Tag: City short courses (page 1 of 6)

From Student to Subject Matter Expert: How Short Courses Transformed My Career

January 28, 2026 / / 0 Comments

Meet Harry Hughes, who discovered that learning doesn’t end when the course does – it’s just the beginning.

When Harry Hughes first enrolled in Introduction to Programming with Python at City St George’s, he was simply looking to expand his skillset. What he found was something far more valuable: a pathway to becoming the ‘go-to guy’ for data in his organisation, the confidence to finish his first book in French, and access to a community that’s helping him launch his own business.

Starting with the Essentials

‘I work with data and SQL frequently, but these courses allowed me to transition from a user to a creator,’ Harry explains. After completing both the Python and SQL courses, he quickly put his new skills into practice. ‘During the Python course, I learned how to build lines of code and extract data. I realised I could apply similar logic to Google Sheets, so I returned to work and built complex formulas that helped my entire department extract more value from our data…Processes that used to take my team hours now take minutes thanks to the automation skills I gained.’

But it wasn’t just about learning code – it was about learning how to think differently. ‘The courses didn’t just teach me code; they taught me how to solve problems faster,’ he says. Within months, he’d gone from data user to data creator, transforming his role within his company almost overnight.

A Personal Journey with French

While building his professional expertise, Harry was also pursuing a personal goal. His fiancée speaks French, and after dabbling with Duolingo, he was ready for something more structured. The French Upper Intermediate course proved perfect.

‘Even after the first term, my comprehension improved significantly. I found myself thinking in French, watching French Netflix, and I even finished my first book in the language.’ The course taught him not just vocabulary, but how language evolves: ‘We did exercises where we took root words and examined all their compound relatives. This helped me understand how words evolve, and I’ve continued practicing this on my own. It is so helpful to learn not just what to study, but how to teach yourself.’

Flexibility That Fits Real Life

What makes these courses work for Harry? Flexibility. ‘I travel a lot, and the virtual courses offer a great deal of flexibility. It isn’t a massive time commitment, just one evening a week, which fits easily into my work schedule. These courses mean I don’t have to choose between a career and personal development; the flexibility makes both possible.’

Beyond the Classroom

What Harry didn’t expect was everything else that came with being a short course student. Access to the library and career coaching. Start-up support through CityVentures.  UniDays’ benefits that opened doors to a special start-up incubator reserved for students.

‘I came for a single course, but I stayed for the community, the library, and the incredible start-up support. Since I live near the university, I use the library as a base for my start-up and attend various campus events. I didn’t realise that taking these courses would grant me access to such a huge community until recently, and I’m definitely making the most of it.’

Now, as he transitions from student to founder, Harry sees how City St Georges has invested in his success long after the final class ended. ‘What I value most is the holistic student experience. I initially signed up to learn a specific skill, but I ended up gaining a professional network. Between the career coaching and the library access, I feel like the university is truly invested in my success long after the final class ends. Transitioning from a student to a founder through CityVentures felt like a natural evolution. The university bridges the gap between learning a skill and actually building a business with it.’

What’s Next?

Harry isn’t finished with short courses yet! He’s already attended a Korean taster class (perfect for his neighbourhood’s large Korean community) and a session on Fact-Based Storytelling. taught by Guardian journalist and author Jem Bartholomew, that’s improved his LinkedIn writing.

His advice to others considering a short course? ‘I would definitely recommend any of these courses…they are so engaging, and I really looked forward to seeing the other students and my teacher each week.’

Ready to transform your career – or pursue a passion – one evening a week? Explore our short courses and discover what you might become.

Former Novel Studio Student Harriet Tyce Makes Traitors History

January 6, 2026 / / 0 Comments
Following the huge success of Celebrity Traitors, we were excited to see the latest series of The Traitors return to our screens this year. Imagine our delight when we realised one of our Novel Studio alumni was among the contestants!

Announcing City Writes Autumn Competition Winners

December 4, 2025 / / 0 Comments

By Rebekah Lattin-Rawstrone As the nights draw in, what could be better than an evening of stories? Come and join us for some brilliant tales at this term’s City Writes on Wednesday 10th December over Zoom at 7pm. Alongside debut novelist, Lauren Du Plessis, whose novel Tender (Influx Press, Sept 2025) excavates the past, present and magical in equal measure, we have this term’s writing competition winners. You can find out all about them below.

Majed Akhter is an educator and researcher based in London. He lived in Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and the United States before moving to London. In 2019 he was selected as a BBC New Generation Thinker. Majed is writing his first novel, titled Departure and Departure from which he will be reading an excerpt at City Writes. He is a Novel Writing and Longer Works alumni.

Natasha Ali is a speculative horror writer with a degree and master’s in human genetics. She aims to utilise her background to tell compelling stories centring bioethical issues. Her debut novel, Reasons I’m Not Human, will be published in 2027. She has previously been published in From The Lighthouse and F(r)iction. She is utilising the Novel Studio (On Campus) to work on her second novel, The Woman That Was Used Up, and is represented by Daisy Arendell at CAA. Natasha will be reading ‘Gene Drive’ at City Writes. Amaya

Jeyarajah Dent will be reading her story, ‘Yokohama Night Tail’. She is a Novel Studio (Online) student and a UK based writer of fiction. She has always written, for as long as she can remember. Amaya is both Sri Lankan & British and grew up in Tooting Bec, South London.  Riding the Tube is probably her biggest inspiration. The mix of people who call the city home—even for a moment—and the way they commune there is an atmosphere she borrows from for her writing. She has a degree in English Literature from the University of Manchester. She is also a Curator and Producer working broadly across all types of contemporary performance. She is writing her first novel.

Judith English was born in Newbury. After a career as a musician and freelance singer she took a prose writing course at UEA and began a novel. In 2025 she took the Short Story Writing course at City St George’s. Her first novel Layers of Silk is currently out for submission. Her work has been published by CafeLit, and she was longlisted for the Henshaw Short Story Competition. When not writing, she enjoys kayaking and gardening. Judith will be reading her story, ‘The Flash of a Bird’.

Lexie Harrison-Cripps is a journalist based in Mexico City, focussing on social justice issues throughout the Americas and Europe.  Her multimedia work is published in outlets such as Al Jazeera,  The Guardian, The Nation and CBS.  She has collaborated with UN agencies, international non-profits and award-winning producers and directors, working in permissive and non-permissive environments. Lexie is a Narrative Non-Fiction alumna and will be reading her piece, ‘Raped, Locked Up and Abandoned: Mexico’s Female Prisoners’.

alumna and will be reading her piece, ‘Raped, Locked Up and Abandoned: Mexico’s Female Prisoners’.

Jon Pierce is an Introduction to Creative Writing and Crime and Thriller Alumna, and loved both. A Currency trader for decades, he now has the time and space to develop his writing and will read the prologue to a future novel Guru Dave; the inspiration for which came from a bizarre trip to California. North London born and bred he supports Arsenal, but has promised his wife to one day move out of the only postcode he has  lived in.

As you can tell, it’s a wonderful group of writers and alongside Lauren Du Plessis we will explore fantastical worlds both real and imagined. We’ll take in stories from Mexico, Japan, America and the UK. Come along to City Writes Autumn Event on Wednesday 10th December at 7pm on Zoom to be moved and inspired. Register here. We’ll look forward to seeing you there!

Spotlight on our 2025 Novel Studio Scholarship Winner!

November 20, 2025 / / 0 Comments

Scholarship winner Michelle Celestine

We’re thrilled to celebrate one of this year’s Captain Tasos Politis Scholarship recipients, Michelle Celestine. Michelle currently works as a Food and Textiles Technician at a UK secondary school and initially applied for the scholarship with very low expectations. ‘Not for a second did I think someone would believe in my writing,’ she says. ‘So, to have even made it to the interview stage was a massive boost to my confidence.’

But her talent spoke for itself, ultimately earning her the full scholarship.

The moment she received the news, Michelle recalls she accepted immediately — and then burst into tears. ‘I was so proud of making them proud I cannot tell you,’ she says of telling her children, who celebrated alongside her.

Her response captures something important about the creative journey: how transformative it can be when someone sees potential in your work. ‘Having someone believe in you can have such an enormous impact in how you view your future and the many possibilities that await you. I am so grateful to Emily and Rebekah who interviewed me, for deciding I was a good candidate to put forward for the scholarship; you both have no idea how much this means to me.’

Now, she’s already thinking about paying it forward. Once she’s financially stable, she plans to sponsor another writer on the Novel Studio course ‘as a way of passing on the gratitude.’

Generously funded by City St George’s Alumni Ambassador George Politis, and named after his father, the aim of the scholarship is to support a student of talent and potential who might not otherwise be able to accept an offer of a place on The Novel Studio. We are hugely grateful to George for his generosity and ongoing support for the course and the future literary landscape.

Applications for next year’s scholarship will open in February 2026. Find out more about eligibility and how to apply here.

A Summer Evening of Storytelling Magic with The Novel Studio Showcase 2025

July 8, 2025 / / 0 Comments

By Rebekah Lattin-Rawstrone

The Novel Studio has been running, albeit with a different title, since 2012. That’s 13 years of nurturing novel writing talent and every year brings new writers with exciting new stories to tell. With a wealth of published alumni from Lara Haworth, Harriet Tyce, Deepa Anappara, Hannah Begbie and tutor Kiare Ladner as just a small sample of past students, this year’s cohort proved they were hot on those published heals with a night of readings that really took our breath away.

 

Before we began there were a few announcements. We were very sad to say that Sufiya McNulty was unwell and unable to read her extract at the Showcase, but her wonderful piece is available in the anthology. More on that below!

 

We also wanted to acknowledge the sponsor of the Novel Studio Scholarship, George Politis. Originally set up in 2019 and sponsored by Harriet Tyce, the new scholarship, known as the Captain Tasos Politis scholarship after George’s late father, provides a full year’s fees for a student from a low-income family. We were so pleased to have George in the audience supporting yet another cohort of new writers. Thank you, George!

After a few more thank yous to City George’s Short Courses team and the new director, Dr Holly Shiflett, the night opened with some very warm and wise words from alumna, Anna Mazzola.

 

Novel Studio Alumna Anna Mazzola

Anna joined us from the Connaught Hotel awaiting the awards ceremony of the CWA Dagger Awards. Her fifth novel, The Book of Secrets, was shortlisted for not just one, but two awards: the KAA Gold Dagger and the Historical Dagger. We are delighted to be able to congratulate her on winning the KAA Gold Dagger for the best crime novel of the year. She was only minutes away from discovering her win when she spoke of the importance of building a cohort of supportive writing buddies and making the most of every success for the long haul of writing that should always be about loving the process. Congratulations, Anna, we’re so delighted for you and excited that you were able to join us on the night!

 

Suitably buoyed by Anna’s words, the readings began with a heart-stopping extract from Rosalind Ginsberg. Her novel Things to do in Dalston When You’re Dead explores quite what happened to counsellor Melanie Little after she disappears on holiday. Rosalind’s extract examined quite why documentary-maker Anne was so keen to unravel the mystery of Melanie’s disappearance. What is there to do in Dalston when you’re dead?

 

Brought to life by Rosalind’s tale, we shook things up further as we entered a dance rehearsal. Top dance student Jordan Star was about to perform fouetté turns as punishment for her late arrival to the rehearsal, when she was joined by an even later student and the pressure began to mount further. Transported into the rush of movement and intense emotions of these young adult lives, Maddie Silvs read the extract from her novel, Stardust to great effect, leaving the audience as breathless as her characters.

 

Before we could get too comfortable back in reality, our next writer, Emma O’Driscoll, took us back through time to eighteenth century Wiltshire and a jolting carriage ride to the rotten borough of Hynedon. The extract from her novel, Trial by Fire, set a scene for momentous events to come, ending on an ominous note. ‘You mark my words’ her character exclaims, ‘one of these days there’s going to be a very serious accident.’

 

With our minds swirling in contemplation of what might happen next, we were forced to leave our curiosity on hold for Aoife Sadlier as she introduced us to her novel, Paloma and the Octopus. There we found Kaya desperately seeking connection with the magical Paloma, an alter-ego with a moustache and watermelon breasts who promises to come to Kaya’s aid in rediscovering her childhood toys and her sense of joy.

 

The image of a ripened peach sunset lingering, we stepped out of Kaya’s magical real world and headed for Mexico City and the antics of an Irish Writer, Seamus, in an extract from Daragh Thomas’s novel, Dogdealer. As Seamus desperately rushed through the city to catch his flight, we followed his turbulent mind and disrupted gut right out onto the ground with a puddle of vomit in which Seamus saw his artistry flourish. A character we’ve all grown to love to hate, Daragh’s compelling prose always induces rye smiles if not laughter.

 

Grins on our faces, we said goodbye to Seamus and his vomit-stained shoes for another reality entirely as Eva Nip read an extract from her novel, Insatiable. We stepped into a dream of Freya’s, an American university student learning about herself and her Chinese heritage through a connection with her dead grandmother, Popo. We listened in horror as Popo tried to hold on to objects breaking apart in her grasping fingers leaving trails of destruction that seemed to make their way out of the dream and into reality.

 

With Popo’s cries ringing in our ears, we fled from America to the Democractic Republic of Congo. Merveille Ondekane read an extract from her novel, Little People, taking us into the oppressive sick room of Thérèse’s mother, whose cursed foot was not only causing her pain but souring her attitude to her daughter. Announcing that she planned to sell her house and move away to live with her sister, long-suffering Thérèse was clearly at the start of a day of uncomfortable revelations.

 

What will happen to Thérèse? We’ll have to read the novel to find out and there was no time for further speculation as we took fresh steps into the future and the speculative world of Rebecca Miles, who read from her YA novel, Elderado. A hard-hitting and nail-biting account of a lottery followed. We were terrified to learn that Kore had won a place at the eco-sanctuary, Elderado. But some technology had forced her hand to sign into the ceremony and Kore didn’t know what to expect as a cry rang out and interrupted the crowd’s celebrations and her own uncertainty.

 

Left speculating what might be next for Kore, we found ourselves at the final reading of the evening. Once again we travelled back in time and across continents to find ourselves revisiting the founding of America with Connor Maxwell as he read from his novel, Between the Lines. Inspired by true events, the novel explores the American Revolution from through the eyes of enslaved Apollo. We witnessed Apollo leading a hunt under the threatening eyes of his master, Custis Braxton and the extract and the readings ending with the threat of a whipping.

 

It was a dramatic way to end a night of riveting readings from a group of seriously talented writers. You can watch the readings for yourself here and read the extracts in the 2025 Novel Studio Anthology We couldn’t be prouder of these brilliant new writers starting their journeys into a publishing world that would be seriously remiss in not snapping them up. Congratulations Novel Studio Cohort of 2025, we can’t wait to find out what happens next and wish you the best of luck with your writing!

 

 

City Writes 2025 Summer Event 9th July: Competition Winners Announced!

June 30, 2025 / / 0 Comments

By Rebekah Lattin-Rawstrone

 

This term’s competition to be part of the City Writes Summer Event on the 9th July over Zoom, has been fierce. We were sent a wonderful hoard of stories and the lucky winners joining alumna and debut author, Fiona Keating, are: Dominique Gracia, Clare O’Connor, Aditi Parekh, Safiyah Sobrany, Lois Thomas and Dilys Wyndham Thomas. For further details on these wonderful writers, see below, and register here to hear them read on the 9th July. It’s going to be a real showcase of the creative writing coming from City St George’s short courses. Prepare for an event filled with the mysterious, the uncanny, the eerie whisper of trauma rising unbidden, the longing for communion and the joy of travel. Don’t miss out on these budding talents! Register for your place now.

 

Dominique Gracia for her story ‘Jack’s Gal’. Dominique is a Crime and Thriller Writing alumna. Dominique Gracia researches Victorian literature and culture and writes short and flash fiction. She is fascinated by things that come up again and again, and run below the surface, from Greek mythology to cultural tropes that just won’t die, and the emotions that carry them along. Her first book-length collection of short stories—The Meinir Davies Casebook—follows Welsh female detective Meinir Davies across fin-de-siècle London, accompanied by Sherlock Holmes, Dorcas Dene, et al.

 

Clare O’Connor for an extract from her novel, Nonsuch Island. Clare is another Crime and Thriller Writing alumna. Clare O’Connor was born and brought up on the tiny island of Bermuda. Her debut mystery novel, Nonsuch Island, draws on her experience covering crime and politics as a newspaper reporter in her home country. With an MSc from Columbia University’s School of Journalism, she’s spent her career in magazine journalism, online media, and editorial strategy. She lives between Brighton and Oxford with her wife and stepchildren.

 

Aditi Parekh, a Writers’ Workshop alumna, for an extract from a longer short story ‘Happy Endings’. Aditi Parekh is writer based in Nijmegen, The Netherlands. In the past she worked as an actuary in the insurance industry for several years before quitting to explore other pursuits. She is currently writing short stories and working on her first novel.

Lois Thomas for her non-fiction piece, ‘A Warm Welcome’. Lois is a Narrative Non-Fiction student.

 

Lois Thomas grew up in Hampshire and has spent time in her mother’s home country of Japan.  After studying History at university, Lois worked in politics before training as a Clinical Psychologist, for which her doctoral project explored the therapeutic benefits of writing.  She has worked in NHS mental health services in London for over 15 years, specialising in therapy with adolescents and young adults.

 

Safiyah Sobrany, an Approach to Creative Writing student, for her piece, ‘When The Smoke Smells Like Marigolds’. Safiyah is an anthropology postgraduate and Religious Studies teacher with a gothic sensibility and a sense of cultural weight drawn to djinns, restless ancestors including the peculiar dinner parties they throw when no one is watching! Her work lifts the colonial dust that’s long settled on the gothic, reclaiming forgotten South Asian folklore and ancestral voices. She explores how histories shape identity in ways that are uncanny and deeply human.

Dilys Wyndham Thomas for her story ‘Bellybutton Baby’. Dilys is a Writers’ Workshop alumna. Dilys Wyndham Thomas lives in the Netherlands. Her poems and short stories appear in journals and anthologies, including Ink Sweat & Tears, New Flash Fiction Review, The Passionfruit Review, and Shooter. Rust & Moth nominated her for a 2026 Pushcart Prize. Dilys also runs workshops for Strange Birds Writing Collective and was an assistant poetry editor for Passengers Journal. She is working on her first novel. Find her online at dilyswt.com.

 

Following these fantastic writers will be Writers’ Workshop alumna, Fiona Keating whose mesmeric debut, Smoke and Silk is a historical thriller taking you into Victorian London’s Chinese community with opium smuggling, murder and romance.

 

City Writes Summer 2025 is going to be sizzling. Register here to join us on the 9th July at 7pm over Zoom. See you there.

 

Competition Deadline for City Writes Competition is this Friday!

June 12, 2025 / / 0 Comments

City Writes is the creative writing showcase event for all the fantastic writing coming out of City St George’s short courses and we need your submissions for this term’s online event on the 9th July at 7pm. We’re looking for the best 1,000 words of creative fiction or non-fiction from current students and alumni of City St George’s creative writing short courses.

 

This term our guest is Writers’ Workshop alumna, Fiona Keating whose mesmeric debut, Smoke and Silk is a historical thriller taking you into Victorian London’s Chinese community with opium smuggling, murder and romance.

 

For your chance to join Fiona Keating on stage with five other authors on the 9th July 2025 over Zoom, all you need to do is submit your best 1,000 words of creative fiction or non-fiction (we do accept young adult fiction but don’t currently accept children’s fiction) on any subject to rebekah.lattin-rawstrone.2@city.ac.uk with details of the City St George’s short course you are taking or have taken by midnight on Friday 13th June. That is this Friday! Further submission guidelines and details can be found here. You can also get ahead and Register here for the event on the 9th July 2025 at 7pm on Zoom.

 

Get submitting and good luck!

Author Fiona Keating

From Novel Studio to Publication Success: Alumni Spotlight

May 16, 2025 / / 0 Comments

Just two weeks remain to apply for the 2025 Novel Studio programme at City University. As the 30 May deadline approaches, we’re shining a spotlight on some of our remarkable alumni who have transformed their writing dreams into publishing reality.

Turning Writing Dreams into Publishing Reality

When it comes to the Novel Studio, it’s not just about learning the craft of writing – it’s about joining a community that supports your journey from first draft to publication and beyond. Our alumni success stories speak volumes about the programme’s ability to nurture talent and launch writing careers.

Lara Haworth: From Novel Studio to Nero Award Shortlist

When Lara Haworth joined the Novel Studio in 2018, she already showed tremendous promise, winning our Literary Agent Competition that same year. Fast forward to 2024, and Lara’s debut novel Monumenta has been published by Canongate and shortlisted for the prestigious Nero Award.

“My time on the Novel Studio was completely transformative,” Lara says. “Being read. It was such a relief… it was a privilege to read my peers’ writing too – to lose myself in their worlds, and bring my sensibilities as a writer to their work.”

For Lara, the Novel Studio provided not just creative guidance but practical industry knowledge: “The course also taught me that books don’t live in a blank space. They’re deeply connected to the world, most pressingly, the publishing world… it was so very helpful to be given the tools to do this, to knock on all those guarded doors.”

Jo Cunningham: Cosy Crime Success with Two-Book Deal

Jo Cunningham’s journey to publication showcases the perseverance that the Novel Studio helps to cultivate. After completing the programme, Jo continued refining her craft until her fifth novel, Death by Numbers, caught the attention of the Soho Agency.

This led to a two-book deal with Constable, with her debut cosy crime novel published in August 2024 and a sequel, Pet Hates, scheduled for August 2025.

“Persistence and resilience,” Jo advises when asked about essential qualities for writers. “It took me many years from starting to write novels to reach the publication stage. The main thing you must do is finish the novel.”

Jo credits her writing courses at City University as instrumental to her development: “I’ve benefitted enormously from taking courses, getting feedback at workshops, and reading books to help improve different writing skills – structure, character, productivity.”

Dr Deepa Anappara: International Literary Acclaim

Another shining example of Novel Studio success is Dr Deepa Anappara, whose debut novel Djinn Patrol on the Purple Line received extraordinary international acclaim. The novel was named one of the best books of the year by The New York Times, The Washington Post, Time and NPR, and won the Edgar Award for Best Novel.

Deepa’s remarkable literary journey continues with her second novel, The Last of Earth, forthcoming from Oneworld in 2026. Her work has been translated into over twenty languages, and Time included her debut in its list of ‘The 100 Best Mystery and Thriller Books of All Time’. Deepa is now part of the teaching team on City St George’s Creative Writing MA.

Join the Next Generation of Novel Studio Success Stories

Could you be our next publishing success story? The Novel Studio provides the perfect environment to develop your novel with expert guidance, constructive feedback, and industry connections.

New for 2025: Two Ways to Experience the Novel Studio

We’re excited to announce that for the first time ever, the Novel Studio will be offered in two formats:

  • Online Studio – Our current online course experience
  • London Studio –  The same exceptional course content and teachers, delivered at our central London campus

This flexibility allows writers from anywhere to benefit from our renowned programme without compromising on quality or experience. Whether you prefer in-person interaction or need the convenience of online learning, the Novel Studio can now accommodate your needs.

With just two weeks left to apply for the 2025 programme, now is the time to take that crucial step toward realising your writing ambitions.

Applications close on 30 May 2025.

For more information and to apply, visit The Novel Studio or email Emily.Pedder.1@city.ac.uk with any questions.

Announcing City Writes Spring 2025 Competition Winners

March 20, 2025 / / 0 Comments

By Rebekah Lattin-Rawstrone

We’re delighted to announce the winners of the City Writes Spring Competition, all of whom will be reading at our bumper in person City Writes Spring Event 2025, Wednesday, 26th March, 6.30pm in Northampton Square alongside Goldsmiths’ Prize shortlisted author, Han Smith and four of City St George’s Short Course tutors: Jem Bartholomew, Katy Darby, Caroline Green and Martin Ouvry. Register for this wonderful free event now and sit back as we introduce you to our competition winners.

Ellen Bassam is a London-based writer whose work explores the intersections of everyday life, politics, popular culture, and nature. With a background in political campaigning, she brings a sharp, insightful perspective to her writing. Currently, she runs Alternative Route, a zine about walking, with a focus on the experiences and stories of women and girls. Ellen is a Narrative Non-Fiction alumna and will be reading her story, ‘Two y’s and no smiley face’.

Approach to Creative Writing alumna Hatty Nash is a radio producer who writes and reads fiction in her spare time. She joined the BBC on the prestigious Production Trainee Scheme and has since produced programmes for Radio 4, Radio 1, and the World Service, including Woman’s Hour and the Today programme. She grew up in Devon and now lives in East London. Hatty will be reading her story ‘Brainrot’.

Tunde Oyebode is a Nigerian-British architect and writer in London. His fiction, inspired by everyday life, explores themes of relationships, society, and urban environments, reflecting the experiences of the African diaspora. His work has appeared in Stylist Magazine, Obsidian, and Solstice Literary Magazine. Tunde was a finalist for the 2023 London Independent Story Prize and the 2024 Solstice Literary Magazine Prize. He is currently seeking to publish a collection of interconnected short stories and enjoys cycling and photographing architecture. A Short Story Writing and Writers’ Workshop alumnus, Tunde will be reading his story, ‘Immaculate Education’.

Aaron Payne is a Short Story Writing alumnus and unpublished writer who lives in South London. He is working on a story inspired by suburban landmarks: graveyards, allotments, libraries and schools. His reading, ‘Scoop’ is extracted from this story. He is a civil servant.

Mya Shakur is a novice fiction writer with a love for character-driven storytelling. She’s currently working on a collection of memory-inspired pieces, including her winning story ‘Sandwich Bag’, as part of a fictional memoir. After briefly studying Politics and American Studies at university, she took a different path with storytelling remaining a consistent passion throughout. She now writes in her spare time, trying to make sense of it all and has just completed the Approach to Creative Writing course.

For your chance to hear all of these wonderful stories alongside the work of Han Smith and four of our fantastic tutors here at City St George’s register for the City Writes Spring Event 2025, Wednesday, 26th March, 6.30pm in Northampton Square here. We can’t wait to see you there.

City Writes Spring Event 2025: Behind the scenes with our featured tutors series; Introducing Jem Bartholomew

March 13, 2025 / / 0 Comments

Author and Lecturer Jem Bartholomew

By Rebekah Lattin-Rawstrone

This is the last in our series of blog posts exploring the writing and teaching of City St George’s short course tutors reading at The City Writes Spring Event on Wednesday 26th March at 6.30pm, Northampton Square. It’s going to be an unprecedented night of storytelling from tutors, students and alumni followed by a Q&A with Goldsmiths’ Prize shortlisted author, Han Smith, and four of our wonderful writing tutors: Jem Bartholomew, Katy Darby, Caroline Green and Martin Ouvry.

This week we are introducing the fantastic narrative nonfiction writer, Jem Bartholomew. Jem teaches Fact-based Storytelling here at City St George’s and as an award-winning freelance reporter has a wealth of experience to share with students and readers alike.

When asked to introduce his work, Jem launched into a description of his current project. ‘I’m currently writing a narrative nonfiction book about UK poverty, called Threading The Needle. The book follows a year in the life of four communities — a food bank in southern England, courier drivers in London, a former coal-mining village in South Yorkshire, and a young MP’s journey to Westminster — as they battle against the rocketing cost of living, push for change, and strive for meaning in an insecure world. The book is nonfiction, but through immersive reporting in these communities it adopts a novelistic lens to capture where our country is, and where it’s going, following in the footsteps of George Orwell’s The Road To Wigan Pier and Down and Out in Paris and London. My shorter-form freelance reporting can be found in the Guardian.’

With such an impressive resume I wanted to find out what Jem found exciting about teaching at City St George’s. He said it was ‘the capacity to be constantly surprised by the writers who take my class. Short courses attract people at all different stages of their lives and writing journeys — I’ve had cohorts in which retired people and teenagers are swapping notes, reading each other’s work. It’s this multiplicity in class that fuels surprise, innovation and freshness on the page. When teaching, as well as outlining some of the techniques I feel are worth knowing, I strive for my classes to resemble a seminar rather than a lecture. Participants have just as much to teach me, and teach each other, than vice versa, and active, constructive discussion is central.’ No wonder former students speak of Jem’s ability to facilitate discussions and grow writers.

So, what one piece of advice would Jem give to aspiring writers? His answer is wonderfully practical: ‘Details are important. The small details are what brings a scene to life, what tells the reader who a character is, what sticks in the audience’s mind after they’ve put your story down. Don’t forget to capture the particulars: What’s the dog’s name? What kind of shoes was that man wearing? Did that person thank the waiter? And people love to read dialogue. Getting your characters talking to each other is a surefire way to inject some energy into your scenes. But above all, don’t wait for someone to ask you to write, or wait until you’re in the right job to start telling stories — you don’t need permission, just make writing a part of your life, start producing quality work, and people will want to read it.’

To hear more of Jem’s advice and listen to a passage of his work-in-progress, don’t forget to register for the The City Writes Spring Event on Wednesday 26th March at 6.30pm, Northampton Square. There will be refreshments, a chance to hear more about the short creative writing courses at City St George’s and a special 10% discount for all attendees who sign up for a creative writing course.

We can’t wait to see you on the 26th of March, in person, with refreshments in hand and mind sparking with new ideas.

 

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