'Get That Novel Started' Creative Writing Course - Upper Norwood , SE19

Venue: Upper Norwood Library Hub

Address: 39 Westow Hill, London SE19 1TQ

Dates: Tuesdays 21st, 28th April; 5th, 12th, 19th & 26th May 2026

Time: 6.30-8.30pm

Course Number: UN210426

Price: £279/£259 concessions (senior citizens / persons with a disability)

Duration: six weeks - one session per week of two hours plus one critiqued piece of homework (of up to 1,000 words)

Class Size: Maximum 10 students (6 required for workshop to proceed)*

(*Once enrolled, should the course not go ahead and there is not a suitable alternative course you’d like to transfer to, you will receive a full and immediate refund. Please note: refunds via PayPal or Eventbrite can take 3-5 working days.)

Format: In-class discussion of the weekly topic, practised via in-class writing exercises. Also, homework of 1,000 words of your novel to be sent in, which is critiqued.

The course’s aim: to develop the many aspects of your work.

Age: 18 and above. (I am DBS checked)

Description: This creative writing course is suitable for beginners or writers looking for a fresh injection of inspiration, and is perfect for all genres and those wishing to write short stories.

Course Outline: In the warm and inspiring environment of the Upper Norwood Library Hub, you will learn the nuts and bolts of the creative process and the necessary key ingredients – character, structure, plot, theme, drama, the creation of ideas, point of view, location and so much more - plus, with a critique of 1,000 words each week - making this the best value, most inspiring and beneficial course of its kind on the market.

Each week, we begin with fun writing exercises to practice the above-mentioned aspects. Then, we will focus on a particular subject (e.g., backstory), which, again, we practice via writing exercises, all of which benefit you hugely in your development as a writer as you begin your novel.

Week 1 - Structure: the key phases of a story (the start, middle and end) and the job each should do, allowing us to build in the rising tension, drama and jeopardy (relevant, of course, to the genre and type of story) to make your story shine. We look at your novel idea then discuss what could happen next (allowing your imagination and creativity to run), what should happen next (to underpin your story with authenticity, as appropriate), and begin to think about your story endings.

Week 2 - Character: the development of your protagonist via creation of their backstory, physical description, likes and dislikes etc, so we (as the writer) get to know them as we know people in our lives. This then makes our characters more rounded and relatable, thus creating that bond between the reader and our character, which is key for your novel’s success. Being the vehicle via which our stories are told, characters, of course, are of upmost importance.

Week 3 - Dialogue: a hugely important part of writing, for it is via this that readers can really get to know our characters. Plus, as the writer, we can convey emotions, mannerisms, action, movement and so much more. Many readers feel it is via dialogue that a story really comes to life.

Week 4 - Location: an absolutely key part of our writing, for, of course, everything happens somewhere. And locations are the canvas upon which our stories are told. And once the reader feels there, in the location (i.e., we have directed their imagination), be it to a sandy beach, a bustling city or a tiny bedsit, they will absorb our content on a much deeper level, allowing us to deliver that rich and immersive reader experience.

Week 5 - Plot: the development of our story via key questions and plot twists, building our story into a strong, compelling reader experience with a satisfying ending. Also, the need to maintain high energy in the story (appropriate to the genre) and keep the reader hooked. We will create a list of plot points which, whilst constantly evolving, tells us so much about our story line, any gaps (which naturally there will be at this early stage), the energy points, plot threads, plot twists and so much more.

Week 6 - Getting Published & the Reader Experience: how to present our work in the very best way that will keep those pages turn and have your reader recommending your novel to everyone they know. The mechanics of a good read go way beyond the story itself, and whilst, of course, story is key, the delivery, presentation and decisions on when to deliver our key plots, go such a long way to creating the biggest impact possible; likewise pacing, flow, the balance between narrative, descriptions and dialogue. And this synchs with what a literary agent or publisher will be expecting/be hooked by, thus greatly increasing your chances of being signed.

From the get-go, you will begin to produce work, sharing it with your fellow students (if you so wish, no pressure but highly-recommended) to build your confidence, critiquing skills and the necessary thick-skin all writers must have. And over the six weeks, you will also develop a writer’s work ethic and discipline to make your goals happen, seeing remarkable results each day.

At the end of the course, you will have potentially produced the first six-thousand words of your novel (only if you wish; highly-recommended but no pressure), and be fired up to continue towards your end target.

FAQ

Are there any course requirements? Yes, you’ll need basic written English skills to benefit from it, plus access to the internet for the sending and receiving of homework

Is previous creative writing experience required? No.

Are there any other costs? No.

Is there anything I need to bring? Your own writing materials – pens, paper, laptop etc.

And perhaps most importantly - why choose Creative Writer UK as opposed to other course providers?

Apart from working with a passionate, enthusiastic and vastly-experienced author and coach in Dominic, you will also:

Be taught in a group with a maximum number of ten students - small enough to ensure personal attention and inclusion, whilst broad enough to benefit from a cross-section of influences and inspirations. There’s nothing like being in the company of fellow-creatives, and we want you to get the upmost from the course.

Each week, you will receive detailed critique on your homework, guiding you on all aspects of writing, especially those particular to your style. You will also be encouraged to ask questions, so we can email your critique back-and-forth to iron out/polish any aspects. We want you to excel on this course, and not-only meet, but exceed your expectations. And also, it’s the discipline of having to send work through each week that really helps keep students motivated, disciplined and writing regularly - absolutely vital aspects to achieve your writing goals.

Reviews:

‘This course made my dream of writing a novel into a reality. Learning structure, discipline and how to work through blank-page-syndrome have been a revelation. Thank you, Dominic. Highly-recommended.’ Charlotte, Sussex.

‘The accountability of having to send in homework each week was wonderful. And the critique was so useful, giving me insight to what really makes a plot work. An excellent course and I’ll be back for more.’ Cliff, Bermondsey.

Should you have any questions, please don't hesitate to email [email protected]

Thank you and I hope to work with you on your writing goals.

Best wishes & happy writing!

Dominic

Dominic Canty

[email protected]

www.creative-writer.co.uk

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