**NOVEL DOCTORING

**COMPILING YOUR SHORT STORY OR FLASH FICTION COLLECTION

**SHORT STORY AND FLASH FICTION CRITIQUES

**RESHAPING YOUR FICTION, NON-FICTION OR MEMOIR PROJECT

**REVIVING YOUR ENERGY AND GIVING YOU A PUSH TO SURVIVE THE CHALLENGES OF SUBMISSION, REJECTION, REVISION

These are some aspects of the mentoring guidance we often need.

I very much enjoy grasping a short story or a longer work, and looking at ways to inspire authors. All types of writing can be overwhelming and our energy and vision can flag. Having the macro and micro view is not easy! My mentoring approach involves an initial appraisal of your book manuscript or project, and a set of 90 minute online sessions over 2-6 months. We will decide upon a path through your project and you will submit material for critiquing before each session, and I will help you with ideas and rewrites, to harness your strengths and recognise your weaknesses, and teach you how to endure the long process of editing at every level.

I also analyse and critique individual short stories and flash fiction - and essays - and can help build up your submission confidence and strategy. I have been Litro Magazine’s Flash Friday Editor since 2016 and teach the Flash Fiction Masterclass series. I was Guest Editor for the Best Small Fictions Anthology 2023. I also do workshops with Retreat West, and am also widely published (also rejected!) myself, and very familiar with rewrites and resilience.

I’m adept at triggering ideas and enthusiasm, and will relentlessly push you towards your goal! Write to me via the CONTACT page for details and discussion. Grazie!

I attended a 10-day writing retreat led by Cat. She is generous with her deep knowledge of the craft. Her keen listening skills and insights were invaluable in our 1:1 sessions. As group leader, she divines exercises that make writing from different perspectives fun — not intimidating. She’s a very talented teacher and her passion for helping others in their writing processes shines through. I’ll definitely work with Cat again. Ellen McGinnis (USA) Life Purpose Expert ICF Certified Coach (liveyourjam)

I met Cat on a creative writing retreat in Spain. I was right at the start of my book writing journey so I booked 3 mentoring sessions to help get me off the ground. We worked really well together and I found her advice to be clear, supportive and constructive. She took great interest in my project, read all the pieces I sent her thoroughly and gave excellent feedback that would guide my next stage of writing. I respected her opinion and experience. I would highly recommend working with Cat. Shelle Luscombe (UK) Presenter/MC | Event Producer | Vocalist | Voiceover | Artist | Memoirist

Catherine has been the best writing coach and editor I could hope for. She takes the time to understand both the writer and the story, has a deep understanding of the craft, especially structure, and is particularly attentive to the way sensory details add texture to prose. I would highly recommend her to anyone who has finished a draft, or simply needs help developing a novel or short story idea. She will inspire you and ensure you meet your writing goals. Kirsten Donaghey (Canada) novelist

Thank you for seeing this as a story and guiding me to do the same; for specific and detailed feedback - both in correction and appreciation; for the focussed time and close reading.. And what amazing feedback. I had no idea what was possible, and you’ve helped me find it. Becky Harrington (UK) novelist and memoirist

Catherine has exceptional listening and thinking ability to understand each writer she mentors, and guides them in a gentle manner. She is a very skilled reader who takes time to read everyone’s work with utmost care. Catherine genuinely helps people to become better writers, whilst keeping their authenticity and unique style of writing. Gnana Mahilrajah, (Sri Lanka/UK) poet and photographer