Creative Writing Courses
Everything there is to know about our creative writing courses in Bristol.
Hear from our learners or contact us for more information.
Our Creative Writing courses can help you explore creative writing and find your voice.
We have a range of courses from longer focused courses such as How to Write a Novel , A Guide to Writing Fiction and the Art of Short Stories to one day Creative Writing Group workshops. Our courses allow you to explore your writing, develop writing techniques, understand how to build your characters and write authentic dialogue. The groups are friendly and encouraging and give lots of opportunity for feedback and sharing of ideas. If you are looking to make a start with creative writing or you are a more experienced writer looking to hone your craft and enhance your ideas our courses and workshops are the perfect place to develop.
Courses on Offer
We have creative writing courses and workshops to suit everyone.
Creative Writing Group
A monthly, tutor-led, creative writing group designed for learners who wish to gain feedback and encouragement to keep them on the path to finishing a piece of fiction.
Each session is a standalone workshop and is booked individually. Learners can book as many sessions as they wish.
Individual learners will read out a prepared piece of fiction out to the other members of the group. The discussions will enable learners to listen to comments made and to gain confidence about their work.
Fiction and Novel Writing
Courses and workshops to demystify the art of novel-writing. Unleash your inner author!
Courses designed to give new novelists the techniques and confidence to not only make a start writing a novel but also complete one.
Looking at aspects of novel writing: how to build believable characters, how to write authentic dialogue, how to develop plots and how to keep going until you write The End!
Short Story Writing
Designed to teach the art of writing short stories and the process of submitting them for publication. You will learn how to make each word count!
Upcoming Courses
Description: Open to all, this engaging course explores the art of novel writing, introducing essential concepts and techniques, from developing compelling characters and plotlines to crafting vivid settings and effective storytelling.
Tutor: Carolyn Lewis Location: Stoke Lodge (BS9 1BN)
Start Date: 14 Sep 2026 (Autumn) Times: Monday 13:00-15:00 Duration: 6 week(s)
Availability: Places available Fee: £101 (Concession: £60)
Find Out MoreDescription: Open to all, this engaging course explores the art of short story writing, introducing essential concepts and techniques, from creating memorable characters and believable settings to crafting compelling plots and effective storytelling.
Tutor: Carolyn Lewis Location: Stoke Lodge (BS9 1BN)
Start Date: 15 Sep 2026 (Autumn) Times: Tuesday 13:00-15:00 Duration: 6 week(s)
Availability: Places available Fee: £101 (Concession: £60)
Find Out MoreDescription: This course will explore representative twentieth and twenty-first-century texts and films from Hispanic America and Spain.
Tutor: Gorka Diaz Location: Stoke Lodge (BS9 1BN)
Start Date: 24 Sep 2026 (Autumn) Times: Thursday 09:45-11:45 Duration: 10 week(s)
Availability: Places available Fee: £168 (Concession: £101)
Find Out MoreDescription: An opportunity to share creative writing in a friendly and supportive environment, receive constructive feedback, and gain inspiration from fellow writers.
Tutor: Carolyn Lewis Location: Stoke Lodge (BS9 1BN)
Start Date: 30 Sep 2026 (Autumn) Times: Wednesday 13:00-15:30 Duration: 1 week(s)
Availability: Places available Fee: £23 (Concession: £14)
Find Out MoreDescription: A workshop designed for novice writers who want to explore the fundamentals of novel writing, develop essential storytelling techniques, and build confidence in creating characters, plots, and settings.
Tutor: Carolyn Lewis Location: Stoke Lodge (BS9 1BN)
Start Date: 10 Oct 2026 (Autumn) Times: Saturday 10:00-16:00 Duration: 1 week(s)
Availability: Places available Fee: £51 (Concession: £31)
Find Out MoreDescription: Open to all, this engaging course explores the art of fiction writing, introducing essential concepts and techniques, while helping novice writers build confidence, find their unique voice, and develop their creative skills through supportive and inspiring writing practice.
Tutor: Carolyn Lewis Location: Stoke Lodge (BS9 1BN)
Start Date: 03 Nov 2026 (Autumn) Times: Tuesday 13:00-15:00 Duration: 6 week(s)
Availability: Places available Fee: £101 (Concession: £60)
Find Out MoreDescription: An opportunity to share creative writing in a friendly and supportive environment, receive constructive feedback, and gain inspiration from fellow writers.
Tutor: Carolyn Lewis Location: Stoke Lodge (BS9 1BN)
Start Date: 25 Nov 2026 (Autumn) Times: Wednesday 13:00-15:30 Duration: 1 week(s)
Availability: Places available Fee: £23 (Concession: £14)
Find Out MoreDescription: This course will explore representative twentieth and twenty-first-century texts and films from Hispanic America and Spain.
Tutor: Gorka Diaz Location: Stoke Lodge (BS9 1BN)
Start Date: 14 Jan 2027 (Spring) Times: Thursday 09:45-11:45 Duration: 10 week(s)
Availability: Places available Fee: £168 (Concession: £101)
Find Out MoreDescription: This 5 week course will explore the lasting impact of Spanish colonialism on the cultures, societies, and identities of Hispanic America. Through literature, historical sources, film, and discussion, participants will examine themes such as conquest, religion, language, race, resistance, and cultura
Tutor: Gorka Diaz Location: Stoke Lodge (BS9 1BN)
Start Date: 15 Jan 2027 (Spring) Times: Friday 12:45-14:45 Duration: 5 week(s)
Availability: Places available Fee: £84 (Concession: £50)
Find Out MoreDescription: An opportunity to share creative writing in a friendly and supportive environment, receive constructive feedback, and gain inspiration from fellow writers.
Tutor: Carolyn Lewis Location: Stoke Lodge (BS9 1BN)
Start Date: 27 Jan 2027 (Spring) Times: Wednesday 13:00-15:30 Duration: 1 week(s)
Availability: Places available Fee: £23 (Concession: £14)
Find Out MoreDescription: A workshop designed for novice writers who want to explore the fundamentals of novel writing, develop essential storytelling techniques, and build confidence in creating characters, plots, and settings.
Tutor: Carolyn Lewis Location: Stoke Lodge (BS9 1BN)
Start Date: 06 Feb 2027 (Spring) Times: Saturday 10:00-16:00 Duration: 1 week(s)
Availability: Places available Fee: £51 (Concession: £31)
Find Out MoreDescription: An opportunity to share creative writing in a friendly and supportive environment, receive constructive feedback, and gain inspiration from fellow writers.
Tutor: Carolyn Lewis Location: Stoke Lodge (BS9 1BN)
Start Date: 24 Feb 2027 (Spring) Times: Wednesday 13:00-15:30 Duration: 1 week(s)
Availability: Places available Fee: £23 (Concession: £14)
Find Out MoreDescription: This course offers an engaging introduction to the culture and regional diversity of Spain. Through literature, travel writing, film, music, and discussion, participants will explore the traditions and identities that shape modern Spain — from Andalucía and Catalonia to Madrid and the Camino de Sant
Tutor: Gorka Diaz Location: Stoke Lodge (BS9 1BN)
Start Date: 26 Feb 2027 (Spring) Times: Friday 12:45-14:45 Duration: 5 week(s)
Availability: Places available Fee: £84 (Concession: £50)
Find Out MoreDescription: An opportunity to share creative writing in a friendly and supportive environment, receive constructive feedback, and gain inspiration from fellow writers.
Tutor: Carolyn Lewis Location: Stoke Lodge (BS9 1BN)
Start Date: 24 Mar 2027 (Spring) Times: Wednesday 13:00-15:30 Duration: 1 week(s)
Availability: Places available Fee: £23 (Concession: £14)
Find Out MoreDescription: Open to all, this engaging course explores the art of novel writing, introducing essential concepts and techniques, from developing compelling characters and plotlines to crafting vivid settings and effective storytelling.
Tutor: Carolyn Lewis Location: Stoke Lodge (BS9 1BN)
Start Date: 12 Apr 2027 (Summer) Times: Monday 13:00-15:00 Duration: 6 week(s)
Availability: Places available Fee: £101 (Concession: £60)
Find Out MoreDescription: Open to all, this engaging course explores the art of short story writing, introducing essential concepts and techniques, from creating memorable characters and believable settings to crafting compelling plots and effective storytelling.
Tutor: Carolyn Lewis Location: Stoke Lodge (BS9 1BN)
Start Date: 13 Apr 2027 (Summer) Times: Tuesday 13:00-15:00 Duration: 6 week(s)
Availability: Places available Fee: £101 (Concession: £60)
Find Out MoreDescription: This course will explore representative twentieth and twenty-first-century texts and films from Hispanic America and Spain.
Tutor: Gorka Diaz Location: Stoke Lodge (BS9 1BN)
Start Date: 15 Apr 2027 (Summer) Times: Thursday 09:45-11:45 Duration: 10 week(s)
Availability: Places available Fee: £168 (Concession: £101)
Find Out MoreDescription: A workshop designed for novice writers who want to explore the fundamentals of novel writing, develop essential storytelling techniques, and build confidence in creating characters, plots, and settings.
Tutor: Carolyn Lewis Location: Stoke Lodge (BS9 1BN)
Start Date: 24 Apr 2027 (Summer) Times: Saturday 10:00-16:00 Duration: 1 week(s)
Availability: Places available Fee: £51 (Concession: £31)
Find Out MoreDescription: An opportunity to share creative writing in a friendly and supportive environment, receive constructive feedback, and gain inspiration from fellow writers.
Tutor: Carolyn Lewis Location: Stoke Lodge (BS9 1BN)
Start Date: 28 Apr 2027 (Summer) Times: Wednesday 13:00-15:30 Duration: 1 week(s)
Availability: Places available Fee: £23 (Concession: £14)
Find Out MoreDescription: An opportunity to share creative writing in a friendly and supportive environment, receive constructive feedback, and gain inspiration from fellow writers.
Tutor: Carolyn Lewis Location: Stoke Lodge (BS9 1BN)
Start Date: 26 May 2027 (Summer) Times: Wednesday 13:00-15:30 Duration: 1 week(s)
Availability: Places available Fee: £23 (Concession: £14)
Find Out MoreDescription: Open to all, this engaging course explores the art of novel writing, introducing essential concepts and techniques, from developing compelling characters and plotlines to crafting vivid settings and effective storytelling.
Tutor: Carolyn Lewis Location: Stoke Lodge (BS9 1BN)
Start Date: 07 Jun 2027 (Summer) Times: Monday 13:00-15:00 Duration: 6 week(s)
Availability: Places available Fee: £101 (Concession: £60)
Find Out MoreDescription: Open to all, this engaging course explores the art of fiction writing, introducing essential concepts and techniques, while helping novice writers build confidence, find their unique voice, and develop their creative skills through supportive and inspiring writing practice.
Tutor: Carolyn Lewis Location: Stoke Lodge (BS9 1BN)
Start Date: 08 Jun 2027 (Summer) Times: Tuesday 13:00-15:00 Duration: 6 week(s)
Availability: Places available Fee: £101 (Concession: £60)
Find Out MoreDescription: An opportunity to share creative writing in a friendly and supportive environment, receive constructive feedback, and gain inspiration from fellow writers.
Tutor: Carolyn Lewis Location: Stoke Lodge (BS9 1BN)
Start Date: 30 Jun 2027 (Summer) Times: Wednesday 13:00-15:30 Duration: 1 week(s)
Availability: Places available Fee: £23 (Concession: £14)
Find Out MoreTestimonials
Here is what our happy learners have to say about our courses.
Confidence Building
“Really value the encouragement. The course has made me feel more confident.
A good social afternoon. I’ve made new friends, learnt new skills, and fulfilled my ambition to write children’s books.”
“It was quite a nice group, great feedback, prompted activities and exercises given to do in class and after, style of teaching. Lots of encouragement and advice.”
Supportive & Encouraging
“The best thing I have done in ages! Very supportive & encouraging.”
“Learnt more about writing and how to write first novel, doing something creative, given me more motivation for writing, encouragement to continue with writing.”
“Learnt new skills. I will now write short stories for competitions. This course has encouraged me to write again.”
Valuable Feedback
“I really enjoyed the interaction and especially getting feedback from other course members and the ‘immediate’ tasks set and hearing how other course members tackled them.”
“Really well structured. Carolyn made the class fun, with good learning outcomes. She is an enthusiastic & encouraging tutor and gave us excellent individual feedback.”
Tutor Profile
Carolyn Lewis Creative Writing Tutor
I’m a published novelist and prize-winning short story writer as well as a creative writing tutor.
I have an MPhil in Writing together with a PhD and both have given me greater understanding of how to write fiction. My text books, based on my teaching methods have been approved by Cambridge University Press as a `definitive’ guide to writing.
My keen interest in learning seeps into every aspect of the way I teach, and I work hard to give learners confidence and my aim is to demystify the whole process. I know how daunting it can be when faced with a blank page or screen, so my classes are designed to overcome the initial trepidation.
My classes are interactive, and learners can understand the way to breathe life into their fiction.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Need More Information
Contact us now
Need more information regarding our creative writing courses? You can call us on 0117 903 8844, email or visit us in person at Stoke Lodge. Office hours applies.
Stoke Lodge Adult Learning Centre
Shirehampton Road, Bristol, BS9 1BN