Introduction to writing a novel with Tasha Harrison

A one-day, in-person novel writing workshop in Brighton
Sat 22nd Nov 2025, Friends Meeting House, Ship Street, Brighton BN1 1AF

Who is this workshop for?
This is an in-person workshop for people who are trying to start or are in the middle of writing their first novel – whether writing for children (middle grade +), teenagers or adults. If you want your manuscript to be strong enough to submit to agents, but aren’t sure what that looks like or how to achieve it, this workshop will help you gain valuable insights into what you need to do. This workshop is not for writers wanting to write picture books for young children.

Why sign up for my workshop?
I had a long and bumpy journey to publication. Over 25 years I gained and lost agents, tried self-publishing, “died” on submission, was a runner-up in competitions, and received truckloads of rejections. I currently have two published books, two in progress, and a litany of manuscripts that met different fates – all of them learning experiences. For the past five years I’ve worked with many writers developing their first novel and it’s been hugely rewarding using my knowledge and experience to help people work out how to strengthen their writing. 

If your aim is to be a published author one day, it makes sense to study the craft as much as you can and learn about the industry. That’s what this workshop is designed to do: give you a basic grounding on the craft of storytelling and how to nurture your creativity, while also gaining some insight into the commercial side of things.

When: Sat 22nd November 2025, 9.30am–4.45pm (with a one hour break for lunch)
Where: The Quiet Room, Friends Meeting House, Ship Street, Brighton BN1 1AF. (A 10 minute walk from Brighton Station, in the heart of the Lanes, a 5 minute stroll from the beach.)
Cost: As this is my first workshop, I’m offering a discounted price of £145 per person. (Future workshops will cost £195 per person.)
Group size: No more than 8 people.
Accessibility: The Quiet Room at Friends Meeting House is on the ground floor and fully wheelchair accessible. Accessible loos are also on the ground floor and there are two blue badge parking bays on Ship Street about 50 yards from the venue.

What you’ll learn:
Ideas and inspiration: from developing ideas to genre, target audience, wordcount
Characterisation: what makes a compelling character; goals, flaws, growth
Plot and structure: hooks, story arcs, plot beats, key ingredients
Writing: dialogue; description; showing and telling
Getting ready to query agents: pitch letter, synopsis, comps
Publishing Q&A: the reasons agents reject manuscripts; how many submissions they get, plus any other questions you’d like to ask!

There will be different writing exercises to do throughout the day with the aim of putting into practice some of what we’ve been talking about.

What you’ll get:
• A deeper understanding of what writing a novel involves.
• Insights on how to develop your work in progress.
• A closer look at creativity.
• A clearer idea of what agents are looking for in submissions.
• A basic grounding on how the publishing industry works, from going out on submission to deals, edits and distribution.
• A day spent with a group of like-minded people talking all things writing and books in this vibrant, creative city by the sea! 

What you’ll need:
Please bring a notebook and pen, or a laptop if you prefer. We’ll take a one hour break for lunch. There are plenty of cafes within a 2 minute walk of the venue. Tea, coffee and water will be provided.

Please read the terms and conditions before booking a place.