This writing course, Online: Tools and Tricks from Commercial Fiction with Kate Cuthbert, will be held online.

No matter your chosen style or genre, you can develop your craft and learn valuable writing tips from your colleagues writing commercial fiction: build great worlds like a fantasy author, set high stakes like a science fiction writer, learn to pace like a crime writer, access your characters’ emotional landscape like romance writers, and build atmosphere like horror writers.

Join experienced publishing professional Kate Cuthbert to deepen and strengthen your own writing by learning the lessons commercial writing has to teach. This interactive workshop will give you the tools to develop your craft skills with concrete examples, in-class practice, and a fantastic take-home reading list.

Expected Learning Outcomes

In this workshop, participants will:

1. Recognise and master different literary points of view in their writing
2. Develop pacing and story beats
3. Advance understanding of world building, setting, and the connection between temporal and spatial elements in story.

Participant requirements

Internet access and confidence using basic computer software are essential for this program.

You do not need to log into the course at a specific time and there are no live meetings. You will receive an email with an invitation link to join the online classroom a week before the course starts.

• Participants will work through several lessons, which will open sequentially over the first few days of the course.
• You can complete the lesson material in your own time.
• This course includes short writing assignments and the opportunity to give and receive peer feedback. Some assignments will receive tutor feedback if completed by the deadlines provided.

Please expect to spend a minimum of six hours on the course, noting that the amount of time needed to read, respond to discussions, write, revise and critique will vary from person to person. We recommend allocating an hour a day to the course while it is running. By setting aside this time, you will get the most out of the course, and be able to engage with other participants and the tutor.

Is this course right for you? Please read our FAQ> for important information before enrolling. 

If you have questions about this course, please contact us.

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