Non-fiction Creative Writing Courses for Beginners
Tell real stories in a compelling and engaging way with City Lit’s beginner-friendly non-fiction creative writing courses. Whether you’re interested in memoir, travel writing, essays, or life writing, our expert tutors will help you develop the skills to bring your experiences and ideas to life.
Learn how to craft vivid descriptions, structure narratives, and write with authenticity. Through practical exercises and supportive feedback, you’ll explore different styles and techniques to make your non-fiction writing both informative and engaging.
Designed for beginners, these courses are ideal for anyone looking to share personal experiences, develop their voice, or experiment with creative approaches to factual writing. Join a community of writers and start telling your story today.
Explore our beginner non-fiction creative writing courses and turn your ideas into powerful narratives.
- Nature writing
Course start date: Sat 17 May 2025Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Julie GartonWhat greater muse could a writer ask for than the wonders of the planet that surrounds them? Learn how to capture the majesty of nature on the page with this exciting course in creative non-fiction. - The art of writing the personal essay Course start date: Sun 1 Jun 2025 (and 1 other date)
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Yvonne SinghFollow 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 £40.00 - Writing creative non-fiction: intensive Course start date: Wed 11 Jun 2025 (and 3 other dates)
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Erica BuistThis 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.Full fee £149.00 Senior fee £149.00 Concession £75.00 - Biography writingCourse start date: Thu 12 Jun 2025 (and 1 other date)
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Robert FraserWhat 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 £149.00 Senior fee £149.00 Concession £75.00 - Life writing: getting started Course start date: Mon 16 Jun 2025 (and 1 other date)
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Alice RobbThis inspiring workshop encourages students to explore a range of techniques and approaches for writing about your own life.Full fee £79.00 Senior fee £79.00 Concession £40.00 - Writing a memoir Course start date: Wed 30 Apr 2025 (and 4 other dates)
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Julie GartonSome moments in our lives are so powerful they beg to be shared with the world. This six week course will help you plan and craft a memoir that will resonate and inspire.Full fee £149.00 Senior fee £149.00 Concession £75.00 - Micro-memoir: a tasterCourse start date: Fri 20 Jun 2025 (and 1 other date)
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Julie GartonA life is measured in moments as well as momentous occasions. This fun day 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 £29.00 Senior fee £29.00 Concession £29.00 - Local history writing Course start date: Sat 28 Jun 2025
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Allis MossOn this inspiring short course you will learn how to write local history books, booklets and features; covering a wide range of topics such as family, home towns, old buildings, parks, markets and beyond. - 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 - Autobiographical writing: intensive Course start date: Mon 28 Jul 2025 (and 2 other dates)
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Paul LaffanThis shorter version of our introductory autobiographical writing course covers the basic elements of the genre, drawing on memories, diaries, photos, dreams and fantasies with a focus on the forms of autobiography, memoir and the personal essay.Full fee £149.00 Senior fee £149.00 Concession £75.00 - How to write a memoir Course start date: Wed 6 Aug 2025
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Julie GartonDo 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. - Creative nature writing Course start date: Sun 10 Aug 2025
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Jennifer WongDo you enjoy being in nature and want to capture that on the page? Learn how to write about the natural world in this fun course, which encourages you to step outside into the urban 'wild' to seek inspiration for your poetry or prose. - Writing creative non-fiction: a taster Course start date: Wed 10 Sep 2025 (and 1 other date)
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Julie GartonHave 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-fiction Course start date: Mon 28 Apr 2025 (and 9 other dates)
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Paul LaffanExplore 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 £249.00 Senior fee £249.00 Concession £125.00 - Autobiographical writing Course start date: Mon 29 Sep 2025 (and 1 other date)
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Nick BarlayWhether 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 £259.00 Senior fee £259.00 Concession £130.00
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