Whether you are new to writing or are looking for something to light your creative spark, join author and playwright Tutku Barbaros on our introduction to creative writing course designed to ignite your creativity and enhance your storytelling abilities.

Over the course of 7 weeks, you'll integrate practises from theatre, prose, poetry and journaling, equipping you with a diverse set of tools to develop your unique writing voice and practice. We will cover a full range of writing forms and techniques, including characterisation, building structure and setting, and developing your narrative voice. Join us and unlock your creative potential!

Tutku is a writer across forms of Turkish Cypriot heritage from south-east London. Her debut book All the Women She Knows, a collection of 11 short stories centred on the lives of 8 women on the precipice of change was published in 2024. She is an alumna of the Royal Court Writers’ Programme as well as Sphinx Theatre’s year-long writer’s development programme, Sphinx 30. Her play Layla and Youssef was longlisted for the Bruntwood Prize and the Paines Plough Women’s Prize For Playwriting.

The seven-week course costs £120 per person.

Held every Monday 7.00pm – 8.30pm: 3 March, 10 March, 17 March, 24 March, 31 March, 7 April & 14 April

"I was definitely out of my comfort zone, having never done any creative writing before, but Tutku created a relaxing vibe. She made everyone feel welcome and after her sessions I felt energised. She encouraged us all to write and explore and challenged in a good way. I really liked her technique of questioning that pushed you to take writing into new places. She helped me take those first steps and I finished the course thinking maybe I could write and with thirst to continue."

"Tutku is a really inspiring teacher, brimming with energy and enthusiasm. She really engages with the group. As a novice writer, I also appreciated her structured classes and amazing after-class handouts. It was easy to catch up if you missed a class and I liked the exercises we did in the class too. Her approach suits beginners well, but I think more advanced writers enjoyed the camaraderie too. As a published author and award winning playwright, with a "day job" she is a living example of what is possible"

"Tutku is a brilliant teacher. She creates a very relaxed atmosphere, with no pressure or expectations. The exercises and prompts she uses are so useful, and almost before you know it, you're writing something - the exercises really give you the space to let the words flow. Tutku has so much knowledge about literature, which she shares with passion and enthusiasm. I feel like the course will have a lasting impact, not just because I've learnt new things, but because the way Tutku teaches encourages you to find joy in writing, and that's something I want to capture and continue."

"Tutku brought so much energy into each session that you couldn't help but engage with her passion for storytelling and the written word. She covered a breadth of topics, from crafting compelling characters to dialogue development, all while providing direction and support with writing exercises in the class."

Refunds

Please note, we are unfortunately unable to offer refunds for this event.

Reduced ticket prices

We’d like as many people as possible to be able to access and enjoy Bell House. We offer a limited number of income-based concession tickets at half price, which can be booked directly - if you would not be able to attend at the full price due to financial considerations, then this concession option is available.