Non-Fiction Creative Writing Courses
Be inspired to write at the college where Andrea Levy, Malorie Blackman, Anna Burns, and other celebrated authors studied.
Learn how to craft compelling stories from real life, using your experiences and observations to create powerful, engaging narratives. Our courses cover key non-fiction writing techniques such as voice, structure, characterisation, and pacing, helping you tell true stories with authenticity and creativity.
From personal essays to longer memoirs, you’ll develop your writing skills in a supportive environment, receive valuable feedback from tutors, and connect with other writers. Whether you’re writing for personal expression or aiming for publication, City Lit offers a space to explore your non-fiction writing ambitions.
All our non-ficion writing courses are taught by practicing writers. Our tutors are published authors and experts in their field. Learn about their recent accomplishments.
For the latest news, courses, events and competitions, stay in touch with the Department on Facebook and X.
25 courses available
Craft focus: how to edit your non-fictionOnce 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.Online
Sat 17 Oct 2026Andrew KenrickFull fee £79.00 Senior fee £79.00 Concession £51.00- Biography writing
What makes a great biography? Learn to experiment with your own life writing as you uncover the techniques and methods of this exciting genre with a professional biographer.
Full fee £179.00 Senior fee £179.00 Concession £116.00 - Micro-memoir: a taster
A life is measured in moments as well as momentous occasions. This fun workshop coaches students in the art of micro-memoir. Can you write about an instant that changed you in 200 words or less?
Full fee £19.00 Senior fee £19.00 Concession £19.00 - Masters of style: reading and writing Annie Ernaux
Annie Ernaux’s approaches to writing about society and the self have made her a leading voice in contemporary literature. This day workshop explores the literary interpretations of several seminal texts and writing exercises that encourage you to experiment with Ernaux’s style.
Keeley Street
Sat 14 Nov 2026Megan BeechFull fee £79.00 Senior fee £79.00 Concession £51.00 - Writing the familyA 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 £51.00
- Memoir writing: a tasterDo you have a personal story to tell that will move, delight, stir and inform readers? This short course guides students in planning and crafting a memoir.Full fee £19.00 Senior fee £19.00 Concession £19.00
- Writing creative non-fiction: a tasterHave you had experiences that will move, delight or entertain readers? This taster session in creative non-fiction explores approaches to capturing your most poignant moments and crafting them into inspiring pieces of literature.Full fee £19.00 Senior fee £19.00 Concession £19.00
- Writing creative non-fictionExplore practical and imaginative approaches to creative non fiction, including travel writing, life writing and the essay. Analyse published work, produce your own pieces, and benefit from detailed feedback.Full fee £229.00 Senior fee £229.00 Concession £149.00
- Reading for writers: creative non-fiction (a fortnightly course)
The best way to learn creative non-fiction is to read good examples. Dive into creative non-fiction, from journalistic features to memoir, and begin to apply the lessons learnt to your own writing in this fortnightly course.
Online
Tue 12 Jan 2027Andrew KenrickFull fee £179.00 Senior fee £179.00 Concession £116.00 - Autobiographical writingWhether writing for self-discovery, testimony or to tell your story, this term-long course explores how to ensure your autobiographical work is both evocative and powerful.Full fee £279.00 Senior fee £279.00 Concession £181.00
- Writing a memoirSome moments in our lives are so powerful they beg to be shared with the world. This course will help you plan and craft a memoir that will resonate and inspire.Full fee £179.00 Senior fee £179.00 Concession £116.00
- Writing a memoir (continuation)Some moments in our lives are so powerful they beg to be shared with the world. This continuation course guides students in developing a memoir project that will resonate and inspire.Full fee £179.00 Senior fee £179.00 Concession £116.00
- Journaling: a tasterThis inspiring taster course led by an experienced journaler, encourages students to explore a range of techniques and prompts in order to find an approach to life writing that suits them.
Online
Mon 1 Feb 2027Julie GartonFull fee £79.00 Senior fee £79.00 Concession £51.00 - Writing for Substack
This course will help writers, journalists, creators and professionals develop a distinctive voice and build a sustainable newsletter on Substack. Learn how to write engaging posts, grow an audience and develop a clear editorial identity while understanding the practical tools the platform offers.
Keeley Street
Sat 13 Feb 2027Deborah MartinFull fee £79.00 Senior fee £79.00 Concession £51.00 - The art of writing the personal essayFollow in the footsteps of Dorothy Parker, George Orwell and Zadie Smith with this taster course on the personal essay, a continuously thriving genre of autobiographical writing.Full fee £79.00 Senior fee £79.00 Concession £51.00
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