If you’ve ever dreamed of writing a novel but weren’t sure where to start, our Beginners Novel Writing Course will guide you through the process from first ideas to shaping your own manuscript.
Over the course of several weeks, you’ll explore the essential techniques of novel writing, including developing characters, building worlds, structuring your story, and mastering narrative voice. Through a mix of practical exercises, group discussion, and one-to-one feedback, you’ll start to refine your skills and work on your own original project in a supportive, workshop-style environment.
Whether you’re beginning with a blank page or a half-formed idea, this course will help you develop the tools and confidence to begin writing your novel with clarity and purpose.
What you will learn
On the Beginners Novel Writing Course, you will:
- Generate and develop ideas into workable story concepts.
- Create believable characters with compelling motivations.
- Build engaging worlds and settings that serve your story.
- Understand plot structure and pacing for long-form fiction.
- Experiment with narrative voice and point of view.
- Learn techniques to sustain motivation and meet writing goals.
- Give and receive constructive feedback in a workshop setting.
CLASSES STARTING SOON
| DATE | DAY | TIME (BST) | DURATION | TUTOR | VENUE | PRICE | BOOKING | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 Sep 2025 - 7 Oct 2025 | Tue | 18:45-21:15 | 6 weeks | Melanie Spencer | City Academy, Farringdon | £425.00 | Book Now Click the gift icon to gift this course | Book Now Gift this courseClick the gift icon to gift this course |
|
| 6 Nov 2025 - 11 Dec 2025 | Thu | 18:45-21:15 | 6 weeks | Melanie Spencer | City Academy, Farringdon | £425.00 | Book NowClick the gift icon to gift this course | Book Now Gift this courseClick the gift icon to gift this course |
|
| 17 Jan 2026 - 21 Feb 2026 | Sat | 13:30-16:00 | 6 weeks | Jelena Curcic | City Academy, Farringdon | £425.00 | Book NowClick the gift icon to gift this course | Book Now Gift this courseClick the gift icon to gift this course |
|
| 11 Mar 2026 - 15 Apr 2026 | Wed | 18:30-21:00 | 6 weeks | Jelena Curcic | City Academy, Farringdon | £425.00 | Book NowClick the gift icon to gift this course | Book Now Gift this courseClick the gift icon to gift this course |
|
Useful Information
This course is designed for complete beginners and those with some writing experience who want to focus on novel writing in a structured, supportive environment
Not necessarily. Some students arrive with a clear concept, while others discover their story idea through the course exercises. Both approaches work well.
Yes. You’ll receive constructive, encouraging feedback from your tutor throughout the course, as well as from your peers in group workshops.
You’ll leave with a clearer sense of your story’s direction, a collection of developed scenes or chapters, and the tools to continue writing with confidence.
Discover More with Our Writing Department
Our beginners’ courses are the perfect starting point for new students. You’ll get structured, step-by-step guidance, more time to develop your skills, and expert feedback to help you progress with confidence.Designed for complete newcomers, these courses cover all the essential techniques while giving you plenty of opportunity to practise and ask questions. Whether you’re looking to build a new hobby, boost your creativity, or take your first steps towards professional training, this is where your journey really begins.
Try our Writing Summer School
Practice writing in multiple formats, from prose to screenplay, and develop your writing style with expert advice from our team of writers.| DATE | DAY | TIME (BST) | DURATION | TUTOR | VENUE | PRICE | BOOKING | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 Sep 2025 - 7 Oct 2025 | Tue | 18:45-21:15 | 6 weeks | Melanie Spencer | City Academy, Farringdon | £425.00 | Book NowClick the gift icon to gift this course | Book Now Gift this courseClick the gift icon to gift this course |
|
| 6 Nov 2025 - 11 Dec 2025 | Thu | 18:45-21:15 | 6 weeks | Melanie Spencer | City Academy, Farringdon | £425.00 | Book NowClick the gift icon to gift this course | Book Now Gift this courseClick the gift icon to gift this course |
|
| 17 Jan 2026 - 21 Feb 2026 | Sat | 13:30-16:00 | 6 weeks | Jelena Curcic | City Academy, Farringdon | £425.00 | Book NowClick the gift icon to gift this course | Book Now Gift this courseClick the gift icon to gift this course |
|
| 11 Mar 2026 - 15 Apr 2026 | Wed | 18:30-21:00 | 6 weeks | Jelena Curcic | City Academy, Farringdon | £425.00 | Book NowClick the gift icon to gift this course | Book Now Gift this courseClick the gift icon to gift this course |
|
Select your Entry Level:
PAYMENT OPTIONS
You are welcome to join the course up to the second class.
ONLINE & PHONE PAYMENTS
Online – To book your selected class/course online, just click Book Now next to your chosen class/course.
Phone – We would be happy to take your booking over the phone, just call us on 020 7042 8833 .
CASH & CHEQUE PAYMENTS
Cash - You are welcome to pay cash, just come and see us at our office: City Academy, 10 Herbal Hill, London EC1R 5EG.
If you book 2 or more different classes/courses at a time we can offer you a 10% discount. If you wish to take advantage of this offer please enter 2ORMORE in the promotional code box when booking online or quote code when booking over the phone. Please note that this offer cannot be applied when you are booking two or more of the same class/course.
INDUSTRY TUTORS
City Academy tutors are experienced artists and performers that work in the industry. If your tutor's availability changes at short notice, our team will arrange for a suitable replacement and notify you in advance.
CANCELLATIONS POLICY
We offer a full refund or full credit of your original course if you cancel at least 72 hours before the start of your booking.
We cannot offer any refund if you cancel less than 72 hours before the start of your booking, or if you do not attend.
(For more information please see our terms and conditions)
| DATE | DAY | TIME (BST) | DURATION | TUTOR | VENUE | PRICE | BOOKING | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 Sep 2025 - 7 Oct 2025 | Tue | 18:45-21:15 | 6 weeks | Melanie Spencer | City Academy, Farringdon | £425.00 | Book NowClick the gift icon to gift this course | Book Now Gift this courseClick the gift icon to gift this course |
|
| 6 Nov 2025 - 11 Dec 2025 | Thu | 18:45-21:15 | 6 weeks | Melanie Spencer | City Academy, Farringdon | £425.00 | Book NowClick the gift icon to gift this course | Book Now Gift this courseClick the gift icon to gift this course |
|
| 17 Jan 2026 - 21 Feb 2026 | Sat | 13:30-16:00 | 6 weeks | Jelena Curcic | City Academy, Farringdon | £425.00 | Book NowClick the gift icon to gift this course | Book Now Gift this courseClick the gift icon to gift this course |
|
| 11 Mar 2026 - 15 Apr 2026 | Wed | 18:30-21:00 | 6 weeks | Jelena Curcic | City Academy, Farringdon | £425.00 | Book NowClick the gift icon to gift this course | Book Now Gift this courseClick the gift icon to gift this course |
|
Select your Entry Level:
PAYMENT OPTIONS
You are welcome to join the course up to the second class.
ONLINE & PHONE PAYMENTS
Online – To book your selected class/course online, just click Book Now next to your chosen class/course.
Phone – We would be happy to take your booking over the phone, just call us on 020 7042 8833 .
CASH & CHEQUE PAYMENTS
Cash - You are welcome to pay cash, just come and see us at our office: City Academy, 10 Herbal Hill, London EC1R 5EG.
If you book 2 or more different classes/courses at a time we can offer you a 10% discount. If you wish to take advantage of this offer please enter 2ORMORE in the promotional code box when booking online or quote code when booking over the phone. Please note that this offer cannot be applied when you are booking two or more of the same class/course.
INDUSTRY TUTORS
City Academy tutors are experienced artists and performers that work in the industry. If your tutor's availability changes at short notice, our team will arrange for a suitable replacement and notify you in advance.
CANCELLATIONS POLICY
We offer a full refund or full credit of your original course if you cancel at least 72 hours before the start of your booking.
We cannot offer any refund if you cancel less than 72 hours before the start of your booking, or if you do not attend.
(For more information please see our terms and conditions)
All City Academy tutors are experienced professionals from theatre, film/TV and performance industries. So whilst they're training you they may also be rehearsing for a West End show or working on a movie. We like that and we do believe it makes a difference in class.
Kick-start your writing, whether you have an existing idea that you would like to develop or you’re still looking for inspiration on our Creative Writing Summer School
Continue your journey
After you have completed your course - we recommend continuing your journey on one of the following courses:
Sign up for our
Newsletter
Tailored news, the latest offers and industry advice straight to your inbox.
Read our privacy policy.