writing /ˈrʌɪtɪŋ/

Why not join us in ‘The Writing Room’ — because everyone has a book in them, right?

Give yourself time to find out if you do.

I’m offering five two-hour sessions this Autumn. Book into one – book into a couple – book into them all. It’s up to you. 

Each session will include time to write, to talk and to share, as well as…

• a group of no more than 7 people 
• exercises to do during the session and as ‘homework’
• a chance to share your writing for group feedback
• tea, coffee and biscuits!
• support and encouragement

October 8th

Reading is breathing in, writing is breathing out: reading as a writer

A chance to look at how we absorb the techniques and style of the writers we love. How do writers do it, and what can we learn from them?

October 22nd

Whose story is this? Creating and maintaining narrative perspective

Getting the voice right is at the heart of any story. First person, third person, limited, omniscient, reliable or not – we’ll look at who’s talking and why.

November 5th

Show, don’t tell: describing without description

It’s an old chestnut – show, don’t tell – but there’s a reason for that! We’ll look at negotiating that tricky balance to create richly textured settings and characters.

November 19th

Small is beautiful: why writing short stories is different

The process of writing a short story is so different to that of writing a novel. We’ll look at what makes a great short story and how they’re put together.

December 3rd

Red pens at the ready! Editing your own work

Reading and editing your own work is hard. We’ll look at ways to approach the process of reviewing and revising all that lovely writing you’ve done.

Where? 36 Woodland Close, Tring HP23 6BZ

What time? 7.30–9.30pm

How much? £30 for one // £85 for three // £135 for all five

readingroomtring@gmail.com for more details or to book

Why this? Why now? Why me?

I’ve been writing for years, and I’ve been working as a fiction editor and writing coach since 2019, usually with people who are writing their first novels. I know how hard it is to get started, even if you have been carrying that idea around for ages, and I know how much the support and encouragement of a writing group can make a difference.

Here’s one of the loveliest testimonials I think I’ve ever received:

I want to thank Pippa for her immense help. An academic working in fiction for the first time is like an explorer struggling to navigate an unknown world. Pippa not only saved me from pitfalls and wandering aimlessly, she gave me a detailed roadmap that helped me trust that the story would carry the historical research. Her detailed and insightful [support] has been most helpful in illuminating the best path forward. I enthusiastically recommend her.” Jeffrey Pugh

Jeffrey’s novel Cages is now available (on Amazon and elsewhere) and I’m so proud to have been part of the process of getting it out into the world.

I’ve also published various short stories and poems. My first (as yet unpublished) novel was shortlisted in the Novel London 2020 competition and I’m hard at work on my second and a poem of mine was nominated for the 2023 Pushcart Prize. I do love working with other writers – and I like to think I have the eye of an editor combined with the manner of a very enthusiastic cheerleader!

Think you’d like to join us? I’d love to see you round the table. 

readingroomtring@gmail.com for more details or to book

“Love words, agonize over sentences. And pay attention to the world.”

Susan Sontag