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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- Reading for writers: the short story (a fortnightly course)
Course start date: Sun 28 Sep 2025 (and 1 other date)Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Annabel BanksThe 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 - 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 - Write a short story in a week Course start date: Mon 8 Dec 2025
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Jonathan BarnesTurn 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.Full fee £129.00 Senior fee £129.00 Concession £65.00 - Craft focus: introduction to novel plotting Course start date: Sun 18 Jan 2026
Location on this date: Online
Explore different approaches to novel plotting and learn how to plot your own novel successfully in this short course suitable for those who have begun writing a novel. - Starting your novel: intensive Course start date: Mon 19 Jan 2026
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Sarah LeipcigerGot 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.Full fee £159.00 Senior fee £159.00 Concession £80.00 - Craft focus: mastering descriptive language Course start date: Sat 24 Jan 2026
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Sophie McKenzieDescriptive language can provide texture and clarity to a story, promoting reader engagement and a sensory experience. In this short course, learn how to create vivid descriptions that will elevate your prose. This course will support writers of fiction and non-fiction.Full fee £79.00 Senior fee £79.00 Concession £40.00 - Writing funny fiction Course start date: Thu 5 Feb 2026
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Rene PerezWhat does it really mean to write funny fiction and what are the techniques writers use? Learn how to harness the power of humour in your fiction in this fun, supportive workshop.Full fee £89.00 Senior fee £89.00 Concession £45.00 - Writing the body in fiction Course start date: Sat 14 Feb 2026
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Jennifer ClaessenExplore how to write bodies that bring your fiction to life in this short course suitable for those with some experience of creative writing. - 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 - Writing horror Course start date: Tue 17 Feb 2026
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Niki MackayWrite to unsettle, in this six-week trip through the techniques of horror fiction, learning from classic horror authors and contemporary masters of the genre.Full fee £159.00 Senior fee £159.00 Concession £80.00 - Autobiography into fiction Course start date: Thu 26 Feb 2026 (and 1 other date)
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Nick BarlayThis 6-week course will help you develop techniques for transforming personal experience into fiction. You'll have the opportunity to improve your writing skills as well as your ability to give and use constructive criticism in a workshop environment.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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