GALLEY BEGGAR SCHOOL

Classes, reading groups, mentorships and salons 

‘Critical reading, critical writing’ online: January–June 2026

‘CRITICAL READING, CRITICAL WRITING’ is a six-month online course – hosted via Zoom – for readers, writers and everyone who wants to develop a deeper understanding of novels and how they work. It looks into the techniques of novel writing, the tricks of the author’s trade, and the decisions and craft that go into making a fantastic book. It also provides a forum to more simply discuss what these books are about, what we think of them and how much we enjoy them.

We look at six novels, at the rate of one a month. We’ll talk about the choices writers have made in putting them together, look at structure, world-building, imagery – as well as all those other bits of glue that hold a book together. We’ll sometimes talk about the stories behind the books and the act of creation. Sometimes, too, we’ll just sit back and marvel at the talent of the people we’re discussing. You can learn a lot from Octavia Butler, for instance. And Edna O’Brien. Not to mention Dorothy L Sayers.

Importantly, we’ll always surprise each other. These are novels, after all, and a big part of the fun will investigating be our own reactions to them and how we approach these marvellous creations as readers.

‘Critical reading, critical writing’ is a course that will teach you a lot about technique and craft and the hard work that goes into books. It’s also one where we'll be able to have wider discussions about ideas, meaning, artistry and all the things that make great writing so special.

Further information 

The ‘Critical reading, critical writing’ course is online class taught by Galley Beggar co-director and literary journalist Sam Jordison. Places will be hosted on Zoom, limited to 20 people per class, and the course will run for a six-month period, with six classes to a course (running for two hours per session). All classes run on Tuesday evenings from 19:00 to 21:00. For the January–June 2026 classes, the dates and selected titles are:

Class 1

6 January 2026, Wendy Erskine, The Benefactors

3 February 2026, Octavia Butler, Kindred

3 March 2026, Edna O’Brien, Country Girls

7 April 2026, Dorothy L Sayers, Gaudy Night

5 May 2026, Ernest Hemingway, A Farewell to Arms

9 June 2026, Jennifer Egan, A Visit from the Goon Squad

Fees, places, and location. The course cost is £135, spaces are limited to 20 people (please see below for low-earner details), and the class will be hosted online, on Zoom, with invitations sent in advance of each meeting. (The classes will be recorded so if you are unable to attend a live meeting, you will still be able to catch up and enjoy watching the discussion.)

*Low-earner spaces. One place per course will be made freely available to a writer on a low-income. We do not ask for proof of income or any other information (we want to respect your right to privacy), and in the first instance you should simply email info@galleybeggar.co.uk, with ‘Critical reading’ in the subject line. Do be advised that these sessions, again, will be offered on a first come, first serve basis, and are likely to fill up swiftly.