Our Developing your Novel or Memoir Day at Asia House

By Jacqueline Smith, Client Services Manager at The Writing Coach

The Perfect Venue

It’s always sunny at Asia House and May 9th this year was no exception! We love returning to this special venue each year and it was wonderful to enjoy the day with our attendees, many of whom are loyal members of our online writing community.

This year our focus was on the development of writing projects, but we also touched on the route to publication via conversations with our literary agent guests. During the day Jacqui led a number of interactive talks and exercises to help us deepen our writing.

What is the question at the heart of your novel?

After welcomes and introductions, accompanied by delicious coffee and pastries, Jacqui started focusing our thoughts on the story’s pulse – what makes a reader keep reading?

Lots of note taking, lively discussion and laughter followed at our tables and it’s easy to see from the photos how much attendees enjoyed themselves. Writing can be a lonely pursuit and so talking and bonding with others in the community is always a joy. We were delighted to welcome photographer Aaron Kerezovic this year to document the day for us – we’re delighted with the results!

Meeting the Agents

After a short coffee break it was time for the literary agents to join us. This year, we welcomed Florence Rees from AM Heath and Katie Kennaway from C and W Agency.

Jacqui chaired a discussion with the agents, followed by an open Q and A. The interviews gave a fascinating and realistic view into the everyday life of a literary agent, with Florence and Katie sharing what they’re looking for in a submission – a combination of memorable characters, an interesting story and something that says something about the world…

Lunch was delicious as ever and gave everybody a chance to mingle, make connections and talk with the agents.

Character, Voice and Narrative Depth

Then it was time for Jacqui to build on her earlier workshop with her afternoon session on Character, Voice and Narrative Depth. She discussed how character must develop during the story and we journalled around the question, ‘What is an essential ‘element’ of your character’s journey?’

Finally, Jacqui gave advice on how to transform the ‘Saggy Middle’ of a novel by raising the stakes, introducing a twist and much more besides…

Our Visualiser

We were thrilled to be joined once again by cartoonist and visualiser David Lewis (who happens to be Jacqui’s husband!). David brought his usual genius and quick thinking to the proceedings and you can see some of his brilliant cartoons below.

By the end of the day, many of us had made new contacts, enjoyed reconnecting with our ‘online’ friends and gained the energy and excitement to commit fully to our writing projects.

This year has seen three of our clients being taken on by literary agents and we look forward to celebrating more successes in the coming months.

If you’re interested in joining our Literary Community and would like to have a chat, please email me at jacqueline@thewritingcoach.co.uk