Tag: Rebekah Lattin-Rawstrone (page 1 of 4)

Final Call: One Week Left to Apply for The Novel Studio

May 22, 2025 / / 0 Comments

Time is running out for one of the most established and successful novel development programmes in the UK. Applications for The Novel Studio close in just one week, and if you’ve been considering taking your fiction to the next level, this is your moment.

Why The Novel Studio?

For over twenty years, The Novel Studio at City St Georges, University of London has been quietly building an impressive track record in writer development. This isn’t about churning out cookie-cutter novels – it’s about nurturing individual voices and helping writers create work that genuinely connects with readers.

Our alumni have secured major publishing deals, been shortlisted for prestigious awards, and built sustainable writing careers. More importantly, they’ve done so across every genre – from literary fiction to crime, science fiction to historical novels.

A Programme Built for Results

What sets The Novel Studio apart is its comprehensive approach to novel development. Over 30 intensive weeks, you’ll move through three carefully structured terms:

Foundations focus on the crucial early work – research, plotting, and concept development. Without this groundwork, some novels can flounder. On the Novel Studio you’ll receive structured guidance to ensure your novel has solid bones from the start.

Craft Development is where the real magic happens. Through workshop sessions and detailed feedback, you’ll master the essential elements that to develop your novel – character, voice, dialogue, pacing, and narrative drive.

Industry Focus prepares you for the realities of publishing. You’ll meet agents, authors, and editors, understand the current market, and most crucially, prepare your work for professional submission.

Industry Access

Every successful application to the Novel Studio is automatically considered for our agent competition, with the top three manuscripts reviewed by Lucy Luck, top literary agent at C&W Agency.

But it doesn’t stop there. Your work will be professionally edited and included in an anthology that’s sent to every UK-based literary agent.

The programme culminates in an industry showcase where you’ll present your work directly to agents.

Flexibility Without Compromise

Understanding that writers come from all walks of life, The Novel Studio now offers both London-based and online experiences. The London studio provides face-to-face workshops and direct networking in the heart of the literary world. The online option delivers the same intensive programme with full access to the virtual writing community.

Crucially, both options maintain the same rigorous standards, same tutors and same feedback structure.

Supporting Diverse Voices

The Captain Tasos Politis Scholarship proides full funding for a talented writer from a low-income household. It’s a recognition that great stories can come from anywhere, and financial barriers shouldn’t prevent exceptional voices from being heard.

Last Chance

Applications close in one week. If you’re serious about your novel, if you want professional development within a supportive community, if you’re looking for genuine connections to the publishing world – this is your opportunity.

The Novel Studio doesn’t just teach craft; it opens doors.

To apply, email shortcourses@citystgeorges.ac.uk

Your novel – and your writing career – deserve this level of professional support and industry access.

Ready to join the ranks of published Novel Studio alumni? The clock is ticking. Full course details here.

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.

Five Novel Writing Challenges The Novel Studio Helps You Navigate

May 1, 2025 / / 1 Comment

Novel Studio Published Alumni

Every writer’s journey is unique, but certain experiences are near universal when crafting a novel. At The Novel Studio, we’ve worked with writers for over twenty years, supporting them through creative challenges and celebrating their path to publication. Here are five common experiences many novelists encounter, and how our programme can help you navigate them with confidence and skill.

  1. From Spark to Sustained Fire

That initial burst of inspiration – the character who won’t leave your mind, the what-if question that keeps you awake at night – can be magical. Yet many writers find that transforming that spark into a sustained narrative requires a different kind of creative energy.

Our Term One “Foundations” phase allows you to nurture that initial concept. You’ll learn to test your idea’s potential, discover its hidden depths, and build the framework that supports a complete novel. Our approach helps you preserve that initial creative excitement while developing the structure and scope your story needs to thrive.

  1. Navigating the Narrative Middle

Even bestselling authors acknowledge the challenges of the middle sections of a novel. This is where characters reveal unexpected depths, plot threads interconnect, and the narrative rhythm finds its true pace.

Our Fictional Techniques sessions in Term Two focus on the skills you need to create compelling scenes, maintain momentum, and ensure every chapter serves your story’s purpose. Regular workshop feedback on your work-in-progress will also help you refine and strengthen your middle sections, transforming them from potential stumbling blocks into the heart of your novel.

  1. Finding Your Writing Community

Writing requires solitude, but completing a novel thrives on connection. Many writers discover that sharing their work with trusted peers, receiving thoughtful feedback, and celebrating small victories along the way enriches both their manuscript and their creative life.

Whether you choose our London Studio or Online experience, you’ll become part of a supportive community of fellow novelists. Our workshop structure creates natural momentum and accountability, while our feedback process ensures constructive guidance at every stage. Many of our alumni describe this creative community as the unexpected gift of the programme – relationships that continue long after the course concludes.

  1. Refining Your Craft Elements

Every writer has natural strengths – perhaps you excel at dialogue, or description – but many of us also have elements of craft that feel less intuitive, areas where targeted guidance can transform our writing.

The Novel Studio addresses core elements of fiction craft through dedicated workshop sessions and a focus on fictional technique. You’ll develop character, voice, dialogue, and narrative drive through exercises and expert guidance. By the end of the programme, you will be closer to identifying your unique voice while strengthening any areas that need additional attention.

  1. Preparing for the Publishing Journey

Completing a manuscript is a significant achievement – and also the beginning of a new phase in your writing journey. Understanding the publishing landscape, connecting with the right agent, and presenting your work professionally all require specific knowledge and skills.

Our Term Three “Industry Focus” prepares you for the next steps in your publishing journey. You’ll meet agents, authors, and editors who provide insider perspectives on the current market. You’ll craft a professional submission package and practice presenting your work to an audience. The programme culminates in our industry showcase where you’ll connect directly with agents, with your writing featured in our anthology sent to all UK-based literary agents.

Beyond Craft: Creating Opportunity

The Novel Studio offers more than craft development and industry preparation—it creates unique opportunities for your writing career:

  • Agent Connection: All applications are automatically considered for the Novel Studio Competition, with the top three reviewed by Lucy Luck at C&W Agency
  • One-to-one Guidance: Personal tutorials each term with experienced authors and editors
  • Public Reading Experience: Structured preparation for sharing your work with audiences
  • Professional Network: Join our growing list of published alumni

Whether you’re at the beginning of your novel writing journey or looking to take your manuscript to the next level, The Novel Studio provides the creative guidance, craft expertise, and supportive community that helps writers thrive.

Deadline for applications is 30 May 2025.

For more information visit our dedicated Novel Studio page HERE.

The Novel Studio 2025-26: Now Available In-Person and Online

April 7, 2025 / / 0 Comments

 

 Applications are now open for our acclaimed year-long novel development programme

For over two decades, The Novel Studio has guided aspiring novelists through the journey from initial concept to professional submission package. We’re delighted to announce that for the 2025-26 academic year, The Novel Studio will be available in two formats: our fully online option and a return to in-person at our central London campus.

Same Expert Guidance, Two Ways to Experience It

Whether you choose to join us in London or connect from anywhere in the world, you’ll receive the same comprehensive curriculum, expert instruction, and professional development opportunities that have helped our alumni secure major publishing deals and literary recognition.

‘We’ve designed both delivery options to provide choice for our prospective students,’ says Emily Pedder, Course Director of The Novel Studio. ‘Our commitment to nurturing each writer’s unique voice and providing personalised feedback remains at the heart of everything we do.’

The Novel Studio Experience

Over 30 intensive weeks (two evening sessions per week), you’ll progress through a carefully structured programme:

Term One: Foundations

  • Develop your novel concept through guided research and exploration
  • Study novel structures across genres
  • Position your work within the current literary market

Term Two: Craft Development

  • Participate in structured workshop sessions with detailed feedback
  • Master essential craft elements including character, voice, and dialogue
  • Develop pacing and narrative drive

Term Three: Industry Focus

  • Connect with agents, authors, and editors
  • Prepare a professional submission package
  • Participate in our industry showcase

Both delivery options include one-to-one tutorials with each tutor every term, ensuring personalised guidance throughout your journey.

Two Pathways, One Community

London Studio Experience

  • Face-to-face workshops in our central London location
  • Direct networking opportunities with peers and industry professionals
  • Immersive writing community experience
  • Access to London literary events

Online Studio Experience

  • Live virtual workshops with the same expert tutors
  • Digital resource access
  • Vibrant online writing community
  • Virtual networking events
  • Identical feedback structure and professional development opportunities

‘I benefited enormously from being able to develop my novel in an environment that was both demanding and supportive, and my writing improved considerably over the course. The tutorial guidance is excellent and sensitively applied. The standard of students is very high, and one of the best benefits was forming a long-term relationship (and friendship) with such talented fellow-writers,” says Penny Rudge whose debut novel Foolish Lessons in Life and Love was published by Little Brown.

Expert Tuition from Published Authors

All Novel Studio workshops are taught by either Dr Rebekah Lattin-Rawstrone or Dr Kiare Ladner – both published authors and industry professionals who bring decades of writing and teaching experience to the programme. The same tutors teach both our in-person and online sessions, ensuring consistent quality across both delivery options.

Dr Rebekah Lattin-Rawstrone

Dr Kiare Ladner

Our tutors provide not only craft expertise and encouragement but also current industry insights, helping you navigate the publishing landscape with confidence.

Industry Connections

All Novel Studio participants benefit from our established industry connections:

  • Industry Showcase: Present your work to agents at our end-of-year event
  • Anthology Publication: Your work will be professionally edited in an anthology sent to all UK-based literary agents
  • Agent Access: All applications are automatically considered for the Novel Studio Competition, with the top three manuscripts reviewed by Lucy Luck, literary agent at C&W Agency

Join Our Community of Published Writers

The Novel Studio has an impressive track record of alumni success across all genres – from literary fiction to crime, historical to fantasy, and everything in between. Our graduates have secured major publishing deals, been shortlisted for prestigious awards, and established successful writing careers.

Will your novel be next?

Applications Now Open

How to Apply: Email shortcourses@city.ac.uk with a 2000-word sample of your original fiction and a CV which details any writing experience you may have.

Application Deadline: 30 May 2025

Scholarship Opportunity: The Captain Tasos Politis Scholarship provides full funding for a talented writer from a low-income household. Please indicate on your application if you wish to be considered.

Open Information Session

We will be running a virtual information session on 30 April from 5.30-6.15pm. Sign up HERE.

 

We look forward to receiving your applications!

 

City Writes Soars in Spring

March 31, 2025 / / 0 Comments

Guest alumna Han Smith in conversation with Rebekah Lattin-Rawstrone

By Rebekah Lattin-Rawstrone

 

The 26th March marked nine years of the creative writing showcase event, City Writes. In person for the first time since the pandemic, this celebration of the writing coming from City St George’s short courses was a bumper edition with readings from competition winners, tutors and the Goldsmiths Prize shortlisted author, Han Smith. It really was a creative writing extravaganza of a night with drinks, nibbles, book signing, course discounts and lots of networking. Students and alumni met tutors, writers and agents on a balmy Spring night and it was, quite simply, a delight.

 

Hattie Nash

We began the evening with three of our competition winners. Approach to Creative Writing alumna, Hatty Nash made us all laugh (a little nervously) with her story ‘Brainrot’ in which an unsuspecting office worker literally moulders in her ergonomic chair. Aaron Payne, a Short Story Writing alumnus, gave us an extract from his longer short story, ‘Scoop’ next. He dropped us into a graveyard in the drizzle and dazzled with metaphoric and symbolic connections as his character prepared for a funeral. Aaron was then swiftly followed by another Approach to Creative Writing alumna, Mya Shakur, whose story ‘Sandwich Bag’ made us witness to a painful punishment. A mother cuts off her daughter’s hair and puts it in a sandwich bag on a shelf in her daughter’s bedroom. The humiliation of a bad haircut hung over the audience.

Mya Shakur

Aaron Payne

Two of City St George’s short courses tutors took to the stage next. First up was Novel Writing and Longer Works tutor, Martin Ouvry. We were treated to an extract from the opening of his Arts Council funded novel, The Cost of Living. A casual but flashy meeting with an old school friend quivered with a sense of unease. The London of cocktails and globetrotters was quickly changed for the closer quarters of a less-fashionable London bedroom as Crime and Thriller Writing tutor Caroline Green read from her novel, Sleep Tight. The first in a series of DC Rose Gifford thrillers, the audience was very relieved not to be going home after this terrifying invader of rest unfolded.

Jonathan Gibbs of the Creative Writing MA and MFA at City St George’s encouraged us to investigate the higher education on offer here at City St George’s. He’s running a taster session later in April for those keen to find out more.

After a short interval to top up drinks and chat, we were back with two further competition winners. Narrative Non-Fiction alumna, Ellen Bassam, started us off with her story of ghosting in the age of dating apps and mobile phones, ‘Two y’s and no smiley face’.

Judging by the audience’s laughs and groans this was a story that really struck a chord. Ellen was followed by fourth time winner of City Writes, Tunde Oyebode. A Short Story Writing and Writers’ Workshop alumnus, Tunde read his story, ‘Immaculate Education’. An extract from a longer piece, we listened to a dark and uncomfortable tale of sexual and physical abuse in a boarding school in Lagos. There was audible silence as the story ended.

Tunde Oyebode

Ellen Bassam

Following this was Tunde’s former Short Story Writing and Writers’ Workshop tutor, Katy Darby. A writer of historical fiction, Katy gave us a steamy encounter from a work-in-progress set in the closet of a large house in the Victorian era. There were some flushed faces as moved from fiction to fact with our final tutor reading of the evening from Fact-based Storytelling tutor, Jem Batholomew. Jem has just signed a contract with Faber to publish his non-fiction book, Threading the Needle, about poverty in the UK. We were treated to an extract from this work, challenging the comforts of warm seats and free drinks and nibbles. Jem suggested a night of readings to get tutors and students together and his reading lingered as we prepared to hear from Short Story Writing alumna and guest, Han Smith.

Portraits at the Palace of Creativity and Wrecking is Han Smith’s debut novel and was shortlisted for the 2024 Goldsmiths Prize. We were very lucky to hear two extracts from this fragmentary series of portraits that ask us how the past is remembered when the system is forcibly trying to make us forget. It’s a thought-provoking novel written in precise and tender language that speaks directly to our modern ‘post-truth’ age. There’s desire, activism, exploitation and fear. Han read beautifully and answered questions from Novel Studio tutor, Rebekah Lattin-Rawstrone and audience before all the tutors were invited to join Han for a brief, broader Q&A.

This marked the end of the night, with book signing from Han Smith and thanks yous to Emily Pedder, Robert Lastman and Patsy Collison. Do buy Han Smith’s fantastic novel, Portrait at the Palace of Creativity and Wrecking here. And look out for details of City Writes next term, which will be back online, but we will be joined by Writers’ Workshop alumna and debut novelist, Fiona Keating, whose novel Smoke and Silk (Mountain Leopard Press, 2025) comes out on March 27th. We’ll see you in the summer term!

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: 3rd in the ‘Behind the scenes with our featured tutors series’; Introducing Katy Darby

February 27, 2025 / / 0 Comments
by Rebekah Lattin-Rawstrone

The City Writes Spring Event on Wednesday 26th March at 6.30pm in Northampton Square is going to be a bumper evening of storytelling and creative writing insights. Alongside Goldsmiths’ Prize shortlisted author, Han Smith, there will be readings from four of City St. George’s Short Course tutors: Jem Bartholomew, Katy Darby, Caroline Green and Martin Ouvry. Joining them on stage will be this term’s competition winners, taken from students and alumni of City St. George’s short courses. You can find out more about the competition here.

In this blog, we are very excited about introducing Short Story Writing and Writers’ Workshop tutor, Katy Darby. As with the other tutors, I had three questions to ask Katy who, alongside her writing, is co-founder and Director of the brilliant live fiction event, Liars’ League. It will be a treat when Katy steps up to the microphone on the 26th March! She is also a much loved tutor, whose students have gone on to write some truly magical things—Han Smith is one of her former students, as is Imogen Hermes-Gowar, author of The Mermaid and Mrs Hancock.

Author and Lecturer Katy Darby

I began by asking Katy to introduce us to her work: ‘I mostly write historical fiction, and my novel The Unpierced Heart, a Victorian Gothic tale of love and betrayal, is available in Penguin paperback. Some of my contemporary short stories appear in the anthology Five by Five from Arachne Press, or are linked from my website katydarby.co.uk. Most recently, I’ve had several new Sherlock Holmes stories published in anthologies from Belanger Books, mostly in the Year of Mystery series (covering the years 1881-1888 so far): there are three more forthcoming this year, including Into the Fire, edited by Margie Deck.’

With her clear passion for teaching, I was intrigued to find out what excited Katy most about teaching. ‘It’s the sheer variety and originality of the stories people tell: whether they are drawing on their own personal experience or just on pure imagination, I am always amazed by how you can give the same prompt to a class of 15 writers and get 15 completely unique and totally different responses to it. I also love introducing short stories I love (for example, Tobias Wolff’s “Bullet in the Brain”) to students who’ve never read them before and hearing their fresh takes on the characters, the writing and the meaning of the piece. Watching people encountering new possibilities in fiction, whether reading it or writing it, is a thrill that never gets old.’

Finally I asked Katy for that all important ‘one piece of advice’ she would offer to aspiring writers and her answer was an inspiring one. ‘OK, everyone will say “read widely” and of course that’s true—but I’d also say “write widely”. Don’t restrict the genres, styles or stories you explore in your writing any more than you do when it comes to reading books. If you’ve never read sci-fi before, pick it up—equally, if you have an idea for a sci-fi story, write it down! It may not be perfect (spoiler: no first draft is) but if the idea excites you and you have fun writing it, that’s an immense reward. Having fun and experimenting with voice, structure, subject, anything, should be the whole of the law when it comes to writers just setting out, especially short story writers.’

If that’s not encouragement enough to pick up your pen and give it a go, I don’t know what is. For more of this great advice and to hear Katy read from her work in person alongside the other tutors, Han Smith and the competition winners, don’t forget to book your seat 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.

Keep an eye on this space for the fourth and final post in the ‘Behind the scenes’ series with our final tutor, Jem Bartholomew. Looking forward to seeing you at the The City Writes Spring Event on Wednesday 26th March at 6.30pm, Northampton Square.

 

 

City Writes Spring Event 2025: 2nd in the ‘Behind the scenes with our featured tutors series’; Introducing Caroline Green

February 21, 2025 / / 0 Comments
By Rebekah Lattin-Rawstrone

As the days tick by towards the deadline for submitting to the City Writes Competition (the deadline is Friday 28th February!), we’re delighted to introduce you to another of our tutors reading at the City Writes Spring Event 2025, Wednesday, 26th March, 6.30pm in Northampton Square. Alongside, Goldsmiths’ Prize shortlisted author, Han Smith, there will be readings from four of City St. George’s Short Course tutors: Jem Bartholomew, Katy Darby, Caroline Green and Martin Ouvry. Joining them on stage will be the competition winners. Find out more about the competition here.

Having started this series looking at the work and advice of Martin Ouvry, we’re now turning to Crime and Thriller Writing tutor, Caroline Green. Caroline is a wonderfully prolific writer, charming and unnerving readers from children to adults, and teaching with a care and consideration that has nurtured a number of publications from her students. When I asked her to introduce her work, her enthusiasm was catching.

‘I’ve been lucky enough to write thirteen books (so far!) for both young people and adults. My latest book for 7-9 year olds is called There’s A Dog in My Brain, which is about a boy and a dog who swap bodies for the day. But I mainly write dark, gothic thrillers for adults under the names Cass Green and CS Green. My latest series as CS Green is about a branch of the Met Police that solves supernatural crime. I’ve loved writing them and you should be able to find them via the usual booksellers and libraries.’

Writing with such a range of readers in mind, and with a broad knowledge of thriller, crime and comedy, Caroline offers a wealth of experience to students. I asked her what excited her most about her teaching and her answer began with a love of the broad range of students taking her courses at City St. George’s. ‘I really love teaching writing to a broad range of experiences and ages too. It connects me with the aspects of the writing process that I find exciting, such as plotting and crafting a story, but also helps me “up my game” in the parts I find harder, like writing description. Seeing students have a breakthrough moment in their own work is always such a wonderful moment for me. I’ve now had quite a few students from various courses who have gone onto publication (two in the recent Observer Debuts of the Year list) and to have even played a tiny role in that is an absolute privilege.’

Finally I asked Caroline to offer one piece of advice to aspiring writers and her answer was a very delightful one for the bibliophiles among us. ‘My one piece of advice is one you hear a lot, but I think people tell themselves sometimes that it isn’t as important as it really is. You have to find time to read widely within the genre you are trying to write. I think some sort of osmosis can take place, where you absorb some of that good stuff along the way.’

For your chance to absorb some good stuff through listening to readings from Caroline Green, fellow tutors, alumna Han Smith and competition winners, don’t forget to book your tickets for the City Writes Spring Event 2025, Wednesday, 26th March, 6.30pm in Northampton Square. If you’d like to join these wonderful authors on stage, all current students and alumni of City St. George’s Short Creative Writing Courses can enter the City Writes Competition for which the submission details are here. Don’t forget to enter before the deadline of midnight on the 28th February!

 

Looking forward to seeing you at the event and reading your submissions and keep an eye out for the next in the series of posts about the tutors featured at the City Writes Spring Event in March.

City Writes Spring Event 2025: Behind the scenes with our featured tutors

February 12, 2025 / / 0 Comments

By Rebekah Lattin-Rawstrone

This is the first in a series of blog posts looking into the writing and teaching lives of the tutors reading at the City Writes Spring Event 2025, Wednesday, 26th March, 6.30pm in Northampton Square. I’ll be asking each featured tutor the same three questions about their work and their teaching, hoping to entice you to sign up for the event and submit your own work to the City Writes Competition and be able to join them, Han Smith, and the other competition winners, on stage in March.

What a joy to start off this series promoting City Writes Spring Event 2025 by introducing Visiting Lecturer and writer, Martin Ouvry who teaches the Novel Writing and Longer Works course here at City St George’s. Not only do the course reviews rave about Martin’s teaching as ‘first rate’ and ‘excellent’, his answers to my questions reveal a teacher and practitioner firmly grounded in his practice as well as diligent and generous in his approach to his own and others’ work.

I began by asking Martin where readers could find his work and what they might expect to read. ‘Expect the unexpected,’ he replied. ‘My novels and short stories are psychological dramas with mysteries at their heart and, often, a touch of the surreal. I’m proud to have been published in a range of anthologies – e.g. New Writing (Picador) and A Little Nest of Pedagogues (British Council) – and magazines including the globally-renowned Esquire and the world’s oldest literary journal, The London Magazine. My article ‘How creative writing courses benefit a writer’ first appeared in the Writers’ & Artists’ Yearbook 2023 and has been reprinted in the 2024 and 2025 editions. My novel The Cost of Loving was completed with the support of a grant from those lovely, lovely people at Arts Council England. More information, and audio extracts, can be found on the Writing page of my website.’

City Novel Writing tutor and author, Martin Ouvry

I went on to ask Martin what excited him most about teaching. ‘I love the sheer diversity of both new and practising writers who beat a path to my door at City St George’s, and the range of their projects, whether already begun when they come to me or existing – at that stage – purely in the realm of ideas. I love witnessing twelve individuals coming together as a group. I’m also excited by the ever growing number of success stories – with agents and publishers, or in writing competitions – from those who have come to Novel Writing and Longer Works – although I’m equally moved by the successes of those who have simply made strong progress and feel proud of the work they have produced.’

Having gleaned Martin’s inclusive approach to the rigours of the writing life, my final question sought one piece of advice he thought most important for aspiring writers. His response was invaluable: ‘Learn from others but be yourself. Individual talent is a precious and often delicate thing. Every writer, whatever their level of experience, has the opportunity to bring something different and valuable into the world.’

For your chance to hear Martin read a passage of his work and engage in debate about writing with the other tutors and Han Smith, do sign up for City Writes Spring Event, 6.30pm on Wednesday 26th March, 2025. This term the event will be in person for the first time in many years and promises to be a bumper celebration of City St George’s literary talent. Book your tickets here.

You can also enter the competition to share the stage with Martin and others. The competition is open to all current students and alumni of City St George’s short creative writing courses. You need only send your best 1,000 words of creative fiction or non-fiction to rebekah.lattin-rawstrone.1@city.ac.uk with details of your name and the short course you took, or are taking, by Friday 28th February. Full details and submission guidelines are here. Whilst we accept YA, we don’t currently accept children’s fiction, poetry or scripts. There will be five competition winning slots available and we can’t wait to read your submissions.

Book tickets here, check out the City Writes Competition submission guidelines here, and watch this space for the next in the series of ‘City Writes Spring Event 2025: Behind the scenes with our featured tutors’.

 

City Writes Springs into 2025 with an Exciting in-person Literary Extravaganza

January 17, 2025 / / 0 Comments

City Writes Springs into 2025 with an exciting in-person literary extravaganza and submissions are open.

City Writes, the showcase for all the creative writing talent coming from the short creative writing courses here at City St. George’s, is back and supercharged for Spring. We will be holding the event in person in Northampton Square, 7pm 26th March, and we have a bumper line up.

Not only do we have the amazing Short Story Writing alumna Han Smith, a 2024 Goldsmiths Prize shortlisted author coming to read from her debut novel, Portraits at the Palace of Creativity and Wrecking, we also have readings from some of our incredibly talented tutors: Jem Bartholomew, Caroline Green, Katy Darby and Martin Ouvry. More details of all four tutors will be forthcoming over the next few weeks, so do keep an eye on your inbox.

Han Smith grew up in Japan, Russia, the UK and elsewhere. A queer writer, translator and adult literacy teacher, Han is the recipient of a 2019/2020 London Writers Award, and has been shortlisted/longlisted for the 2019 Mslexia Novella Award, the Bridport Prize, the Desperate Literature short story prize, and the Brick Lane short story prize. She has also been published by Lunate, Five Dials, Cipher Press, Versopolis, Litro, The Interpreter’s House and the European Poetry Festival. She lives in London. Portraits at the Palace of Creativity and Wrecking is her debut novel and was shortlisted for the 2024 Goldsmiths Prize.

We couldn’t be more delighted by her visit to City Writes. She’ll be reading from Portraits at the Palace of Creativity and Wrecking and taking part in a Q&A with tutor and City Writes host, Rebekah Lattin-Rawstrone. We’ll then be asking our tutors to join us on stage for a broader Q&A with the audience.

Joining this stellar line up will be our competition winners. This could be you!

For your chance to read your work on stage, in person, with Han Smith, Jem Bartholomew, Katy Darby, Caroline Green and Martin Ouvry, all you need to do is send the best 1,000 words of creative fiction or non-fiction to rebekah.lattin-rawstrone.1@city.ac.uk with details of your name and the short course you took, or are taking, by Friday 28th February. Full details and submission guidelines are here. Whilst we accept YA, we don’t currently accept children’s fiction, poetry or scripts. There will be five competition winning slots available and we can’t wait to read your submissions.

In the meantime, don’t forget to save the date for the event. It is free and doors open at 6.30pm for drinks and nibbles. Book your place for City Writes Spring 2025 at Northampton Square, 7pm, 26th March. The booking link is here. And as an extra bonus, all attendees get 10% off their next Creative Writing Short Course, as long as you book by 30th March.

City Writes Spring 2025 needs to be in your diary now!

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