The Wolsey Writers collective which helps people keep their creative writing going is urging people to make their dream of writing a novel a reality this year.

The group was launched in September and through weekly sessions held backstage at the New Wolsey Theatre allows people to work on their creative ideas and develop their writing through a series of exercises and advice.

Now, ahead of its first session of 2016 this Saturday, the group is committed to helping people fulfil their new year resolution of penning a novel.

Ipswich-based author Katie Ward, 36, who runs the sessions, said: “Lots of different people come for different reasons – some write fiction, we have poets, so there is a real mix.

“One of the difficult things is the blank page, starting from nothing, and it’s about writing regularly and getting them into the habit of doing that, so it’s music to my ears if they say they are continuing to develop an idea from the class.”

As part of the process, Ms Ward will help guide the writers through some commonly difficult parts of the process, including getting ideas onto the page for the first time and approaching literary agents. “People are different and have different barriers, but a lot of things people encounter are the same,” Ms Ward added.

“It doesn’t matter how successful you are you encounter doubt at some point and if you are looking to be published everyone has to go on that journey at some point, so it’s about helping with those.”

Since the group’s launch in September, a healthy following has already been established, with more encouraged to join if they want to turn their ideas into words.

Ms Ward, who is currently in the process of writing a novel after the success of her first book Girl Reading, added: “Writing is a lovely thing but it’s a very solitary activity so it is nice to be able to share with other people.”

The sessions run from 10am-12pm each Saturday at the New Wolsey Theatre. For more details visit www.katieward.co.uk