Master the Art of Historical Fiction
30 January 2026 - 18 December 2026
Transform your passion for the past into compelling historical fiction with this exclusive, one year course led by award-winning historical novelist Rebecca Abrams.
“Rebecca is a superb tutor and brings out the best in every member of the class.”
Master the Art of Historical Fiction will equip you with all the creative skills, practical support you need to take your historical fiction project to the next level and stay focussed, motivated and inspired.
The course consists of 10 whole-day in-person sessions held on the last Friday of the month from January to December 2026 (excl. July and August) from 10.30am - 6pm.
Each session includes taught seminars, group workshopping, one-to-one tutorials, plus guest sessions with industry experts (writers, agents and publishers) and an end-of-year writing showcase. Course participants also have priority booking for an exclusive one-week summer writing retreat in Italy led by Rebecca in July 2026.
The course is open to anyone over 18. Places are limited to a maximum of 8 writers. Booking closes on 10th December 2025.
2026 Courses
The Art of Historical Fiction
Oxford: Jan - Dec 2026
An exclusive year-long course for a carefully selected group of writers, meeting in-person once a month in Oxford for a full day of seminars, workshops, 1-to-1 tutorials, and providing you with all the practical support and creative skills you need to stay focussed, motivated and inspired.
Summer Writing Retreat
Italy: July 2026
A week-long writing retreat held in a stunning 17th century castle amidst the tranquil beauty of the Lazio hillls. Put pen to paper and let your creativity take flight in the inspiring atmosphere and idyllic landscape, nourished by wonderful Italian food and daily swims in the nearby fresh-water lake.
Past Feedback
“A simply brilliant course given by an inspiring and experienced teacher.”
“Rebecca’s teaching is inspirational. Fast-paced and full of insights and ideas.”
“Rebecca has a fantastic approach, very imaginative and full of encouragement.”
About Rebecca
Rebecca is the award-winning author of 8 works of fiction and non-fiction, including the historical novel Touching Distance, which was short-listed for the McKitterick Prize for Literature and won the MJA Open Book Award. She has taught creative writing at Oxford University for 18 years at Diploma and Masters levels as well as sell-out courses on Historical Fiction and the Craft of Storytelling. She also teaches for the Arvon Foundation and the Oxford Centre for Life-Writing.
