WRITING KIT
Tools, Tips, Tricks and Fuel for the Journey
When I was beginning to write I had absolutely no idea what I was doing. I left school at 15 and although I had read hundreds of books, mostly the classics, I had never heard of most literary terms, or knew what ‘Modernism’ was or what an ‘act’ was or a protagonist and so forth. So there was a lot of trial and a lot of error, a lot of writing courses and books on writing and going to talks (mostly in London, an hour and a half away), and getting annoyed with myself for so often getting it wrong. Why was there this massive gap between what I wanted to say and what appeared on the page?
Eventually, I got there. Or mostly there. I am still, of course, learning how to write, still going to talks, still the trials, still the errors but there are less of them or maybe they are just less of the important ones now.
So, when I stopped teaching at the University of Leicester this year, I decided to put together the kind of course I wish I had taken, one that gave you the essentials so you could see the wood for the trees, that demystified things like ‘voice’ and ‘conflict’ and helped you with self-doubt and losing your way. Writing Kit is that course.
There are sixteen brilliant, committed and fascinating writers on the Six Month Writing Kit Course and we are at the halfway point. Along with in-person teaching, we have monthly two-hour masterclasses and a weekly email on some aspect of writing or publishing and a prompt. It’s an amazing privilege to be part of the group and see how people respond to good information and we have another three months left to go. We will be tackling editing, voice, place and time and most important of all, how to keep going.
I will be running the course again later this year but this time, entirely online as there were many people from outside of the UK who were interested in coming and people who simply couldn’t get away for a whole day.
I heard you all.
If you are interested in being put on the mailing list, let me know below. And in the meantime, if you are a writer who needs some encouragement, I do post on Substack, little snippets of writing advice from time to time and can recommend other brilliant accounts posting advice and courses and help. You’re not alone.
Go well,
Kit
Your Stories
Six Month Writing Kit Course
I’m delighted to finally share something I’ve been working on quietly behind the scenes for the last few months: A brand new 6-month writing course, taught by me.
If you know my work, you know I don’t mess about. This course is all about getting to the heart of storytelling without any fluff or nonsense. I’ll be leading every session myself.
Learn to craft unforgettable characters, build worlds that breathe, and discover the voice that is unmistakably yours. We’ll dig into character, place, research, voice, and the guts of story—no fluff, no nonsense, just honest work and real progress.
If you’ve been waiting for a chance like this, now’s the time. I’m keeping the group small—only 16 places—so everyone gets the attention they deserve.
Your Story
Memoir Writing Kit Course
When will you start writing?
When the kids have grown up a bit. When I retire. When that big project finishes. When my son leaves home. When I won’t feel like a fraud. When I’ve done that next course. When I really understand the three act structure. When I can afford to go down to 3 days per week. When I feel more confident. When I’ve read enough books. When the world isn’t such a mad place. When I’ve finished decorating the kitchen. When I can touch type. When he lets me. When she encourages me. When no-one will laugh. When I won’t laugh. When I’m better. When my ship comes in, then I’ll start.
Why don’t you start writing?
Because it’s too hard. Because I’m not good enough. Because I don’t know enough. Because everyone else is better than me. Because it’s all been said already. Because no one will help me. Because the world is too dangerous. Because I don’t have the time. Because I’m disorganised. Because people like me don’t write. Because no-one will take me seriously. Because I have a bad back. Because I’m remodelling the bathroom. Because they never publish books by people like me. Because I want it so badly and I’m scared I’ll fail. Because my parents will disapprove. Because someone stole my story. Because it takes years. Because it will take forever.
