We are no longer offering kitchen table workshops
After 6 years, we are stepping back to complete our own novels.
Stephanie has taught writing and digital publishing at many events. Including this London Book Fair seminar for new writers and a term as a creative writing tutor at Richmond Adult Community College. She has published 2 novels with Piatkus and 2 non-fiction titles with Hamlyn. She founded Blackbird Digital Books in 2009 where she edits both fiction and non-fiction. She has written for many newspapers and magazines including The Guardian, The Sunday Times and Woman's Own.
Diane won The People's Book Prize for Fiction 2016 with her debut novel The Road to Donetsk. Her other novels are Moondance (2016) and Only Human (2020). She is currently writing her fourth. Diane also offers a personal mentoring service for writers.
The sessions are enjoyable and inspirational for us too. We love working as a team and are
both present at all workshops. Maximum class size is 6, ensuring lots of individual attention.
'The most enjoyable and comfortable workshop I have ever done'
'Eye-opening and inspirational ... worth every moment'
'I wouldn't recommend them if I didn't totally trust them ... they are a class act' '
Charming, funny and relaxed, I absolutely loved it.'
'The relaxed approach made me feel totally at ease'
No pressure. Join in or sit and listen.
Creative Writing Workshops London (CWWL) was established in 2017 by prize-winning novelist Diane Chandler and Stephanie Zia, novelist and publisher at Blackbird Books. Together we have hosted oodles of half-day kitchen-table workshops in West London. We offer live and online workshops.
What can you expect?
Our trademarks are:
Interactive - a mixture of lectures, discussion and writing exercises. Join in or sit and listen. You never have to speak, or read out, if you don't want to.
Inspirational - some workshops are aimed at beginners, others for any writer who would like a creative boost.
Stand-alone - try a class, if you enjoy it you may want to come back for more!
Our four stand-alone workshops for beginners are: Character, Plot, Dialogue, Setting.
'Great way to get those creative juices flowing.'
'Inspired me to write again.'
'You both created a nurturing, productive and inclusive environment... though you made it seem effortless it was an extremely well-planned and considered workshop and I learnt a lot whilst thoroughly enjoying myself, which is rare.'
'Friendly and welcoming atmosphere... no pressure to share.'
'Such a fab workshop, so much fun! Looking forward to the follow-up.'
'Became aware that I have more imagination than I thought, an extraordinary discovery. Felt safe to share.'
'Enjoyed the playfulness of it.'
Summer Writing Competition 2023
Open exclusively to CWWL students past & present.
1st MAGPIE
by Lucie Wignarajah
2nd HERMANUS
by Liz Hagerty
3rd (untitled)
by Eliza Frayn
Joint 4th I'M STILL TALKING
by Nancy Maillie
Joint 4th WALKING OUT ON RELIGION
by Ann Wood
Novel London International Literary Competition and Festival 2023
Diane and Stephanie were delighted to be the judges at the 2023 Novel London Literary Competition and Festival 2023. First prize, a critique by Stephanie Zia of CWWL and Blackbird Books, plus £500. Second prize, lunch at the Ivy with a literary agent plus £300.
WINNERS:
1st THE OXFORD HANDBOOK OF MURDER by Radostina Adriana Christova
2nd ANIMAL NIGHTLIFE by Koushik Banerjea
3rd THE NARCISSIST by Stephen Brody
Novel London https://www.novellondon.co.uk/
Google Reviews
Google review from our most recent season of workshops(March 2023): '
I have been to a couple of these workshops - one on Plot and one on Setting - and thoroughly enjoyed both, as well as being inspired to go away and write. Stephanie and Diane share their enthusiasm, their knowledge and their experience with a small group where it feels safe to try things out and have fun with the exercises. I wholeheartedly recommend them to anyone who loves to write, at whatever stage you have reached.' Mike Thexton
