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.
- How to get an agent
Course start date: Tue 26 May 2026 (and 2 other dates)Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Rosie ChardThis intensive workshop offers students insider, need-to-know information on securing a literary agent.Full fee £79.00 Senior fee £79.00 Concession £40.00 - Craft focus: narrative time in fiction Course start date: Sat 21 Mar 2026
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Vicky GrutAll fiction is bound by time: a story must begin and end. In this practical short course learn how time functions in fiction and, through practical writing exercises, how you can manipulate it to great effect. Suitable for those with some creative writing experience.Full fee £79.00 Senior fee £79.00 Concession £40.00 - Writing historical fiction Course start date: Sun 22 Mar 2026
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Anna RichardsDig into the past to craft historical fiction that speaks vividly to contemporary readers. From Hilary Mantel to C.J. Sansom, learn techniques writers use to turn historical record into compelling fiction.Full fee £79.00 Senior fee £79.00 Concession £40.00 - Write a short story in a weekend Course start date: Sat 28 Mar 2026 (and 4 other dates)
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Vicky GrutTurn 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. Includes a 1-hour break each day.Full fee £129.00 Senior fee £129.00 Concession £65.00 - Writing fiction Course start date: Mon 11 Jan 2027 (and 8 other dates)
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Sarah LeipcigerDevelop 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 - Developing your novel Course start date: Mon 20 Apr 2026 (and 7 other dates)
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: KR MoorheadHave 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 £259.00 Senior fee £259.00 Concession £130.00 - Masterclass: fiction (a one-term intensive workshop) Course start date: Tue 20 Jan 2026 (and 3 other dates)
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Toby LloydThis 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 - Starting your novel Course start date: Mon 20 Apr 2026 (and 5 other dates)
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Mariam AnsarGot 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 £249.00 Senior fee £249.00 Concession £125.00 - Short story writing Course start date: Tue 21 Apr 2026 (and 8 other dates)
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Lucy PopescuA 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 £259.00 Senior fee £259.00 Concession £130.00 - Advanced fiction writing workshop Course start date: Thu 7 May 2026 (and 8 other dates)
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Sarah LeipcigerFor 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 £259.00 Senior fee £259.00 Concession £130.00 - Reading for writers: the short story (a fortnightly course) Course start date: Tue 21 Apr 2026 (and 1 other date)
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Eleanor PennyThe 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 £159.00 Senior fee £159.00 Concession £80.00 - Writing fantasy stories Course start date: Wed 22 Apr 2026 (and 1 other date)
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Victoria M. AdamsBuild fantastical worlds, fill them with compelling characters and learn how to structure innovative plotlines in this perfect introduction for those with a passion for fantasy.Full fee £259.00 Senior fee £259.00 Concession £130.00 - Getting away with murder: how to write crime fiction Course start date: Tue 19 May 2026
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Sophie McKenzieWant 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.Full fee £159.00 Senior fee £159.00 Concession £80.00 - Autobiography into fiction: getting started Course start date: Sat 18 Jul 2026 (and 4 other dates)
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Nick BarlayLearn 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 £40.00 - How to write a novel Course start date: Thu 12 Mar 2026 (and 4 other dates)
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Aliya Ali-AfzalThis 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 £45.00
Can't see a course you want?
Add this category to your waiting list to set up alerts and we will update you when new courses are released online.
Add me to waiting list