How to win a writing competition, find an agent and get a book deal at 65.

In our monthly Heart Leap masterclass on 26th June at 1pm, we talk to Tricia Cresswell about how to use writing competitions to get a book deal. Join us!

I sometimes worry that it’s too late to write a novel.

That I’m too old.

That it’s too late for me to start a new book, a new career, a new life.

Then I meet women like Tricia Cresswell and I realise that it’s only my creaky, old belief systems that are holding me back.

Tricia retired as a public health doctor and went back to university to study a Creative Writing MA at Newcastle University aged 65. Her debut novel, The Midwife, was published by Simon and Schuster in 2021 after she won the Mslexia Debut Novel Award in 2020.

Tricia was one of the first people I met when I moved to Alnwick. I went to her book launch. (She generously invited me to the party at the pub next door and she was one of the main instigators and inspirations behind the Alnwick Story Fest.)

‘I’ve always wanted to write; you know how you have these vague dreams from being a girl,’ says Tricia ‘I’ve been a voracious reader all my life. It’s been a great comfort to me. When I was busy or unable to sleep, I’d always read. I’ve got loads of books. My dad was really into 50s science fiction and when he died I inherited some of that collection, and I’ve always loved historical fiction.’

In our masterclass on 26th June at 1pm, we will grill Tricia on:

• Why enter competitions?

• When is your novel/short story ready to submit?

• Which competition and how to submit?

• How to find an agent.

This masterclass is for paid subscribers. Do sign up to book your place.