Novels & Short Story Writing Courses Online & in London
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.
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- Craft focus: character in fiction
Course start date: Sat 10 May 2025 (and 1 other date)Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Tasha KavanaghIn fiction, character and plot are inseparable elements of craft. Without characters there can be no action or plot. In this short course you will learn how to create characters that can drive a narrative forward and deepen its themes.Full fee £79.00 Senior fee £79.00 Concession £40.00 - Craft focus: voice and dialogue in fiction Course start date: Sun 18 May 2025 (and 1 other date)
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Sophie McKenzieAll fiction must speak to us as readers. It must communicate atmosphere and plot, character and layers of meaning with a unique 'voice'. Characters must also sound like themselves with dialogue that compels and convinces. Learn the fundamentals of voice and dialogue in this one-day course.Full fee £79.00 Senior fee £79.00 Concession £40.00 - Craft focus: how to edit your novel Course start date: Sat 31 May 2025
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Sarah LeipcigerOnce your story 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 story or manuscript, exploring approaches to making line edits, improving narrative structure and more. - How to write a novel synopsis and query letter Course start date: Sat 14 Jun 2025
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Rosie ChardThis one-day workshop teaches students how to write a query letter and synopsis of their completed manuscript, essential requirements of submitting to agents and publishers. - Craft focus: novel plotting workshop (advanced) Course start date: Sun 15 Jun 2025
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Rosie ChardGain fresh insight into your novel's plot in this advanced course designed to help you find a structure that showcases the story you want to tell. Suitable for those with a novel in progress.
Please note: sessions include a 1-hour break. - Masters of style: reading and writing Virginia Woolf Course start date: Sat 28 Jun 2025
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Thomas McMullan, Patricia SweeneyVirginia Woolf was one of the twentieth century’s greatest writers. Her approaches to writing character interiority were at the forefront of modernist literary innovations. This day workshop explores the literary interpretations of several seminal texts and writing exercises that encourage you to experiment with Woolf’s stream-of-consciousness style. - Craft focus: scenes and setting in fiction Course start date: Sat 9 Aug 2025 (and 1 other date)
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Thomas McMullanScenes 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.Full fee £79.00 Senior fee £79.00 Concession £40.00 - Developing your novel Course start date: Mon 28 Apr 2025 (and 6 other dates)
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Sarah LeipcigerHave 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.Full fee £249.00 Senior fee £249.00 Concession £125.00 - Advanced fiction writing workshop Course start date: Tue 29 Apr 2025 (and 9 other dates)
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Claire CollisonFor 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.Full fee £249.00 Senior fee £249.00 Concession £125.00 - Masterclass: fiction (a one-term intensive workshop) Course start date: Mon 28 Apr 2025 (and 2 other dates)
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Jonathan BarnesThis intensive fiction workshop is open by selective application to a maximum of ten fiction writers working at the advanced and professional levels. You will receive rigorous constructive feedback on your novel or short story as you develop it with a view to publication, and participate in detailed tutor-led discussions on advanced elements of fictional craft.Full fee £399.00 Senior fee £399.00 Concession £399.00 - Masterclass: fiction (a year-long workshop) Course start date: Wed 1 Oct 2025
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Thomas McMullanThis intensive three-term fiction workshop is open by selective application and interview to a maximum of ten fiction writers working at the advanced and professional levels. The deadline for applications is 25th August 2025. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview via Zoom on Wednesday 10th September. - Craft focus: how to edit your short story Course start date: Sun 30 Nov 2025
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Lucy PopescuEditing 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.Full fee £79.00 Senior fee £79.00 Concession £40.00 - Writing comics and graphic novels Course start date: Mon 16 Feb 2026
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Bobby JosephLearn the skills to write comics on this introductory course. Discover the history and key features of the medium and create your own project.Full fee £159.00 Senior fee £159.00 Concession £80.00 - Create your first short story collection Course start date: Sat 28 Feb 2026
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Alice AshYou've workshopped your fiction, and now you're ready to create your first short story collection. But where do you begin with that process? This day offers instruction and advice on putting together your first short story collection.Full fee £79.00 Senior fee £79.00 Concession £40.00
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