Novels and short stories

Novels & Short Story Writing Courses

Be inspired to write novels and short stories at the college where Andrea Levy, Malorie Blackman, Anna Burns, and other celebrated authors studied.

Explore character, structure and plot development on the journey to producing quality fiction. All kinds of narrative fiction, long and short, are supported on our wide range of courses. Whether you want to get your great idea down on paper or are already writing and redrafting, we have a course that will suit your level. All our writing courses are taught by practicing writers.

Learn from published authors

Our tutors are published authors, practising writers 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.

Flexible Learning—In-Person or Online

Join us at our vibrant Covent Garden campus, an inspiring hub designed to support your learning with modern facilities and state-of-the-art equipment. Explore our facilities.

Prefer the flexibility of online study? Our live, interactive online courses bring expert teaching straight to you, wherever you are.

Courses available both in-person and online

We offer a range of long and short courses allowing you to choose between in-person and online learning.

Learn in the centre of London with our in-person courses. Our purpose-built facilities in Covent Garden mean we are ideally located and easy to get to. 

See our guide to online learning for more information about accessing our live online courses.

All our courses are live, interactive, and taught by expert tutors. No matter how you prefer to learn, we've got the class for you.

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48 courses available

  1. Last Few Places, Weekend
    ★ 4.7
    Autobiography into fiction: getting started
    Learn how to turn real-life experiences into gripping fiction in this fun short course for fiction-writing beginners and experienced writers. Develop your writing skills and explore techniques for transforming personal stories into strong narratives.

    Keeley Street

    Sat 10 Oct 2026 (and 4 other dates)
    Nick Barlay
    Full fee £79.00 Senior fee £79.00 Concession £51.00
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  2. ★ 4.4
    Short story writing: intensive
    A fast-paced introduction to the art of writing short stories. In this 6-week course you will receive technical advice, creative exercises to generate ideas, and feedback to develop your writing skills.

    Online

    Thu 15 Oct 2026 (and 2 other dates)
    Judith Bryan
    Full fee £179.00 Senior fee £179.00 Concession £116.00
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  3. Weekend
    Craft focus: scenes and setting in fiction
    Scenes in fiction are like those in film: we experience action as it unfolds. Action has to take place somewhere, which is why setting is also key. In this practical intensive course, you'll learn how to create scenes and establish setting that engages and convinces readers.

    Keeley Street

    Sat 24 Oct 2026 (and 1 other date)
    Thomas McMullan
    Full fee £79.00 Senior fee £79.00 Concession £51.00
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  4. ★ 5.0
    Writing romance
    It is a truth universally acknowledged that a writer in possession of a single pen can compose an unforgettable romance novel. This six-week course will guide students through the plotting of modern romance stories.

    Online

    Wed 28 Oct 2026 (and 1 other date)
    Anna Richards
    Full fee £179.00 Senior fee £179.00 Concession £116.00
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  5. Weekend
    ★ 5.0
    Writing magical realism

    Learn how fantasy and reality can meet in this interactive workshop on writing magical realism.

    Online

    Sun 1 Nov 2026
    Lucy Popescu
    Full fee £79.00 Senior fee £79.00 Concession £51.00
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  6. ★ 5.0
    How to write a novel
    This course deals with all aspects of novel writing technique and prose style. Ideal for fiction writers about to begin a novel or those with a novel at early draft stage.

    Online

    Thu 5 Nov 2026 (and 3 other dates)
    KR Moorhead
    Full fee £89.00 Senior fee £89.00 Concession £58.00
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  7. Weekend
    ★ 4.9
    Write a short story in a weekend
    Turn 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. Please note: this course includes a 1-hour break each day.

    Keeley Street

    Sat 7 Nov 2026 (and 3 other dates)
    Vicky Grut
    Full fee £149.00 Senior fee £149.00 Concession £97.00
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  8. Weekend
    Craft focus: how to edit your short story
    Editing is an essential skill for any writer. Learn the different types of editing processes and how to polish your own prose in this useful workshop for short story writers. Suitable for those with some experience of creative writing.

    Keeley Street

    Sun 29 Nov 2026
    Lucy Popescu
    Full fee £79.00 Senior fee £79.00 Concession £51.00
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  9. ★ 5.0
    Write a short story in a week
    Turn your great idea into a short story on this fun practical course. Through a series of inspiring exercises, 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.

    Online

    Mon 7 Dec 2026
    Sarah Leipciger
    Full fee £149.00 Senior fee £149.00 Concession £97.00
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  10. ★ 4.8
    Short story writing
    A hands-on introduction to the art of writing short stories. You will receive technical advice, creative exercises to generate ideas, and feedback to develop your writing skills.

    Keeley Street

    Fri 8 Jan 2027 (and 6 other dates)
    Wendy Brandmark
    Full fee £279.00 Senior fee £279.00 Concession £181.00
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  11. ★ 4.6
    Writing fiction
    Develop your creative writing skills on this practical intermediate course. You'll explore the fundamentals of fiction-writing craft, such as character and structure, and unlock your imagination to produce compelling prose. Suitable for those with some creative writing experience.

    Keeley Street

    Mon 11 Jan 2027 (and 7 other dates)
    Farhana Khalique
    Full fee £279.00 Senior fee £279.00 Concession £181.00
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  12. ★ 4.0
    Starting your novel: intensive
    Got a great idea for a novel? Jump start your project in this supportive, intensive course that covers craft basics such as character and plot. For fiction writers with some experience, and for those comfortable working at a fast pace.

    Online

    Mon 11 Jan 2027
    Sarah Leipciger
    Full fee £179.00 Senior fee £179.00 Concession £116.00
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  13. ★ 4.6
    Developing your novel
    Have you started work on your novel? This course is suitable for experienced creative writers who want to make progress with a novel draft. Learn more about the art of novel writing and move your project forward in a supportive workshop environment.

    Keeley Street

    Mon 11 Jan 2027 (and 6 other dates)
    Sarah Leipciger
    Full fee £279.00 Senior fee £279.00 Concession £181.00
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  14. Evening
    How to write a murder mystery
    Want to write a murder mystery that will knock readers dead? On this course you'll learn how to plot a murder most horrid and develop your writing to create maximum suspense.

    Keeley Street

    Tue 12 Jan 2027 (and 1 other date)
    Angela Clarke
    Full fee £179.00 Senior fee £179.00 Concession £116.00
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  15. ★ 4.8
    Advanced fiction writing workshop
    For experienced writers, this supportive but rigorous workshop offers the perfect opportunity to develop your novel or short story. Receive in-depth feedback and benefit from detailed group discussions on the art of fiction.

    Keeley Street

    Tue 12 Jan 2027 (and 6 other dates)
    Sarah Leipciger
    Full fee £279.00 Senior fee £279.00 Concession £181.00
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Why Choose City Lit for Your Short Story Writing?


Experienced Tutors: Learn from writers and industry professionals who provide expert guidance and valuable feedback to help you improve your writing.


Flexible Learning: Our courses are available online and in London, making it easy to fit writing into your schedule.


Master the Craft of Fiction: Whether you're focused on short stories or working towards your first novel, our courses teach the essentials of narrative structure and character development.


Creative Community: Join a supportive group of writers, share your work, and engage in group critiques that help you grow as a storyteller.


Personalised Feedback: Receive detailed feedback from experienced tutors to help you refine your writing and make your stories more engaging.