Award-winning novelist Tim Lott provides an invaluable manuscript clinic for new writers
As you approach completion of a first draft, it's the perfect time to take stock of what you've achieved so far, and change everything that is holding your novel back. But most authors will agree that it's hard to find a qualified, objective voice to show you where you're going wrong, and back up where you're going right. This course offers an exciting opportunity for new writers to get personal coaching from a renowned talent.
Join Whitbread-winning novelist Tim Lott for a comprehensive writing clinic where you'll receive in-depth, tailored advice that deals directly with the problems you're facing with your manuscript, as well as receiving an education in more general good practice. By the close of the weekend, you'll be ready to complete your final draft with confidence, as Tim identifies your work's problem areas, gives you the tools to improve them, and teaches you psychological techniques to overcome doubt and writer's block.
Course description
This in-depth weekend course will provide tailored advice for a small group of novelists. Attendees will be asked to submit a document outlining specific difficulties or concerns they're facing with their work, and the content of the course will then be tailored around the needs of the group. The course also features a guest talk from high profile agent Clare Alexander on how to present and sell your completed work to the publishing industry.
Topics covered include:
- How to purge cliches from your writing
- Character check – do your main characters have convincing arcs? What are their secrets, and the illusions that sustain them?
- Psychological MOT – how to deal with blocks, and how to keep going when you are feeling discouraged
- What makes for a satisfying ending?
- The art of synopses and of the pitch – how to sell your manuscript to the industry
- Crafting a powerful title
- Plot, time and structure – getting the architecture of your story right
This course is for you if…
- You're an author who has recently completed, or is close to completing, the first draft of a novel
- You're an alumnus of a previous beginner-level Guardian Masterclass for writers looking for more in-depth advice on your writing
Tutor profile
Tim Lott is an award-winning novelist, journalist, critic and creative writing tutor. His first book, memoir The Scent of Dried Roses, was published in 1996. His first novel White City Blue, published in 1999, won the Whitbread First Novel Award, and other works include Rumours of a Hurricane (2002), The Love Secrets of Don Juan (2003), the Seymour Tapes (2005) and young adult novel Fearless (2007). His latest novel is Under the Same Stars.
Speaker profile
Clare Alexander became an agent in 1998 after more than 20 years as a publisher, latterly as Publisher of Viking and Editor-in-chief of Macmillan. She was vice president of the Association of Authors' Agents from 2004 – 2006 and president 2006 – 2008. She is a member of the board of the Bailey's Women's Prize for Fiction and is on the Advisory Committee of the Cheltenham Literary Festival. She was named Orion Publishing Group Literary Agent of the Year at the 2007 British Book Industry Awards and was awarded the 2008 Kim Scott Walwyn Prize, which honours outstanding achievements by women in publishing.
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Details
Dates: Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 March 2014
Times: 10am-5pm. Check-in begins 30 minutes before the start time.
Location: The Guardian, Kings Place, 90 York Way, London N1 9GU
Prices:
☻Early bird special (a limited number of places at a reduced price for people who book in advance)£349
☻Regular price£399
(all prices include VAT, booking fee, lunch and refreshments)
Event capacity: 16
To contact us, click here. Terms and conditions can be found here.
Returns policy
Tickets may be refunded if you contact us at least 7 days before the course start date. Please see our terms and conditions for more information on our refund policy.