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 playwriting workshop
Course start date: Fri 2 May 2025 (and 2 other dates)Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Brian MullinDive deeper into the key elements of writing for the theatre, gain fresh critical insight into your own writing, and produce a new draft of your work. This workshop is for experienced playwrights with ongoing projects.Full fee £349.00 Senior fee £349.00 Concession £175.00 - Developing your playwriting Course start date: Mon 22 Sep 2025 (and 1 other date)
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Dawn KingContinue to explore the key elements of dramatic writing, and benefit from supportive and detailed feedback on your own work. New students with prior playwriting experience are welcome to join.Full fee £259.00 Senior fee £259.00 Concession £130.00 - Developing your poetry Course start date: Tue 29 Apr 2025 (and 5 other dates)
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Christina DunhillFor those familiar with the basics of poetic form, this intermediate course explores craft and content through reading exercises, writing exercises and constructive feedback. Ideal if you have already attended 'Ways into poetry'.Full fee £249.00 Senior fee £249.00 Concession £125.00 - Writing for children Course start date: Tue 6 May 2025 (and 3 other dates)
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Neil ArkseyAlways wanted to write a children's book? This practical course will develop your ability to write for different age groups and genres of contemporary children's fiction.Full fee £239.00 Senior fee £239.00 Concession £120.00 - Masterclass: poetry (a one-term intensive workshop) Course start date: Tue 23 Sep 2025 (and 1 other date)
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Ellen CranitchThis intensive poetry masterclass is open by selective application to a maximum of ten students. You will receive inspiring tutor instruction and rigorous constructive feedback on your poems as you prepare them for publication and performance.Full fee £399.00 Senior fee £399.00 Concession £399.00 - Advanced crime fiction workshopCourse start date: Tue 23 Sep 2025
Location on this date: Online
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.
Full fee £259.00 Senior fee £259.00 Concession £130.00 - Masterclass: fiction (a one-term intensive workshop) Course start date: Mon 28 Apr 2025 (and 2 other dates)
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Jonathan BarnesThis 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 - Short story writing Course start date: Fri 2 May 2025 (and 8 other dates)
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Vicky GrutA 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 £249.00 Senior fee £249.00 Concession £125.00 - Writing fantasy stories Course start date: Wed 30 Apr 2025 (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 £249.00 Senior fee £249.00 Concession £125.00 - Advanced writing for children: finishing your novel Course start date: Thu 25 Sep 2025
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Penny JoelsonDo you start lots of stories but never finish them? Do you have a novel in progress or nearly finished? This course is for you! You can take this term independently or you can continue with ‘Advanced Writing for Children’ all year and learn to edit your novel too.Full fee £209.00 Senior fee £209.00 Concession £105.00 - Ways into playwriting Course start date: Mon 28 Apr 2025 (and 3 other dates)
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Nicole AcquahExplore the fundamental techniques of writing for the stage in this introductory course. Get to grips with dialogue, character, story and structure, and start work on your own play.Full fee £239.00 Senior fee £239.00 Concession £120.00 - 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 - Autobiographical writing Course start date: Mon 29 Sep 2025 (and 1 other date)
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Nick BarlayWhether writing for self-discovery, testimony or to tell your story, this term-long course explores how to ensure your autobiographical work is both evocative and powerful.Full fee £259.00 Senior fee £259.00 Concession £130.00 - 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.
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