In the classroom I am particularly interested in contemplative and holistic approaches while also drawing upon my experience of over thirty years of working in publishing; I try to combine a mindful approach to creativity with a practical understanding of craft as well as a realistic appreciation of the business of books.
As a teacher I lead workshops, courses, and talks on a variety of topics about writing and publishing. I’m currently (2024) running a year-long sequence of stand-alone masterclasses on Zoom – from Beginnings to Endings and passing through Character and Setting and Plot and Perspective and other foundational subjects in writing. I hope to repeat these again in 2025, alongside other offerings on Zoom.
Other topics:
Craft topics and practical masterclasses
* Plotting
* Voice
* Showing & Telling & Storytelling: Narrating
* Character & Setting
* Prose & Literary Style
* Crafting Space & Time: Advanced Literary Techniques
* Revising & Self-Editing
* Reading As A Writer
* Writing A Novel
* Writing Short Stories
* Flash Fiction
* Writing Memoir
* Writing & Genre: Literary Fiction, Historical Fiction, Fantasy, Speculative Fiction, Horror, Science Fiction, Memoir, Nature Writing
Mindfulness, tarot and Four Elements workshops
* Everyday Magic: The Four Elements of Creativity
* Finding Your Fire: Voice & Intention
* Water Ways: Feeling, Tone & Perspective
* Earth Works: Description & Action
* Writing On Air: Structure, Form & Focus
* The Four Elements Of Editing
* Tarot for Writers (also adapted for specific aspects, e.g., Major Arcana, Court cards, Number cards)
* Mindfulness & Writing (also adapted to specific topics, e.g., Getting Started, Developing A Writing Practice)
* Nature in writing
* Gardens in writing
* Food in writing
Publishing
* Finding An Agent
* Publishing For Writers
* Behind The Scenes At A Publishing House
I can tailor classes for, e.g., hour-long-seminars, afternoon- or day-long masterclasses, or ongoing workshops.
If you would like to work with me individually or invite me to speak at your writing group or festival, send me an email with details of what you are looking for.
Before the pandemic I also regularly lead masterclasses and book doctor with Kellie Jackson of Words Away.
You can sign up for my mailing list here.