The Creative Hub
A private community for writers who want to make the most of the words they craft.
The Creative Hub started life in January 2023 and just a couple of months later it moved here, to The Writing Shed on Substack.
This is the place to be if you want to make the most of the words you craft and get your work into the hands of readers. Each month we’ll learn what it means to live a writing life, and how to sell, publish and promote our work in a monthly mini masterclass and Q&A ‘ask me anything’ session. You’ll get access to everything that’s gone before, as well as unique content and courses created just for the community.
This membership is the closest thing to having me as your personal coach. Each month I’ll help you tackle the practical, emotional and philosophical questions of creating your perfect writing life, one that reflects who you are and what you’re capable of.
I’ll help support you, share the best hints, tips and advice, and hold you accountable for making your writing potential possible if that’s what you need from me.
Here's how you'll be coached and supported
Monthly mini masterclass
We meet on the 1st Wednesday of the month at 3 pm GMT/BST online. All LIVE workshops are recorded to watch at your convenience. There is a downloadable/printable worksheet to go with each masterclass. Plus, you’ll have access to all prior Mini-Masterclasses.
Monthly breakout group with Q&A
On the 4th Wednesday of each month at 3 pm we’ll have a question and answer session so you can ‘ask me anything’ about your writing life. As the group grows we will break out into smaller groups to meet each other face-to-face, learn from other members, make personal connections, and form lasting friendships.
Backstage pass
You’ll also get a backstage pass to unique content and courses written just for the community supporting the topics we talk about. Anything with a padlock symbol is just for you. That means any questions you ask, or comments you make on those posts are private and seen only by other members of the community. You can, of course, comment on anything else as well as you’ll get all the free content too!
Courses
Every so often I create courses about the writing life. All course content will be made available in the community for you. If there is anything you want me to specifically cover, just let me know and I’ll see if I can come up with something helpful.
Behind-the-scenes peeks
I’m a writer too and sometimes I find it helpful to find out how other writers do things. With that in mind, I’ll give you behind the scene’s peeks into my own writing life from time to time. And, occasionally I’ll write more detailed essays and content that can only be read by the members here.
Frequently asked questions
What is the creative hub?
The creative hub is a private members area for new, aspiring and established writers who want to learn more about making the most of the words they craft and getting their work into the hands of an audience.
What topics will the monthly mini masterclass cover?
Topics include publishing, marketing, building a writer’s platform, social media, editing, competitions, ideas and inspiration, finance and anything else associated with living your writing life.
How long does each workshop last?
Each mini-masterclass lasts about 30 minutes. Each Q&A workshop lasts up to an hour depending on the number of questions there. If I don’t get to answer them all, I’ll make sure I get something into the community instead.
Are the workshops recorded?
Yes, all masterclasses and Q&A workshops are recorded and will be available in your dashboard on the website the day after each event.
Will you send me reminders about the workshops?
Yes, on the morning of each workshop, you’ll get a helpful message dropped into your inbox with the link to the zoom meeting. This will also be the post that contains the video recording after the event has finished.
Will I get to meet other writers and authors?
Yes, once a month I’ll host an ‘ask me anything’ Q&A together with an opportunity for break-out sessions as the community grows.
How much time will I need?
You can devote as much or as little time as you have. You don’t have to use the worksheets or play with the additional monthly writing prompt if your schedule doesn’t allow it.
I’d recommend you try to make time to attend the live events or listen to the recording of each workshop.
If you have a question you’d like to ask but can’t make the Q&A meeting, simply send it in by email and you can listen to the recording at your leisure later.
What if I want to cancel my membership?
Substack allows you to do just that whenever you want. It would be helpful to know the reason but only because I want to make sure I provide what the community want. You can cancel your paid subscription and still keep the free subscription so you still get the weekly writing prompts, monthly newsletter, interviews and my occasional fiction forays.
OK, you’ve sold it to me, how do I join?
Simply click the button below and upgrade your membership. It’s as easy as that and I’d love to meet you.