Foundations of Fiction
A structured introduction to fiction, covering story shape, character, point of view, worldbuilding and early editing skills – ideal for new or returning writers who want to strengthen the basics.
Writing Workshops & Courses
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Big Thinking School of Writing
Creative Writing Workshops UK
Join the Big Thinking School of Writing for practical, accessible creative writing workshops and publishing courses – short, focused sessions and longer programmes designed to support writers, students, and community groups across the UK.
Overview
Workshops & courses with the School of Writing
The Workshops & Courses strand of the Big Thinking School of Writing brings together one-hour workshops and multi-week courses in both creative writing and publishing. Sessions are designed to be practical, clearly structured, and rooted in lived industry experience – combining professional publishing insight with focused, friendly teaching.
You can join as an individual writer, or work with us to deliver a tailored programme for your university, library, or writing group.
Writing
Creative writing workshops & courses
Our creative writing strand focuses on core craft skills – from story structure and character to imagery, voice and editing. Workshops give you a concentrated hour on a specific topic, while longer courses provide a structured path over several weeks, with guided activities and clear learning outcomes.
Build Your Book
A guided course that takes you from idea to outline and opening chapters, with support on planning, character arcs, worldbuilding and creating a writing routine that actually fits your life.
Editing Your Manuscript
A practical introduction to self-editing, helping you work on structure, pacing, character consistency and line-level clarity so you can take a full draft to the next stage.
Writing for Children
For writers interested in picture books, early readers or middle-grade fiction, with a focus on age-appropriate voice, character and plotting for young readers.
Not every course runs every term – the exact mix of workshops and longer programmes changes across the year. You’ll find current dates and booking details on the writing courses page.
Publishing
Publishing workshops & submission support
Our publishing strand demystifies what happens once you’ve written the work. Sessions are designed to widen access to professional publishing knowledge, give you accurate, up-to-date information, and help you make informed decisions about your next steps.
Understanding the Publishing Landscape
A clear, jargon-free overview of traditional publishing, small presses, hybrid models and self-publishing – including how rights, contracts and royalties work, and how to choose a path that fits your goals.
Query Letters that Get Noticed
A practical, example-led session on writing strong query letters: what to include, how to summarise your book, common pitfalls, and how agents and publishers read submissions.
Writing a Strong Synopsis
Demystifies the synopsis and offers a straightforward structure for summarising plot, character arc and theme in a way that’s clear, concise and genuinely useful to the person reading it.
Ask the Publisher – live Q&A
An open, supportive session where you can ask a working publisher questions about submissions, editorial processes, timelines, contracts, and what makes a manuscript stand out.
Tailored support
Bespoke workshops for groups & organisations
If you’re organising a programme for a specific group, the Big Thinking School of Writing can design a workshop or mini-series around your needs. We regularly work with libraries, writing groups, schools, universities and community organisations to support sustainable writing communities.
What we can offer
- Single sessions or short series on creative writing or publishing topics.
- Online or in-person delivery (location and access-dependent).
- Sessions tailored to your age group, ability level, or specific aims.
- Follow-up resources and activities to keep conversations going after the session.
Who this is for
- Writing groups wanting a themed workshop or skills session.
- Universities seeking enrichment, careers or skills development support for students.
- Libraries and arts organisations running local writing or reading projects.
- Schools or youth groups encouraging children and young people to write.
Practicalities
How the workshops & courses work
Format
Most workshops run for one hour and can be delivered online or in person, with longer or bespoke formats available on request. Courses usually run over four to six weeks, building skills progressively with guided tasks.
Materials & follow-up
Sessions come with supporting materials and optional follow-up activities, so you can return to the ideas afterwards or continue the work with your group.
Cost & access
Pricing varies depending on format and partner arrangements. Some sessions include concession rates or funded places, and affiliate groups can access reduced or package rates where available.
Full practical details – dates, times, pricing and how to book – are listed on each individual workshop or course page.
Who it’s for
Is this the right place for you?
These creative writing workshops and courses are for anyone who wants to grow as a writer in a gentle but practical way. You don’t need a finished manuscript or formal training – just curiosity, a willingness to try things, and an interest in developing your voice.
- Emerging writers at the start of their journey.
- Students on Creative Writing, English, Journalism, Humanities or related degrees.
- Self-taught writers looking for structure, feedback and realistic next steps.
- Members of writing groups who want to build specific skills together.
If you’d like more sustained, one-to-one support, you may also be interested in the Writers’ Mentorship Programme UK run by the School of Writing.
Next steps
Join a creative writing workshop
If you’re ready to explore your writing in a supportive setting, choose a workshop or course that fits your current stage – or get in touch if you’d like to discuss a bespoke session for your group or institution.