Writing Workshop: The New Year’s Resolution.
6 months to finishing a novel. January - June 2027.
4 Workshops
1 × 3,000 word line edit
Regular 'Office Hours’
Additional option for an agent querying workshop
Ready to actually stick to your new year’s resolution? Let’s go.
I have designed a six month writing course that takes you all the way to the summer at which point you can down tools and relax in the knowledge that you are better than everyone else.
Taking you from the early stages of a novel (even the seed of an idea) all the way up to editing the first draft and querying agents, let me hold your hand (over the internet) through four online workshops and an accountability check in. That’s right - I will offer each person feedback on 3,000 words which means in order to get your money’s worth you’ve got to have something to show me.
All workshops will be held online and will be one hour long.
Once a week I will provide my ‘office hour’ by which I mean I will be available on email to answer questions, queries, concerns and to offer moral support to anyone who needs a drop in.
Workshop One: Starting From the Bottom
Weds January 13th - 6pm - 7pm
Conception and development (basically just sitting down and actually doing it)
Scene setting and world building
Realistic ways to integrate writing into your daily life
Goals, targets and motivators to get to a fully finished first draft
Planning for the next six months
Workshop Two: Main Character Syndrome
Weds February 10th - 6pm - 7pm
Character development - turning the people you’ve been chatting with in your head into vivid characters that jump off the page
Chemistry! It’s one thing to have the greatest hook in the world but your novel will live or die by the people you’re writing about and whether they connect with your readers
Minor characters and bit parts - creating a world for your protagonists to live in that is fully formed
March = Big Writing Month (I will be available once a week for office hours to answer all your questions.)
Workshop Three: Doing it for the Plot
Weds April 14th - 6pm - 7pm
Creating a solid structure and overcoming the dreaded ‘baggy middle’
Pacing and momentum
The basics of plotting - mapping out everything you need to keep your readers locked in and turning the page
Accountability check in: May
Send me 3,000 words by May 1st and I’ll send back line edits and 500 words of feedback by the end of the month.
Workshop Four: The Big edit
Weds June 16th - 6pm - 7pm
Ruthless self editing and the horror of reading back the first draft
Second draft planning
Structural vs line edit
Big Q+A
Optional Add on, Workshop Five: Agent querying and the basics of publishing
Query letters
Writing a very boring, very good synopsis
Who to approach and when
Being hopeful, realistic and staying focused on the writing
AMA
FAQs // Terms and Conditions
FAQS
How much does it cost?
£335 all inclusive of the workshops/line edits/office hours - January - June (13 places available)
£75.00 low income concession rate (2 places available)
Additional add on workshop (agents and querying) - £75.00 (2 x low income at £20.00)
Cost includes 20% off all my individual editing/mentoring services.
Will there be loads of audience participation?
Only as much as you’re comfortable with. I would never pick on anyone who doesn’t want to share but I do ask that everyone introduce themselves at the beginning of the workshop even if you ultimately decide to switch your camera off and just listen in. In my experience these things always work better the more interactive the group are and can be brilliant places to make a group of writer friends.
Is there a code of conduct?
Please be mindful and respectful of all attendees. My workshops are a safe space to share work and questions without being subject to any discriminatory behaviour or language of any kind including but not limited to: homophobia, transphobia, racism, ableism, fatphobia, ageism or sexism. If I determine that someone is making the space uncomfortable or unsafe for myself or other attendees I reserve the right to remove them from the course at any time. My decision is final.
How do I sign up?
You just fill in the form below. I’ll send you payment details and all the information! Please keep scrolling to read Ts and Cs before signing up.
Terms & Conditions: Finished by Christmas Six-Month Novel Writing Course and The New Year’s Resolution Six-Month Novel Writing Course.
1. Introduction
These Terms and Conditions apply to all bookings for the Six-Month Novel Writing Course (“the Course”) delivered online by Laura Kay (“the Tutor”, “we”, “us”). By booking a place, participants (“you”, “the student”) agree to these Terms in full. Please read them carefully before enrolling.
2. Course Overview
The Course runs from 1 July to 31 December (Finished by Christmas) or 1 January - 1 July (New Year’s Resolution) and includes:
Four online workshops (each 1 hour)
One accountability check-in, each with 3,000 words of student writing and personalised feedback
A weekly one-hour “office hour” via Google Chat for informal questions and support
Access to any materials shared during the Course
The Course guides writers from early idea development through first drafts, editing, and preparing to query agents.
3. Booking & Payment
3.1. Booking confirmation
Your place on the Course is confirmed only once full payment has been received by the deadline provided to you by the Tutor.
3.2. Payment methods
Payment must be made via the methods listed on the booking page. We cannot accept payment by cheque or cash.
3.3. Eligibility
Participants must be aged 18 or over.
4. Cancellations, Refunds & Transfers
4.1. Cancellation by the student
You have the right to cancel your booking within 14 days of purchase (the “cooling-off period”). If you choose to begin accessing any part of the Course, including workshops, materials, or office hours, you expressly consent to the service beginning immediately and acknowledge that you waive your right to cancel.
After the 14-day cooling-off period has expired, no refunds will be offered for any reason, including non-attendance, changes in personal circumstances, or failure to participate in the Course.
4.2. Transfers
Places may be transferred to another student or to a future course, provided that you notify the Tutor in writing at least 30 days before the Course start date. Transfers are subject to availability and are permitted only once. After the Course has begun, no transfers to other students or future courses will be permitted under any circumstances.
4.3. Discretionary refunds
We may consider exceptional circumstances at our discretion, but we are not obliged to issue refunds outside the policy above.
4.4. Cancellation or rescheduling by the Tutor
We reserve the right to reschedule workshops and change delivery platforms. If the entire Course is cancelled, you will receive a full refund. We are not responsible for any additional costs incurred.
5. Course Delivery
5.1. Workshops
Workshops take place online via the platform specified in advance. All times are given in UK time, and students are responsible for local timezone conversions.
5.2. Recordings
Workshops may be recorded for the benefit of enrolled students.
Recordings will only be accessible to participants and will not be used publicly.
Recordings will remain available for a limited time.
Students must not make their own recordings without explicit permission.
5.3. Office Hours
Weekly office hours are optional drop-ins via Google Chat. Times may vary over holiday periods; any changes will be communicated in advance.
5.4. Accountability Check-Ins
Students may submit up to 3,000 words for check-ins in September and November.
Work must be submitted by the deadlines provided.
Late submissions may not receive feedback.
Missed submissions cannot be rolled over or replaced.
5.5. Scope of Feedback
Feedback consists of line edits and approx. 500 words of notes. This is an educational service, not a professional editing or sensitivity reading service, and does not constitute editorial endorsement.
5.6. Technology Requirements
Students are responsible for:
Reliable internet access
A device capable of joining video calls
Software for reading/viewing documents
We cannot be held responsible for technical issues on the student’s side.
6. Student Responsibilities
6.1. Active participation
Attendance at workshops and office hours is encouraged but not compulsory.
6.2. Meeting deadlines
Students must submit work on time for accountability check-ins. Non-submission does not entitle the student to a refund or alternative feedback.
6.3. Respectful behaviour (Code of Conduct)
We aim to create an inclusive, supportive environment. The following behaviour is strictly prohibited:
Harassment, bullying, or discriminatory language
Aggressive or disruptive conduct
Sharing other students’ work without permission
Recording sessions without consent
Violation may result in removal from the Course without refund.
7. Confidentiality & Intellectual Property
7.1. Your work
All writing you share remains your intellectual property. We will not use, reproduce, or share it without your explicit consent.
7.2. Other students’ work
You must treat all shared writing as confidential. It may not be copied, reproduced, or discussed outside the Course.
7.3. Course materials
Course materials are the intellectual property of the Tutor and provided for personal use only. They may not be shared, republished, or used for teaching purposes.
8. Accessibility
We strive to make the Course accessible. If you have access needs, please contact me before booking so we can discuss reasonable adjustments.
9. Liability
We provide educational guidance but cannot guarantee:
Completion of a novel
Securing an agent
Publication
Any particular creative, professional, or commercial outcome
Our liability is limited to the amount paid for the Course. We are not responsible for technical difficulties, loss of data, or interruptions beyond our control.
10. Data Protection
We handle all personal information in accordance with relevant data protection legislation. Your details will never be sold or shared except where necessary for course delivery (e.g., payment processors or communication platforms).
11. Amendments
We reserve the right to update these Terms as necessary. Any changes affecting your participation will be communicated directly to you.