Writing Courses & Workshops
At City Lit, we offer a supportive and inspiring environment where you can enhance your writing and gain confidence. Our courses are designed to help you find your voice, sharpen your writing skills, and take your work to the next level. Whether you're writing short stories, poetry, or working on a novel, you'll receive expert guidance and feedback from experienced tutors.
Learn from Published Authors
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.
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.
178 courses available
Writing fictionDevelop 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- Advanced fiction writing workshopFor 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 £279.00 Senior fee £279.00 Concession £181.00
- Ways into playwritingExplore 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 £269.00 Senior fee £269.00 Concession £175.00
- Developing your playwritingContinue 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.
Keeley Street
Mon 21 Sep 2026 (and 2 other dates)Full fee £279.00 Senior fee £279.00 Concession £181.00 - How to write crime and thriller fiction
Learn how to master pace and tension in this course on writing crime and thriller fiction, from detective-led noir to espionage action.
Full fee £179.00 Senior fee £179.00 Concession £116.00 - Developing your poetryFor 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 £279.00 Senior fee £279.00 Concession £181.00
- Advanced crime fiction workshop
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.
Online
Tue 22 Sep 2026Anna RichardsFull fee £279.00 Senior fee £279.00 Concession £181.00 - Masterclass: fiction (a one-term intensive workshop)
This 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 £429.00 Senior fee £429.00 Concession £429.00 - Short story writingA 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 £279.00 Senior fee £279.00 Concession £181.00
- Developing your novelHave 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 £279.00 Senior fee £279.00 Concession £181.00
- Writing fantasy stories
Build 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 £279.00 Senior fee £279.00 Concession £181.00 - Travel writingMake travelling pay. Learn how to get a commission, finance a trip and put your adventures into words, led by practical exercises and expert industry guidance.Full fee £179.00 Senior fee £179.00 Concession £116.00
- Writing a memoir (continuation)Some 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 £179.00 Senior fee £179.00 Concession £116.00
- Ways into poetry: intensiveAre 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 £179.00 Senior fee £179.00 Concession £116.00
- Advanced autobiographical writingA 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 £279.00 Senior fee £279.00 Concession £181.00
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