Welcome to the fold
Where writers come together to get the work done
Fold: noun
A collective noun for writers
You have a book inside you
And a life that’s already full.
You’re not “aspiring.”
You’re busy. You’re serious. You’ve got something to say.
And even when no one sees it — even when you’re drafting in silence — you keep showing up.
You have big plans.
You’re writing something that matters.
You’ve wanted this for a long time.
But it’s hard to write a book in a life like yours.
No one’s giving you a six-month sabbatical.
You’re writing between things. Around things.
You get momentum… then you lose it.
You get clear… then you stall out.
“Penny is a book alchemist. ”
And in the quiet moments, the thought creeps in:
If I didn’t have to work full time...
If I didn’t have kids…
If I slept better…
If I wasn’t caring for others, managing illness, or simply exhausted…
Then I’d finish this book.
But here's the truth:Most writers aren’t writing in perfect conditions.
They’re not slipping away to Tuscan writing retreats or waking up to uninterrupted mornings.
They’re drafting between school runs, on lunch breaks, in waiting rooms, at 6am or 10pm or whatever small slice of time they can grab.
They’re grieving. Recovering. Working. Caregiving.
And still — they write.
Not because it’s easy.
But because their story won’t let them go.
“I owe you the HUGEST thank you - I would never have got to this stage without you. You gave me so much confidence, helped me believe in the idea and myself, and now look! OH MY GOD I AM WRITING A BOOK AND [Redacted] HAVE OFFERED ON IT! Eeeeee!”
Welcome to The Fold
Who is The Fold for?
The Fold is for writers who already know what they’re working toward — even if they’re still shaping the path.
It’s for you if:
✔ You’re writing a novel, memoir, nonfiction book, or developing long-form ideas on Substack — and you’re showing up for it, piece by piece.
✔ You’re not looking for a course, a certificate, or a syllabus. You’re looking for structure, accountability, and to stay connected to your work.
✔ You’re early in your book journey — but not “just dabbling.” You’ve started, and you’re serious about seeing it through.
✔ You’re building your voice in real time — through essays, blog posts, private writing — and you’re ready to stop doing it in isolation.
✔ You’re juggling real responsibilities: jobs, kids, caregiving, illness, or recovery — and writing is something you carve out, not get handed.
✔ You don’t need someone to teach you how to want it more. You just want a quiet rhythm that helps you keep going.
Not More To-Do’s — Just What You Need To Keep Writing
What’s inside?
→ Weekly audio sessions
No homework, no overwhelm. Just short, grounding voice notes sent straight to your phone — on writing, publishing, and the creative head noise that comes with both.
→ Twice-weekly co-writing sessions
Come as you are. No small talk. Just 45 minutes of quiet, focused time to actually get the work done — with others doing the same, with a quick catch up at the end.
→ Monthly workshops with Penny and guest experts.
From publishing Q&As to creative mindset resets — learn from people who get what it means to write in the margins of real life.
→ Motivating challenges + gentle accountability
Not the high-pressure kind. The “I actually want to finish this thing” kind. With optional prizes, soft structure, and zero shame.
Bonus
→ Secure A Literary Agent Masterclass A 90-minute deep dive into what agents are really looking for — and how to query them with confidence. Perfect if you're working on a nonfiction proposal, memoir, or novel.
This isn’t about writing full-time.
It’s about writing forward — with support that meets you where you are.
WANT DEEPER SUPPORT?
Some writers know they need more than gentle accountability. They need focused time, sharper feedback, and a mentor in their corner.
That’s where The Fold Gold comes in.
It includes everything in The Fold, plus:
→ Quarterly 1:1 coaching with Penny
Dedicated sessions to troubleshoot your project, map your next steps, or unstick what’s keeping you stalled. Personalised focus, without the pressure of weekly calls.
→ Discounted editing + coaching services
When you’re ready for more intensive support — like proposal editing — you’ll have access at a reduced rate. Because serious projects deserve sustainable support.
The Fold Gold is for the writer who doesn’t just want to finish, she wants to finish with clarity, confidence, and a clear next step.
You can find more details about the above here in the FAQs
Gold Membership is currently full and closed to new members
“I’ve been working on a novel for years. The Fold is helping me get over the paralysis of perfectionism that was holding me back from actually finishing it”
“I finished my proposal and submitted it! The Fold definitely spurred me on to get past this final hurdle (as did the 1:1 call with you Penny!) ”
Read the Terms and Conditions here
Are you a writer on a low income? You can apply to be a Fold Scholar by filing out this form.*
*Fold Scholars is currently closed to applications but will open again in autumn 2025. Sign up to my newsletter to hear when its open for applications
You don’t need to write alone.
You just need a space that gets it.
Where you’re not expected to be endlessly productive, just supported enough to keep going.
Come write with us.
“I knew I needed to get a proposal written, but I was just never finding the time to actually do it. I needed the accountability, feedback and encouragement from Penny (and the fabulous members of the group) to enable me get my proposal over the line. There is no way I would have got my proposal written without it.”
“Hugely energising, practically useful and affirming - you bring such warmth to your screen!”
“Being given permission to turn up imperfectly has led me to turn up in a much more focused way than I would have imagined. I just did the thing. Thank you so much Penny, this has meant so much more to me than you can know.”
Prices
The Fold Membership - £20 per month or £100 per 6 months
The Fold Gold - £80 per month or £400 per 6 months (minimum 3 months)
FAQs - you’ll find more of the fine detail about the fold here
Read the Terms and Conditions here
About Penny
Penny is a Melbourne born, London dwelling, author and book coach. After 15 years as a freelance interiors photographer, Penny began writing about life as a single parent and unpaid carer whilst juggling a freelance creative career. She has written for Red Magazine, iPaper, BBC Radio 4 and The Telegraph amongst many others. Penny is the author of two non-fiction books Tender (2020) and Home Matters (2024) and her fiction has been published in Harper’s Bazaar.
Penny is a certified non-fiction and memoir book coach with Author Accelerator and has an MA in Creative and Life Writing with Distinction from Goldsmiths. Her work as a writing coach has been featured in The Author and Psychologies. She is the host of Not Too Busy To Write podcast, which was shortlisted for the Independent Podcast Awards in 2023 and 2025 and now in its 11th season. Guests have included Kate Mosse, Charlotte Wood, Tessa Hadley, Lindsey Kelk, Katherine May, Lily King and many more.
Penny is currently working on a novel and of course, never feels like she’s got quite enough time to write…..
“ I’ve been trying to write this for literal years, so I can’t say thank you enough for giving me the push I needed!”