Ways into creative writing: intensive

ByCity Lit

Writing

Beginner

An introductory creative writing course exploring poetry, fiction and other forms through exercises, discussion and workshops, with no previous writing experience required.

About this course

The course introduces creative writing across poetry, fiction, creative non-fiction, playwriting and screenwriting. Learners use prompts, games and structured exercises to produce original work while exploring craft elements such as point of view, dialogue, imagery and character. Sessions also examine figurative language, including metaphor and simile, and ways to use sensory detail. Teaching includes workshop discussion, with learners sharing writing for constructive feedback from the tutor and group. For courses longer than one day, reading and writing exercises are set for completion outside class.

What you'll learn

  • Produce original pieces of creative writing in different forms
  • Identify and apply elements of writing craft, including point of view, dialogue, imagery and character
  • Use figurative language such as metaphor and simile in original work
  • Create sensory imagery in writing
  • Set a personal goal and recognise writing strengths and challenges
  • Analyse and discuss creative writing constructively and sensitively

Is this course right for you?

This introductory course is intended for complete beginners, as no previous writing experience is required. Learners should be able to read and write fluently in English. Participation includes sharing work in a workshop setting, discussing writing with others and responding to constructive feedback; longer courses also involve work at home.

  • No previous writing experience is required
  • Learners share work and take part in group discussion and feedback
  • Longer courses include reading and writing exercises outside class

Before you go

  • Learners should bring their own writing materials.

Class teachers

  • Claire Collison

    Class teacher

  • Erica Buist

    Class teacher

  • Tasha Kavanagh

    Class teacher

  • William Brady

    Class teacher

Where this course runs

City Lit

London's largest adult education provider

65 writing courses on Learn.London

Upcoming classes

5 classes

Selected date

Tue 27 Oct 2026

14:45 – 16:45 • 6 weeks

£179

Keeley Street, Covent Garden

Claire CollisonClass teacher
Book this class →

Other available dates

  • Fri 30 Oct 2026

    17:30 – 19:30 • 6 weeks

    Keeley Street, Covent Garden

    Erica Buist

    £179

  • Tue 26 Jan 2027

    14:45 – 16:45 • 6 weeks

    Keeley Street, Covent Garden

    William Brady

    £179

  • Tue 1 Jun 2027

    14:45 – 16:45 • 6 weeks

    Keeley Street, Covent Garden

    Tasha Kavanagh

    £179

  • Wed 7 Jul 2027

    17:30 – 19:30 • 3 weeks

    Keeley Street, Covent Garden

    Tasha Kavanagh

    £179

StartsScheduleLengthTeacherVenuePrice
30 Oct 2026
Fridays
17:30 - 19:30
Short course6 weeks
EricaBuist
Keeley StreetWC2B 4BA
£179.00
26 Jan 2027
Tuesdays
14:45 - 16:45
Short course6 weeks
WilliamBrady
Keeley StreetWC2B 4BA
£179.00
1 Jun 2027
Tuesdays
14:45 - 16:45
Short course6 weeks
TashaKavanagh
Keeley StreetWC2B 4BA
£179.00
7 Jul 2027
Wednesdays
17:30 - 19:30
Short course3 weeks
TashaKavanagh
Keeley StreetWC2B 4BA
£179.00
  • Tue 27 Oct, 14:45 - 16:45

    Book now
    6 weeks
    Keeley Street
    6 weeksTue 14:45£179
    ClaireCollisonKeeley Street
    ClaireCollison
    £179
  • Fri 30 Oct, 17:30 - 19:30

    6 weeks
    Keeley Street
    6 weeksFri 17:30£179
    EricaBuistKeeley Street
    EricaBuist
    £179
  • Tue 26 Jan, 14:45 - 16:45

    6 weeks
    Keeley Street
    6 weeksTue 14:45£179
    WilliamBradyKeeley Street
    WilliamBrady
    £179
  • Tue 1 Jun, 14:45 - 16:45

    6 weeks
    Keeley Street
    6 weeksTue 14:45£179
    TashaKavanaghKeeley Street
    TashaKavanagh
    £179
  • Wed 7 Jul, 17:30 - 19:30

    3 weeks
    Keeley Street
    3 weeksWed 17:30£179
    TashaKavanaghKeeley Street
    TashaKavanagh
    £179

Showing 1 to 5 of 5 classes

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