A 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.
Learning modes and locations may be different depending on the course start date. Please check the location of your chosen course and read our guide to learning modes and locations to help you choose the right course for you.
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
This intermediate course is designed for passionate writers and readers who want to explore the art of writing short stories. You will gain confidence in your ability to produce short fiction through a combination of practical exercises, examination of technical issues including plot and character, and constructive criticism from your tutor and fellow students.
Students say: Great exercises, wonderful atmosphere, and a supportive group of very interesting writers; I really enjoyed learning about the various forms of short stories, and how they differ from other types of writing; Supportive atmosphere and useful feedback from the teacher; Good mix of different genres and prompts to try out.
What will we cover?
- Generating ideas that will form the basis of sharp, compelling short stories - Reading modern fiction with a critical eye to gain further understanding of the form - Examining a wide range of key skills and writing techniques including plot, character, dialogue, structure and point-of-view - Giving and receiving constructive criticism, and incorporating feedback from readers as you revise and improve your work.
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
- Plan, draft and revise short stories with greater confidence - Respond to and assess pieces of writing with sensitivity - Identify and develop good writing habits - Continue to learn independently by reading modern short stories with increased critical awareness.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This is an intermediate course for students who have some experience of writing fiction (for instance through attending an introductory 'Ways into creative writing' course) and wish to focus on short stories. You should be an enthusiastic reader and have a good grasp of written and spoken English.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
This is a practical class and the emphasis is on students' stories, produced at home and in the classroom. There will be exercises, homework, group discussion, and sharing of ideas - always in a supportive atmosphere. You will learn to give and receive constructive criticism so that students can begin to learn from each other. Contemporary short stories will be analysed and the group will discuss what they reveal about the art of writing.
City Lit Writing endeavours to create a safe and welcoming space for all and we strongly support the use of content notes in our classes. This means that learners are encouraged to make their tutor and classmates aware in advance if any writing they wish to share contains material that may be deemed sensitive. If you are unsure about what might constitute sensitive content, please ask your tutor for further clarification and read our expectations for participating in writing courses at City Lit.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
Please bring a pen and paper.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
You may wish to continue your short story journey by enrolling on Reading for writers: the short story or Write a short story in a weekend. Interested in long form fiction? Try Starting your novel. If you feel ready to submit your work for rigorous constructive feedback, you are also welcome to progress to Advanced fiction writing workshop.
Our Craft Focus series is also available to writers who wish to focus on an isolated element of fiction writing craft. We offer short intensive courses in developing character, plot, setting, point of view, and more. See our website or contact the department for advice on how you can develop a programme of fiction writing study.
All students are invited to join us at Late Lines, our regular performance night for City Lit writers. Students are also encouraged to submit their work to Between the Lines, our annual anthology of creative writing. For the latest news, courses and events, stay in touch with the Department on Facebook and Twitter.
Lucy Popescu is a writer, editor and arts critic. She has published two anthologies about refugee experiences, A Country of Refuge (2016) and A Country to Call Home (2018) and is the author of The Good Tourist (2008). Lucy is chair of the Authors’ Club and its Best First Novel Award. She reviews books for The Observer, FT and TLS, among other publications, has a regular column in the Literary Review and is theatre editor at Camden New Journal. Lucy has taught creative writing for over ten years, is a writing mentor at Freedom for Torture and also curates literary events. Before that, she worked with the English Centre of PEN.
Annabel BanksSee moreSee less
Annabel's is a writer of poetry and prose. Her short story collection, Exercises in Control, was published by Influx Press in 2020 and was longlisted for the Edge Hill Prize. Other work can be found in literary journals and anthologies including Granta, The Manchester Review, Shearsman, The Stockholm Review, Under the Radar and 3:AM. Her writing has received multiple nominations for the Pushcart Prize, with further nominations for the Queen's Ferry Press Best Short Fictions, Blazevox's Bettering American Poetry, Best News Poets [US] and the Derringer Awards, and was longlisted for the Royal Academy/Pindrop Short Story Award. Recently, Annabel was commissioned by the BBC and the University of Cambridge to create original works, while her story 'Not the End of the World' received a special mention in the Galley Beggar Short Fiction Prize. You can read more about her work at annabelbanks.com.
Vicky has been teaching creative writing at City Lit since 2018. She has also taught for the Open University, London South Bank University and the University of Greenwich, and she reads for the manuscript assessment agency The Literary Consultancy. Her short fiction has appeared in new writing anthologies published by Picador, Granta, Duckworths, Serpents’ Tail and Bloomsbury. Her nonfiction essay 'Into the Valley' was mentioned in Best American Essays, 2013. Her short story collection 'Live Show, Drink Included' was published by Holland Park Press in 2018 and is long-listed for the £10,000 Edge Hill Prize. One of the stories is in Best British Short Stories, 2019.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
product
https://www.citylit.ac.uk/short-story-writing135942Short story writinghttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/s/h/short-story-writing-hw294-1024.jpg259259GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Writing/Novels and short stories/Novels and short stories/Courses/vm/Writing Courses/Writing Short Stories/Courses/vm/Writing Courses/Fiction Writing/Courses/vm/Writing Courses/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Writing/Learn to write short fiction at City Lit/Courses/Writing/Courses/Writing/Novels and short stories/Courses/Top rated courses/Courses/Last available places/Courses/Online courses228515882027204820181337913581135991662174217311228513581135991653201811771205A 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. <div data-content-type="html" data-appearance="default" data-element="main">This intermediate course is designed for passionate writers and readers who want to explore the art of writing short stories. You will gain confidence in your ability to produce short fiction through a combination of practical exercises, examination of technical issues including plot and character, and constructive criticism from your tutor and fellow students. <br />
<br />
<b>Students say:</b> <i>"Great exercises, wonderful atmosphere, and a supportive group of very interesting writers"; "I really enjoyed learning about the various forms of short stories, and how they differ from other types of writing"; "Supportive atmosphere and useful feedback from the teacher"; "Good mix of different genres and prompts to try out."</i>. <br />
<br />
This is a live online course. You will need:<br />
- Internet connection. The classes work best with Chrome.<br />
- A computer with microphone and camera is best (e.g. a PC/laptop/iMac/MacBook), or a tablet/iPad/smart phone/iPhone if you don't have a computer.<br />
- Earphones/headphones/speakers.<br />
We will contact you with joining instructions before your course starts.</div>264.82541820Short story writing259259https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/s/h/short-story-writing-hw294-1024_90.jpgInStockEveningWedKeeley StreetAvailable courses11 weeks or longerWeekday2026-04-22T00:00:00+00:00Some experienceApr 2026WritingHW026259259Short story writing259130259Annabel Banksshort-story-writing/hw026-2526A 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.0000-Available|2026-04-22 00:00:00This intermediate course is designed for passionate writers and readers who want to explore the art of writing short stories. You will gain confidence in your ability to produce short fiction through a combination of practical exercises, examination of technical issues including plot and character, and constructive criticism from your tutor and fellow students. <br/><br/><b>Students say:</b> Great exercises, wonderful atmosphere, and a supportive group of very interesting writers; I really enjoyed learning about the various forms of short stories, and how they differ from other types of writing; Supportive atmosphere and useful feedback from the teacher; Good mix of different genres and prompts to try out.A 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.- Generating ideas that will form the basis of sharp, compelling short stories<br/>- Reading modern fiction with a critical eye to gain further understanding of the form<br/>- Examining a wide range of key skills and writing techniques including plot, character, dialogue, structure and point-of-view<br/>- Giving and receiving constructive criticism, and incorporating feedback from readers as you revise and improve your work.- Plan, draft and revise short stories with greater confidence<br/>- Respond to and assess pieces of writing with sensitivity<br/> - Identify and develop good writing habits<br/> - Continue to learn independently by reading modern short stories with increased critical awareness.This is an intermediate course for students who have some experience of writing fiction (for instance through attending an introductory 'Ways into creative writing' course) and wish to focus on short stories. You should be an enthusiastic reader and have a good grasp of written and spoken English.This is a practical class and the emphasis is on students' stories, produced at home and in the classroom. There will be exercises, homework, group discussion, and sharing of ideas - always in a supportive atmosphere. You will learn to give and receive constructive criticism so that students can begin to learn from each other. Contemporary short stories will be analysed and the group will discuss what they reveal about the art of writing. <br />
<br />
City Lit Writing endeavours to create a safe and welcoming space for all and we strongly support the use of content notes in our classes. This means that learners are encouraged to make their tutor and classmates aware in advance if any writing they wish to share contains material that may be deemed sensitive. If you are unsure about what might constitute sensitive content, please ask your tutor for further clarification and read our <a href=" https://www.citylit.ac.uk/expectations-for-participating-in-writing-courses" target="_blank">expectations for participating in writing courses at City Lit</a>.Please bring a pen and paper.You may wish to continue your short story journey by enrolling on Reading for writers: the short story or Write a short story in a weekend. Interested in long form fiction? Try Starting your novel. If you feel ready to submit your work for rigorous constructive feedback, you are also welcome to progress to Advanced fiction writing workshop.<br/><br/>Our Craft Focus series is also available to writers who wish to focus on an isolated element of fiction writing craft. We offer short intensive courses in developing character, plot, setting, point of view, and more. See our website or contact the department for advice on how you can develop a programme of fiction writing study.<br/><br/>All students are invited to join us at <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/latelines">Late Lines</a>, our regular performance night for City Lit writers. Students are also encouraged to submit their work to <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/betweenthelines">Between the Lines</a>, our annual anthology of creative writing. For the latest news, courses and events, stay in touch with the Department on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/citylitcreativewriting">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://www.twitter.com/citylitwriting">Twitter</a>.Novels and short storiesNovels and short storiesvirtual2541835Short story writing259259https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/s/h/short-story-writing-hw294-1024_89.jpgInStockEveningTueOnlineAvailable courses11 weeks or longerWeekday2026-04-21T00:00:00+00:00Some experienceApr 2026WritingHW294259259Short story writing259130259Lucy Popescushort-story-writing/hw294-2526A 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.0000-Available|2026-04-21 00:00:00This intermediate course is designed for passionate writers and readers who want to explore the art of writing short stories. You will gain confidence in your ability to produce short fiction through a combination of practical exercises, examination of technical issues including plot and character, and constructive criticism from your tutor and fellow students. <br/><br/><b>Students say:</b> Great exercises, wonderful atmosphere, and a supportive group of very interesting writers; I really enjoyed learning about the various forms of short stories, and how they differ from other types of writing; Supportive atmosphere and useful feedback from the teacher; Good mix of different genres and prompts to try out.A 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.- Generating ideas that will form the basis of sharp, compelling short stories<br/>- Reading modern fiction with a critical eye to gain further understanding of the form<br/>- Examining a wide range of key skills and writing techniques including plot, character, dialogue, structure and point-of-view<br/>- Giving and receiving constructive criticism, and incorporating feedback from readers as you revise and improve your work.- Plan, draft and revise short stories with greater confidence<br/>- Respond to and assess pieces of writing with sensitivity<br/> - Identify and develop good writing habits<br/> - Continue to learn independently by reading modern short stories with increased critical awareness.This is an intermediate course for students who have some experience of writing fiction (for instance through attending an introductory 'Ways into creative writing' course) and wish to focus on short stories. You should be an enthusiastic reader and have a good grasp of written and spoken English.This is a practical class and the emphasis is on students' stories, produced at home and in the classroom. There will be exercises, homework, group discussion, and sharing of ideas - always in a supportive atmosphere. You will learn to give and receive constructive criticism so that students can begin to learn from each other. Contemporary short stories will be analysed and the group will discuss what they reveal about the art of writing. <br />
<br />
City Lit Writing endeavours to create a safe and welcoming space for all and we strongly support the use of content notes in our classes. This means that learners are encouraged to make their tutor and classmates aware in advance if any writing they wish to share contains material that may be deemed sensitive. If you are unsure about what might constitute sensitive content, please ask your tutor for further clarification and read our <a href=" https://www.citylit.ac.uk/expectations-for-participating-in-writing-courses" target="_blank">expectations for participating in writing courses at City Lit</a>.Please bring a pen and paper.You may wish to continue your short story journey by enrolling on Reading for writers: the short story or Write a short story in a weekend. Interested in long form fiction? Try Starting your novel. If you feel ready to submit your work for rigorous constructive feedback, you are also welcome to progress to Advanced fiction writing workshop.<br/><br/>Our Craft Focus series is also available to writers who wish to focus on an isolated element of fiction writing craft. We offer short intensive courses in developing character, plot, setting, point of view, and more. See our website or contact the department for advice on how you can develop a programme of fiction writing study.<br/><br/>All students are invited to join us at <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/latelines">Late Lines</a>, our regular performance night for City Lit writers. Students are also encouraged to submit their work to <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/betweenthelines">Between the Lines</a>, our annual anthology of creative writing. For the latest news, courses and events, stay in touch with the Department on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/citylitcreativewriting">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://www.twitter.com/citylitwriting">Twitter</a>.Novels and short storiesNovels and short storiesvirtual2548993Short story writing259259https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/s/h/short-story-writing-hw294-1024_91.jpgInStockDaytimeFriKeeley StreetAvailable courses11 weeks or longerWeekday2026-04-24T00:00:00+00:00Some experienceApr 2026WritingHW032259259Short story writing259130259Vicky Grutshort-story-writing/hw032-2526A 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.0000-Available|2026-04-24 00:00:00This intermediate course is designed for passionate writers and readers who want to explore the art of writing short stories. You will gain confidence in your ability to produce short fiction through a combination of practical exercises, examination of technical issues including plot and character, and constructive criticism from your tutor and fellow students. <br/><br/><b>Students say:</b> Great exercises, wonderful atmosphere, and a supportive group of very interesting writers; I really enjoyed learning about the various forms of short stories, and how they differ from other types of writing; Supportive atmosphere and useful feedback from the teacher; Good mix of different genres and prompts to try out.A 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.- Generating ideas that will form the basis of sharp, compelling short stories<br/>- Reading modern fiction with a critical eye to gain further understanding of the form<br/>- Examining a wide range of key skills and writing techniques including plot, character, dialogue, structure and point-of-view<br/>- Giving and receiving constructive criticism, and incorporating feedback from readers as you revise and improve your work.- Plan, draft and revise short stories with greater confidence<br/>- Respond to and assess pieces of writing with sensitivity<br/> - Identify and develop good writing habits<br/> - Continue to learn independently by reading modern short stories with increased critical awareness.This is an intermediate course for students who have some experience of writing fiction (for instance through attending an introductory 'Ways into creative writing' course) and wish to focus on short stories. You should be an enthusiastic reader and have a good grasp of written and spoken English.This is a practical class and the emphasis is on students' stories, produced at home and in the classroom. There will be exercises, homework, group discussion, and sharing of ideas - always in a supportive atmosphere. You will learn to give and receive constructive criticism so that students can begin to learn from each other. Contemporary short stories will be analysed and the group will discuss what they reveal about the art of writing. <br />
<br />
City Lit Writing endeavours to create a safe and welcoming space for all and we strongly support the use of content notes in our classes. This means that learners are encouraged to make their tutor and classmates aware in advance if any writing they wish to share contains material that may be deemed sensitive. If you are unsure about what might constitute sensitive content, please ask your tutor for further clarification and read our <a href=" https://www.citylit.ac.uk/expectations-for-participating-in-writing-courses" target="_blank">expectations for participating in writing courses at City Lit</a>.Please bring a pen and paper.You may wish to continue your short story journey by enrolling on Reading for writers: the short story or Write a short story in a weekend. Interested in long form fiction? Try Starting your novel. If you feel ready to submit your work for rigorous constructive feedback, you are also welcome to progress to Advanced fiction writing workshop.<br/><br/>Our Craft Focus series is also available to writers who wish to focus on an isolated element of fiction writing craft. We offer short intensive courses in developing character, plot, setting, point of view, and more. See our website or contact the department for advice on how you can develop a programme of fiction writing study.<br/><br/>All students are invited to join us at <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/latelines">Late Lines</a>, our regular performance night for City Lit writers. Students are also encouraged to submit their work to <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/betweenthelines">Between the Lines</a>, our annual anthology of creative writing. For the latest news, courses and events, stay in touch with the Department on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/citylitcreativewriting">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://www.twitter.com/citylitwriting">Twitter</a>.Novels and short storiesNovels and short storiesvirtual259259130HW026,HW294,HW032NONEWed,Tue,Fri21/04/26 - 30/06/2618:00 - 20:0018:0020:0011 sessions (over 11 weeks)1111 weeks or longerWeekdayOnlineKeeley Street,OnlineAnnabel Banks,Lucy Popescu,Vicky GrutSome experienceAvailable courses2026-04-22T00:00:00+00:00,2026-04-21T00:00:00+00:00,2026-04-24T00:00:00+00:00Evening,DaytimeApr 2026Writing259259Short story writingshort-story-writing/hw026-2526,short-story-writing/hw294-2526,short-story-writing/hw032-2526A 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.0000-Available|2026-04-21 00:00:00This intermediate course is designed for passionate writers and readers who want to explore the art of writing short stories. You will gain confidence in your ability to produce short fiction through a combination of practical exercises, examination of technical issues including plot and character, and constructive criticism from your tutor and fellow students. <br/><br/><b>Students say:</b> Great exercises, wonderful atmosphere, and a supportive group of very interesting writers; I really enjoyed learning about the various forms of short stories, and how they differ from other types of writing; Supportive atmosphere and useful feedback from the teacher; Good mix of different genres and prompts to try out.A 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.- Generating ideas that will form the basis of sharp, compelling short stories<br/>- Reading modern fiction with a critical eye to gain further understanding of the form<br/>- Examining a wide range of key skills and writing techniques including plot, character, dialogue, structure and point-of-view<br/>- Giving and receiving constructive criticism, and incorporating feedback from readers as you revise and improve your work.- Plan, draft and revise short stories with greater confidence<br/>- Respond to and assess pieces of writing with sensitivity<br/> - Identify and develop good writing habits<br/> - Continue to learn independently by reading modern short stories with increased critical awareness.This is an intermediate course for students who have some experience of writing fiction (for instance through attending an introductory 'Ways into creative writing' course) and wish to focus on short stories. You should be an enthusiastic reader and have a good grasp of written and spoken English.This is a practical class and the emphasis is on students' stories, produced at home and in the classroom. There will be exercises, homework, group discussion, and sharing of ideas - always in a supportive atmosphere. You will learn to give and receive constructive criticism so that students can begin to learn from each other. Contemporary short stories will be analysed and the group will discuss what they reveal about the art of writing. <br />
<br />
City Lit Writing endeavours to create a safe and welcoming space for all and we strongly support the use of content notes in our classes. This means that learners are encouraged to make their tutor and classmates aware in advance if any writing they wish to share contains material that may be deemed sensitive. If you are unsure about what might constitute sensitive content, please ask your tutor for further clarification and read our <a href=" https://www.citylit.ac.uk/expectations-for-participating-in-writing-courses" target="_blank">expectations for participating in writing courses at City Lit</a>.Please bring a pen and paper.You may wish to continue your short story journey by enrolling on Reading for writers: the short story or Write a short story in a weekend. Interested in long form fiction? Try Starting your novel. If you feel ready to submit your work for rigorous constructive feedback, you are also welcome to progress to Advanced fiction writing workshop.<br/><br/>Our Craft Focus series is also available to writers who wish to focus on an isolated element of fiction writing craft. We offer short intensive courses in developing character, plot, setting, point of view, and more. See our website or contact the department for advice on how you can develop a programme of fiction writing study.<br/><br/>All students are invited to join us at <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/latelines">Late Lines</a>, our regular performance night for City Lit writers. Students are also encouraged to submit their work to <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/betweenthelines">Between the Lines</a>, our annual anthology of creative writing. For the latest news, courses and events, stay in touch with the Department on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/citylitcreativewriting">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://www.twitter.com/citylitwriting">Twitter</a>.Novels and short storiesNovels and short storiesconfigurable
158813599Novels and short storieshttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/writing/novels-and-short-stories/novels-and-short-stories-11/2/285/13581/13599/1588/Courses/Writing/Novels and short stories/Novels and short stories
