National Centre for Writing newsletter

 With details of upcoming courses and more:

Build a writing routine that works for you — starting this month

Join us this spring! Final places on our 2026 online tutored creative writing courses   Starting in just three weeks, our online tutored courses are the perfect companion for writers looking to begin or develop a creative project. Build a writing routine that works for you, connect with a supportive community of peers, and receive personalised feedback on your work every fortnight. Included in each course are: High-quality online resources and writing exercises One-to-one feedback on up to six assignments from an experienced tutor A private online forum for you to connect and share with your course mates A recommended reading list relevant to your interests An invitation to join the NCW Alumni network Our courses are designed by the National Centre for Writing and University of East Anglia.

Explore the course catalogue

Get started: 12-week courses Ideal if you're new to writing or getting started on a new project

An Introduction to Crime Writing Selling fast! Unearth the mysteries of writing a crime novel, from creating credible worlds and characters to developing story structure and building page-turning, tension-filled scenes. Led by Julia Crouch, author of Her Husband's Lover. Begins Mon 23 February Book now An Introduction to Memoir Selling fast! Explore different approaches to memoir writing, clarify your focus and goals, and learn how to move readers by sharing your story with confidence and authenticity. Led by Emmanuel Iduma, author of I Am Still With You. Begins Mon 23 February Book now

How to Write Fiction Two places left! Learn to write regularly, generate fresh ideas, and master the foundational techniques of compelling short-story writing. Led by Megan Bradbury (Everyone is Watching) or Benjamin Johncock (The Last Pilot). Begins Mon 23 February Book now Creative Non-Fiction: An Introduction Fully booked! Find your non-fiction niche and equip yourself with the tools to research, write, and shape your creative non-fiction project. Led by Edward Parnell, author of Ghostland.              Begins Mon 16 February Join the waiting list

Develop & refine: 18-week courses

Develop Your Fiction Selling fast! Deepen your writing skills through an intensive programme that builds advanced techniques and explores diverse approaches to storytelling, culminating in a polished, finished short story. Led by Megan Bradbury (Everyone is Watching). Begins Mon 23 February Book now

More online courses coming up in 2026 How to Write a Novel Develop the essential tools and techniques to craft, structure, and refine your first novel. Explore the core elements of storytelling, including character, plot devices, settings and structure. Eight-week course begins Mon 23 March Book now The Art of Noticing: Nature Writing One place left! Develop your voice in nature and environmental writing by learning research techniques, practising field observation, and articulating your unique perspective on the world around you.    Eight-week course begins Mon 23 March Book now Writing the Past New! Whether you are writing fiction or non-fiction, this course will focus on helping you to develop your tools and techniques to create authentic depictions of historical worlds and lives.    Eight-week course begins Mon 1 June Book now

Free & low-cost resources to support your writing

The Writing Life Vol.2 (30-Day Challenge) Spark your creativity and build a creative routine with a 30-day online writing challenge! Each course introduces you to a wide range of inspiring techniques to kickstart your creativity — all practiced in manageable, bite-sized chunks throughout the month.   Online, £30 Enrol here How to Write Young Adult Fiction Learn how to create compelling characters and plot a YA novel, using your own experiences to develop original characters and exploring dialogue and subtext to bring conflict and relationships to life. Online, free Enrol here Poetry Pulse with Cai Draper Get your creative juices flowing in this vibrant and generative workshop. Through a series of exercises you’ll conjure new ideas for your poetry and begin to see them take shape on the page.    Sat 25 April, 11am, National Centre for Writing, £20 (£15 conc) Book here

NCW Academy is brought to you by National Centre for Writing based in Norwich UNESCO City of Literature. The National Centre for Writing is supported by:

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