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 >
- Craft focus: grammar, syntax, and style for creative writersCourse start date: Mon 12 May 2025 (and 3 other dates)
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: William BradyGreat poetry and prose begin when the writer puts the right words in the right places. Learn how and why the rules and conventions of language matter in this new course, which combines creative writing with a review of essential points of grammar.Full fee £179.00 Senior fee £179.00 Concession £90.00 - How to plot your children’s novelCourse start date: Mon 12 May 2025
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Penny JoelsonYou’re a writer with some experience and a great idea for a children’s novel, but plotting is the thing that lets you down. Over six weeks on this fun and interactive course you’ll learn how to structure your book, finding fresh ways to develop your idea into a compelling plot.Full fee £149.00 Senior fee £149.00 Concession £75.00 - Picture book writing: advancedCourse start date: Mon 12 May 2025 (and 2 other dates)
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Andrew WealeWould you like to workshop, edit and polish your picture book texts for young children? This course is designed for advanced picture book writers wishing to hone their skills and improve their own stories.Full fee £199.00 Senior fee £199.00 Concession £100.00 - Writing for magazinesCourse start date: Wed 7 May 2025 (and 5 other dates)
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 - Picture book writingCourse start date: Sun 15 Jun 2025 (and 6 other dates)
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Lou KuenzlerWould you like to write a picture book text for young children? This course is designed for children's writers and for illustrators wishing to write their own stories; a starter course to develop both your ideas and your technique.Full fee £149.00 Senior fee £149.00 Concession £75.00 - Getting away with murder: how to write crime fictionCourse start date: Tue 20 May 2025 (and 2 other dates)
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 £149.00 Senior fee £149.00 Concession £75.00 - Ways into poetry: intensiveCourse start date: Tue 5 Aug 2025 (and 5 other dates)
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Alice FrecknallAre you just starting to write poetry? This shorter version of our introductory Ways into poetry course offers an opportunity to experiment with language and a variety of poetic devices. Discover the key elements of a poem in a friendly and interactive class.Full fee £149.00 Senior fee £149.00 Concession £75.00 - Ways into creative writing: intensiveCourse start date: Wed 28 May 2025 (and 9 other dates)
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Lucy PopescuNot sure whether creative writing is for you? Give it a try on one of these fun and supportive short courses covering the basics of fiction and poetry. Increase your confidence and produce work through guided exercises and discussion.Full fee £149.00 Senior fee £149.00 Concession £75.00 - Writing reviewsCourse start date: Thu 5 Jun 2025 (and 1 other date)
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Laura SilvermanLearn to write compelling and insightful reviews for films, books and stage performances. Develop your critical skills and ability to write in a succinct style.Full fee £149.00 Senior fee £149.00 Concession £75.00 - Writing for video gamesCourse start date: Tue 10 Jun 2025 (and 1 other date)
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Thomas McMullanLearn about the fundamentals of writing for video games, from interactive dialogue to environmental storytelling.Full fee £149.00 Senior fee £149.00 Concession £75.00 - Writing a memoir (continuation)Course start date: Thu 25 Sep 2025 (and 3 other dates)
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Julie GartonSome moments in our lives are so powerful they beg to be shared with the world. This continuation course guides students in developing a memoir project that will resonate and inspire.Full fee £159.00 Senior fee £159.00 Concession £80.00 - Ways into creative writing: a gentle paceCourse start date: Wed 11 Jun 2025 (and 4 other dates)
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Henry MartinAre you brand new to creative writing? Do you want to build your confidence in a supportive environment alongside other beginners? This gentle short-course guides students taking their first steps on the path to becoming a creative writer.Full fee £149.00 Senior fee £149.00 Concession £75.00 - Writing creative non-fiction: intensiveCourse start date: Wed 11 Jun 2025 (and 3 other dates)
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Erica BuistThis shorter version of our introductory creative non-writing course explores the core elements of creative non-fiction across genres such as travel writing, the personal essay and life writing.Full fee £149.00 Senior fee £149.00 Concession £75.00 - Writing romanceCourse start date: Thu 12 Jun 2025 (and 1 other date)
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Aliya Ali-AfzalIt 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 £149.00 Senior fee £149.00 Concession £75.00 - Ways into poetry: a gentle paceCourse start date: Thu 12 Jun 2025 (and 1 other date)
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Andrew WealeAre you brand new to writing poetry? Do you want to build your confidence in a supportive environment alongside other beginners in the craft? This gentle short course guides students taking their first steps on the path to becoming a poet.Full fee £149.00 Senior fee £149.00 Concession £75.00
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