The Six-Month Writing Course
Whatever you are meant to do, do it now.
The conditions are always impossible.
- Doris Lessing
Every writer begins somewhere.
Writing is both a craft and a discipline, demanding patience, attentiveness, and courage. Together we will explore the tools of strong storytelling and, just as importantly, clarify what kind of writer you are and what kind of stories you feel compelled to tell. If you already have a body of work behind you, that’s brilliant. If you are just beginning, experimenting, or testing different forms, that is equally welcome.
Whether you are starting a first draft or refining something more advanced, this course will ask you to think carefully, work consistently, and take your writing seriously. You will be supported, acknowledged, and respected throughout.
£1,495 · One funded bursary place on every cohort
16 places · Live online · Next dates to be announced
WHAT YOU'LL EXPLORE
The course unfolds over six months, with each session building naturally on the one before.
Month One: Story Essentials
We'll begin with the foundations of storytelling. What makes a story? How do structure, conflict and pacing work together? We'll also look closely at the building blocks of writing, from sentences and paragraphs to chapters.
THROUGHOUT THE COURSE
Alongside the live teaching, you'll receive a weekly newsletter written for your cohort, offering reflections on writing, reading recommendations and practical encouragement between sessions.
Twice during the course, the group will gather online for a shared writing room: an hour of writing in silence, together, with Kit.
You'll also receive six revision packs designed to help you continue exploring each month's theme in your own time, with exercises and guidance that can be applied directly to your own work.
The course is intentionally small, allowing space for thoughtful teaching, conversation and reflection.
WHAT IS INCLUDED
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Six months of live online teaching
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Eight structured masterclasses
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Two online writing rooms
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Weekly newsletters throughout the programme
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Six in-depth revision packs
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Digital Certificate of Completion
I had the words but I couldn't get the plot right. I came home from the first session with a to-do list that set my direction. For me, this course was a real game-changer. April.
I can’t deny, I had my doubts. How could I justify the spends? Who was I kidding? I'm uncomfortable with peer feedback and find homework a drudge, so I signed up with a heavy heart and almost immediately regretted it. .... How wrong was I? From the outset it felt like Kit took our ambitions seriously - that she genuinely believed our gender, age and class were irrelevant.......Kit is a wonderful teacher and despite my initial reservations, the course turned out to be tremendous value for money. Michele
I absolutely loved it - Kit made it such a welcoming, safe haven and she met us wherever we were at in our writing journey - that is so special. I've learnt so much and never expected to gain a supportive writing community. Wendy
JOIN THE NEXT COHORT
The Six-Month Writing Course runs only a small number of times each year, with each cohort limited to sixteen participants.
If you feel this is the right time for you, Kit would be delighted to welcome you.
Next course: Dates to be announced
Places: 16 participants
Course fee: £1,495
Every cohort includes one fully funded place for a writer who couldn't otherwise take part.
Email learn@kitdewaal.com for more information.
Join the mailing list below and you'll be the first to hear when dates are announced.
FAQ
I've never taken a writing course before. Is this suitable for me?
Yes. The course is open to writers at every stage. You don't need previous experience or formal training. If you're prepared to engage with the work, you'll find a place here.
Whether you're starting from scratch, have a few chapters tucked away in a drawer, or have been working on something for years, you're very welcome. The only requirement is a desire to write and a willingness to make time for it.
What happens if I miss a session?
We understand life gets in the way. You will receive a comprehensive revision pack.
However, sessions are not recorded to ensure a safe and confidential space for everyone.
How much time should I set aside each week?
Outside the monthly sessions, your writing practice is your own. Some participants write every day, others find a rhythm that fits around work, family and other commitments. The course provides structure and support; how you use it is entirely up to you.
How does payment work?
To confirm your place the course fee of £1,495 (inclusive of VAT) per student is payable in full by bank transfer or debit/credit card before the start of the course.
Do I get a qualification?
No, but you will receive a Certificate of Completion.
I live outside the UK — can I join?
Yes, as long as the live session times work for you. Evening sessions run between 7pm and 9pm GMT. Please take that into account before you sign up, as the sessions are not recorded.
Will I receive feedback on my work?
Upon completion of the course, should you require individual feedback on your writing please contact learn@kitdewaal.com. POA
I've seen cheaper courses elsewhere. Why do this one?
On this course you'll be taught by a successful, working writer: a professor of creative writing who has supervised students to PhD level and taught hundreds of students, over hundreds of workshops, across a dozen years. Kit took an MA in Creative Writing herself, so knows what bad teaching looks like and feels like. Read the About page and Writing Kit page of this website for more of her teaching and writing history, and the testimonials from former students.
There's also a free bursary place on every course; contact learn@kitdewaal.com for details.
And yes, there are cheaper courses and other ways to learn the craft. If you need to self-direct your learning over a longer period, Andrew Wille's free DIY MA is excellent. Never take a course you can't afford, and never go into debt for something that's going to cause you stress.
For further information about
Writing Kit contact:
Heather Belmonte at learn@kitdewaal.com