Writing identity
Explore who you are as a writer – what you’re drawn to, the kinds of stories or poems you love, and the themes that keep returning. You’ll try short exercises to notice your natural strengths and interests.
Creative Writing Courses
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Big Thinking School of Writing
Creative Writing Courses for Beginners UK
Gentle, practical Creative Writing Courses for Beginners UK – covering writing identity, story structure, voice and style, and editing – run by the Big Thinking School of Writing and taught by working writers and publishers.
Overview
About these creative writing courses
The Big Thinking School of Writing offers Creative Writing Courses for Beginners UK that focus on building confidence as well as skills. You don’t need a finished project or a particular background – just curiosity, an interest in stories or poems, and a willingness to try things out.
Each beginners’ course is built around four key areas: writing identity, story structure, voice & style, and editing. These draw on the same frameworks we use in our one-to-one mentoring and longer programmes like Foundations of Fiction and Build Your Book, adapted for a friendly workshop setting.
Structure
What the course covers
A typical beginners’ course runs over several weeks, with each session focusing on one aspect of your writing. The exact structure may vary depending on the group, but it usually looks something like this:
Story structure
Learn simple ways to think about beginnings, middles and endings. We’ll look at different shapes a story can take, and how to turn an idea into something with momentum and direction.
Voice & style
Experiment with tone, point of view and rhythm to find a voice that feels like yours. We’ll read a few short extracts, talk about what makes them work, and then borrow techniques for your own writing.
Editing
Discover practical, non-scary editing tools. You’ll learn how to look at your work from a reader’s perspective, how to tighten a paragraph, and how to make small changes that have a big impact.
You’ll be invited (but never forced) to share short pieces of writing in the group. The emphasis is on encouragement, curiosity, and trying things out – not on getting everything “right” straight away.
Examples
Examples of beginners’ creative writing courses
Different Creative Writing Courses for Beginners UK run at different times of year. They all draw on the same core skills, but with slightly different focuses and outcomes. Recent and upcoming options include:
Foundations of Fiction
A structured introduction to fiction, covering story shape, character, point of view, worldbuilding and early editing skills – ideal if you’d like to move from ideas and scenes towards a more complete draft.
Build Your Book
A gently-paced course that helps you develop an idea into an outline and opening chapters, with support on planning, character arcs, worldbuilding, and creating a writing routine that fits your real life.
Editing Your Manuscript
A practical introduction to self-editing for beginners with a draft-in-progress, focusing on structure, pacing, character consistency and line-level clarity so you can strengthen what you already have.
Writing for Children
An accessible starter course for anyone interested in picture books, early readers or middle-grade fiction, with an emphasis on age-appropriate voice, character and plotting for young readers.
Not every course will be available every term – the current mix of workshops and multi-week programmes is always listed on the main writing courses page.
Practicalities
How the beginners’ courses run
Format
Courses are usually held online via video call, with a mix of discussion, short readings, and low-pressure writing exercises you can do during the session. Some strands may include optional homework or prompts between sessions.
Group size
Groups are kept small so that everyone has space to speak if they want to, and nobody feels put on the spot. You’re welcome to keep your camera off or just listen if that feels safer at first.
Materials
You’ll receive simple prompts, checklists or short reading extracts to support each session. You don’t need any special software – just something to write on and with.
Cost & booking
Pricing varies depending on course length and format. Any current course dates, prices and booking links will be listed on the main writing courses page.
Who it’s for
Is this creative writing course for you?
These Creative Writing Courses for Beginners UK are designed for people who:
- Have always wanted to write, but aren’t sure where to start.
- Write in private and are curious about learning some tools and terminology.
- Have ideas for stories, poems or memoir but feel stuck or overwhelmed.
- Are looking for a gentle, low-pressure introduction before committing to a longer course.
You don’t need previous workshop experience or any particular education level. If you can bring curiosity and kindness towards your own work, you’re in exactly the right place.
If you already have a longer work-in-progress and want more focused one-to-one support, you might also be interested in our Free Writers’ Mentorship Programme UK .
Next steps
Join a beginners’ creative writing course
If this Creative Writing Courses for Beginners UK page feels like a good fit, your next step is to check the current course dates and choose a time that works for you – or get in touch if you have any questions about access, experience level, or what to expect.