TRACEY DUKE
Your Hosts
Tracey Duke
Ghostwriter | Helping the World's Best Communicators Find Their Voice
Ben Uttley
Guinness World Record Holder | Award-Winning Film Director
IS THIS FOR YOU?
If the need to write your first book and tell your story has become so pressing that you can no longer afford to ignore it, or put it off for another year, this is for you. If your challenge is in not knowing how or where to start, or how to get published once you do, then you are definitely in the right place.
A big part of my work is with first-time authors. Together we dive deep into their story to uncover the material that will ultimately change lives. Some of these authors, I am humbled to say, have gone on to receive consistent five-star book ratings.
However, those I work with don't all necessarily need support with the writing itself. They often simply need a helping hand in getting started, which is where the book development sessions become invaluable.
My intimate knowledge of the process, and of the challenges of writing a book, connect naturally with Ben's work as a film director. In exploring what's possible after publication, together we open a world of possibility that is often overlooked by first time writers.
WHAT YOU'LL LEAVE WITH
This one-day workshop in collaboration with Ben will ensure that, by the end of our day together, you'll have a complete framework for your book in place: the title, the overview, and sixteen chapters with sub-sections. All written in your own hand from one single session.
In addition you'll be invited into Ben's world where he'll share his unique insight into film production, the lessons from a remarkable career, and explore what becomes possible when a great story finds the right audience.
You'll also leave with a strong peer group on the same journey and access to continued support and guidance.
WHAT THE DAY WILL COVER
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Tuesday night dinner included in your ticket price, to meet your hosts & fellow writers
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We'll open the day with a short writing exercise to activate the creative brain
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And follow with the deep, guided, book framework session
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Next it's a thirty minute Q&A on all things publishing
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Followed by a catered lunch on the banks of the River Wandle
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The afternoon opens with a keynote from Guinness World Record holder Ben Uttley, drawn from a career built at the outer edge of filmmaking.
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Followed by an open Q&A with Ben, hosted by Tracey
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We'll wrap the day with an opportunity to speak privately with Tracey & Ben to ask any further questions.
The Programme
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who is this workshop for?
This workshop is for those who are serious about writing their book and are ready to commit to getting started. If you've been thinking about it for a while, this is the day that moves you forward. You'll leave with everything you need to begin.
2. Do I need to have any writing experience?
None whatsoever. In fact, some of the best frameworks come from people who have never considered themselves writers. What you need is the story, the expertise and the desire to share it. The framework session will do the rest.
3. Is this suitable if I already have a book idea, or do I come with nothing?
Both. If you already have an idea, the session will take it and build it into a complete framework. If you arrive with nothing more than a sense that you have a book in you, the process will surface it. Either way, you leave with the full architecture of your book.
4. Why is it only one day?
That's all that's needed. The book framework session uses a tried and tested method that takes you from blank page to complete framework in a single hour. It's focused, intense and remarkably effective. In fact it's not unknown for some to produce two frameworks within that time.
5. What exactly is the book framework and what will I have at the end of it?
By the end of the framework session you'll have a complete book structure: a title, a full overview and sixteen chapters each with four sub-sections. Everything you need to go home and begin writing. It is the road map for your entire book, written in your own hand in a single session.
6. What happens if I don't finish in the session?
You will finish. The process is designed to take you all the way through in a single session. In the unlikely event that you need a little more time, I'll stay behind at the end of the day to make sure you leave with your complete framework.
7. What will the Q&A on publishing actually cover?
The floor is yours. Bring every question you have. I'll ensure the key information is covered within the session, from traditional publishing to self-publishing, finding an agent, working with editors and everything in between. And if I happen not to know a particular answer, I will find out before the end of the day for you.
8. Do you work with publishers or is this self-publishing focused?
Both are covered. Self-publishing is the favoured route for many first-time authors and puts you firmly in the driving seat. Backed by a strong marketing campaign, it can then attract the attention of traditional publishers. However, if you already have a strong profile and platform, that can make you a compelling proposition for publishers from the outset. We'll cover both routes and help you identify which is right for you.
9. What will Ben's keynote cover?
Ben's keynote is drawn from a remarkable journey: from professional rugby to the outer edge of filmmaking, via a Spitfire circumnavigation of the world. It is a talk about backing yourself, and what becomes possible when a great story finds its audience. For writers in the room, the message is a powerful one: the book doesn't have to be the destination. For the right story, it's just the beginning.
10. Will Ben be available to speak to individually?
Yes. Ben will be with us for the entire day, fully immersed in the experience.
11. How do I get to The Sawmills?
The Sawmills is easy to reach. Earlsfield station is just a short walk away, with regular South Western Railway services from London Waterloo, taking around 15 minutes. The nearest tube station is Southfields on the District line, approximately 0.7 miles away. If you're driving, postcode SW18 4QL will take you directly there.
12. Is lunch included in the price?
Yes. A catered buffet lunch is included, along with healthy refreshments throughout the day, think fresh brew coffee, fresh juices, smoothies and food that keeps your energy and focus where it needs to be.
13. Is £2,000 per person plus VAT?
No. £2,000 is the total price per person.
14. How do I book and how do I pay?
Simply drop me an email at tracey@traceyduke.com. We'll have a quick call to make sure the day is right for you, and I'll then send an invoice for payment due 14 days before the workshop. Dinner on Tuesday evening is included in the ticket price.
15. What is the refund policy?
Payment is due 14 days before the workshop and is non-refundable. However, if you are unable to attend, your place may be transferred to another person.
16. What support is available after the workshop?
Once you leave with your framework, there are a number of ways I can support you as you write, from informal check-ins to more structured, bespoke arrangements. If you'd like to explore what that might look like for you, just ask on the day or drop me a line afterwards. I'm here to make sure your book gets written.
17. What do I do with my framework once I leave?
You're ready to write. Your framework is your road map, the complete architecture of your book, from title and overview through to every chapter and sub-section. It tells you exactly what goes where, removes the guesswork and allows you to sit down and write with clarity and confidence.