Introduction to Fiction Writing

Over eight weeks, we will teach you the building blocks for fiction writing covering topics such as: Finding your voice and inspiration for your work, Characterisation, Point of view, Dialogue, Setting, Structure, Plot, Suspense, Editing and World-Building. We will also dedicate time to exploring Horror, Science Fiction and Fantasy genres and hold a special class looking at what we can learn about structure and plot from screenwriters.

Mondays, 6-8 pm, 2 Feb – 23 Mar 2026

1. Introduction: Finding Inspiration, Finding your Voice, and Point of View.

This introductory week will offer an overview of the programme and what participants can expect. We will also consider where we can find inspiration for our stories, explore what it means to find your own writing voice, and consider one of the most important decisions a writer makes - what point of view will they write from.

Tutor: Helen Cullen   Date: 2 Feb 2026

2. Creating Characters

How do we create compelling characters that bring our stories to life? We will begin to develop our skills at writing characters that readers will believe in, care about and become invested in.

Tutor: Helen Cullen   Date: 9 Feb 2026

3. Characterisation and Structure

In most fiction, characters and their motivations and actions, drive the structure of the story – they are intertwined. We will look closely at the fundamentals of story structure through fictional characters.

Tutor: Bernardine Evaristo    Date: 16 Feb 2026

4. Setting and Descriptive Detail

We’ll explore how we use our senses to develop setting and descriptive detail in fiction, and how this can enrich and deepen our writing.

Tutor: Bernardine Evaristo    Date: 23 Feb 2026

5. Plot, Structure and Suspense: What Can We Learn from Screenwriters?

An engaging plot for your story – particularly in terms of genre fiction – is crucial. We’ll discuss outlining and how this can help you find the story you want to tell. This session will also look at suspense: an understanding of how to create suspense – and keeping your reader turning the pages – is essential for all writers of fiction.

Tutor: Max Kinnings   Date: 2 Mar 2026

6. Science Fiction and Fantasy

The fundamentals of science fiction and fantasy storytelling, from the novum to the hero’s journey, and how to innovate beyond them.

Tutor: Frazer Lee         Date: 9 Mar 2026

7. Introduction to Writing Horror

Writing uncanny tales that excite the senses, and which use our fears to explore darker themes in a safe genre space.

Tutor: Frazer Lee         Date: 16 Mar 2026

8. Editing Masterclass

You think you’ve finished your story – but have you? In this session we’ll explore the different stages of editing, proof-reading and polishing to help you make your writing the best it can be.

Tutor: Max Kinnings   Date: 23 Mar 2026

This course is aimed at beginners who are interested in exploring fiction writing for the first time. It is also perfect for anyone who has experimented with some creative writing, such as short story writing, but would like to develop and enhance their core writing skills.

Each class will be two hours long and taught over Zoom. Each class will include some writing exercises and also suggestions for exercises to continue your practice at home. You will not be required to share this work as there is no workshop component at this level, but there may be some opportunities to read the results of exercises aloud for those who would like to.