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The Psychological Secrets of Character– with Philippa East

Date: 1 April 2025
Time: 7.30- 9pm
Price: £25
First Tuesday Writers
Zoom / Online
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The Psychological Secrets of Character – with Philippa East

 

Philippa East is an author by night and a clinical psychologist by day. In this workshop, she’ll introduce you to a model of human psychology she regularly uses in her clinical practice, and show you how to use this framework to develop authentic, coherent and convincing characters in your fiction. Using examples from films and novels, we’ll draw out how your character shows up “day-to-day” on the page: get to grips with their wants, needs and goals; nail the “lie” or “flaw” your protagonist must overcome; and formulate your protagonist’s internal character arc and “hero’s journey”.

About the tutor

Philippa East grew up in Scotland and originally studied Psychology and Philosophy at the University of Oxford. After graduating, she moved to London to train as a Clinical Psychologist and worked in NHS mental health services for over ten years. Her debut novel Little White Lies was longlisted for the Guardian’s “Not-The-Booker” prize and shortlisted for the CWA John Creasey New Blood Dagger for best crime debut of 2020. She has since published three further psychological thrillers: Safe and Sound, I’ll Never Tell and A Guilty Secret. Philippa lives in the Lincolnshire countryside with her spouse and cat, and alongside her writing she continues to work as a psychologist and therapist. You can find her on X/Twitter @philippa_east and on Facebook/Instagram @philippa_east_author. 

About First Tuesday Writers

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.

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