Ultimate One-Day Writing Workshop
The Ultimate Start: Your One-Day Intensive Novel Writing Workshop
The Ultimate Start: Your One-Day Intensive Novel Writing Workshop
2025 is upon us, and as the New Year dawns, now is the perfect time to invest in your craft. 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 at the end, we’ll help you break past the roadblocks that are holding you back from finishing or improving your manuscript.
Please note, all times listed are in GMT.
How to Identify the Unique Selling Point of Your Novel with Holly Seddon
Are you struggling to define what makes your novel stand out in a crowded marketplace? Do you want to discover how to highlight your book’s unique strengths and capture the attention of agents, publishers, and readers? Join bestselling author Holly Seddon in this exclusive workshop, How to Identify the Unique Selling Point of Your Novel.
Are Your Characters Three-Dimensional? with Gavin James Bower
Do your characters feel flat or one-dimensional? Are you struggling to create complex, engaging personalities that readers can truly connect with? In this workshop, you’ll unlock the secrets to creating unforgettable, multi-dimensional characters that leap off the page with award-winning author Gavin James Bower.
Hone Your Voice And Make Your Writing Resonate with Readers with Emma Cooper
Are you struggling to find a distinctive tone for your writing? Do you want to develop a voice that resonates with readers and sets you apart from the crowd? Join highly acclaimed author Emma Cooper in this transformative workshop where you’ll learn how to develop a writing style that is uniquely yours.
Maintaining Momentum When You Hit the Sticky Middle with Dr Anna Vaught
Every writer knows the struggle: you start your novel with excitement and energy, but somewhere in the middle, things start to lag. The dreaded “sticky middle” can make it hard to stay motivated and keep your story on track. But don’t worry—you’re not alone! In this dynamic workshop led by Dr Anna Vaught, you’ll learn practical strategies to power through that tricky phase and keep your writing flowing.
Using Beta Readers to Elevate Your Plot and Refine Your Story’s Essence with Eliza Knight
Do you ever feel uncertain about your plot’s pacing, structure, or impact? Are you looking for fresh insights to help refine your story before sending it out into the world? Join USA Today bestselling author Eliza Knight in this interactive workshop and learn how to harness the power of beta readers to fine-tune your manuscript and ensure it’s ready for success.
Q&A with Jericho Writers Team: Get Your Questions Answered About Our Services
The Q&A session is your chance to ask our team questions and clarify any doubts that may be holding you back from seeking support with your novel. Whether you’re struggling with structure, voice, or finding the right words, this Q&A is the perfect opportunity to dive deeper our services and how we can help you take your novel to the next level.
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 at the end. 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 renowned Ultimate Novel Writing Course. 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.
Holly Seddon
- Bio
- Books
- Genres
Holly Seddon is an international bestselling author and has worked in London as a journalist and editor. She also works with Jericho Writers as an Editor and Mentor. She has an MA in Creating Writing and lives in Kent with her family. Alongside fellow author Gillian McAllister, Holly co-hosts the popular Honest Authors Podcast.
- Crime/Thriller
- Women’s Fiction
- Literary Fiction
- Speculative Fiction
- Historical Fiction
- Narrative Non-Fiction
Gavin James Bower
- Bio
- Books
- Genres
Gavin James Bower BA (Hons) PhD FHEA graduated with a degree in History from the University of Sheffield, before working as an editor and publisher in London. He is the author of two novels and one nonfiction title. His journalism has featured in the Guardian, the Independent and Independent on Sunday, the Sunday Telegraph, Cosmopolitan, Esquire, and BBC Radio 5 Live. He now teaches Creative Writing at Bath Spa University.
- Contemporary Fiction
- Short Story Collections
- Creative Non-Fiction
Emma Cooper
- Bio
- Books
- Genres
- Awards
Emma is the author of highly acclaimed book club fiction novels and is known for mixing humour with darker emotional themes. Her debut, The Songs of Us, was snapped up in multiple pre-empts and auctions and was short-listed for the RNA contemporary novel of the year award. Her work has since been translated into seven different languages.
- Contemporary Fiction
- Literary Fiction
- Book Club Fiction
- Women’s Fiction
- Romance Fiction
- Shortlisted for RNA Contemporary Novel Award
Anna Vaught
- Bio
- Books
- Genres
Dr Anna Vaught is an English teacher, mentor and author of several books, including 2020’s novel Saving Lucia and short fiction collection, Famished. 2023 saw Saving Lucia published to national acclaim in Italy as Bang Bang Mussolini, memoir These Envoys of Beauty and the magical realism novel The Zebra and Lord Jones. Anna’s shorter and multi-genre works are widely published in journals, magazines and anthologies.
- Literary Fiction
- Contemporary Fiction
- Book Club (gothic, magical realism and historic)
- Speculative Fiction
- Middle Grade Fiction
- Young Adult Fiction
- Short Story Collections
- Memoir
Eliza Knight
- Bio
- Books
- Genres
- Awards
Eliza (E.) Knight is an award-winning, USA Today and internationally bestselling hybrid (traditionally and self-published) author of over eighty titles. Her latest novel, Starring Adele Astaire, was released this year with William Morrow (HarperCollins). Her books have been translated into several languages.
- Romance
- Historical Fiction
- Young Adult Fiction
- Memoir
- Women’s Fiction
- Contemporary Fiction
- Book Club
- Literary Fiction
- Crime/Thrillers
- Romance Writers of America – PRO Mentor of the Year
- RWA Honor Roll
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 begin your 2025 writing journey with confidence.
Why attend The Ultimate Start?
Expert Guidance
Practical Tools
Focused Writing Time
Supportive Community
Get 2025 off to the best start
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:
• Set clear, actionable writing goals
• Overcome writer’s block and stay motivated
• Find the USP of your novel
• Make sure your characters are three dimensional
• How to keep writing to the finish line
• Utilise Beta Readers to improve your plot
& much more!
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 Ultimate Novel Writing Course after completing The Ultimate Start on 18 January, 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 COURSE
Write a publishable novel in a year with the Ultimate Novel Writing Course. Our bestselling online course takes you from first draft, through to publication – with expert support and guidance every step of the way. £5450, 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.
