ONE of the many exciting innovations at The Sunday Times Oxford Literary Festival is its creative-writing courses, which offer aspiring authors the chance to rub shoulders with some of the country’s finest authors and critics, all in the stimulating surroundings of Oxford’s colleges.

This year, in response to demand, the festival is offering three outstanding residential programmes — for fiction, poetry and writing for young readers — each of which offers tempting workshops, talks and tutorials, full board for six nights from March 28 to April 2, and the chance to experience life as a member of a creative community.

Aspiring novelists can hone their skills in Corpus Christi under the watchful eye of Jem Poster and Jill Dawson, and take part in masterclasses with, among others, PD James, Helen Dunmore, Joanne Harris and John Carey. Across at Jesus, poets can seek advice from the course directors, Kelly Grovier and Tiffany Atkinson, and attend sessions with Craig Raine, Bernard O’Donoghue and Faber’s poetry editor Matthew Hollis. And over at Pembroke the emphasis is on children’s writing, with the course directors Philip Gross and Julia Hearn are able to call on the likes of Philip Pullman, David Almond and publisher David Fickling for advice and support.

To book your place on the courses, e-mail info@sundaytimes-oxfordliteraryfestival.co.uk or call 01865286074. Numbers are limited, and prices include six nights bed and full board, five full days of teaching. A very limited number of places without accommodation are available. The non-residential fee (which includes all tuition, lunch and dinner) is £750 (including VAT).