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Creative writing courses, workshops & mentoring

from the National Centre for Writing

If you need help with your writing, advice on how to progress or want to pick up some new techniques, our range of courses has you covered. There’s something for all writers, no matter where you are in your career.

Free writing courses

Get started with one of our free courses. Just because they’re free doesn’t mean they’re not packed with useful and practical tips!
Each of these courses can be studied at your own pace on your computer. Sign up and it’s yours forever – find out more about how it works here >>

Supercharge Your Writing

First Steps in Short Form Poetry

Know your publishing options

Science fiction: World building

Short, self-paced courses

We all have busy lives and it can be hard to find the time to learn new skills. That’s why these courses are designed to fit around your schedule – you progress through at your own pace, with zero pressure.
Find out more about how it works here >>

How to Write More and Stay Happy

Writing Science Fiction 3-Course Bundle

The Confidence to be a Poet

Writing Characters for Middle-Grade Fiction

Tutored 12-18-week online creative writing courses

Includes personalised feedback on your writing

Co-designed with the University of East Anglia, our Creative Writing Online courses are deep, engaging programmes that last 12 or 18 weeks and include personalised, 1-2-1 feedback on your writing exercises every fortnight. You’ll meet writers from around the world and work together to take your writing to the next level.

  • Become the writer you want to be!

  • Get 1-2-1 tutor feedback

  • Learn the foundational skills of writing

  • Build your writing routine

  • Take your writing to the next level

  • Access our courses from anywhere in the world.

If you have questions or would like to join the waiting list please email learning@nationalcentreforwriting.org.uk or find out more about tutored  courses or choose from one of the courses below for more information.

Start Writing Creative Non-Fiction

Start Writing Fiction

Start Writing Poetry

Start Writing Crime Fiction

Start Scriptwriting

Start Writing Historical Fiction

Start Writing Your Memoir

Designed in partnership with the School of Literature, Drama and Creative Writing at UEA

UEA University of East Anglia

Mentoring

Writers of all kinds often face common challenges; from finding the time to write and tackling creative blockages to preparing manuscripts for publication.
You don’t have to do it alone. Find out about our mentoring scheme >>

 

Ten-week courses

Our ten-week fiction courses have been running for a number of years. Live classes are hosted weekly, either online or in person, and include discussion and writing exercises. You will have one piece of your writing workshopped in class by the tutor and your coursemates.
Autumn courses will be announced soon.

Workshops

If you want to get more hands-on, try our workshops. These tutor-led, one-off classes provide a focused session of learning and sharing alongside other writers. It’s easy to take part and they won’t take up much of your time.
Find out how bursaries work →

Travel Writing 101 with Tharik Hussain

Writing food and place with Nina Mingya Powles

Compelling character relationships with Okechukwu Nzelu

Telling your story through poetry with Nadine Aisha Jassat

Learn to write speculative fiction with Aliya Whiteley

Online courses for young writers

Our online courses offer young people the time to explore writing through fun, engaging prompts and activities – whether it’s poetry, prose or any other kind of writing they want to develop!

Take a look.

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