Finish your novel in 12 months.
The Year of the Novel: Summer Cohort 2026
The application-only writing programme for seriously rebellious storytellers who are done talking about their novel and are ready to take messy action and write it.
Only 3% of people who say they'll write a novel actually do.
You're not going to be in the other 97%.
Year of the Novel is a full 12-month guided programme designed for the real writer:
the one with a full life, a loud brain, and a story that refuses to leave them alone.
Yes, you’ll learn how to write a novel.
More importantly, we’ll make sure you actually finish one.
Your Novel Writing Journey
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Meet your cohort, find your accountability partner, and set your creative intentions.
Week commencing July 10th.
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Nail your premise, characters, world and story beats.
(July-September)
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Write your messy first draft with full accountability support.
(September - January)
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Shape your draft into something real and readying for polishing, querying, and publishing.
(February-May)
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Celebrate, showcase and discover what happens next plus a very special opportunity for one lucky member who finishes their draft!
(June 2027)
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Access to The Author's Mixer (shared community across all TYOTN cohorts) and weekly co-writing sessions open to every Rebel on the programme.
I’m going to say this bluntly, because most people won’t.
You already know how to write.
That’s not your problem.
You’re stuck circling the same novel idea because nothing has kept you accountable long enough to finish the damn thing.
I’ve worked with enough writers to recognise the pattern quickly.
You start well. Better than well, actually.
There’s usually a moment early on where your novel idea clicks, and the whole thing feels possible.
You can see it. You’re thinking about it when you’re not writing. You’re in it.
And then, without much warning, you stop writing.
No dramatic ending or darlings killed:
You simply miss a few days, then a week… a month.
Before you realise, it’s the new year again, and you’ve not written the novel you said you would.
Your novel draft becomes something you open occasionally, scroll through, and close again with the vague promise that you’ll come back to it properly when you have more time, more headspace, and a better plan. But your novel continues to gather dust.
Are you lazy? Do you not care enough? Are you a bad writer?
Nope. None of that.
The dopamine has gone, and the world will keep spinning whether you finish or not.
So you don’t return to writing it.
The part that almost all writing “courses” overlook:
Most writing programmes are built around starting, ideas, craft, theory, and getting published…
Few are built around finishing your damn novel.
The Year of the Novel is a 12-month novel-writing programme built to help you write a novel from start to finish.
Forget about forcing yourself to write through sheer willpower or relying on motivation to show up at the right time. That’s a fantasy that the universe will use against you when tackling your novel alone.
When you’re part of the Year of the Novel, you will stay with your writing process and story in a way that’s structured enough to carry you through the parts that usually knock you off course.
Leading Your Story to the Page Through Messy Action
I'm Dr Demi! A late-diagnosed ADHD-autistic creative alien, PhD-holding screenwriter, former Meta Creative Director and pro copywriter, and the person who is going to help you finish your novel.
I've written for Mark Zuckerberg, won 20+ screenwriting awards, ranked on the Coverfly Red List twice, and received a first-place writing award from one of the Emmy-winning writers of Succession, and I'm currently writing my own fantasy x sci-fi novel because I still believe in doing over preaching!
I know what it feels like to carry a story inside you for years and never quite get it onto the page. To have the ideas, the characters, the world, and still find yourself staring at a blank document, paralysed by perfectionism, distraction, or the quiet fear that maybe you're just not the kind of person who actually finishes things
You are.
You just haven't had the right space to prove it yet.
But the credentials I'm most proud of?
I'm currently leading 14 authors over the finish line of their first drafts. I’ve lectured and mentored 100s of writers to date. Real people, real stories, real progress, week by week, chapter by chapter.
And I’ll be the hype woman in your voice notes anytime you feel like quitting your creative dream.
The Year of the Novel is the most intimate, focused thing I offer. It's a small, application-only cohort, four times a year, because transformation like this doesn't happen in a crowd.
It happens in a room where everyone is seriously committed, seriously supported, and finally being held seriously accountable to the story only they can write.
My philosophy is simple: take messy action. Fall back in love with your creative process instead of cheating it.
In a world obsessed with performance, perfection, and shortcuts, I believe the only way to write a novel (a real one, yours) is to show up, be human, and let it be messy at first.
Nothing good was ever made by chasing perfection. But many great novels only exist because someone finally decided to start.
What Keeps You On Track
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So you're never stuck alone for long or wondering how to regain momentum.
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Show up, focus, get words on the page.
These sessions run most days of the week at different times, so there’s always a slot available to match your schedule.
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Progress recognised at every stage, not just the finish line, and you’ll also get extra mindset training to beat any wobbles that come your way.
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Matched at the start based on similar interests and project, with you for the whole year, and opportunities to grow your accountability circle for increased support.
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Your people, your pace, your season.
A dedicated group chat for all the vibes, life chaos, and human moments shared with other Rebels at the same writing stage as you.
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Live masterclasses and workshops from guest hosts including published authors, creative writing lecturers, and writing industry professionals.
Plus focused yet high pace resources, prompts, and writing tips to guide you through each stage of your writing process to meet you where you’re at regardless of previous writing experience.
Anna’s Story
“For seven years, I've wanted to write a book. And then the Year of the Novel forced me to do it in the best way possible, with people who share the same dream and are on the exact same journey.
And it's just the most magical, incredible experience.
If you're someone who wants to write a novel or a book and has had it in mind for a few months, a few years, or a few decades, it’s never too late to.
The time is gonna pass anyway. You never ever know where these experiences are going to lead.
If you've been thinking about joining the other novel, this is your sign to just do it. It's the best investment in yourself and your creativity.
And we just all constantly chat, bounce ideas, talk about what we're gonna do, go on group creative sessions, and have so much fun.
And now we're in the writing phase, where we're actually writing the goddamn novel!”
Purposefully picky
The Year of the Novel isn’t for everyone, and that’s by design.
We only accept Rebels who are genuinely ready, genuinely committed, and are genuinely serious about making their novel exist.
The Year of the Novel works because every person in the cohort is committed.
We have your back, and we ask that you back yourself, too.
Applications for the Summer Cohort 2026 close at midnight on June 30th.
Cohort kicks off on the 10th of July 2026.
Who the Year of the Novel works best for:
You’ve started more than one project.
You’ve come close enough to finishing that it’s started to bother you.
You don’t need more information.
You don’t need to be convinced that writing matters to you.
You need a way to stay with one piece of writing long enough to finally see it through.
The Year of the Novel doesn’t work if:
You’re still deciding whether you even want to write a novel.
You need complete flexibility, where nothing is expected of you.
You’re looking for inspiration without commitment.
You’re competitive, unsupportive, or don’t care about connecting with other writers.
There are better options for that.
Rebellious Authors: Class of 25/26
Year of the Novel Experts
Dr Demi Aspey | YOTN Lead, PhD & Award-Winning Screenwriter
Anna Wrigley | YOTN Co-host & Author Marketing Expert
Talisha Ekkebus | Author, YOTN coach & Founder of The Alchemist Quill
Dr Michael Stewart | Multi-award-winning novelist, short story writer, poet, and playwright published by Harper Collins
Louise Beech | Traditionally published author of 10+ novels
Plus more guest experts to be revealed in Term 1
Choose Your Year of the Novel
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Full programme access | ✅
Three terms: planning, drafting & editing | ✅
24/7 community & peer support | ✅
Private forum for YOTN members & alumni only | ✅
Life-time access to all resources & tools | ✅
Dedicated peer accountability at every stage | ✅
Live masterclasses with authors & creative writing guest lecturers | ✅
Bi-weekly group check-in calls & live weekly co-writing sessions | ✅
12 x monthly 1:1 sessions with Demi | ❌
Priority access & direct novel support messaging from YOTN leads | ❌
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Full programme access | ✅
Three terms: planning, drafting & editing | ✅
24/7 community & peer support | ✅
Private forum for YOTN members & alumni only | ✅
Life-time access to all resources & tools | ✅
Dedicated peer accountability at every stage | ✅
Live masterclasses with authors & creative writing guest lecturers | ✅
Bi-weekly group check-in calls & live weekly co-writing sessions | ✅
12 x monthly 1:1 sessions with Demi | ✅
Priority access & direct novel support messaging from YOTN leads | ✅
Next Steps:
Click the button below to start your application.
You can select your preferred payment plan before submitting your responses.
No upfront payment is required, and no credit card details are required on application.
Submitting an application does not lock you in or guarantee you a space.
If successful, you will hear from us via email on or after June 1st.
Applications close June 30th.
Term 1 starts July 10th.
Ben’s Story
“Before I started the Year of the Novel with Sonder Studio, I had finished poems, short stories, and other small projects, but I had never finished, or even fully planned, a novel.
I’d had plenty of ideas that I’d started to explore and write. I’d had plenty of half-started projects.
I’d written scenes, chapters, and even thousands of words for some.
But I’d never finished anything.
Now I’m over 50,000 words into a novel, I’ve got a plan, a structure, and I’m confident I will have a finished and edited version by the end of the programme.
This is all thanks to the Studio, the structure and accountability The Year Of The Novel provides, and the incredible community of talented creatives within Studio Sonder!”
You wrote it. You shaped it.
What happens next?
For Rebels with bigger dreams, querying agents, navigating traditional publishing, self-publishing, indie routes and marketing your work, we're building something just for you.
What Happens Next? is our expert-led bonus term, available exclusively to Year of the Novel graduates at a discounted rate.
Details coming in Finale Week.
You earned it!
Naomi’s Story
“TYOTN has helped me slow down the overall process of starting a novel, which has meant I only needed three months to write a first draft — all while working a 32-hour job (who knew you didn't need 1-2 years if you plan everything? I did. I just never listened).
Not only that, but because the research and planning phase forced me to really dive deep and understand every single one of my characters, writing dialogue has become easy-peasy lemon squeezy.
And, according to a few friends who read everything I write (they’re mad, but I love them), all of my characters have distinct voices and personalities.
The community has helped me a lot. Knowing there are other people online, sweating behind their PCs like I am, makes me feel less alone.
And the one time I suddenly thought, “Why in the world am I even writing this novel? Who cares?”, the people here convinced me to keep going — while also reminding me it’s okay to step away from the project when needed.
I can’t wait to see how this project helps me in the final phase: editing (which is usually the part I hate the most).”
Choose Your Year of the Novel
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Full programme access | ✅
Three terms: planning, drafting & editing | ✅
24/7 community & peer support | ✅
Private forum for YOTN members & alumni only | ✅
Life-time access to all resources & tools | ✅
Dedicated peer accountability at every stage | ✅
Live masterclasses with authors & creative writing guest lecturers | ✅
Bi-weekly group check-in calls & live weekly co-writing sessions | ✅
12 x monthly 1:1 sessions with Demi | ❌
Priority access & direct novel support messaging from YOTN leads | ❌
-
Full programme access | ✅
Three terms: planning, drafting & editing | ✅
24/7 community & peer support | ✅
Private forum for YOTN members & alumni only | ✅
Life-time access to all resources & tools | ✅
Dedicated peer accountability at every stage | ✅
Live masterclasses with authors & creative writing guest lecturers | ✅
Bi-weekly group check-in calls & live weekly co-writing sessions | ✅
12 x monthly 1:1 sessions with Demi | ✅
Priority access & direct novel support messaging from YOTN leads | ✅
Note: This Tier is an add on that you can choose to upgrade to during the Welcome Week.
Next Steps:
Click the button below to start your application.
You can select your preferred payment plan before submitting your responses.
No upfront payment is required, and no credit card details are required on application.
Submitting an application does not lock you in or guarantee you a space.
If successful, you will hear from us via email on or after June 1st.
Applications close June 30th.
Term 1 starts July 10th.
Chloe’s Story
“I signed up for the Year of the Novel on a bit of a whim after feeling frustrated with myself for not taking my writing seriously enough.
I haven't looked back!
It is great to be part of a community of interesting, supportive people who truly value creative writing and the arts.
We have bounced so many ideas off each other, shared our frustrations and celebrated our wins.
I’m now almost as invested in the novels the others in the course are writing as I am in my own! I learnt so much during Term 1, when I had ample time and space to research, plan, and explore. The workshops and materials were all top-notch, too.
Term 2 has helped me become more consistent in my writing and overcome some perfectionist tendencies. I now look forward to seeing what the redrafting and refining stage looks like in Term Three, once I finish this messy first draft, of course!
Studio Sonder is a hidden gem - a place to connect outside of traditional, noisy social media platforms - and I regard YOTN as its flagship course, one I will feel very proud to have finished when the time comes!
Frequently Asked Questions
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The Year of the Novel (TYOTN) is Studio Sonder's flagship 12-month guided programme for Creative Rebels who are serious about writing, finishing, and owning their novel.
It's application-only, cohort-based, and built around the infrastructure that actually keeps writers moving: accountability partners, bi-monthly check-in calls, weekly co-writing sessions, guided masterclasses, and a cohort of seriously committed writers doing the same hard thing alongside you.
This isn't a course you buy and forget.
It's a full year of structured, supported novel writing that expects you to show up from blank page to finished draft.
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The Year of the Novel is for the busy writer: the one with a job, a family, responsibilities, and a novel that's been living in their head (or their drafts folder) for years.
It's not for writers with infinite time that can procrastinate at their leisure and a perfectly quiet life that they don’t want interupting.
It's for real writers who need real structure to finally make their novel exist.
If you're a novelist, aspiring novelist, or someone who has always known they had a book in them and just hasn't finished it yet, this is for you.
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Because TYOTN only works when every person in the cohort is genuinely ready and genuinely committed.
We're not filling seats, we're building a cohort.
Your accountability partner, your co-writers, your community, they're all counting on you showing up the same way you're counting on them.
The application process is a filter.
It's how we make sure the people around you are as serious as you are.
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Most writers don't finish their novels because they're missing three things:
structure, accountability, and community.
TYOTN is built entirely around those three things.
You're not going it alone, you have an accountability partner matched to you from day one, a cohort moving through the same terms at the same pace, bi-monthly check-in calls so you never go quiet for long, and weekly co-writing sessions to keep the words coming.
The programme teaches you how to write a novel.
And it makes sure you actually finish one.
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Yes. The Year of the Novel is designed for writers with jobs, families, and real-life commitments. Consistency matters more than volume.
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The programme runs across three terms and bookended with a welcome and graduation week:
Welcome Week
(meet your cohort, find your accountability partner, set your intention)
Term 1: Planning
(6 weeks: premise, characters, world, story beats)
Term 2: Drafting
(5 months: your messy first draft with full accountability support)
Term 3: Editing
(3.5 months: shaping your draft into something real)
Finale Week
(celebrate, showcase, and discover what happens next).
You'll also get access to The Author's Mixer, the shared community across all TYOTN cohorts, and weekly co-writing sessions throughout the entire year.
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Let's be honest about what you're actually investing in.
Comparable 12-month novel writing programmes charge £5,000+.
TYOTN includes live masterclasses, workshops, bi-monthly check-in calls, weekly co-writing sessions, an accountability partner, a dedicated cohort, and access to The Author's Mixer community for the full year.
But more than any of that, you're investing in the novel you've been putting off.
The one that exists in your head but not yet on the page.
If you're the kind of writer who is serious enough to apply, you already know your novel is worth more than the investment.
We've priced it to be accessible to serious writers without underselling what this actually delivers.
Everything in life is an exchange:
time, money, energy, effort…
The level of your exchange is directly proportionate to how badly you want to achieve your dream.
So, how badly do you want it?
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Yes. You can pay £2,497 in full, or spread the investment across 3 instalments of £899.
Both options give you full access to everything in the programme from day one.
You’ll also have an option to add-on one-to-one accountability and coaching sessions with Demi should you want or need them but they are not a rewuirement.
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That’s up to you and how much you choose to show up. We can’t force you to write or do the writing for you, but we can give you the tools to make your writing process a whole lot easier when you do.
Most writers on the Year of the Novel leave with a complete draft or a novel deep into revision, along with greater confidence and trust in their writing process.
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Far from it.
Finale Week is built to celebrate what you've achieved and point you towards what's next.
For rebels with bigger dreams, querying agents, traditional publishing, self-publishing, indie routes, marketing your work, we're building something just for you.
What Happens Next? is an expert-led bonus term available exclusively to TYOTN graduates at a discounted rate.
Details are revealed in Finale Week.
But not everyone wants to be published, almost all of our Rebels join first and foremost so that they can finally do the thing they always said they would: write the damn novel.
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Applications for the Summer Cohort 2026 close on 30th June at midnight.
The cohort kicks off on 10th July 2026.
To apply, hit the button below:
tell us about your novel, where you're at, and why you're ready.
We read every application personally.
If you are successful, you will hear back from us via email on or after June 1st 2026.
To secure your spot if successful, you will need to complete your payment set up within 7 days or your place will be lost.
No payment or credit card details are taken upon application.
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No problem at all!
Fire them our way at hello@studiosondercreative.com, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.