How to Start a Novel
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View all →About This Event
You have an idea for a novel. Maybe you've had it for years. This is the workshop that helps you finally do something about it. In this lively two-hour session, award-winning author Clare Clark guides you through the essential building blocks of long-form fiction – from finding your story's structure and mapping out a plan, to writing scenes that crackle, characters that breathe and dialogue that sings. Whether you're staring at a blank page or wrestling with a half-finished draft, Clare's practical, hands-on approach will send you away with fresh tools, new confidence and words on the page. No experience necessary – just bring a notebook, a pen and that idea you've been meaning to write. Ticket includes a tea or coffee and refreshments. There will be a book signing after this event. Get ahead of your Festival reading and visit the Waterstones Cheltenham Literature Festival bookshop and support Cheltenham Festivals with every purchase.
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View all →Frequently asked questions
How to Start a Novel takes place on Friday, 9 October 2026 at 16:00.
How to Start a Novel is held at The Queens Hotel in Cheltenham (The Queens Hotel, The Promenade, Cheltenham, GL50 1NN, Gloucestershire, England, United Kingdom).
Tickets for How to Start a Novel are priced at £58. Live prices and availability are shown on cheltenhamfestivals.org.
Tickets for How to Start a Novel can be booked via cheltenhamfestivals.org using the "Check Tickets & Live Prices" button on this page, which opens the official booking site in a new tab.
About This Event
You have an idea for a novel. Maybe you've had it for years. This is the workshop that helps you finally do something about it. In this lively two-hour session, award-winning author Clare Clark guides you through the essential building blocks of long-form fiction – from finding your story's structure and mapping out a plan, to writing scenes that crackle, characters that breathe and dialogue that sings. Whether you're staring at a blank page or wrestling with a half-finished draft, Clare's practical, hands-on approach will send you away with fresh tools, new confidence and words on the page. No experience necessary – just bring a notebook, a pen and that idea you've been meaning to write. Ticket includes a tea or coffee and refreshments. There will be a book signing after this event. Get ahead of your Festival reading and visit the Waterstones Cheltenham Literature Festival bookshop and support Cheltenham Festivals with every purchase.
📍 Venue
The Queens HotelThe Queens Hotel, The Promenade, Cheltenham, GL50 1NN, Gloucestershire, England, United Kingdom
❓ Frequently asked questions
When is How to Start a Novel?
How to Start a Novel takes place on Friday, 9 October 2026 at 16:00.
Where is How to Start a Novel taking place?
How to Start a Novel is held at The Queens Hotel in Cheltenham (The Queens Hotel, The Promenade, Cheltenham, GL50 1NN, Gloucestershire, England, United Kingdom).
How much are tickets for How to Start a Novel?
Tickets for How to Start a Novel are priced at £58. Live prices and availability are shown on cheltenhamfestivals.org.
How do I get tickets for How to Start a Novel?
Tickets for How to Start a Novel can be booked via cheltenhamfestivals.org using the "Check Tickets & Live Prices" button on this page, which opens the official booking site in a new tab.
Price
£58
Date
Until Friday, 9 October 2026
Time
Venue
The Queens Hotel, The Promenade, Cheltenham, GL50 1NN, Gloucestershire, England, United Kingdom
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