We are experienced, published crime fiction writers who are active in the industry now. Between us we’ve written many novels and short stories; had bestsellers and awards nominations; we’ve written for big publishing companies, smaller independent publishing companies, and we’ve self-published, too. We’re still riding the writing rollercoaster, and we know exactly what you’re going through!
STEPH BROADRIBB
I’m passionate about helping you achieve your goals because I know just what it’s like to be starting out as a writer, and also a published writer, developing new book ideas and series. My coaching style is straightforward and solution-orientated with a flexible balance of support and challenge tailored to suit your specific needs. I enjoy working with all writers – from those just starting out to the more experienced – and helping you move from idea to outline, and from a blank page to the polished draft. If you’re lacking confidence, unsure how to get started, or suffering from writer’s block, I use a range of coaching techniques to help you free your creative thinking, set motivating goals and accountability targets, and move forward to achieve your ambition with success.
As well as an MA in Creative Writing and a wealth of published novel and short story writing experience, I have a distinction in Coaching from Henley Business School, and over twenty years experience working as a coach, mentor and group facilitator. I’ve been a guest lecturer and marker on the City University Creative Writing MA, and taught creative writing in prisons and at writing festivals across the UK. Writers I’ve worked with have been shortlisted for a major novel writing prize, gained traditional publication and been self-published successfully. I love a fast-paced page-turner and my strength is in supporting writers who are writing for the commercial fiction market.
My new book is the first in a new series – The Retired Detectives Club – set in Florida (Thomas & Mercer). It’s called Death in the Sunshine. My other novels include four thrillers in the Lori Anderson bounty hunter series (Orenda Books) which have been shortlisted for multiple awards, and two psychological police procedurals writing as Stephanie Marland (Trapeze, Orion).
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SUSI HOLLIDAY
I love the story development process, and would love to work with you to help spark ideas and make them work. I am keen to help motivate you as a writer to keep going and get it done! I’ve spent many years juggling writing around my career in the pharmaceutical industry, so I know how to carve out time for my passions. I’ve advised complete beginners and more established (including published) writers, and I am happy to tailor a plan to suit your requirements – whether you want help with ideas, planning, what you’ve already written, or just how to survive in the tumultuous world of publishing.
I have mentored on the City University Creative Writing MA, taught creative writing in prison, presented various writing workshops and given many talks at events, libraries and festivals in the UK and abroad. Writers I’ve worked with have been runner-up in a major novel writing prize, found literary agents, successfully switched from other genres into crime and achieved publication (both traditionally and via self-publishing). I love to support writers who are writing for the commercial fiction market – but I’m not afraid of things that don’t fit neatly into one category.
My next book, The Hike, will be out this year from Thomas & Mercer. I’ve also published another eight crime novels, a combination of psychological thriller, suspense and mystery (including some with speculative elements), for Black & White Publishing, Hodder, Orenda Books and Thomas & Mercer; plus a horror novella for PS Publishing, and numerous short stories in anthologies.
crime fiction coach 