WOMEN'S WRITING DAYS: A Working Synopsis

In the first of our new series of one-day courses, award-winning novelist and tutor Manya Wilkinson will help you develop a working synopsis. 

This 300-word document will act as a blueprint and focus for your novel: to steer your manuscript while you're writing, to anchor your thinking when you're editing, and to serve as the basis of your submission when it's finished.

She says: 'If a novel's not quite working, it's almost always a problem with the structure'. Maybe there's too much plot and not enough characterisation. Maybe your subplots are interfering with your main story. Perhaps the pace is too slow – or too fast. 

Manya's unique day-long masterclass will take you through a variety of structuring techniques and exercises that will help you peel away the outer layers of your book to reveal its beating heart. 

What you'll leave with 

• 5-point plan for structuring your novel to work through until you finish your manuscript

• 300-word working synopsis, which is the guide map of your novel

• 150-word core concept for your pitch letter, which is essential when pitching to agents 

Who is it for

This Writing Day is ideal for you if:

• Your first draft isn't working, and you're not sure why

• You're stuck in the middle of your story and want an expert to guide you through

• You have a great idea, but don't know how to develop it

• You're passionate about your craft and want to learn more

What past participants say 

Writers are often unsure of who to take craft advice from. But after women in our community experience Manya's teaching, they frequently feel a renewed sense of direction and purpose:

'Manya's day was a high point for me. Her sessions were really thoughtful and incredibly helpful. She is obviously a very skilled teacher.' 

'I feel as if I have been guided out of the undergrowth.'

'Manya's teaching on structure was wonderful. I truly made some shifts forward with some blocks I'd been having.'  

'Now I know how to move forward with a book I’ve been struggling with for 14 years.'

When is it

• 10-4, Friday 27 March

or

• 10-4, Sunday 29 March

We offer two bursary places for low-income writers. Please fill out this form and return it to postbag@mslexia.co.uk by 23 Feb.

Artwork: Roxana Halls