The art of espionage with Mick Herron Learn from one of the great spy thriller writers of our time – a master of sardonic wit and edge-of-your-seat storytelling who is often compared to John le Carré and Len Deighton. Mick Herron, author of the Jackson Lamb series, will share his incomparable insights into crafting a […]

Creating memorable characters with Claire McGowan Learn how to develop a compelling lead character for your crime fiction – with the potential to carry a series – in this bitesize writing workshop from Claire McGowan. Delve deep into the psyche of your heroes and villains, and gain practical advice on how to construct scenes with […]

‘Writing about important things in our lives can often provide clarity and understanding that helps us to move on to something different.’ Curious about how writing can support your physical and mental wellbeing? This introductory session with writer and clinical psychologist Shona Lowers will provide you with an understanding of writing as a reflective process, […]

In partnership with Arts Council England Fully booked! To join the waiting list for this session please email info@nationalcentreforwriting.org.uk Arts Council England (ACE) support writers and new writing in many different ways. In this session, which features a presentation by an ACE representative and an extended Q&A time, you’ll have the chance to find out […]

Take those exciting first steps into fiction writing with this friendly, supportive ten-week course led by expert tutor and published writer, Ian Nettleton. Ian has been leading sold-out ‘beginners fiction’ courses at NCW for a number of years. Through a combination of group discussion and one-to-one feedback, he will equip you with the necessary tools […]

Take your writing to the next level and discover ways to make your novel or short stories stand out with this friendly, supportive, ten-week intermediate course led by expert tutor and published writer Ian Nettleton. Ian has been leading sold-out fiction courses at NCW for a number of years. Through a combination of group discussion […]

Join Mandy Stanley, an award-winning illustrator, author and designer and explore the exciting world of self-publishing. Having published with traditional publishing houses such as HarperCollins, Mandy decided to experiment with self-publishing for the next instalment in her popular children’s series. She’ll share with us all she has learned along the way, from the business of […]

Looking for advice on how to finalise, edit and polish your work? Ready to take your writing to a more sophisticated level? Our Advanced Fiction sessions with Ian Nettleton are the ideal choice for more experienced writers with a project in mind, or for anyone seeking a new and exciting creative challenge. Ian has been […]

Megan Bradbury, author of Everyone Is Watching, shares a passage from a book that helped to inspire her writing. Find out how Megan used creative reading as a tool in writing her own first novel, and, crucially, how she whittled down her reading and research into a form where her fiction could really take flight. […]

Our ‘back to basics’ pulse courses are perfect for both first-time writers and more practised writers who wish to refresh their technique. Using a mixture of discussion, writing exercises and (optional) individual feedback, you’ll gain confidence in handling three fundamental elements of your chosen form. In ‘Poetry Pulse’ published poet and experienced tutor Anna Cathenka […]

In partnership with The Literary Consultancy In this free session, held in association with The Literary Consultancy, meet professional editor Ashley Stokes. Ashley will be talking about the role of the editor, how critical feedback can help develop your writing, and will be workshopping specific editing questions to help you get to grips with your […]

Author and journalist Feby Indirani shares a passage from a book that helped to inspire her writing. Find out how Feby uses reading to inform her own work as a writer of both fiction and non-fiction, in which she tackles subjects ranging from feminism to religion and spirituality. Creative and sensitive reading is a must-have […]

Limited availability! Discover the tools for approaching hard-to-write subjects with novel and memoirist Monique Roffey. Through a mixture of discussion, reading and writing you will explore: memory, and slowing down events, especially ones which feel hard to write about five things all good memories have in common the problem of shame and taboo finding the […]

Ed Wilson from the Johnson & Alcock Literary Agency represents writers across fiction and non-fiction, including crime, sci-fi and fantasy, and YA fiction. In this two-hour session, he will share his insights into what agents do, how they find and work with their authors, as well as his top tips for submitting your manuscript to […]

with Victoria Adukwei Bulley, Molly Naylor and Edward Parnell A day packed full of inspiration, practical advice and insider knowledge to help you set your goals and fulfil your writing ambitions. Hear from award-winning poet, writer and filmmaker Victoria Adukwei Bulley; scriptwriter, poet and theatre-maker Molly Naylor (‘Brave, tough, funny and beautiful writing’ – Guardian); […]

In this workshop, Jane Yeh, author of Discipline (named by the Guardian as a Book of the Year 2019), will guide you through her approach to crafting resonant, powerful poems. Exploring such elements of craft as voice, structure, and imagery, you’ll read a range of contemporary poems before writing your own in class under Jane’s expert […]