Online Novel and Short Story Writing Courses
Start crafting your stories from home with City Lit’s online novel and short story writing courses. Whether you’re working on your first piece of fiction or refining a manuscript-in-progress, our expert tutors will help you shape your ideas into compelling narratives.
Explore the essential elements of fiction — from character and dialogue to structure, voice and setting — through practical exercises, live discussions and personalised feedback. You’ll be encouraged to experiment, develop your writing style, and build confidence in a supportive online environment.
Our courses are suitable for writers at all stages, whether you're just starting out or looking to take your work further. With flexible online learning, you can develop your storytelling skills at your own pace — and from wherever you are.
Explore our online novel and short story writing courses today and bring your fiction to life.
30 courses available
Developing your novelHave 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 £279.00 Senior fee £279.00 Concession £181.00- Writing fictionDevelop 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.Full fee £279.00 Senior fee £279.00 Concession £181.00
- Starting your novelGot a great idea for a novel? Jump start your project in this supportive course that covers craft basics such as character and plot. Ideal for writers of fiction with some experience who have an idea for a novel.Full fee £269.00 Senior fee £269.00 Concession £175.00
- Advanced fiction writing workshopFor 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 £279.00 Senior fee £279.00 Concession £181.00
- Masterclass: fiction (a one-term intensive workshop)
This 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 £429.00 Senior fee £429.00 Concession £429.00 - Advanced crime fiction workshop
Hone your understanding of the crime genre and push your fiction in new directions, on this advanced course for crime writers. This course is for experienced writers who are developing ongoing projects.
Online
Tue 22 Sep 2026Anna RichardsFull fee £279.00 Senior fee £279.00 Concession £181.00 - Short story writingA 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.Full fee £279.00 Senior fee £279.00 Concession £181.00
- Reading for writers: the short story (a fortnightly course)The best way to write good short stories is to read a lot of good ones first. Dive into the best of short fiction, explore point-of-view, character and pacing, and begin to apply the lessons learnt to your own writing in this fortnightly course.Full fee £179.00 Senior fee £179.00 Concession £116.00
- Writing science fictionLearn how to build futuristic worlds and set them to explore thought-provoking concepts in this course on writing science fiction.
Online
Mon 5 Oct 2026KR MoorheadFull fee £179.00 Senior fee £179.00 Concession £116.00 - Autobiography into fiction: getting startedLearn 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.Full fee £79.00 Senior fee £79.00 Concession £51.00
- Short story writing: intensiveA 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.Full fee £179.00 Senior fee £179.00 Concession £116.00
- Writing romanceIt 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.Full fee £179.00 Senior fee £179.00 Concession £116.00
- Writing magical realism
Learn how fantasy and reality can meet in this interactive workshop on writing magical realism.
Online
Sun 1 Nov 2026Lucy PopescuFull fee £79.00 Senior fee £79.00 Concession £51.00 - How to write a novelThis 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.Full fee £89.00 Senior fee £89.00 Concession £58.00
- Write a short story in a weekTurn 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 2026Sarah LeipcigerFull fee £149.00 Senior fee £149.00 Concession £97.00
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