Let's fit your novel around your life.
Always wanted to write your novel but life just keeps getting in the way?
It's been in the back of your mind for years, but life never quite calms down, and at some point, you stop bringing it up because you don't want to admit you still haven't started. There's work, the commute, family, the endless chores...
The truth is that things don't calm down. And at some point, we start using that as an excuse not to begin. And starting is scarier than getting around to doing it another day because it makes it real and once it's real, it's no longer the perfect idea you had in your head.
The thing is you can absolutely do it. You just have to give yourself the chance to do the thing you've always wanted to do. Don't believe me yet?
Don't worry, I've got you.
Here's the deal…
I wrote my first novel whilst doing my MA and working full-time. You have to be a little crazy – and if you want to write a novel, I think you're probably a little crazy too. I squeezed it into mornings, evenings, lunch breaks and weekends. It was intense, but it was so worth it. I can't tell you how worth it it was.
I ended up writing four novels in this exact way. I even completed my MA in Creative Writing at City University London, all while working full-time. Those four novels went on to become my Inspector Reis series published by Hodder & Stoughton and I'm represented by the wonderful Oli Munson at AM Heath.
It wasn't down to magic or a sudden burst of crazy inspiration, it's because I had to carve out some kind of writing system that fit with my life. And it worked!
And now I want to hand that system to you.
The 9-5 Novelist is that system.
What The 9-5 Novelist is,
and what it isn't.
This course isn't about the writing craft, instead it focuses on getting you to build your writing routine — one that fits around your job, your family, and your real life — so that you can get to The End of your novel.
If you have the idea and the drive, The 9-5 Novelist will give you the structure and tools to actually get to the end. In fact, the course is designed specifically to usher you through the first draft stage so that you're writing your novel as part of the course.
Yes, exactly. You'll be writing your novel in real time. It will take you from blank page to a completed 50,000-word first draft — around your existing commitments.
Inside the course
The course includes 15 short video lessons, all under 25 minutes, with accompanying worksheets and templates. You can go at your own pace, and you'll have lifetime access to all materials and updates.
Each lesson gives you a clear action so you always know what to do next.
Phase 1: Foundation (0–10k)
Build your writing life, develop your idea, create your outline, and write your opening scenes. You'll end Phase 1 with a plan strong enough to carry you through the hard parts and 10,000 words under your belt.
Phase 2: The Middle (10k–30k)
This is where it's so easy to give up and walk away. But I'll help you push past the 20,000-word wall, keep your momentum, and keep going even when life gets in the way.
Phase 3: The Finish Line (30k–50k)
You'll finish your first draft and get to hold it in your hands — and you'll truly understand that you can do it all over again.
You're not doing this alone.
You'll have direct email access to me for feedback and guidance, plus a private community of writers who are on the same journey. Check-in emails throughout the course keep you on track, and I'm available for 12 months from your date of purchase.
By the end of The 9-5 Novelist, you'll have:
- A complete 50,000-word first draft
- A repeatable writing routine that fits your life
- A clear plan for revising and next steps toward publication
What previous participants have said
"I've never gotten this far before in a first draft. I actually have the makings of a book in my hands — I don't think it's fully dawned on me yet."Participant, The Novel Hustle Workshop
"Patricia's calm presence, strong support and feedback helped me overcome my struggles and gave me the confidence to keep writing. I've actually completed a first draft."Participant, The Novel Hustle Workshop
"I was hesitant at first because I get very anxious. But it was surprisingly easy to communicate with Patricia — she has a comforting presence. I've never made this much progress before."Participant, The Novel Hustle Workshop
Enrol in The 9-5 Novelist
The 9-5 Novelist is now open.
Join today for £297 and get lifetime access to all 15 lessons, supporting templates and worksheets, direct email access to Patricia for 12 months, and a private community of writers on the same journey.
Is this for you?
This is for you if
- You have a novel idea that won't leave you alone
- You've written before, even if you've never finished anything
- You're serious about publication
- You're ready to stop waiting and actually do it
This is not for you if
- You want a course focused on craft or writing theory
- You struggle with self-paced courses
- You're not in a place right now where you can commit to showing up consistently
What you'll walk away with
- A completed 50,000-word first draft
- Proof that you can do this
- The first step into your publishing journey
You wrote a novel. That's yours. And now you know you can do it again.