Learn with us

OCLW runs a range of classes, workshops, masterclasses and intensives throughout the year.

 

Life-Writing Class

Mondays in term time, 11am-1pm
Seminar Room 3, Wolfson College - and hybrid on zoom

Our life-writing class offers a space for learning about and discussing topics in life-writing. Whether you are writing something yourself or are simply interested in the subject, this class has something for every level of experience.

This two-hour class will be led by experienced tutor and award-winning author Rebecca Abrams. Short extracts of published material will be circulated to be read in advance and discussed, and there are regular opportunities for participants to share their own writing (500 words at a time) or written responses to a theme - although this is not compulsory!

The group is restricted to no more than 16 participants to ensure a warm and personable experience. It meets in person at Wolfson College, but participants can also join online via Zoom.

Who can join: this class is open to all and costs £28.75 per 2-hour session, charged by the term (£230 for 8 sessions).

Sign up to the Life-Writing Class here.

 

Online Writing Feedback Workshop

Thursdays in term time, 3pm-4.30pm UK time
Online via Zoom

Our feedback group offers a chance to develop good writing habits, be supported by a tight-knit community, and receive advice and feedback from peers and an experienced writer who will facilitate the group. The workshop is restricted to no more than 16 participants to ensure a warm and personable experience. Our group leader, Professor Tonya Hegamin, will facilitate discussion to help you advance your writing project in an enjoyable and friendly group.

Each week one or two participants submit a piece of work for feedback: up to 3,000 words of their work in progress, or their plan, or even a topic for discussion. You do not have to submit your work if you don’t want to, you can simply join in the discussion. Slots are offered on a first-come-first-served basis, so please book early ensure you are offered a slot.

Who can join: this group is open to all and costs £28.75 per 90-minute session, charged by the term (£230 for 8 sessions).

Sign up to the Online Writing Feedback Group here.

 

One-off Sessions: Masterclasses and Intensives

Various times, in person and online

See our Events page for further details, or join our mailing list to be the first to hear of opportunities.

 

Individual Mentoring

Various times, in person and online

The Centre for Life-Writing offers mentoring to individuals via Oxford Writing Mentors. Whether you're working on a book project or simply looking for help with understanding topics in life-writing, mentoring can help you progress. You can arrange sessions at a time and location to suit you and your mentor (including online), and by prior arrangement, mentors can read sections of your work in advance. Find out more about our mentors here.

Who can join: anyone can sign up for mentoring.

You can find out more and book a session here.

 

Tuscany Writing Retreat

Tuscany, Italy, annually in April

Our Tuscan writing retreat began in 2022, and is a bespoke programme for everyone to enjoy, from first-time writers to published authors. Led by Dr Kate Kennedy and Dr Tony Gray, tutors will be eminent writers in the fields of biography, fiction and creative non-fiction. 

Find out more here.