I'm Jules, and I've been a writer ever since a creative primary school teacher from Manchester, Mr John Stables, first started me off with short stories.

I didn't know any authors then, though I devoured books from a young age. I had no idea that 'writer' was something you could actually be and do. But fast forward and that's how I've spent my life! Highlights include stories and plays broadcast on BBC Radio, stage plays, spoken word and fiction, and 13 years' experience teaching wonderful creative writing students (undergraduate and MA) with The Open University. I'm fortunate to have made a creative career around writing, books, publishing, editing and teaching what I love.

So I'd like to share the single biggest issue I've encountered during this entire writing and teaching journey.

Most aspiring authors learn by osmosis. They read loads of books,

then write one.

I've met so many writers who have spent months or years completing a novel, before receiving any meaningful feedback or learning craft foundations.

The expectation seems to be that reading alone will teach you solid writing craft. But in my experience, writers can improve far more quickly and effectively through close-reading and deliberate practice.

Deliberate practice is a standard, proven technique in music, dance, sport, even chess - and it's equally powerful for learning writing techniques. However, few authors use it, or are even aware of it. That's why I've created this online course. The aim is to help authors like you to develop your craft more deliberately and effectively, whatever your genre, stage, or style.

Writing is of course highly personal, and everyone has a different process, voice, viewpoint and stories to tell. One of the best reasons to use deliberate practice is precisely because you can tailor it to your own interests, voice, stage and aspirations.

I've taught hundreds of students as a tutor with The Open University, and I'm a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. Authors I've taught have gone on to build successful careers, get published, find commercial writing jobs, and win a place on an MA writing course. My techniques have also proven effective for creative writing students who want to go deeper into craft beyond the duration of their course.

This is a practical 10-module course with short videos, assignments, and quizzes. As with any practice - meditation, music, sport - you get out what you put in. I've found it particularly resonates with students who are serious about craft, feel they've reached a plateau, and prefer a more systematic approach to developing their skills.

If you feel this could be just the extra spark your writing needs, join the course.