Each week we’ll read a contemporary short story which we will then discuss in detail, thinking particularly about what you can learn from it as a writer. Short stories writers are likely to include Tobias Wolff, Mahesh Rao, Jhumpa Lahiri, Celeste Ng and Vee Walker. We’ll explore aspects of writing including point of view, different ways of handling time, risk-taking, creating a world, using dialogue and playing with form.
This will be followed by some writing time, using prompts based on the techniques discussed. There’s no pressure to share work in class, but at the end of the course you’ll have the opportunity to submit one short story (max 3000 words) to me for detailed feedback. Suitable for writers with all levels of experience. Beginners very welcome!
Dates: Every Thursday, 6.30pm to 8.30pm, from 24th October to 19th December 2024 (excluding Thurs 31st Oct). Zoom link provided on sign up.
Fee: £250. [This course has now started.]
Each week we’ll read a piece of non-fiction in advance of the workshop (e.g. a personal essay, an extract from a memoir) which we will then discuss in detail, thinking particularly about what we can learn from it as writers. Writers are likely to include Sarah Manguso, Geoff Dyer, Chris Arthur and Maggie Nelson. We’ll explore aspects of writing including making yourself into a character, different ways of handling time, playing with form, exploratory versus argumentative essays, truth versus creativity, and the basics of good non-fiction writing.
This will be followed by some writing time, using prompts based on the techniques discussed. There’s no pressure to share work in class, but at the end of the course you’ll have the opportunity to submit a piece of non-fiction (max 3000 words) to me for detailed feedback.
Dates: Every Tuesday, 6.30pm to 8.30pm, from 18th February to 8th April 2025 (8 sessions). Zoom link provided on sign up.
Fee: £250. Do contact me if you’d like to sign up or if you have any questions.
Are you writing a novel and looking for some support and creative input? This course will consider different aspects of novel-writing, including structure, voice, story, character, setting, handling time, themes and genres. We will look at extracts from published examples and discuss them detail, thinking particularly about what we can learn from them for our own novels-in-progress.
This will be followed by some writing time, using prompts based on the techniques discussed as well as the opportunity to work on your own novel-in-progress. There’s no pressure to share work in class, but at the end of the course you’ll have the opportunity to submit an extract of your novel to me for one-to-one feedback.
You can be at any stage of your own novel to join this course – whether you have just the seed of an idea, or are redrafting a full manuscript.
Dates: TBC. Likely to be May and June on Tuesdays, 6.30pm to 8.30pm.
Fee: £250. Do contact me if you’d like to receive more details about this course in early 2025.
As a writer of fiction, poetry and creative non-fiction, I work with writers in all forms and genres. As well as mentoring and editing services, I also offer one-to-one Zoom/phone chats, so if you’d like to discuss any aspect of the creative process – including finding time to write, getting ideas, redrafting, etc. then I can offer you a one-to-one conversation focused on your needs. Or perhaps you’d like to find out more about the professional side of being a writer – entering competitions, placing your work with journals and magazines, querying agents or getting a publishing deal.
I’m also available for readings, Q&A sessions, workshops and residential courses. I’ve taught for Moniack Mhor and been a Guest Reader for the Arvon Foundation, as well as leading workshops at many book festivals. I’m registered with the Scottish Book Trust’s Live Literature Database and give talks and writing workshops for a wide range of community groups – and I am happy to devise workshops and courses to fit with existing interests.
To connect with me about any aspect of my tutoring services, please get in touch via the contact page.
“Victoria’s approach to editing and storytelling is rigorous, considered and comprehensive, yet also brings with it her own personal brand of enthusiasm, kindness and her vast reservoir of experience as teacher and writer. She is a joy to work with, leaving one with a precious sense of uplift and possibility afterwards.”
— Lauren Mackenzie, mentee (debut novel The Couples published by John Murray, 2023)
“Writing a novel is a lonely experience and I was suffering from ‘imposter syndrome’, convinced that I was wasting my time. What I liked most about working with Vicky was that her feedback was so encouraging and inspired me to keep going but, at the same time, she also provides an honest and useful appraisal. I would highly recommend Vicky’s critique services to any writer at any stage of their writing process.”
— Gemma Al-Khayat, mentee
“Vicky is a very accomplished editor with a sharp eye for factual, grammatical and stylistic detail as well as a strong sense of the overall manuscript. Her comments on rhythm, sound, and my verbal tics helped me to polish my style. Her readings of my characters and plot were sensitive and thoughtful. This gentle but rigorous approach made it easy for me to absorb any constructive criticisms, knowing that Vicky had faith in my overall project and my ability to achieve it.”
— Charlotte Clutterbuck, mentee