Inside the Ultimate Novel Writing Programme: With Bursary Winner Rachel McLaughlin (Month 3)

This month’s learning is all about setting. It was real mindset shift when, on the Lead Tutor call this week, we were told that setting is not just about place – it’s time too. And it’s not just about place and time, it’s all the other stuff like culture, traditions, politics, norms (the list goes on). This seems like a logical point when you spell it out, but I don’t know that I’d been thinking of it this way (especially when coming up with ideas, as I’m a plot-first kind of writer). Prior to the course, I’d been writing speculative and fantasy stories which, by nature, require a lot of consideration for world building. But now that I’m writing a psychological thriller set in our world, I thought the setting side of things would need less attention. Not so! 

Working through our weekly tasks, I’ve realised that while I’m making some use of my coastal setting, I’m not yet pushing it to its full potential. Is it atmospheric? Yes – I like to think so. Is my character a product of the setting? Yes, but I have some work to do on bringing this to the fore. Is the setting serving the story as effectively as it could? Not yet. It’s here that I need to knuckle down and lean into to what should be a really evocative setting. I mean, it’s got the SEA, right? One of the most powerful, expansive natural forces on earth. I’d be silly not to use it.  

This week during our tutor group workshop, we gave live feedback on each other’s works in progress. While we’ve done this on the forum (in writing), it’s the first time we’ve read our work aloud and received feedback ‘in the moment’. This is the sort of thing that would usually fill me with nerves and while I definitely stumbled over words when reading aloud (even though it was my own writing), I didn’t mind! Everyone in the group is so supportive – it feels like a safe space to get honest and constructive input. It’s such a boost to hear other writers enjoying your work and so useful when they spot things that you haven’t. I also love hearing everyone else’s excerpts – not just because they’re interesting stories, but because we all approach description differently and that’s what makes reading so enjoyable! 

So, not a part of the course exactly, but I was very fortunate to attend Jericho’s London Festival of Writing last weekend (honestly probably my favourite writing event ever!). What was especially fun was meeting members of my tutor group in person and chatting with other course students and alumni. It’s such a lovely and supportive community and I’m so grateful to be a part of it. There’s just that instant understanding when you meet other writers. They get it.  

This week, I’ve had my second round of feedback from my tutor, Holly. I mentioned in the previous month about a ‘whacky’ idea I’d had and how without Holly’s encouragement, I’d have been too afraid to implement it. Well, I tried it out and the feedback was great (hurray!). It’s really boosted my confidence to take risks and play with the manuscript more. I love twisty and surprising stories, so why can’t I have a go at writing one? Turns out – I can! I wouldn’t have done this without Holly’s guidance.  

So, my key takeaway from this month… 

Use setting purposefully. Settings should serve the story and there are a whole host of ways they can do this; creating obstacles for the character, developing tension, reflecting mood etc. If like me, you have a tendency to focus on plot and let setting fall by the wayside – this is your call to action. Think about how you can make setting work best for you and be specific in it. We’re not talking reams of exposition but targeted, choice references that ground the reader and build trust. And, most importantly, have some fun with it and don’t be afraid to take a risk! 

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.