Introduction To Creative Writing
Have you always dreamed of writing a novel, memoir or a collection of short stories but not been confident where to start? Or perhaps you’ve started writing but got stuck along the way. Our Introduction to Creative Writing course is ideal for writers who are keen to learn more about the craft of writing but are not sure they want to commit to our two-year course.
Over the ten weeks we will explore the key elements of storytelling, including: structure, character, showing and telling, setting, language and voice, point of view and editing. There will be weekly practical writing exercises alongside exploring published work to probe techniques and style.
At the end of the course, you can continue onto the two-year Creative Writing Programme or Life Writing Programme with a solid understanding of creative writing and know how what to expect from the longer programme.
Our 10-week Introduction to Creative Writing course will give you a strong overview of everything you need to know about the craft of writing and help set you up to start a long-form project – whether that be fiction or narrative non-fiction.
What does the course cover?
How to give and receive feedback on your work
Scene structure: a scene is the bedrock of story. It combines setting and character in a vivid way and anchors the reader in time and place.
Character and dialogue: Developing convincing characters is essential for telling stories. Readers don’t have to like them - but they do have to be intrigued by them! Having layered characters on the page with compelling voices is critical for any story.
Setting: All story action takes place somewhere: it could be on an exotic island or at a bus stop. We will probe how setting can anchor a story and evoke mood to capture the reader’s imagination.
Pace: Pace impacts on story rhythm. We think of it like music: there are times to be quiet and languid and times to be dynamic and loud. Controlling the pace influences how a story “feels”.
Point of view: What is the vantage point? Who is standing where to observe the scenes and tell the story? This is one of the writer’s most important decisions.
Narrative modes: There are many ways to tell a story. We shall experiment with how the balance of different narrative modes can influence and shape your writing
Show or tell: The vitality of understanding lies in the felt experience of a story rather than just thinking about it. ‘Showing’ techniques can be drawn upon to create vivid, moving and resonant narrative.
Editing your work: Editing is one of the joys of writing – holding your story up to the light, seeing it from new angles, chipping away at it until it becomes the best it can be.
10 weeks of taught classes – 2.5 hours per week
A one-to-one tutorial with your tutor
Feedback on written work of up to 2,000 words
Student reading evenings – the opportunity to share your work in a supportive environment
Taster session for the main two-year Creative Writing or Life Writing Programme
What does the course FEE INCLUDE?
What IS EXPECTED OF ME?
There are no specific entry requirements. All you need to bring to the programme is your imagination, a love of reading, a passion to write, a commitment to your writing group and the determination to succeed.
You need to dedicate up to 12 hours per week during the course for classes and additional reading and writing. Many of our students combine the course with a full-time job and/or caring responsibilities.
You will need a computer with a good internet connection as the programme uses an online learning platform (the Moodle) to allow students to keep in touch outside of the taught sessions.
For the online programme, your computer must have a built-in camera as the classes are held on Zoom.
Venues and Times
Choose from online or in-person options in London and Eastbourne
- Wednesdays 6.30-9pm, online from 16 January 2027
- Thursdays 6.30-9pm, Towner Eastbourne from 22 April 2027
- Thursdays 6.30-9pm, Holborn House, London from 22 April 2027
WHAT’S NEXT?
enrolment
There are no entry requirements for the Introduction to Creative Writing course. To enrol on the course, simply click on your preferred time and location below and sign up.. You will automatically receive a log-in for the online student learning platform where your course tutor will post the course outline and details about the programme.
“The Introduction to Creative Writing showed me what it takes to become a writer and opened the door to a vibrant writing community. It's incredible how much I learned in only 10 weeks, the tutors were supportive and provided constructive feedback. The group setting helped to keep me motivated. The online format worked well and I feel I got to know my tutors and fellow writers. Highly recommend.”
K Kronsbein
Wednesday evenings online,
starting 16 January 2027
£395
K Kronsbein
Thursday evenings in London,
starting 22 April 2027
£480
The essentials
10-week course starting January or April 2027
One evening a week, 6.30-9pm
Locations: choose from online (January start) or in-person options in London and Eastbourne from April
Course fees: from £395. Flexible payment plans available
Group size: 9–15 writers
Thursday evenings in Eastbourne,
starting 22 April 2027
£450