Our Workshops

Who are they for?

We welcome everyone from beginners to seasoned writers. If you have a draft of a novel already created, this is for you. Equally if you are just starting out and this is your first go at long-form fiction, take courage! That will also be fine. The masterclasses are designed to transform your writing life and grow your confidence, equipping you with the tools you need to write the novel you’ve always dreamed of seeing on the shelves. It will be a highly practical course, with the emphasis on bringing your novel to fruition and finding joy in the creative life, in a beautiful setting and a congenial, supportive environment.

ENQUIRES

Our Spring 2027 Workshop

There will be morning masterclasses from the main tutor, time for focused writing, and individual sessions with a top literary agent and editor. Masterclasses will be interactive and participatory, with you being prompted by the tutor in creative writing exercises to think deeply and originally, and engage with your own writing process.

Monday 12 April

Arrive at the stunning Hyll Hotel in Chipping Campden.
12 - 1pm: An introductory lecture and welcome to participants, from Clare, Luigi, Alison and Jo, with a briefing on what to expect from the next few days
Light lunch at the hotel.
2 - 4pm: A practical writing workshop with Clare Mackintosh, beginning with developing your idea, before building the structural ‘scaffolding’ of your novel.
Welcome drinks and your first supper at 7pm at the hotel.

Tuesday 13 April

Breakfast at the hotel.
10am - 12pm: A practical writing workshop with Clare Mackintosh, focusing on creating three-dimensional characters your readers will want to follow to the final page… and beyond.
Light lunch at the hotel.
2 - 4pm: two-hour session with Luigi and Alison. Luigi and Alison will introduce themselves and share their insider knowledge and vital tips from a lifetime as publisher, agent and author. They will also discuss how the publishing industry works, and the role of the agent in the entire process. Jo James will also be on hand to explain how festivals work – submissions process, timing, panel curation, etc
Free evening to explore the local area.

Wednesday 14 April

Breakfast at the hotel.
10am - 12pm: A practical writing workshop with Clare Mackintosh, learning how to shape your fictional worlds so they feel real.
Light lunch at the hotel.
2 - 4pm: two-hour workshop from Luigi and Alison Bonomi on how to create a perfect pitch aimed at agents, selling your work and yourself, your submission letter and the importance of the title and the first page.
Free evening to explore the local area.

Thursday 15 April

Breakfast at the hotel.
10am - 12pm: A practical writing workshop with Clare Mackintosh, exploring ways to edit your work and make your prose sing.
Light lunch at the hotel.
2 - 5pm: A wonderful opportunity for all participants to discuss your work and aspirations on a one-to-one basis with Luigi and Alison, with afternoons on Thursday and Friday set aside for that purpose. You will be given personalised tips on how you can make your work as commercial and appealing as possible to agents and editors. This in-depth opportunity to polish and perfect your writing with the tutors, whether you’re a complete beginner or have been pursuing your dream of publication for years, is not to be missed.
Farewell dinner at the hotel.

Friday 16 April

Breakfast at the hotel
10am - 12pm: This final session with Clare Mackintosh will provide space to revisit or strengthen learnings from the week, as well as an opportunity to ask questions about Clare’s experience of publishing and author life.
Light lunch at the hotel.
Final one-to-one sessions with Luigi and Alison
Departure.

Over five days, you will have an unparalleled opportunity to hone your skills and learn from some of the industry’s most experienced individuals, while also staying in one of the most beautiful and inspiring hotels in the Cotswolds.

Do book early as places are strictly limited.

Enquire further…

Please complete the form below to register your interest in attending our Spring 2027 Workshop, and for any other enquiries about the course itself, the venue, or available pricing options.

A member of our team will get back to you very soon.