start & Write your novel

Start & Write.

You have an idea, but don’t know how to turn it into a novel? Get clear guidance, structure, and a motivation boost before you begin writing.

Start & Write is a 1:1 Zoom consultation designed to take you from spark to plan: Together, we'll shape your premise, clarify what kind of book you're actually writing, and map out your next steps so you can begin with confidence. From there, you can continue with regular mentoring sessions to maintain momentum and receive guidance as your manuscript develops.


What’s included

  • A clear and compelling premise for your novel

  • Guidance on genre, structure, point of view, voice, and narrative direction

  • Recommendations for research and reading to strengthen your project before you begin writing

  • Clear next steps for moving your project forward, with optional ongoing mentoring and accountability

Who it’s for

  • You have a premise, theme, or character… but don’t know how to build a novel around it

  • You keep “starting” and stalling

  • You’re unsure about structure, genre, POV, or what happens next

  • You want expert direction before you invest months in a draft you’re unsure of

No manuscript required

You don’t need to send pages, text, or notes in advance. You can come with a rough idea, a voice memo’s worth of thoughts, or even just a question you can’t shake. Start & Write is designed for writers who are still developing their idea, rather than seeking feedback on an existing manuscript. If you already have substantial material you'd like me to read, Pitch or Edit will usually be the better fit.

  • 30 minutes — Quick Start & Write
     For a focused question or a stuck point you want to break through.

    60 minutes — Standard Start & Write
     The best all-round option: clarity + structure + next steps.

    90 minutes — Deep Start & Write
     For big ideas, complex structures, multiple timelines, or if you want time to workshop possibilities.

    30-90 minutes —Regular Writing Meetings
    Writing a novel is a marathon, not a sprint. Through ongoing one-to-one mentoring, I'll help you stay accountable, maintain momentum, and navigate the creative challenges that arise along the way. Sessions can take place weekly, fortnightly, or monthly, depending on your writing pace, schedule, and budget, and can continue for as long as you need—from a few months to one or two years. Before each session, I'll read your latest manuscript excerpts or chapters so we can discuss them in depth.

    • 30 minutes (Quick Start & Write): $60

    • 60 minutes (Standard Start & Write): $110

    • 90 minutes (Deep Start & Write): $150

    • 30-90 minutes (Regular Writing Meetings): Please book a Start & Write session first. If you decide to continue with regular mentoring, we'll discuss a tailored programme and fees based on your project's complexity, the frequency of meetings, and the amount of manuscript reading required.

  • 20% off for

    Referrals: If you refer a friend or colleague who books a service or if you book together with a friend or colleague.

    Students with proof of enrolment (student card or current enrolment email).

  • I offer a limited number of fully funded 90-minute Start & Write sessions for scholarship holders.

    This is the same Deep Start format (90 minutes on Zoom), designed to help you turn an idea into a workable novel plan: structure, next steps, and a clear path into drafting.

    Eligibility + terms: Scholarship sessions are granted to scholarship holders only. Full Terms & Conditions can be found here [link coming soon]