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For Writers

Developing Your Novel Retreat - May 2016 (photo by Alison May)
Developing Your Novel Retreat  (photo by Alison May)

One of the best things about being a writer is working with other writers.

I have presented workshops on writing in the UK and abroad – and was for many years a mentor and organiser of the RNA’s highly acclaimed New Writers’ Scheme.

Writing Retreats

Each year, I teach a number of in-person writing retreats.

18th-22nd November 2024, I’ll be teaching a week long course on writing commercial fiction at Retreats for You in Devon. This is for writers at all stages or their career, and includes workshops, plenty of time write and the company of other writers. With added good food and good cheer. It’s all inclusive. For more details or to secure your place.. book here. 

I also have some retreats planned with fellow author Alison May.
 
In September 2024, we’ll be back for our annual weekend retreat near Stratford Upon Avon. More details on that closer to the date.
 
The retreats are aimed at both new writers and published authors who are starting a new work and need to focus on story structure, characters and writing basics. Each course is different – tailored to meet the requirements of a specific group of students and includes a one-to-one session with a tutor about your work in progress, and a chance to chat informally with fellow writers about all things writing related. 
 
Fiction Tutors 

Alison and I have also joined forces with writer Jeevani Charika (who also writes as Rhoda Baxter) to create Fiction Tutors- offering a wide range of in-person and online learning opportunities, priced for all budgets. Some are actually free.

You can find out all about us and the courses we offer here.   

A key element of Fiction tutors is the Debut Author Club – a Facebook based community that offers support and information for authors submitting their first novel, or who are contracted for, or publishing (including self-publishing) their first novel. The group aims to demystify the world of publishing.  There’s more about the Debut Author Club here…

  
Manuscript Appraisals

I take a select number of private clients for manuscript appraisal and assistance. These would typically be an in depth written evaluation of all or part of a novel, novella or short story. I will also give one-to-one discussion of the manuscript via Skype. Prices vary for this service, depending on the length of the work and the exact service required, but prices typically start about £100 for a short work or partial novel to £300 upwards for a full length novel. 

I also do one-to-one mentoring which would typically include reading a section of submitted work and one or more zoom calls to discuss the work and how to move forward with it. 

Workshops

I frequently run individual workshops, day long courses and give talks to writers and writing groups. Writing topics include plot and story structure for short stories and novels, locations and characters, dialogue, editing and the manuscript submission process.  I also draw on my background in television to give sessions on how to work with media and I give technology tips for writers.

Workshops can be tailored to individual requirements. If you would like me to give a workshop, please contact me.

What people have said :

‘Your workshop was the highlight of the conference.’

‘Excellent value for money.’

‘Learned so much and had a great weekend’.

‘Fabulous. We learned so much. Highly recommend it.’

‘It was splendid. You have inspired me.’

‘You provided some very good ways forward for me, for which I am extremely grateful.’