Toni Morrison said, “If there’s a book that you want to read, but it hasn’t been written yet, then you must write it.”

I spent some time this summer looking to join a writing course in Brighton. All the courses I found were too expensive and too prescriptive. I wanted to go to an affordable, relaxed, informal group with like-minded people where I could share my work freely and, most importantly, write without distraction. I couldn’t find the writing group I wanted to go to, so I created one.

The West Hill Writing Course began in September. Once a week, a group of twelve writers meet up at the Hall. Each session has a focus. I send pieces to read in advance and we discuss them. Then I put the kettle on and we write solidly for forty-five minutes over tea, coffee and biscuits. We share our work and give each other constructive feedback.

The response to the course has been really positive.

Group member Pippa Lewis says:

Anna has managed to create a really safe and supportive atmosphere with the group. Her approach to everyone’s work is so open and warm and encouraging that it really enables people to take risks and push themselves.”

Bel Ward says that,

Being part of West Hill Writers has given me a new platform to sit and write alongside talented and like-minded writers.”

Damian McCarthy says,

Anna’s class has been an enjoyable, relaxed but structured insight into improving my creative writing.”

while Fran Reynolds says,

I was really apprehensive about signing up to a writing class as I’d never done anything like it before, but I’m so glad I did. The class has exceeded my expectations and I’ve loved every minute of it. Anna has provided a really lovely, supportive environment for the group to explore different writing styles and techniques as well as giving us a space to actually write!”

To  be added to the mailing list to hear about courses in 2019, email me at writeatwesthill@gmail.com.

Anna Burtt

Anna has worked in many departments of publishing houses from editorial, to marketing, publicity, design and social media strategy. She has also worked in foreign rights, lectured in book marketing and routes to publishing, and spoken on various publishing podcasts. She co-runs The Bookish Supper Salon, which brings book and food lovers around the table with authors for irreverent chat about books.