Curtis Brown Creative

Curtis Brown Creative

@cbcreative.bsky.social

Start your story with expert teaching from acclaimed authors, leading literary agents and top publishers. Writing courses online and in London. https://www.curtisbrowncreative.co.uk/

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Curtis Brown Creative
@cbcreative.bsky.social

#Discoveries2027 is open for entries! We've partnered with @womensprize.bsky.social, the Curtis Brown Group and Audible to run this writing development programme for unpublished women writers in the UK or Ireland. Submit the first 10,000 words of your novel-in-progress by 11 Jan 2027!

curtisbrowncreative.co.ukDiscoveries 2027Calling all unpublished women writers! The Women’s Prize Trust, Audible, The Curtis Brown Group and Curtis Brown Creative have partnered to run the Discoveries novel-writing development programme for…
Curtis Brown Creative
@cbcreative.bsky.social

'Great characters are the beating heart of novels, and that’s possibly even more the case for YA and middle grade fiction' ✨ Award-winning YA author @lawrencepatrice.bsky.social shares her advice on how to create convincing characters for your YA or middle grade novel:

curtisbrowncreative.co.ukHow to create a young adult or middle grade protagonistGreat characters are the beating heart of novels, and that’s possibly even more the case for YA and middle grade fiction. So how do we go about creating compelling characters that younger readers…
Curtis Brown Creative
@cbcreative.bsky.social

'I believe books and reading are the best way for young minds to explore and experience the world' 🚀 Award-winning children’s & YA author @catwrote.bsky.social shares her tips for dealing with hard-hitting topics in a way that works for younger readers.

curtisbrowncreative.co.ukCatherine Johnson on writing for younger readers | Author interviewCatherine Johnson is an award-winning children’s and YA author. Her book Sawbones won the Young Quills Prize for best Historical Fiction and was nominated for the Carnegie medal in 2015. Her…
Curtis Brown Creative
@cbcreative.bsky.social

'Take your characters wherever you go, and try and see the world through their eyes' 📚️ Former CBC student & internationally bestselling children's author Jack Meggitt-Phillips shares his top tips for creating funny characters in children’s books, with insights from his latest book #ThePotionOfDoom.

curtisbrowncreative.co.ukHow to create funny characters in children’s booksIn this advice blog Jack Meggitt-Phillips, internationally bestselling author of the The Beast and the Bethany series, shares his advice for creating funny characters.
Curtis Brown Creative
@cbcreative.bsky.social

Join us in London on 5 Nov for a Masterclass with John Yorke! The story expert will discuss the importance of narrative structure and draw on insights from his latest book #TripToTheMoon. Ticket price includes a copy of the book. Limited spaces remaining, get your ticket:

curtisbrowncreative.co.ukMasterclass with John York | London EventLearn from one of the world's leading narrative storytelling experts John Yorke during this special masterclass to celebrate his latest non-fiction book. Join us in London on Thurs 5 Nov from 7pm to…
Curtis Brown Creative
@cbcreative.bsky.social

Editing a novel can feel daunting, but don’t worry! 🖊️ Finishing your first draft is a huge accomplishment. It can be scary to start the editing process, but it’s also where the real magic happens. Here are five tips to help you through the process:

curtisbrowncreative.co.uk5 essential editing tips to make your novel flyIt’s a huge accomplishment to make it all the way to a completed first draft of a novel. We know it can be daunting to start the editing process – but it can also be fun because it is at this stage…
Curtis Brown Creative
@cbcreative.bsky.social

Thinking of entering #Discoveries2027? Sign up for Your Novel: How to Get Started! 📖 🖊️ @womensprize.bsky.social Jennifer Kerslake, Head of Courses at CBC, will chair this free event on Thurs 12 Nov. The panel includes Discoveries 2027 judges: Ciara Finan, Oyinkan Braithwaite and Ela Lee.

curtisbrowncreative.co.ukYour Novel: How to Get Started Webinar | Discoveries 2027Start preparing your submission to Discoveries 2027! Join our free online event and get advice on how to write a great novel opening that will hook the judges.
Curtis Brown Creative
@cbcreative.bsky.social

'Writing for teenagers can be an enriching experience on so many levels' 🍋 Former CBC student and YA author of #TheThingAboutLemons @dotdashtash.bsky.social shares her insights on how to write engaging stories that teens will want to read. Read full advice blog:

curtisbrowncreative.co.ukHow to write YA fiction: Tips from author Tasha HarrisonHow do you write YA fiction? Former CBC student and author Tasha Harrison, shares her top tips and practical advice for writing engaging stories that teens will want to read.
Curtis Brown Creative
@cbcreative.bsky.social

Not long left to sign up for The Rewrite Doctor! 💪 Join Anna Davis for a one-day intensive course. Perfect for writers with a finished draft, learn Anna's much-loved editing method & knock your novel into better shape. Plus, you'll receive personalised feedback! Course runs 11 Nov, sign up now:

curtisbrowncreative.co.ukThe Rewrite Doctor | Editing CourseThis one-day intensive Zoom course led by CBC’s Founder and MD Anna Davis is the perfect next step for writers who have finished the first draft of their novel and want to learn how to knock it into…
Curtis Brown Creative
@cbcreative.bsky.social

How do I get a literary agent? ✍️ When you’ve written a novel and made it the best possible version of itself, it’s time to consider how you’re going to bring it to market. Check out our advice for researching literary agents and putting together an enticing pitch package:

curtisbrowncreative.co.ukHow do I get a literary agent?Learn how to find and approach literary agents, including tips on creating all three elements needed for your pitch package: a concise pitch letter, a one-page synopsis and, most importantly, your…
Curtis Brown Creative
@cbcreative.bsky.social

'Read widely, write every day and never feel that time spent doing either is wasted' 📚 Bestselling author & tutor of our Writing Your Novel – Three Months course, Andrew Michael Hurley shares his journey to publication, what the term 'folk horror' means & his approach to teaching creative writing.

curtisbrowncreative.co.ukAndrew Michael Hurley: 'Read widely, write every day and never feel that time spent doing either is wasted'Prize-winning author Andrew Micahel Hurley talks us through his journey to publication, what folk horror means to him and his approach to creative writing.
Curtis Brown Creative
@cbcreative.bsky.social

Breakthrough Novel-Writing Scholarship for Writers with Low Income. This scholarship will award one talented writer with limited financial means a place on our three-month online Writing Your Novel course, starting 16 Nov 2026. Apply by 2 Nov: www.curtisbrowncreative.co.uk/course/break...

curtisbrowncreative.co.ukBreakthrough Novel-Writing Scholarship for Writers with Low IncomeThis scholarship will award one talented writer with limited financial means a place on our three-month online Writing Your Novel course.
Curtis Brown Creative
@cbcreative.bsky.social

Breakthrough Mentoring Programme for Disabled Writers. Four talented disabled writers will receive nine months of mentoring from a published author, plus a tutorial with a literary agent. Apply by 9 Nov: www.curtisbrowncreative.co.uk/course/break...

curtisbrowncreative.co.ukBreakthrough Mentoring Programme for Disabled WritersFour talented disabled writers will receive nine months of mentoring from a published author, plus a tutorial with a literary agent.
Curtis Brown Creative
@cbcreative.bsky.social

'Embrace dialogue to showcase your characters' 🗣️ Former CBC student and historical crime writer Claire Coughlan shares her top tips for creating compelling characters, with insights from her latest book #AmongTheRuins. Read advice blog:

curtisbrowncreative.co.ukHow to create unforgettable charactersIn this advice blog, Claire Coughlan, author of historical crime novels Where They Lie and Among the Ruins, shares her top tips for creating compelling characters.
Curtis Brown Creative
@cbcreative.bsky.social

'Place isn’t just an arbitrary pin in a map: it’s integral to the narrative' 📌 We caught up with award-winning author and CBC tutor Kirsty Logan to discuss what first sparked her love for the uncanny and what she enjoys most about teaching creative writing. Read the full interview here:

curtisbrowncreative.co.ukKirsty Logan on writing | Author interviewWe caught up with award-winning author Kirsty Logan to discuss what first sparked her love for the strange and uncanny, reimagining fairytales and folktales, the inspiration behind her witchy novel…
Curtis Brown Creative
@cbcreative.bsky.social

'Twists needn’t be breathtaking; it’s more important to deliver on the promise of a satisfying puzzle or mystery' 🧩 Award-winning author @sarahhilary.bsky.social reveals her top tips for aspiring crime and thriller authors. www.curtisbrowncreative.co.uk/blog/6-tips-...

curtisbrowncreative.co.uk6 tips for writing crime and thrillersTheakston's Crime Novel of the Year Award-wining author Sarah Hilary shares her six top tips for aspiring crime and thriller authors.
Curtis Brown Creative
@cbcreative.bsky.social

Attention memoir enthusiasts and Agatha Christie readers! 🔪 We're hosting an online event with bestselling author Cathy Rentzenbrink! We'll discuss Cathy's new memoir #TheAgathaChristieCure and her approach writing from real life. Join us this Thurs, 7-8pm. £12 (free for our members):

curtisbrowncreative.co.ukIn Conversation with Cathy RentzenbrinkDuring this 60-minute Q&A, Cathy Rentzenbrink will discuss the inspiration behind her life-affirming new memoir The Agatha Christie Cure and her approach to the craft of life-writing.
Curtis Brown Creative
@cbcreative.bsky.social

'The only thing all published writers have in common is that they finished writing their books' 📚️ In this interview @mserinkelly.bsky.social, bestselling thriller writer and tutor of our six-week online Writing a Psychological Thriller course shares insights into her writing process.

curtisbrowncreative.co.ukErin Kelly: 'The only thing all published writers have in common is that they finished writing their books'Bestselling author of He Said/She Said Erin Kelly on creative writing, teaching and what makes a good psychological thriller.
Curtis Brown Creative
@cbcreative.bsky.social

'Take your characters wherever you go, and try and see the world through their eyes' 📚️ Former CBC student & internationally bestselling children's author Jack Meggitt-Phillips shares his top tips for creating funny characters in children’s books, with insights from his latest book #ThePotionOfDoom.

curtisbrowncreative.co.ukHow to create funny characters in children’s booksIn this advice blog Jack Meggitt-Phillips, internationally bestselling author of the The Beast and the Bethany series, shares his advice for creating funny characters.
Curtis Brown Creative
@cbcreative.bsky.social

'Be quiet and listen to what your characters are saying and thinking' 💭 Bestselling author and tutor of our Plot & Story – The Deep Dive course, Laura Barnett shares her advice on committing to your manuscript, fighting the fear of failure and carving out time to write. Read the full advice blog:

curtisbrowncreative.co.uk5 tips to get you started on your novel | Laura BarnettBestselling author Laura Barnett on committing your manuscript, fighting the fear of failure and carving out time to write. If you want to learn more from Laura, she is a tutor on our upcoming…
Curtis Brown Creative
@cbcreative.bsky.social

Chloe Tucker: ‘I’m most excited when my attention has been totally held by a script’ 🎬 We spoke to creative producer Chloe Tucker about the TV shows she’s been loving lately and what she enjoys most about working with CBC students.

curtisbrowncreative.co.ukChloe Tucker: ‘I’m most excited when my attention has been totally held by a script’We spoke to creative producer Chloe Tucker about what captivates her in a script, the TV shows she’s been loving lately and what she enjoys most about working with CBC students.
Curtis Brown Creative
@cbcreative.bsky.social

Check out our upcoming programme of online events. Tickets are just £12 (or free for members of The Writing Studio). Speakers include bestselling memoir author Cathy Rentzenbrink, acclaimed novelist and short story writer Tessa Hadley, and award-winning romance author Jenny Colgan. Sign up:

curtisbrowncreative.co.ukLive Events Programme | In Conversation with Esteemed AuthorsWe’re delighted to announce our new programme of live events! Every month we’ll run at least one event for budding writers with world-class authors, top publishers and leading literary agent guest…
Curtis Brown Creative
@cbcreative.bsky.social

'There’s a general tip for making any script 100% better, which is to cut every other line of dialogue' Advice from Jamie Nuttgens, tutor of our Writing TV Drama – Three Months course and experienced writer, director and producer for the screen. www.curtisbrowncreative.co.uk/blog/jamie-n...

curtisbrowncreative.co.ukJamie Nuttgens: 'There’s a general tip for making any script 100% better, which is to cut every other line of dialogue'Experienced screenwriter, producer and director Jamie Nuttgens shares insights from his career in TV production and his advice for aspiring TV dramatists.
Curtis Brown Creative
@cbcreative.bsky.social

Join us in London on 5 Nov for a Masterclass with John Yorke! The author of the bestselling, hugely influential writing guide Into the Woods, will discuss the importance of narrative structure and draw on insights from his latest book Trip to the Moon to explore the role of story in all our lives.

curtisbrowncreative.co.ukMasterclass with John York | London EventLearn from one of the world's leading narrative storytelling experts John Yorke during this special masterclass to celebrate his latest non-fiction book. Join us in London on Thurs 5 Nov from 7pm to…
Curtis Brown Creative
@cbcreative.bsky.social

'The only thing all published writers have in common is that they finished writing their books' In this interview Erin Kelly, bestselling thriller writer and tutor of our six-week online Writing a Psychological Thriller course shares insights into her writing process.

curtisbrowncreative.co.ukErin Kelly: 'The only thing all published writers have in common is that they finished writing their books'Bestselling author of He Said/She Said Erin Kelly on creative writing, teaching and what makes a good psychological thriller.
Curtis Brown Creative
@cbcreative.bsky.social

Attention memoir enthusiasts and Agatha Christie readers! We're hosting an online event with bestselling author Cathy Rentzenbrink! We'll discuss Cathy's new memoir #TheAgathaChristieCure and her approach writing from real life. Join us on 22 Oct, 7-8pm. £12 (free for our members):

curtisbrowncreative.co.ukIn Conversation with Cathy RentzenbrinkDuring this 60-minute Q&A, Cathy Rentzenbrink will discuss the inspiration behind her life-affirming new memoir The Agatha Christie Cure and her approach to the craft of life-writing.
Curtis Brown Creative
@cbcreative.bsky.social

'Love, death, parental guilt, the desire to make something of ourselves: these situations ring with every generation . . . This is also why I’m so drawn to fairytales as a writer. How do you tell a timeless tale?' Interview with award-winning author Kirsty Logan:

curtisbrowncreative.co.ukKirsty Logan on writing | Author interviewWe caught up with award-winning author Kirsty Logan to discuss what first sparked her love for the strange and uncanny, reimagining fairytales and folktales, the inspiration behind her witchy novel…
Curtis Brown Creative
@cbcreative.bsky.social

Work on a bewitching story this autumn – whether you’re opening the door to your haunted house, wafting through your gothic ruin or giving fairytales a new skin, all your own. Join our Writing Gothic & Supernatural Fiction course: www.curtisbrowncreative.co.uk/course/writi...

curtisbrowncreative.co.ukWriting Gothic & Supernatural Fiction | Online CourseBewitch your readers with dark and haunting stories that will delight and unnerve in equal measure. Join this six-week online course taught by award-winning novelist, short story writer and…

Curtis Brown Creative reposted

Michelle Davies
@michelledavies14.bsky.social

I love working with new authors on this @cbcreative.bsky.social programme, and on its other courses. It's a privilege to watch students grow into accomplished storytellers. FYI, the next Writing A Psychological Thriller course starts on October 15, so hurry to secure your place! shorturl.at/Z3QP3

Curtis Brown Creative@cbcreative.bsky.social

Michelle Davies: 'Embrace the fact that editing is where the magic happens' 🪄 We spoke to author, editor & mentor on our Complete Your Manuscript programme @michelledavies14.bsky.social about her love for crime fiction, her writing routine & what she enjoys most about working with aspiring authors.

curtisbrowncreative.co.ukMichelle Davies on editing a manuscriptIn this interview Michelle Davies, author, editor and mentor on our Complete Your Manuscript programme, shares her editing process.