Research to Writing Bootcamp
Shape your creative project with me, as I shape mine.
Over the last year, I’ve been deep in the thick of refining two book proposals. This has involved a lot of gathering, pruning, clarifying, tears, and second-guessing. I’ve abandoned each project several times and picked them both up again because I know there is gold somewhere.
It’s just a case of patiently sifting through the dirt to get there.
It reminded me just how hard (and important) this stage of any writing project is.
So, a few months ago I started sketching out notes on ways to navigate this early, foggy, exciting stage.
And, I decided to put it into an online course format, just in case it’s helpful for anyone else.
Because I know exactly how overwhelming it can be to have so much material and no clear path through it.
Because I know how to cut through the weeds to the root of the idea.
I’ve designed it for anyone who has an idea and who is full of material, but needs help to shape it into something.
Whether it’s a potential book, an essay, a research proposal or simply exploring an idea that you’re not sure what to do with, I can help you to get clarity, structure, and momentum.
And, you’ll be working alongside me and my own messy, evolving work, as we:
find the core of what we’re writing
untangle all the material and make it usable
decide on a form (book? essay? pitch?)
start writing, with momentum
get feedback if you want it
The boot camp will go live in the autumn and will include 4 recorded video sessions, access to a supportive community, templates to work through, live Q&A sessions, and the chance to get feedback from me on your draft or idea.
If that sounds like something you might be interested in, you can sign up here to register your interest:
You’ll be the first to hear when it launches and get access to an early-bird price.
Even if you’re not sure what your project is yet, you’re still very welcome. This is where all the figuring-out can begin!
And here’s why I can help:
This isn’t my first time grappling with an idea.
Back in 2019, I drafted my first non-fiction book proposal which got me offers of representation from 4 agents.
I gained valuable insight from working with Jo Unwin (my former agent before she retired) and an independent editor, both of whom helped me refine the pitch and the proposal.
This effort resulted in MILK being sold in a five-way auction.
During the writing of MILK I applied for, and received, additional financial support from the Society of Authors. When I started on my current project, I was awarded a Developing Your Creative Practice Grant from Arts Council England on my first application attempt.
AND, way back in 2009, I wrote a PhD research proposal that won me full postgraduate funding from the Arts and Humanities Research Council. While completing my doctorate, I applied for and was awarded funding for different research activities. I’ve also helped research and write a whole array of big grant applications.
Oh, and I’ve spent 15 years helping undergraduates and postgraduates refine their ideas, including through dissertation supervision.
All this is to say: I know how to convincingly shape an idea.
Let me know if you’re interested in this, or have any questions x
