About Us

A series of 5 stand-alone masterclasses

On key aspects of writing: Voice, Texture, Time, Tension, People.

  • Why these topics?

    These are essential, enjoyable aspects of writing: Voice – who you are as a writer. Texture – how you build the world. Time – how your story unfolds. Tension – how to keep the pages turning. People – writing rich, compelling characters.

  • How does it work?

    Each hour-long session is a deep and lively video conversation on the theme and includes • Tips for different approaches • Discussion of effects • Recommended reading • Discoveries we’ve made over the course of writing and editing 19 books between us.

  • Who's it for?

    The classes offer practical, encouraging advice for writers at all levels • Established authors seeking to refresh their practice • New writers looking for ways to get started • Fiction writers • Creative non-fiction writers

  • What do I get?

    Each $A45 module includes one year's access to • The video conversation • Further reading • Links to explore • Exercises specially designed to stimulate and expand your writing.

Scroll down to enrol, or read what our participants say

“This masterclass is unmissable. Emily and Charlotte are generous in their wisdom and insights, and deeply reflective about how their own writing is made. This course will send you back to your own work newly refreshed and inspired.”

Author

Gretchen Shirm

“Loved this inspiring conversational series with @slinkyempire and@charlottewoodwriter - bold, refreshing and generous.”

via Instagram @sarahmyles_

Sarah Myles, Author

“These two writers are masters of their craft - but more than that, they are exceptionally good at articulating the how and why of writing craft in ways that are enlightening, generous and inspiring. I will be coming back for more.”

Author

Kate Mildenhall

Enrol in our masterclasses

Scroll down for FAQs, or read what our participants say

“I got so much out of these brilliant, wise classes. I wasn’t sure the Zoom recorded format would work for me, but I was wrong - it did! I actually found it much more convenient that I could watch the lessons when it suited me. I really appreciate the depth and breadth of the readings as well. ”

Author

Eleanor Limprecht

“I recently did a class w the wonderful Charlotte Wood & Emily Perkins on narrative tension. It was sooo helpful to hear their discussion of the key elements & then go away and apply them to my story. God it really tightens things up! Love learning the craft of writing, it never disappoints. ”

@inessa_jackson_writer

Inessa Jackson, Author

“I loved every bit of this course: rich, insightful, invaluable. Emily and Charlotte shifted how I look at my writing - I'm so grateful for their generosity!”

Author

Claire Mabey

FAQ

  • When are the classes held?

    Anytime - the classes are completely self-paced and online, so you choose when you start and finish.

  • How long do I have access to the classes?

    You have one full year of access to all materials after you start the course. Once the year is up you can purchase again to renew your access anytime.

  • Can I ask a question in class?

    No - the video presentation includes answers to real questions from writers who took part in the live classes, but no questions can be taken in the self-directed class format.

  • What do the classes include?

    A video presentation of around one hour, plus a downloadable sheet of exercises and links to extra readings, video clips and other resources. You can access all these materials for a year from enrolment.

  • How do I access my classes?

    The classes are hosted on Thinkific (the platform you're reading this on now). You can access your class by following the link in your welcome email on enrolment. Please note we can't provide any technology help - all tech questions should go to Thinkific student support.

  • Can I just buy one class?

    Yes. They are designed to work as standalone classes or a five-module course.

  • How much do they cost?

    Each class is $A45, payable on enrolment. You can pay per class or buy 5 at once for $A225.

  • How do I find the exercises & extras?

    These are provided within the modules once you have purchased the class.

  • Will you do other classes on different topics?

    Yes - watch this space! Anyone who signs up for these classes will be automatically notified of new courses.

About Emily Perkins

Emily is an award-winning writer from Aotearoa New Zealand. Her novels have twice won Best Book of Fiction at the New Zealand Book Awards (including Lioness in 2024) as well as Best First Book of Fiction for her debut collection of stories. Other recognition includes the Believer Book of the Year (US), the Geoffrey Faber Prize (UK), and long-listing for the Women’s Prize UK. Her books include The Forrests, Novel About My Wife, The New Girl, Leave Before You Go and Not Her Real Name. She is an Arts Foundation Laureate and Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit. Recently Emily was part of the writing team on the 2025 BAFTA-nominated hit television series, After The Party.
Learn more about Emily here

About Charlotte Wood

Charlotte is the author of seven novels and three books of non-fiction. Her latest book Stone Yard Devotional was short-listed for the 2024 Booker Prize and four other awards, drawing praise from authors Anne Enright, Tim Winton, Karen Joy Fowler and others. Previous books include The Luminous Solution on the creative process; the international bestseller, The Weekend; and the Stella Prize-winning The Natural Way of Things. In 2023 Sydney’s Belvoir Theatre Company staged an adaptation of her novel The Weekend, and The Natural Way of Things featured in ABC Television’s 2021 series ‘The Books That Made Us’.
Learn more about Charlotte here

“Highly recommend @charlottewoodwriter & @slinkyempire online Elements of Fiction course. Should they offer it again, and should you wish to write fiction, do enrol. No matter how many books you've written / tried to write, there's always more to think about and learn. And these two writers are excellent, generous teachers.”

@kirstenalex511

Kirsten Alexander, Author

“Both inspirational and useful. I loved every one, and am re-watching with the pause button as I launch myself from a book of short stories into a first novel. I love them! ”

Author

Ingrid Horrocks

“The final webinar in the Elements of Fiction series with @charlottewoodwriter & @slinkyempire was 'People' - all about characterisation in fiction-writing. Thank you Charlotte & Emily, I'm going to miss these webinars. They've been brilliant, so insightful.”

@jomorrisonauthor

Joanna Morrison, Author