I’m so grateful to Helen for sharing her experience of working with me—both in my university classes and one-to-one. As a book coach for women in midlife, it’s always inspiring to see how much confidence and clarity a little guidance can bring.

I first met Cat when she was teaching me creative writing in an adult learners’ class at the University of Edinburgh. There I learnt invaluable skills from her around the psychology and techniques of writing, skills that have helped me overcome many of my fears around not being good enough to write fiction.

After staying in touch with each other following the course, I have been fortunate in benefitting further from Cat’s advice. She has helped me re-think my approach to agents by helping me re-craft the synopsis for my first novel and the all-important query letter too.

As well as that, Cat has helped me improve the manuscript itself, advising how to track my characters’ emotional journeys in a more compelling way.

I have an MA in English from Oxford University, as well as an MLitt in creative writing, so can really appreciate Cat’s subtlety and insight.

I previously worked as a journalist for many years, writing for titles including The Sunday Times and The Scotsman, but remain relatively new to fiction and so have welcomed Cat’s guidance with enthusiasm and gratitude. Whenever we work together, I’m confident of being in the hands of a professional.

Cat is also an extremely kind and ethical person, and I feel lucky we have found each other.

Helen Fowler, journalist & MLitt Creative writing