The June Art of Writing retreat in Florence was amazing. Our four days together was a turning point for everyone. With daily workshops, deep conversations, and powerful insights from our guest speakers, every writer left with a clearer sense of their next steps. A new kind of confidence.
To highlight a highlight, we were all surprised by how much we learned in Matthew Ferrara’s class on Substack. At The Art of Writing, we’re constantly exploring how writers can monetise their words. Matthew delivered a masterclass. He showed us how Substack is more than just a newsletter platform; it's a powerful way to gather your writing tribe and build authentic engagement around your voice and ideas.
What stood out was the contrast Matthew drew between Substack and traditional social media. While platforms like Instagram and X (my understanding is that few writers are expressing ideas on X anymore – wonder why?) are increasingly scattering our words into the void, Substack invites readers in. It encourages depth, loyalty, and connection, qualities that agents and publishers are increasingly watching for. As Matthew explained, Substack is where many industry professionals now go to discover writers who not only have something to say, but who are already saying it. Clearly, consistently, and with a growing audience behind them. We’re excited to see where this takes our Art of Writing community next.
Lucky last writer can still join us in Florence, July 6–10.
The Art of Telling Your Story.
DIALOGUE ALERT!
Free Zoom Author Chat: "Time to Write" with Jane Corry
Join us for an unmissable conversation with top-selling UK Penguin thriller writer Jane Corry, as we dive deep into the art of dialogue—how to craft it, how to shape it, and how to make it crackle on the page. In this special Art of Writing session, Jane shares the secrets behind her taut, emotionally charged exchanges, the techniques that bring her characters to life, and the role dialogue plays in building suspense. Whether you're polishing your novel or just starting out, this is a masterclass in how words spoken on the page can drive plot, deepen character, and hook readers from the first line.
Mark your calendars. This FREE TIME TO WRITE is for anyone wanting to deepen their understanding of dialogue.
Date: June 17
Time:
• 10:00 AM (UK)
• 11:00 AM (Italy)
• 7:00 PM (Sydney)
Jane Corry will be joining us to discuss all aspects of What makes a piece of dialogue work? What tells the reader it's alive on the page?
Bring your questions and get ready to write better scenes, sharper character voices, and dialogue that moves your story forward.
THIS IS A NEW ZOOM LINK!
Lisa is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: TIME TO WRITE JANE CORRY Let's talk Dialogue
Time: Jun 17, 2025 11:00 AM Amsterdam, Berlin, Rome, Stockholm, Vienna
Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81791228661?pwd=rCrnOlhaDYtcKusV0n6gsGUmSeZRXK.1
Meeting ID: 817 9122 8661
Passcode: 219695
Lisa
