Every story comes with its own specific problems, many of which come to the fore as the project evolves and takes on a shape of its own.
My ability to collaborate with a writer to help identify and solve their story issues comes from developing storytelling tools in my own creative practice, and from lecturing and supervising students 1:1.
Working with a writer, I want to improve their project and use their story as an opportunity to look at their writing process and hone their craft.
I offer the following to novelists and screenwriters, whatever their experience, and however established they are in their careers:
Consulting Role
A bespoke approach, helping a writer identify and address problems with their story; for example, within its structure, plot, the world and characters or the narrative approach.
As well as providing ‘therapy’ for a particular story, I give a deeper analysis of a writer’s approach to their craft, helping them become a better storyteller who can tackle future projects with improved skills and confidence.
I also act as a sounding board for bottled-up feelings about the writing process, facilitating discussion about craft and career goals to develop resilience in a writer.
Consultancy ranges from a one-off session, finding workable solutions for a specific problem in a project, to a series of sessions addressing deeper fault lines in the storytelling.
Mentoring
Available to a writer embarking on a first draft or a rewrite.
Similar to my supervising role with students on the Master’s in Creative Writing at Cambridge University, I can guide a writer through their story from the beginning (including the assessment of an idea) to the end of a draft.
A set number of sessions over an agreed length of time, usually lasting 6 months to a year.
Workshopping
An invaluable tool for a writer as they learn to articulate their thoughts about the work of peers, applying the same objectivity to their own pages.
Workshopping offers contrast to the solitude that comes with being a writer, as well as providing ‘oxygen’ for surviving that solitude.
I create small groups of writers interested in sharing their work and facilitate discussion in a constructive, thoughtful and respectful environment.
Each writer receives 30-40 minutes group discussion on their extract.
Assessment
Assessment of a pitch document (leave behind or bible) or a synopsis and covering letter.
Supplied in either written feedback or discussion.
“Rupert’s instinct for character and story is of the highest calibre.”