the Trainer' is a practical 2 day course designed to help you gain ideas for effective facilitation and managing groups. It is suitable if you are thinking of becoming a trainer and want to gain confidence in planning and facilitating the training, or if you are an experienced trainer and want to refresh your practice. You will leave with some tools and techniques that will ensure your training is engaging and productive for your learners. On day 2 you will have the opportunity to deliver a short micro-training or interactive presentation. You are required to attend both days of this course.Full fee £189.00 Senior fee £189.00 Concession £129.00 - The poem as quest: writing narrative poetry Course start date: Sat 5 Jul 2025
Location on this date: Online
From ballads to myths, learn the techniques and styles needed to write narrative poetry.Full fee £79.00 Senior fee £79.00 Concession £40.00 - Writing the family Course start date: Sat 5 Jul 2025 (and 2 other dates)
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Nick BarlayA thought-provoking workshop designed to tackle the challenges of writing about family life in creative non-fiction projects, and offer guidance on shaping personal stories into coherent, engaging narratives.Full fee £79.00 Senior fee £79.00 Concession £40.00 - World-building for fantasy and speculative fiction writers Course start date: Sat 12 Jul 2025 (and 1 other date)
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: KR MoorheadLearn how to build worlds that lend your fantasy or speculative fiction credibility, richness and the kind of depth that leaves readers wanting more.Full fee £79.00 Senior fee £79.00 Concession £40.00 - Craft focus: how to edit your non-fiction Course start date: Sat 19 Jul 2025
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Andrew KenrickOnce your manuscript is on the page, the editing process begins. Where do you start and what skills do you need? This course guides learners through the editing of a non-fiction manuscript, exploring approaches to making line edits, improving structure and more.Full fee £119.00 Senior fee £119.00 Concession £60.00 - Award in education and training (City & Guilds 6502) - blended Course start date: Sat 11 Oct 2025
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Laila ShariffThe City & Guilds (6502) Award in Education and Training (blended) is an initial teacher training course ideal for anyone who teaches adult learners (or has some experience of teaching) in the Further Education and Adult and Community Learning sectors. We may also accept you if you have not taught before but have related work or voluntary experience. You will be asked to attend 4 Saturdays and 1 weekend - Saturdays: 12 and 19 October, 2 and 9 Nov; Weekend: 30 Nov & 1 Dec. Please note this course will be online except sessions 4 and 5 on 9 & 39 Nov Dec. You may also be asked to come in on 1 Dec.
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