Writing Courses & Workshops Online & in London
Be inspired to write, and learn how to get published at the college where Andrea Levy, Malorie Blackman, Anna Burns, and other celebrated authors studied. Read our success stories to see what's possible for you as a writer.
Learn from published authors
Whether you're just starting out or ready to publish your first book, the benefits of our writing courses include expert tuition from a published author and feedback on your work as you develop your writing skills. There will also be opportunities to participate in group discussions and activities with fellow students.
Unheard Voices Scholarship
City Lit’s Malorie Blackman Scholarships for 'Unheard Voices' provide three annual awards to fund one year’s study within the Creative Writing department at City Lit. Learn more >
See what it's like be part a City Lit online creative writing course.
- Advanced autobiographical writing
Course start date: Tue 29 Apr 2025 (and 1 other date)Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Nick BarlayA supportive workshop for more experienced writers of autobiography who are ready to push their practice, explore new techniques and further develop their authorial voice.Full fee £249.00 Senior fee £249.00 Concession £125.00 - Developing your creative writing Course start date: Fri 2 May 2025 (and 3 other dates)
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Christina DunhillThis supportive intermediate course for writers with some experience will provide inspiration, technical guidance and feedback on your work, as well as helping you to sustain your writing practice. You will be working with other aspiring writers and benefit from the support and encouragement that working with a group over a whole term can bring.
This course supports several kinds of creative writing, including prose fiction, poetry, reflective writing and memoir, whether they are finished pieces or works-in-progress.Full fee £249.00 Senior fee £249.00 Concession £125.00 - Reading for writers: the short story (a fortnightly course) Course start date: Thu 1 May 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 £149.00 Senior fee £149.00 Concession £75.00 - Writing an academic essay Course start date: Fri 2 May 2025 (and 2 other dates)
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: William BradyA crash course in essay writing – beginnings, middles and ends. Suitable for students on A level and access courses or undergraduates.Full fee £109.00 Senior fee £109.00 Concession £55.00 - Writing about food Course start date: Mon 28 Apr 2025 (and 1 other date)
Location on this date: Online
Love food and want to write about it? Whether you’re keen to review dishes, interview chefs or write about sustainable eating, now is your chance. This course will cover writing for established publications as well as personal blogs.Full fee £199.00 Senior fee £199.00 Concession £100.00 - Submitting your poetry to magazines Course start date: Wed 22 Oct 2025
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Katherine LocktonThis short course is designed to guide students on submitting their poetry to magazines, journals and websites for publication.Full fee £19.00 Senior fee £19.00 Concession £19.00 - Introduction to journalism Course start date: Mon 3 Nov 2025 (and 1 other date)
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Allis MossOn this course students will explore the basic skills a freelance journalist needs to write and sell news and features to newspapers and magazines. From developing ideas and identifying outlets to interview skills and approaching editors.Full fee £159.00 Senior fee £159.00 Concession £80.00 - Memoir writing: a taster Course start date: Mon 1 Dec 2025
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Julie GartonDo you have a personal story to tell that will move, delight, stir and inform readers? This short course guides students in planning and crafting a memoir. - Children's writing: a taster Course start date: Tue 2 Dec 2025
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Andrew WealeFind out more about writing children's stories in this practical and interactive, short taster session. - Journalism: a taster Course start date: Thu 4 Dec 2025
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Laura SilvermanWhat makes a great story? Discover what goes into a magazine or newspaper article and be inspired to write your own. - Picture book writing: a taster Course start date: Mon 8 Dec 2025
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Andrew WealeFind out more about writing a picture book text in this practical and interactive, short taster session. - 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 - 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 - Freelance writing and blogging Course start date: Wed 30 Apr 2025 (and 1 other date)
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Laura SilvermanGet inspired to write on this practical course for freelance journalists and bloggers. Learn to carry out research, interview people, pitch and publish stories, and build your presence on social media.Full fee £149.00 Senior fee £149.00 Concession £75.00 - Journaling: a taster Course start date: Mon 9 Feb 2026
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Julie GartonThis inspiring taster course led by an experienced journaler, encourages students to explore a range of techniques and prompts in order to find an approach to life writing that suits them.Full fee £79.00 Senior fee £79.00 Concession £40.00
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