17/01/2026
So, I've been teaching a workshop on Writing Your First Novel. We're two sessions in and its been really fascinating, with some marvellous original work sent my way.
We started by looking at some of the common blocks:
1. Imposter Syndrome? The person who you're "impersonating" doesn't exist. S/he is a spectre.
2. "I need to map it all out first"? You can't have a map of the territory before you've created the territory! What's more important is to get a feel for the territory itself. It's contours, smells, textures. Begin by feeling your way into the world you're creating. The story will follow.
Anyway, that's just a snapshot. It's too late to join the January course. But If you're itching to start your novel and aren't quite sure how, I'll be doing individual workshops from February. Please dm me for details.
