Creative Writing
Course in Leeds
A four-week course for beginners with
Jess Austin, founder of Plot & Purpose
Find Your Voice
A four-week creative writing course with Jess Austin
Join Leeds-based writer and educator Jess Austin, founder of Plot & Purpose, for a welcoming four-week creative writing course at Northlight Arts Centre in Chapel Allerton, Leeds.
Designed for complete beginners and anyone returning to writing after a break, this relaxed and supportive course will help you generate ideas, create believable characters, build atmosphere and begin shaping your own stories.
Through guided exercises, practical techniques and dedicated writing time, Jess will help you move beyond the fear of the blank page and develop greater confidence in your own creative voice.
There is no pressure to share your writing unless you choose to, and no previous creative writing experience is needed.
Saturdays, 17 October–7 November 2026 · 10am–12pm · £105 plus booking fee · Chapel Allerton, Leeds
What You’ll Learn
Throughout the course you’ll explore:
How to generate ideas and overcome the fear of the blank page
Techniques for creating believable and engaging characters
Building atmosphere and bringing settings to life
Structuring and shaping a story
Developing your own writing style
Constructive ways to edit and improve your work
Each session combines discussion, practical exercises and guided writing activities.
Course Information
Duration: 4 weeks
Days: Saturdays 10am -12pm
Dates: 17th, 24th, 31st Oct + 7th Nov
Location: Northlight Arts Centre, Leeds
Suitable for: Beginners
Materials: Writing materials can be provided, though participants are welcome to bring their own notebook or laptop.
Cost: £105 + Booking
Meet Your Tutor
Jess Austin is a Leeds-based writer, educator and creative writing facilitator, and the founder of Plot & Purpose.
Through her workshops, Jess creates welcoming spaces where people can explore ideas, experiment with writing and build confidence in their own creative voice.
Who Is This Course For?
This course is ideal for:
Complete beginners
Anyone returning to writing after a break
People interested in storytelling, memoir, fiction or creative expression
Those looking for a supportive and encouraging creative environment
No previous experience is required.
Book Your Place
Course
Week 1: Generating Ideas & Starting Without Fear
Discover techniques to unlock creativity, generate ideas and begin writing with confidence. Through simple exercises and prompts, you’ll learn how to overcome self-doubt and get words onto the page.
Week 2: Creating Believable Characters
Explore what makes characters feel real and memorable. Learn how to develop personalities, motivations and relationships that readers connect with.
Week 3: Setting & Atmosphere
Learn how to create vivid settings and use atmosphere to enrich your writing. We’ll explore how place, mood and sensory detail can bring stories to life.
Week 4: Shaping a Story
Bring everything together by exploring story structure, pacing and narrative flow. You’ll leave with practical tools to continue developing your own writing projects.