Join author Holly Rose for this immersive day workshop dedicated to creating unforgettable characters in your creative writing.

Whether you’re a complete beginner, at the start of a new story idea, or deep into a first draft, this session will help you develop three-dimensional characters who will drive your story forward.

In this workshop Holly Rose will teach you the fundamentals of creating characters within your creative writing. Using guided exercises, you will explore your protagonist’s appearance and lifestyle, but also go deeper, investigating their desires, fears, secrets, and internal conflicts. Through structured prompts and discussion, you will uncover what your character truly wants and why that matters for your novel.

Holly Rose will also introduce the powerful trio of goal, motivation and conflict, helping you shape character arcs and strengthen your plot. You will consider the external versus internal character goals, explore antagonists and morally grey characters, and learn what’s best to avoid when crafting these compelling characters too. Holly will support you in this creative environment, allowing time to write, reflect and share, if you wish.

Over the course of the day your aims are:

• To create three-dimensional, emotionally compelling characters.

• To deepen understanding of character motivation and internal conflict.

• To explore how strong characters naturally generate plot through goal, motivation and conflict.

• To be equipped with practical tools and exercises they can apply to current and future projects.

• To build confidence in developing protagonists, antagonists, and character arcs.

You will leave this workshop with a richer understanding of your characters and a clearer path forward for your story, enabling your creative writing journey to progress with confidence.

Tutor: Holly Rose
Date & Time: Saturday 30th May, 10am - 4pm
Venue: Scissors Studio, New Brewery Arts
Price: £75 (£0.00 VAT)

Please note that this workshop is for those aged 18 and over.

You are welcome to bring a lidded bottle of water with you but we kindly ask that you do not bring food into the studio.

Refreshments are available at our on-site café Blend until 4pm.

For more information:
Visit our FAQ page

Who is this workshop for?
Beginners or writers in the early stages of a draft.

What you will need:
Please bring a pen and notebook or laptop/tablet to make notes during the workshop.

Accommodation: 
Residential option available. Find out about our accommodation, costs and how to book here.

Meet Your Tutor - Holly Rose

Holly Rose is a novelist and creative practitioner specialising in contemporary romance, with a particular focus on sports romance inspired by her long-standing interest in Formula One. Her debut novel, The Rivals, is the first in an F1-inspired romance series, combining high-stakes competition, emotional tension, and character-driven storytelling.

With over ten years of writing experience, Holly holds an MA in Writing for Children from the University of Winchester. Throughout her career, she has explored a wide range of genres and forms, developing her voice through experimentation, rigorous revision, and a deep engagement with the craft of storytelling.

Alongside her own writing practice, Holly has extensive experience within literary and creative communities. She has volunteered with the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators and worked with The Writers’ Weekend, supporting writers through critique groups, conferences, workshops, and live events. These roles have shaped her commitment to fostering creative spaces that are practical, supportive, and encouraging for writers at every stage of their development.