Master the Art of Historical Fiction
Transform your passion for the past into compelling historical fiction with this exclusive one year course led by award-winning author Rebecca Abrams.
January 2027 - December 2027
“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 and practical support you need to take your historical fiction project to the next level, while helping you to stay focussed, motivated and inspired.
The course consists of 10 whole-day in-person masterclasses. Each class is held in Oxford on the last Friday of the month from January to December (excl. July and August) from 10.30am - 6pm.
Each masterclass includes taught seminars on a specific aspect of historical fiction, plus workshopping, one-to-one tutorials, guest sessions with industry experts (writers, agents and publishers) and an end-of-year writing showcase.
The course is open to anyone over 18. Places are limited to a maximum of 9 writers per course. Booking for the 2027 course closes on 30 Dec 2026.
Course participants also benefit from priority booking for the OCW SUMMER WRITING RETREAT which is held in Italy in late August and led by Rebecca.
Register for your FREE introductory consultation
Booking now for 2026 and 2027
The Art of Historical Fiction 2027
Oxford: Jan 29th - Dec 10th 2027
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 2026
Italy: August 20-27th 2026
A week-long writing retreat held in a spacious and lovingly restored 18th century farmhouse amidst the tranquil beauty of the Tuscan hills. Put pen to paper and let your creativity take flight in the inspiring atmosphere, nourished by the idyllic landscape and wonderful Italian food.
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 eight works of fiction and non-fiction and four plays and a highly experienced teacher of creative writing. Her published works include historical fiction, biography, memoir, and social history. Her novel Touching Distance, was short-listed for the McKitterick Prize for Literature and won the MJA Open Book Award. In 2025 she set up Oxford Creative Writing, after two decades teaching creative writing at Oxford University at both Diploma and Masters levels, alongside sell-out courses on Historical Fiction and Fiction Essentials. She leads the acclaimed weekly life-writing seminar for the Oxford Centre for Life-Writing at Wolfson College, Oxford, teaches historical fiction for the Arvon Foundation, and is a regular literary critic for the Financial Times.
