‘There are no rules, I think, in fiction. I think it’s all about what options you have available to you and what you choose to do with them…’
– Okechukwu Nzelu, writer of Here Again Now and The Private Joys of Nnenna Maloney
How to Develop Compelling Characters in Your Fiction with Okechukwu Nzelu, listen now →
Not to tell tales, but…
Do you love a good novel or short story?
Fiction is a wonderfully broad term, ranging across all genres and weaving into all other types of writing. ‘Fiction’ just means something invented, untrue, fabricated. It encompasses most novels, even some poetry. There can be an element of fiction in non-fiction; fiction is anything that tells a story that isn’t strictly fact.
How to Write Fiction (12-week course)
Ready to bring your fiction to life this autumn?
Whether you’re just starting out or need guidance in developing a regular writing practice, during this fiction course, you will gain the essential tools and techniques to craft compelling fiction.
Tutor to be confirmed.
Starts Monday 22 February.
Early bird discount available until Monday 9 November at 10am GMT.
Writers and readers, unite!
Whether you are an avid fiction reader or a fiction writer in your own right (or both!), we have something for you.
Margaret Atwood’s top five writing tips
The full, extended interview with Young Ambassadors Emily Webb and Grace Murray
5 December 2018
How to write a novel – a step-by-step guide
This is a comprehensive, step-by-step guide to help you write your novel including advice and guidance from published writers.
1 July 2022
Writing romantic relationships in fiction with Nicola Dinan
Novelist and NCW Academy tutor Nicola Dinan reflects on the role romantic relationships play beyond the romance genre.
2 August 2026
An Introduction to Crime Writing (12-week course)
Ready to take on the complex world of crime writing?
Explore the themes and appeal of crime fiction; looking at creating credible worlds and characters, developing and structuring story and building page-turning, tension-filled scenes.
Led by Julia Crouch.
Starts Monday 22 February.
Early bird discount available until Monday 9 November at 10am GMT.
Writing fiction
Hear from the experts, from published authors to industry professionals:
Exploring generational storytelling: a conversation with Linda Hartley
In this case study, Linda Hartley answers our questions on her novels The Broken Line and Angel Wing. She also discusses generational trauma, the importance of telling women’s stories, and her own person creative process.
5 October 2026
Top tips for early drafts with Megan Bradbury
In this article, Megan Bradbury (author of Everyone is Watching) offers five pieces of advice to writers when on the early draft of a project.
24 August 2026
The importance of setting in fiction
In this article, writer and NCW tutor Benjamin Johncock (The Last Pilot), argues that, when we fail to establish where and when things are happening, we break the spell. Explore why clarity, precision and specificity in setting aren’t optional — they’re essential.
19 August 2025
World building in romantic fiction with Alison May
Romance writer and NCW tutor Alison May shares her thoughts and advice on world building when writing romance, from romantasy to contemporary settings.
18 August 2026
Five writing tips for beginners
Published author Thomas Heerma van Voss shares his techniques
21 October 2020
PODCAST: How To Balance Story And Plot
Writer, lecturer and NCW tutor Ashley Hickson-Lovence explains how to balance plot and story in your writing.
18 July 2022
Develop Your Fiction (18-week course)
Ready to take your fiction writing further?
This fiction course deepens your writing skills, guiding you through more sophisticated techniques and diverse approaches to storytelling. You’ll experiment creatively, read widely, and emerge with a polished draft.
Led by Megan Bradbury.
Starts Monday 22 February.
Early bird discount available until Monday 9 November at 10am GMT.
Advice for emerging writers with Benjamin Johncock & Megan Bradbury
In this episode of The Writing Life, novelists Benjamin Johncock and Megan Bradbury share their advice for writers.
26 August 2024
Editing your novel: How to revise, rewrite and redraft your book
Writer and tutor Lynne Bryan explains the stages of revising a novel, from words to chapters and beyond, and how to approach editing your novel.
30 July 2022
Tim Clare on how to write better: ‘Write worse’
The award-winning author, poet and podcaster offers constructive advice to writers battling with self-doubt
14 October 2019
Five things to consider before approaching an agent or publisher
Finally putting your writing out into the world is a scary time, but an exciting one.
In this article, Jenny Knight (author of Wild Moon Rising) offers five pieces of practical advice for writers looking to take their next steps into the publishing industry, including researching agents and preparing a pitch.
Upcoming events
Join world-class, award-winning writers and industry experts for our upcoming events
The Writing Life (November 2026)
Spark your creativity and build a creative routine with our 30-day writing challenge! The Writing Life includes 30 unique writing exercises.
Sunday 1 November
It’s What’s Inside That Counts: Body Horror Fiction with Amy Twigg
Join Amy Twigg for a fiction-focused workshop exploring why body horror resonates so strongly today and how you can harness its power in your own work.
Saturday 7 November
The Shape of an Idea with Roua Horanieh
Break through writing blocks with a playful, hands-on approach to storytelling with this friendly, creative workshop.
Thursday 19 November
The Writing Life: Inspire (January 2027)
Get inspired and build a regular writing habit with our new online writing challenge. The Writing Life: Inspire includes 30 days of unique writing exercises.
Friday 1 January
What Can A Novelist Learn from Standup? with Fran Fabriczki
Take inspiration from the world of stand-up comedy to invigorate your writing with this exciting craft workshop.
Saturday 6 February
How To Write Fiction (12-week course)
Learn the essential tools for how to write fiction, featuring personalised one-to-one feedback, engaging lessons, and practical exercises to help you develop a consistent writing practice.
Monday 22 February
How to Write Historical Fiction (12-week course)
Bring the past to life, explore the core elements of historical fiction, and receive personalised feedback to confidently write stories and characters rooted in history.
Monday 22 February
An Introduction to Crime Writing (12-week course)
Explore the themes and appeal of crime fiction; looking at creating credible worlds and characters, developing and structuring story and building page-turning, tension-filled scenes. Led by Julia Crouch.
Monday 22 February
Develop Your Fiction (18-week course)
This fiction course deepens your writing skills, guiding you through more sophisticated techniques and diverse approaches to storytelling. You’ll experiment creatively, read widely, and emerge with a polished draft. Led by Megan Bradbury.
Monday 22 February
The Fundamentals of Fiction with Ian Nettleton (10-week course)
Take those exciting first steps into fiction writing with this ten-week beginners course led by expert tutor, Ian Nettleton.
Monday 22 February
Character-Led Screenplay Writing with David Drake
This creative workshop will demonstrate the ways we can develop our characters, follow their lead, and put decisions in their hands so our screenplays feel more alive.
Saturday 27 February
Forging Plot and Structure in Fantasy Fiction with Rym Kechacha
Join us for an enchanting fantasy workshop dedicated to the structure and plot of your next writing quest.
Saturday 13 March
How To Write A Novel (eight-week course)
Learn to write a novel, explore the core elements of storytelling, and receive personalised feedback to confidently bring your first novel to life. Led by Okechukwu Nzelu.
Monday 22 March
How To Edit A Novel (eight-week course)
Approach your work with fresh perspective, and receive personalised feedback to refine your manuscript to its full potential. Led by Santanu Bhattacharya.
Monday 22 March
The Narrative of Place (eight-week course)
Get inspired and learn new ways to evoke journeys, place and people. Led by bestselling writer Dan Richards, you will to improve your writing whether that’s fiction or non-fiction.
Monday 22 March
Captivating Crime Fiction with Elizabeth Haynes (six-week course)
Step into the world of crime writing with Elizabeth and discover how to turn your ideas into a compelling narrative that grabs readers from the very first line and holds them until the last shocking twist.
Thursday 25 March
Here we share a writing exercise inspired by Lahiri’s use of metaphor and with the aim of generating material for a new short story. While this exercise is written with fiction in mind, it might also be helpful for writers of poetry and non-fiction in generating some notes towards a new, short pieces.
Warm-up exercises aren’t just important for your morning jog or yoga routine. Try this five-minute brain flex from 2017 ABR Elizabeth Jolley Short Story Prize winner Eliza Robertson to loosen up the creative juices before you continue with your writing project – or perhaps use them as inspiration for generating or developing new ideas.
Try these simple exercises which explore place and character in your writing. Here we share two writing exercises inspired by Bluebird, Bluebird by Attica Locke that we hope will open up further ideas for exploring place and character in your own writing.
