Writing a Book: from the drawer to the first page
This is the year.
The year when you will finally start writing your book. Yes, the one you’ve been putting off for far too long – whether because you don’t have the time, you feel a bit disorganised, or you doubt yourself. If you recognise yourself in this, this workshop was made for you.
For three hours, surrounded by books and the Dark Academia atmosphere of Story Owl, we’re going to take your book out of the drawer. How? By putting your intentions into words, unlocking your creativity, and mapping out a concrete plan, while leaning on a group of people who are in the same boat so we can hold each other accountable on this writing journey.
What we will do:
✍️ Introduction & intention
Brief group introductions and a moment for you to define, in writing, your intention for your book: why this book, and why now.
✍️ Unlocking creativity
Short free-writing exercises to warm up your hand, quiet your inner critic, and build confidence in your voice.
✍️ Shaping the idea
We’ll clarify the concept of your book: genre, theme, main character, conflict, and tone. By the end of this part, you’ll have a simple skeleton of your story.
✍️ Writing the first page
A guided writing session where you start the first scene or chapter. It’s not meant to be perfect — it’s meant to exist.
✍️ Optional sharing
Those who wish can read a short excerpt. Feedback will always be light, constructive, and focused on strengthening your next step.
✍️ Plan for after the workshop
At the end, each participant leaves with a small writing plan for the following month, so the book doesn’t go back into the drawer.
If you feel this is the sign you were waiting for to finally start your book, reserve your place now. Spots are limited – secure your seat at Story Owl and come take your book out of the drawer.
Your spot in this workshop includes one drink – tea, coffee, or a glass of wine.
Your writing instructor for this workshop:
Catarina Alves de Sousa is a writer, creative copywriter and co-founder of Story Owl, a bookshop–café dedicated to stories, readers and slow creativity.
She has spent years helping brands and people find the right words — through copywriting, blogging and storytelling projects — and knows first-hand how hard it can be to move from “one day I’ll write a book” to actually getting words on the page.
Catarina is also the author of Licenciei-me… e agora?, a practical guide for graduates stepping into the job market that began, precisely, as an idea she refused to leave in the drawer.
In this workshop, she brings together her love of books, her experience as an author and her gentle-but-firm approach to accountability to help you finally start writing yours.
Leave a Reply