Inside the Ultimate Novel Writing Programme: With Bursary Winner Rachel McLaughlin (Month 2)

Rachel McLaughlin, recipient of the Ultimate Novel Writing Programme Bursary, is currently studying on the Ultimate Novel Writing Programme. She’s agreed to share her experience of the course with us month by month.

Wow, month two already – how time flies! Suffice to say, I am fully immersed in the course and loving every minute. 

This month, we’ve been focused on point of view. I’ve always gone with ‘what feels right’ for POV choices and, admittedly, will sometimes get tens of thousands of words into a draft then decide I MUST switch it up. I’m definitely guilty of treating a POV change as a ‘magic bullet’ for all everything that isn’t working. But the work this month – including our Lead Tutor call from Holly Seddon – made me realise that POV can be a much more deliberate and nuanced choice. I’m not promising that I won’t flip-flop on POV in future drafts, but if I do, it will definitely be a more informed decision!  

So, I have to mention my first official round of tutor feedback, because this was a big deal for me. While Holly had taken a look at my plan already, she’d not read any of my actual draft until now. And having my writing reviewed by an author whose work I admire? More than a little nerve-wracking! I delayed opening the email until I was home, in case it was overwhelming. Honestly, I’m glad I did because the second I read it, I was grinning and kicking my feet! Holly had written the loveliest things! Praise for the lines I thought worked, laughter in all the right places and constructive feedback on how to sharpen the passage – all of which I agreed with. There’s nothing more validating than having an author whose work you enjoy, write positive and helpful things about your draft. It was exactly the boost I needed. 

Following on from this, we had a one-to-one in which I was able to sound out a new idea I had for the manuscript. In the past, I’ve talked myself out of changes that felt too wild or ambitious but being able to talk it through with Holly was a complete game-changer. She wisely advised me that it can often be some of the more ‘whacky’ ideas that are exactly what a manuscript needs (especially if you as a writer are casting about for these). I’m excited to be implementing my plan to help make my story even twistier, so, watch this space… 

In our tutor group workshops, we’ve played around with point of view and narrative distance (the latter took some time to get my head around). The interactive element to these sessions has been so fun and it’s given me even greater appreciation of everyone’s creative abilities! It’s also just enjoyable to have a play with writing, especially when I’ve been so head-down in my manuscript.   

There was one week this month when life was just too busy for me to manage the homework. What I appreciate so much about the course is that this was totally fine! There’s such an understanding amongst the tutors and other course members that life can sometimes get in the way. After all, we all have other commitments, be it work, caring responsibilities, health etc. I was so grateful to be able to step back for a week, then pick back up with the content when I was able. I struggle with writers’ guilt on the days I don’t progress my manuscript, so I was very thankful that there was no additional pressure from the course.  

So, what’s my learning point from this month? 

It has to be about intention. Holly quite rightly challenged me to think about some of the decisions in my manuscript – mostly because they weren’t decisions at all, I’d just fallen into the ideas. They ‘felt right’ (I’m learning that I’m somewhat of a ‘vibes’ writer at times!) I’ve realised it can be so helpful to wind back and think about the WHY. Why this point of view, why this level of narrative distance, why this setting, this character? It’s not that I think my choices aren’t valid, but if I’m more intentional, I can use them to my advantage. And this is where I think I can really elevate my writing. So, if I were to share any tips from this month, it would be that – think about what key choices you’ve made for your book and either lean into them or switch it up. It doesn’t matter which, as long as you’re intentional

Want to follow in Rachel’s footsteps? You can learn more about the Ultimate Novel Writing Programme and how it can help you on your writing journey.

Apply before 30 June 2026 to save 10% off our Winter 26/27 course (up to £603 / $774 USD!). Just enter code EARLY10 when you apply to secure your discount.