Once a month we’ll meet online to discuss a book we’ve read in advance. We’ll explore it from the perspective of what we can learn from it as writers – the techniques used, the effects these have, what works well for us, what’s less successful. We’ll consider the book’s structure, tone, vocabulary, use of imagery, and (where appropriate) characterisation and plot. It will be a guided, in-depth and lively discussion, offering the opportunity to get to think about a book in detail. Books will include novels, a collection of short-fiction and some non-fiction.
Dates:
Thurs 9th Oct 2025, 18.30-20.30: Catherine Lacey – Biography of X (novel)
Thurs 6th Nov 2025, 18.30-20.30: Richard Flanagan – Question 7 (non-fiction)
Thurs 11th Dec 2025, 18.30-20.30: Damon Galgut – The Promise (novel)
Thurs 5th Feb 2026, 18.30-20.30: Christiane Ritter – A Woman in the Polar Night (non-fiction)
Thurs 5th Mar 2026, 18.30-20.30: Shirley Hazzard – The Great Fire (novel)
Thurs 9th Apr 2026, 18.30-20.30: Maggie Armstrong – Old Romantics (short stories)
Fee: £120. Participants will need to purchase the texts themselves.
If you’re interested, please get in touch using the Contact page, send me an email, or message me on Bluesky.
Are you a writer who’d like to read more poetry but don’t know where to start? Do you feel perplexed or even intimidated by contemporary poetry, and would like to feel more confident about reading it? In this relaxed, no-pressure workshop we’ll read several contemporary poems together in close detail and think about some of the ways poetry differs from fiction – including line breaks, rhythm and rhyme. We’ll be particularly thinking about what reading poetry can offer writers of fiction, and how developing your poetry-reading skills can make you a more perceptive reader in general.
Date: Mon 20th October, 19.00-20.30, on Zoom.
Fee: £50 or free to paid Substack subscribers.
If you’re interested, please get in touch using the Contact page, send me an email, or message me on Bluesky.
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