Psychic distance with Susan Allott

In this creative writing workshop you will learn what psychic distance is, how it can bring your writing to the next level, and – most importantly – how to put it into practice. 

Psychic distance is a technique that many published writers swear by, and rave about to anyone who will listen. By learning to vary the psychic distance in your writing you will engage your reader more successfully and lift the quality of your prose. It might sound complicated but it really isn’t, and once you’ve mastered it you will never look back.

The workshop will include some demonstration and discussion, followed by some writing exercises to put the learning into practice.

About the tutor

Susan Allott is a critically acclaimed author whose debut novel, The Silence, was published internationally by HarperCollins in 2020 and was longlisted for the Crime Writers Association New Blood Dagger Award. Her second literary thriller, The House on Rye Lane, was published in January 2024 and was a Sunday Times crime pick of the month, described as ‘a terrific spine chiller’. 

Susan is an English Literature graduate, studying at Leeds University and then Goldsmiths College. She works as a freelance editor, story consultant and mentor, and enjoys passing on the guidance that helped her to achieve her goal of publication, particularly the skill of giving your novel a page-turning quality, whatever the genre. She is working on her third novel and developing a screenplay.

About First Tuesdays

First Tuesday Writers is here to keep your writing fresh. Taking place on the first Tuesday of every month, each 90 minute session offers a deep dive into a writer’s creative world – designed to challenge and energise you, and lead you to new creative discoveries.

Every writer and every form of writing has something unique that we can learn and put to use in our own work. These workshops are all opportunities to learn from radically diverse writers – including poets, bloggers, crime writers and much more. Drop in for one or two events or sign up to them all: either way, you’ll leave buzzing, and ready to do your best and most innovative work.

Low cost places available

We believe the price of our courses should never be a barrier to your learning. If you are unable to pay for a place on this event, contact us to apply for a bursary place.