If you’re looking to improve your creative writing skills, then why not consider taking up creative writing classes in London? There are plenty of options, from traditional English classes to immersive theatrical experiences, so you can tailor your learning to fit your needs.
Whether you’re an aspiring novelist or playwright, or perhaps you just need a new hobby, these classes could teach you a thing or two – and for a lot less than you’d pay a professional writer.
Here, we’ll run down the best British creative writing classes so you can study what style and approach suits you best. We’ve also included some suggestions on where you can find the inspiration to write your own stories.
Theatre Workshop
A theatre workshop in London doesn’t have to be limited to just writing scenes for plays. You can take the classes for inspiration alone. Whether you choose a classic play like A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum or an up-and-coming playwright’s work, you can inspire yourself and refine your craft.
What’s more is many of these classes will offer you the chance to perform your scenes for an audience. Whether you write for the stage or screen, you’re bound to find the experience invaluable. It’s also a great way to improve your public speaking skills. Just a few rehearsals and feedback sessions with professional actors, and you’ll have the chance to strut your stuff in front of an audience. Plus, with some classes, you may get the opportunity to perform in front of a live audience.
English Literature Classes
Taking English literature classes in London is a great way to both understand and appreciate classic works of literature. From Willy Scott’s The Jungle Book to The Fortunes of War and Peace, you’ll not only get the chance to learn about literature, you’ll also get the chance to explore Victorian and Edwardian London – places, streets, and modes of transportation – as well as the sociological contexts that informed these works.
These classes aren’t just about learning about literature though. One of the primary purposes of these classes is to help you develop your creative writing skills. Whether you choose to write a short story, an article, or a novel, the English teacher will help you learn the craft and give you feedback on your work. And, since these are English classes, you’ll also get the benefit of an English teacher’s encyclopedic knowledge of classic literature – something that wouldn’t be available to you if you studied literaty in a city outside of London.
Creative Writing Degrees
If, like many people, you’re looking to improve your creative writing skills, then why not consider pursuing a degree in creative writing? There are plenty of schools and universities that offer these degrees, and with the right support, you may even be able to study part-time while working a full-time job.
The benefits of a creative writing degree include not only the opportunity to learn the craft and receive feedback, but also to connect with other students pursuing similar interests. Moreover, many universities that offer a creative writing degree also have MFA programs. These are master’s degrees that can be completed in two years. They combine teaching with researching, and give you the opportunity to both write and teach. What’s more is many of these programs will also include opportunities to participate in open-mic writing sessions and expose your work to MFA professors and teachers-in-training. These are invaluable opportunities that will give you a head-start in the industry or on the stage.
Which One Suits You Best?
Now that you know what you’re looking for, it’s time to figure out which option suits you best. The ideal option for you will depend on your goals, your existing skills, and the style of English you prefer to learn. Whichever option you choose, just make sure that you put in the effort necessary to achieve the best possible results.