I was delighted to attend Emma Darwin’s BPA workshop on ‘Editing your Novel’. Emma’s memoir This is not a book about Charles Darwin, an account of her struggle to write a historical novel based on her family, was described by the Daily Mail as ‘a masterclass’, which certainly made me curious to hear what she…
Nine writers joined Sara and Emma for our Autumn retreat. We returned to beautiful Asthall Manor, childhood home of the Mitford sisters, where the sun shone and it felt more like summer than Autumn. We were wonderfully looked after by our cook Fiona Cullinane. Writers worked on their novels during the week with one on…
At this year’s Winchester Writer’s Festival we ran a one day workshop to a group of 25 writers on the tricky subject of Structure! It’s a character’s desires, fears and actions that shape story. We looked at how the protagonist’s character arc can give structure to a novel. We discussed what a central narrative is,…
We are thrilled to confirm our two guest tutors for the October retreat at Asthall Manor, Oxfordshire. Best selling authors Tessa Hadley and Claire Fuller will give afternoon talks and evening readings to writers attending our five night retreat from October 7 – 12 2018 at the childhood home of the literary Mitford sisters. Professor of…
Friday 15 June, 2018 – 9.30 am to 4.00 pm, The University of Winchester, Hampshire STORY, STRUCTURE AND CHARACTER ARCS It’s a character’s desires, fears and actions that shape story. This workshop looks at how the protagonist’s character arc can give structure to a novel. Sara and Emma discuss what a central narrative is, and…
TWO MORE SPACES LEFT Amazing opportunity to unleash your creativity and get some top tips from two well known writers. Book your space now. Five night tutored retreat November 12 – 17 for novel writers at Asthall Manor, near Burford, Oxfordshire. Situated in the beautiful Windrush valley, Asthall is a Jacobean gabled manor house and the…
Sara and Emma talk through tips for hooking an agent through a compelling first line. At the Festival which took place in June we gave a first chapter workshop. With examples of great first lines, opening paragraphs and endings, more than 70 writers were shown how to engage their readers from the very start. Over…
June 17, 2017 Winchester Writers’ Festival, University of Winchester. At 5 pm we’re running a free drop in session for festival attendees on the subject of that important first chapter. For information on the festival and to sign up go to www.writersfestival.co.uk , tel 01962 826367.
June 5 – 9, 2017 Writers’ Retreat in Sheepwash, Devon. Sara Sarre – First Chapter Workshop Your first chapter is what will sell your novel time and time again: to your agent, your publisher, the marketing team and eventually to your reader. It needs to be good. The week will be dedicated to the opening…