Learn how to write arcs that move characters beyond queer shame – towards healing and joy – with insights from a clinical psychologist writer.
This workshop draws on clinical psychology to help writers understand shame as a narrative and psychological force, offering tools to portray it without reducing characters to trauma. You’ll learn to avoid common pitfalls – such as trauma dumps or unintentional heteronormativity – and explore how internal conflict can shape character growth and behaviour. This will include space to reflect on your own work and connect with other writers.
What will you do in the workshop?
You can expect a short, accessible overview of key psychological models, discussion about queer shame in life and literature, guided writing exercises, and reflection.
You can best prepare by having an idea, story or character you’d like to work on.
What can participants expect?
We’ll work through and discuss exercises focused on identifying origin stories, influential plot points, and character reactions. We’ll reference examples such as Young Mungo (Douglus Stuart), Deviants (Santanu Bhattacharya), Rejection (Tony Tulathimutte), and Black Water Rising (Sean Watkin). A handout will summarise the psychological models and their implications for writing.
Who is this opportunity for?
Writers of all experience levels who are exploring and including LGBTQ+ characters and themes in their writing. You don’t have to have started your story, but it will be helpful if you have some knowledge about your queer character(s).
Bursary places
We have 5 free bursary places available for writers on a low income. We define this as either earning on or below the London Living Wage and/or in receipt of benefits (e.g. Universal Credit). If you would like to request a bursary place, please email [email protected] with details of your eligibility for a bursary by 24 January 2026.
Access
If you require BSL interpretation, and/or have other access needs please email [email protected] so we can accommodate you.
Published: Thursday 11 September
About the tutor
Kingsley Pearson
See More
I am a clinical psychologist with extensive academic publishing experience; I’ve been writing creatively since 2020. My debut psychological suspense novel was published by Orion Fiction in July 2025 as part of a two-book deal. Both novels will feature diverse casts and queer protagonists.
I have 17 years’ experience providing training as a psychologist. As an active member of my local critique group, I enjoy supporting fellow writers online and in feedback sessions. I was nominated for the ‘most helpful feedback’ prize at the group in 2023.
As a psychologist, this workshop is personally and professionally important to me. I think joyful queer stories are important and provide hope, but I also think that a focus on only the positive risks not acknowledging the ongoing challenges the LGBTQ+ community faces and not providing readers the opportunity to move on from some of their own experiences. I therefore hope to be part of a writing space which can encompass multiple elements of the queer experience.