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.
Forthcoming events include :
SLUSH PILE DAY
Following the success of previous Slush Pile events, I’ll be running a full day event in London on Saturday May 9th 2026.
In this one day workshop, you will polish your pitch, synopsis, agent letter and those all important first 500 words under the guidance of tutors Alison May and Janet Gover.
Then, skip the slush pile and have those 500 words put directly to a panel of industry professionals for instant feedback. The submission will be anonymous – to keep those nerves at bay. The panel will include Charlotte Ledger from Harper Collins, Publisher of the One More Chapter imprint and Jennie Ayres, publisher at Hera Fiction and other industry representation.
This day is suitable for anyone who has a book ready (or almost ready) for submission, whether they are currently unpublished, or are a published author seeking to lift their career to a new level.
Price – £89.50 (Attendees can purchase their lunch from the pub, or several nearby coffeeshops and cafes.)
Book before Feb 9th and get a 20% early booking discount, making the day £71.60.
Location : Upstairs at the Marquis Cornwallis, Bloomsbury. The Marquis Cornwallis Pub & Restaurant in London, Greater London (note: access via stairs only)
Places are limited, so book your place now.
One place will be given as a bursary to someone who would find it difficult to meet the cost of the day, and is not currently contracted to a publisher or an agent. If you can afford the place, please leave this bursary only for those who need it. The place will not include travel or lunch and will be decided by Janet and Alison. To apply please go here, stating why you need the bursary and what you would expect to get out of the day. Proof of financial status will not be required. Bursary applications close January 31st 2026.
WRITING RETREAT
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.
The next retreat is for people who have finished, or nearly finished a book and are ready to get that final polish done and send it out into the world. The topics will include :
- The all important first 100 words
- The first 500 words are the last you’ll write
- Finding the best words – dialogue and narrative, themes and imagery and when to stop
- Working with an agent, editor and publisher
- Writing a blurb and other selling ideas
- Finding readers – publicity, social media and personal appearances
- Handling rejection and success
- Starting the difficult next novel
There will be workshops every morning and afternoon, writing time galore and, most importantly, lots of time to talk about the joys and hardships of being a writer with the only people who really understand – other writers.
The retreat will be in the heart of the beautiful Devon countryside, from July 7- 11th 2026.
Bookings are now open. For more details or to book go the Retreats For You site
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.
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.’