Ultimate One-Day Writing Workshop
The Ultimate Start: Your One-Day Intensive Novel Writing Workshop
Get your novel off to a flying start
We’ve designed this one-day writing workshop to give you the tools, support and inspiration you need to write your novel with clarity, confidence and momentum. By the end of our event, you’ll have a clear, well-defined book idea you know is worth pursuing, as well as the motivation to keep writing month after month.
Your event line-up
Over five sessions, plus a Q&A, we’ll help you break through the roadblocks that are holding you back from finishing or improving your manuscript.
Please note, all times listed are in BST.
A novel idea? How to work out if your story’s worth writing – with Liz Monument
Not every story idea is ready to become a novel, but how do you know if yours is? This workshop will guide you through the process of evaluating your story concept to determine its true potential.
Your character’s journey: from what they want to what they need – with Rosie Fiore
What drives your characters forward, and what’s really holding them back? Join us for an exciting and interactive workshop to unlock the secrets to creating unforgettable, multi-dimensional characters that leap off the page.
Staying positive: overcoming doubts and finishing what you start – with Sam Jordison
What keeps writers going when the excitement fades? Join bestselling author Sam Jordison in this transformative workshop and discover the key to pushing through to the end of your writing project.
Raising the curtain: the characteristics of a compelling opening – with Helen Francis
What’s the point of a brilliant story if no one gets past the first page? Join editor Helen Francis in this dynamic workshop where you’ll learn practical strategies to hold your reader’s attention and give your story the start it deserves.
Q&A with Jericho Writers team: ask us anything about our courses and services!
The Q&A session is your chance to ask our team questions and clarify any doubts that may be holding you back. Whether you’re struggling with structure, voice, or finding the right words, this is the perfect opportunity to find out how we can help you take your novel to the next level.
You’re ready, now write! – with Lindsey Alexander
Join experienced editor Lindsey Alexander in this interactive workshop to help find a routine that means you’ll write your novel to the end, and determine the right editorial steps to polish your manuscript.
Secure your place
The Ultimate Start
What will I learn?
The Ultimate Start is a day of immersive online workshops, designed to help you break through writer’s block or lay the foundation for your literary masterpiece. Learn from seasoned authors who will share proven techniques for capturing what makes your novel special, creating memorable characters and maintaining momentum when you hit the dreaded ‘saggy middle’.
How many sessions are there?
The day will be split into five one-hour workshops, with extra time for a Q&A with our team. Keep scrolling for a closer look at the full schedule.
I’m not based in the UK. Can I still sign up?
Of course! The Ultimate Start is open to writers across the globe, and you will be sent recordings of the tutorials if you’re not able to make the live sessions. You’ll find a full breakdown of timings for the day below.
Download your full workshop guide
Meet your instructors
Meet your instructors below! All our instructors are established authors, and also tutor on our Novel Writing Course and the renowned Ultimate Novel Writing Programme. You’ll get to spend an hour with each instructor over the course of the day, with the opportunity to get their guidance on your work, or ask them about their own practice.
Liz Monument
- Bio
- Books
- Genres
Liz is a writer, editor and writing coach interested in fiction of all kinds, from sci-fi to historical. Her first two novels are science fiction; her third is a literary genre-fusion, written for a PhD in Creative Writing; her fourth work-in-progress is a triple timeline gothic thriller. Liz also collaborates with international literary agencies to accelerate the submission process for writers of talent.
- Literary Fusions
- Historical Fiction
- Sci-Fi
- Dystopian
- Anything quirky or genre-bending
- Fantasy
Rosie Fiore
- Bio
- Books
- Genres
Rosie has had eight novels published, both under her own name and the pen name Cass Hunter. This Year’s Black and Babies in Waiting were both longlisted for the South African Sunday Times Literary Award, while The After Wife was translated into nine languages and optioned for a film in China.
- Contemporary Fiction
- Literary Fiction
- Book Club
- Romance
- Historical Fiction
- Young Adult Fiction
- Crime/Thrillers
Sam Jordison
- Bio
- Genres
Sam Jordison is a publisher, author, and journalist. He is the co-director of the award-winning Galley Beggar Press, publishers of Lucy Ellmann’s Ducks, Newburyport and Alex Pheby’s Mordew. He has written more than a dozen non-fiction titles including Enemies of the People, a commentary on the folks who brought us Brexit and Trump, and Literary London.
- Contemporary Fiction
- Literary Fiction Fantasy
- Sci-Fi Crime/Thriller
- Creative Non-Fiction
- Memoir
Helen Francis
- Bio
- Genres
Helen Francis has worked in publishing for nearly 20 years, in both publishing houses and literary agencies. Previously, Helen worked as a fiction project editor at Faber and Faber for eight years, and a commissioning fiction editor at Head of Zeus for two. She also ran the Classics list at Vintage, Penguin Random House, and was a freelance commissioning editor for Arcadia Books.
- Literary Fiction
- Contemporary Fiction
- Young Adult Fiction
- Women’s Fiction
- Crime/Thrillers
Lindsey Alexander
- Bio
- Genres
Lindsey Alexander started her 20-year editing career at HarperCollins US. She has helped authors across a range of genres launch their careers and has worked with numerous publishers and literary agencies to develop and hone some of the best-loved books of the last two decades. A number of books edited by Lindsey have been published in translation and optioned for film.
- Romance
- Historical Fiction
- Young Adult Fiction
- Literary Fiction
- Mystery/Thrillers
- Humour
No more waiting. No more excuses.
With guidance from experienced authors and industry experts, you’ll leave our one-day workshop empowered, equipped and ready to write with confidence.
Why attend The Ultimate Start?
Expert guidance
Practical tools
Push past blockers
Supportive community
Set yourself up for success
Claim the cost back
Jericho Writers Course hall of fame
We’re proud to celebrate our students’ successes and it’s a joy to see their novels in the hands of readers across the globe. Could you be next?
We’ve helped hundreds of writers
But don’t take our word for it! Our authors have experience with our editorial services, online courses, and Premium Membership.
How can we help?
If you’d like to know more about The Ultimate Start, book a call to speak with a member of our team at a time that suits you. We’d love to hear from you!
Frequently asked
questions
Who is this workshop for?
This workshop is perfect for aspiring authors at all stages of their writing journey. Whether you have an idea for a novel, are working on your manuscript, or are struggling to finish, this workshop will provide you with the tools, strategies, and motivation to move forward. It’s ideal for anyone ready to commit to bringing their novel to life in the year ahead.
What will I learn in the workshop?
In this workshop, you will learn how to:
- Stress-test story ideas and ensure the one you choose is worth writing
- Carefully plan your character’s journey, taking what they want – and what they need – into consideration
- Stay positive and overcome doubts, so you don’t give up before your project is complete
- Create a compelling opening for your novel, hooking readers so they keep turning the page
- Establish a writing routine that works for you, so you can take your great idea all the way to ‘the end’.
How long is the workshop?
The workshop is a one-day event, lasting approximately 7 hours with breaks throughout the day. We will have plenty of time for interactive discussions, practical exercises, and Q&A sessions to ensure you leave with valuable insights and a concrete plan for success.
Do I need to have started writing my novel already?
No! This workshop is for both beginners and those who are already working on their manuscript. Whether you have a rough outline, a first draft, or just an idea in your head, the workshop will guide you through the next steps in making progress toward completing your novel.
What if I have a busy schedule? Can I still attend?
Absolutely! The workshop will give you actionable tips for making writing a regular part of your routine, even with a busy lifestyle. We will also provide the recordings for those who are not able to attend on the day.
How can I sign up for the workshop?
Simply click the ‘Sign Up Now’ link on this page to secure your spot! Spaces are limited, so be sure to sign up early to guarantee your place.
What should I bring to the workshop?
You don’t need to bring anything except your enthusiasm! However, if you already have an idea or manuscript you’re working on, feel free to bring your notes, outlines, or draft to get the most out of the session.
Is there a refund policy?
We understand that plans can change. If you need to cancel, you can receive a full refund up to 7 days before the event. After that, we can offer a credit towards another one of our services.
Which genres are suitable for this workshop?
All fiction genres are suitable, including MG, YA, and Memoir/Auto-Fiction. Unfortunately, the workshop is not suitable for specialist non-fiction projects. If you’re unsure whether your novel would be suitable, you can get in touch with the courses team at courses@jerichowriters.com.
Can I claim the cost back if I sign up for the Ultimate Novel Writing Course?
Yes! If you sign up for the Novel Writing Course or the Ultimate Novel Writing Programme after completing The Ultimate Start on 12 July, we’ll send you a voucher so you can claim back the cost of the January workshop.
We have online courses for every stage of your writing journey.
THE ULTIMATE NOVEL WRITING PROGRAMME
Write a publishable novel in a year with the Ultimate Novel Writing Programme. Our bestselling online course takes you from first draft, through to publication – with expert support and guidance every step of the way. £5500, 12-month course.
SIMPLY SELF-PUBLISH
Learn how to successfully self-publish and market your novel – perfect for writers with a polished manuscript ready to take it to readers. Premium Members save 10%. £1995, 10-week course.
SELF-EDIT YOUR NOVEL WITH DEBI ALPER
An online, tutored course to help you develop a publishable manuscript that readers will love. This self-editing course will give you all the tools necessary to analyse and deconstruct your draft and all your future manuscripts. £895, 6-week course.