How I can help you
As a writer mentor and developmental editor, I specialise in historical, literary, book club fiction and memoir.
I meet you wherever you are on your writing journey and engage fully with your ideas and words, honour them, and seek how to bring them out to their best.
With my personal skills and experience gained through working with a wide range of authors, I give you the space and support to allow your writing to unfold and help you see how far you can take your story.
If you are thinking of self-publishing, my experience may be particularly useful to help you work through the myriad of options, set your goals and timescales.
I run writing courses and retreats to inspire and help address and move past the perfectionism, procrastination and inner critic that often hobbles writers, helping you regain your flow and creativity.
My Experience
You are in professional, capable hands. Before focusing specifically on supporting writers, I spent three decades mentoring, training, facilitating and coaching in the workplace. I also practised as a Relate counsellor. Check me out on LinkedIn if you're interested.
Along with this experience, I have spent the past fifteen years in and around writers, developing my craft. I am mindful of the challenges of writing - whether it's being stuck or not feeling able to take on the changes you want to make for fear of overwhelm, lack of self-belief etc.
I don't just focus on the words - I help you with strategies and ideas for you to reach the point where your writing shines and you achieve your personal writing aims.
Mentoring
One-off or a series of sessions to kickstart or move your writing project forward, based on your individual needs.
As part of your session, I can provide verbal feedback on writing you have submitted in advance.
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Sessions are one hour long, online. If you are local to Brighton, I am happy to meet in person or if you want to have a day out here, when a longer meeting might be more appropriate to make the most of your journey.
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You tell me what you'd like to focus on / get out of the session and I'll provide the structure to make that happen. If you are unsure, I'll send a short email questionnaire as a prompt.
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At the end of the session, follow up actions and timings are put into place.
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Further sessions are arranged on as needed basis. I don't lock you into a package, because creativity rarely works like that! But if you like the idea of a regular commitment for progress and accountability, we can work to a schedule that suits you.
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Like to have an informal chat first? I offer a free 20 minute virtual session to get to know one another.
Thinking of self-publishing? New 4-stage mentoring package to get you you from exploring the options through to production, distribution, pre- & post launch publicity and marketing - schedule a free 20 minute call to find out more.
Cost
A one hour mentoring session is £75.
If you would like me to read and verbally feedback on a sample of writing (up to 3,000 words) or novel synopsis as part of a mentoring session, there is an additional charge of £75.
Editorial support
If you are looking for a constructive assessment of your work in progress and advice on how to elevate it further. With a focus on specific queries you may have, as well as:
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Structure
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Voice
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Tense
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Plot
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Character development
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Pace
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Dialogue
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And much more...
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Feedback as track changes/comments in your Word document to give you specific pointers on areas such as voice, dialogue, pace, description etc.
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Summary report which provides written feedback on what's working well and areas for development - this focuses primarily on the 'big picture' issues such as structure, tense, voice, plot and character development.
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Suggestions for next steps
This is not a copy or line edit, but overall grammar and layout issues will be highlighted.
Cost
Up to 15,000 words £650
Up to 30,000 words £850
Up to 60,000 words £1,000
Over 60,000 words £15 per additional 1,000 words
One hour online editorial session following your summary report is £75.
Gift vouchers (non-refundable) can be purchased for mentoring and editorial support.
Courses, Talks & Retreats
Currently running at Evolution Arts Brighton - join wait list for future dates
6-week course to get your writing flowing, based on Write for Life, the writing version of Julia Cameron's inspiring
The Artist's Way.
Whether you are a first-time writer with an idea or a more established writer, this is an invitation to kickstart your project, using tried and proven techniques: Morning Pages, Artist's Dates, manageable daily writing quota, walks and writing stations, Supported by a skilled facilitator and peer group.
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Tuesday 24 June 6pm - Real Writers Circle @ The Walrus, Ship St, Brighton
A simple approach to what's helpful to move writing forward when giving and receiving feedback.
Creative Writing Retreat Italy
21-28 May 2027
For the forward planners! Hotel Leone is a beautiful retreat centre in the unspoilt Le Marche area. Take a note of the dates, more details to follow in due course.
Recent talks
Looking for a facilitator / speaker who can inspire and motivate writers on the psychology of writing?
Here are a couple of recent successful examples.
Perfectionism & Procrastination: Moving Past your Inner Writing Critic
For Hatchery Writers at Hove Library
Does that voice in your head compare you unfavourably to other writers? Find endless other things to do rather than get on with it? Wonder if it’s worth the effort? Won’t call yourself a writer? And yet, you’ve got this idea or this story, you’ve been working on it a while now…
An introduction to the tools behind the Artist’s Way, which was my gateway into writing and have been part of my practice ever since. Exercises to explore what motivates and inspires you as a writer and how to develop and hold on to your creative spark, even when that voice in your head is saying why bother.
Forthwrite Festival for Women Writers 50+
A lively and engaged session with co-facilitator Anna Davidson, helping women writers get super clear about why they write, what success looks like, the challenges we all face and how to find support and community.