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.

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.

At this point, I have no definite dates for this year, but do check back later for more news.

I have also joined forces with writers Alison May and 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 Author Breakthrough Club – a Facebook based community that offers support and information for authors trying to lift their work to the next level. There’s more about the 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 online discussion of the manuscript. 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.’