Stories Start Here

We've been helping writers discover their voice and craft compelling short stories since 2020. What began as weekend workshops has grown into something much more meaningful.

Creative writing workshop session with focused participants

Vintage typewriter surrounded by handwritten manuscript pages

How We Started

Back in 2020, I was running a small bookshop in Northampton when three local writers approached me about hosting writing meetups. What started as informal discussions over coffee evolved into structured sessions where people shared their work and received genuine feedback.

The demand surprised us. Within six months, we had a waiting list of forty writers wanting to join our sessions. That's when we realised we needed to expand beyond casual meetups.

Our breakthrough moment: In autumn 2021, five of our workshop participants had their short stories published in established literary magazines. Word spread quickly through the writing community.

By 2022, we'd moved from the bookshop's back room to proper teaching spaces. We started developing structured programmes that balanced creative freedom with practical technique. The focus remained clear: helping writers craft short stories that readers actually want to finish.

What Drives Our Work

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Authentic Voice Development

Every writer has a unique perspective. We help you discover and strengthen that voice rather than imposing formulaic approaches. Your stories should sound like you, not like everyone else.

Practical Skill Building

Good intentions don't create good stories. We focus on concrete techniques for character development, dialogue, pacing, and structure that you can apply immediately to your writing.

Supportive Community

Writing can feel isolating. Our workshops create an environment where honest feedback helps you improve while maintaining the confidence to keep writing and experimenting.

Evelyn Hartwell

Lead Instructor

Meet Our Lead Instructor

Evelyn has been teaching creative writing for over twelve years, with her short fiction appearing in journals across the UK and Ireland. She studied English Literature at Durham University and completed her MA in Creative Writing at Bath Spa.

What sets Evelyn apart is her practical approach to storytelling. She focuses on what actually makes readers keep turning pages rather than abstract literary theory. Her workshops have helped over 300 writers develop their craft since 2020.

When she's not teaching, Evelyn runs a monthly reading series in Northampton and mentors emerging writers through the regional arts council. She believes every story has potential – it just needs the right guidance to find its way.

Our Teaching Philosophy

We believe great short stories come from understanding both craft and creativity. Here's how we approach that balance.

Story Over Style

Fancy prose means nothing if readers don't care what happens next. We teach you to build compelling narratives first, then enhance them with your personal writing style.

Real Feedback

Gentle encouragement has its place, but honest critique helps you improve. We provide constructive feedback that identifies specific areas for development while recognising your strengths.

Publish-Ready Work

Our goal isn't just helping you write stories – it's preparing you to share them with the world. We cover submission guidelines, market research, and professional presentation.

Individual Growth

No two writers are the same. We adapt our teaching methods to your learning style, genre preferences, and current skill level rather than using one-size-fits-all approaches.

Stack of published literary magazines featuring student work

127

Student publications since 2021

95%

Programme completion rate

View Programmes