‘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 21 September 2026.
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
New ideas and how to grow them
‘Ideas are like frogs. They can be slippery beasts.’ In this article, NCW workshop leader and writer, Abi Hynes, offers some advice for wrangling writing ideas creatively when you don’t know what to do with them.
22 April 2026
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.
Tutor to be confirmed.
Starts Monday 21 September 2026
Writing fiction
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
How to write a short story
Novelist and creative writing tutor Jenn Ashworth describes how to write a short story, from ideas, structure and planning to editing.
22 November 2022
Five writing tips for beginners
Published author Thomas Heerma van Voss shares his techniques
21 October 2020
Finding your voice: how mentorship can transform your writing journey
How do writers benefit from ongoing mentorship and guidance? We spoke with Megan Bradbury about her experiences as an NCW tutor and mentor.
29 April 2025
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
The flesh and bones of historical writing
Imogen Hermes Gowar shares her thoughts on historical fiction and some tips on how to start your own history-inspired story.
4 August 2025
How to Write Romantic Fiction (12-week course)
Have a great love story in mind?
Learn how to write romantic fiction with our 12-week course! Unlock the secrets of crafting captivating love stories in this expertly designed online tutored course. Whether you’re new to the genre or looking to refine your skills, this programme will guide you through the complexities of relationships, the thrill of passion, and the journey of self-discovery—all brought to life through richly drawn characters and compelling plots.
Tutor to be confirmed.
Starts Monday 21 September 2026.
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
The path to publication
Hear from a debut novelist on getting published, the power of mentorship, and developing your own voice and identity as a writer
In this episode of The Writing Life, literary newcomer Grace Murray shares the process from mentorship to the publication of her debut novel Blank Canvas – a work of literary fiction about grief, reinvention and the ripple effects of telling lies.
Upcoming events
Join world-class, award-winning writers and industry experts for our upcoming events
The Writing Life (June 2026)
Spark your creativity and build a creative routine with our 30-day writing challenge! The Writing Life includes 30 unique writing exercises.
Thursday 1 January
Short Story Sprint with Naomi Wood
Understand the key ingredients for cooking up an impactful short story in this insightful and practical workshop.
Thursday 1 January
One of Us: Elizabeth Day
We are delighted to welcome Elizabeth Day, Sunday Times bestselling author and one of today’s most influential podcasters, to Norwich Playhouse to discuss her suspenseful and compulsive new novel, One of Us.
Tuesday 16 June
The Writing Life: Reflect (July 2026)
Get playful and explore writing in this new 30-day writing challenge, with fresh prompts and unique lessons.
Wednesday 1 July
Everything is Material: Writing from Lived Experience with Uju Asika
Draw from your lived experiences to craft rich and compelling stories from both the ordinary and extraordinary moments.
Saturday 1 August
The Writing Life (September 2026)
Spark your creativity and build a creative routine with our 30-day writing challenge! The Writing Life includes 30 unique writing exercises.
Tuesday 1 September
Opening Chapters with Louise Tondeur
Learn how to create intriguing, ‘hookful’ opening chapters through crafting and redrafting and how to use pacing to draw your readers into your story.
Saturday 12 September
Mindful Goal Setting with Louise Tondeur
Join us for a gentle, grounding session to help you pause, set intentions and reconnect with your writing.
Saturday 12 September
How to Write Fiction (12-week course)
Learn the essential tools to craft compelling fiction, featuring personalised one-to-one feedback, engaging lessons, and practical exercises to help you develop a consistent writing practice.
Monday 21 September
How to Write Romantic Fiction (12-week course)
Develop compelling love stories by exploring characterisation, relationships, and worldbuilding. Gain confidence and writing skills and receive personalised feedback to craft and refine your romantic fiction.
Monday 21 September
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.
Monday 21 September
Master Your Prose Fiction with Ian Nettleton (10-week course)
Join Ian Nettleton for a practical, supportive course to help you refine your manuscript and prepare it for agents with confidence.
Monday 21 September
The Writing Life: Reflect (October 2026)
Get playful and explore writing in this new 30-day writing challenge, with fresh prompts and unique lessons.
Thursday 1 October
Writing From the Archives with Elizabeth Lewis Williams (six-week course)
Discover how to use archives to craft narratives in this six-week evening course led by writer Elizabeth Lewis Williams.
Tuesday 13 October
Preparing for Publication (eight-week course)
Take your manuscript from draft to submission with an eight‑week course that prepares you for publishing and the professional writing world.
Monday 12 October
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.
