LOOKING FOR: ADULT FICTION Marilia Savvides founded The Plot Agency in 2024. She began her career in publishing at Peters Fraser and Dunlop, where she spent eight years, first as International Rights Agent, and later as Literary Agent, building her own list of authors. In 2019, she joined 42MP, where she worked as Literary Agent for four years, helping to launch and set up the Book Division. She is particularly interested in fiction that is beautifully written and cleverly constructed, but still accessible to a wide readership. She is often drawn to darker tales that weave together excellent characters and an impossible-to-put-down story, from immersive book club novels with a splash of suspense, crime and thrillers, accessible horror, and speculative, genre-bending or dystopian stories. She also adores smart, witty contemporary rom-com in the style of Emily Henry. In the thriller, crime and mystery space she is interested in most areas, except military thrillers and organised crime/ mafia / mob stories. Big hooks and clever set ups are a big bonus! She adores Karin Slaughter (especially her standalone novels) and Gillian Flynn. In the book club / reading group space, she’s particularly drawn to fiction in the vein of Jodi Picoult, Liane Moriarty and Celeste Ng, and absolutely fell in love with Bright Young Women by Jessica Knoll, both for the incredible voice, and the exquisite use of structure and time. Complicated family dynamics, empathetic and smart approaches to controversial issues, stand out protagonists (like Elizabeth Zott in Lessons in Chemistry or Bernadette in Where D’You Go Bernadette), long buried secrets, complicity, the road to justice, and impossible decisions, are all themes she finds herself drawn to. In the horror space, she’s a sucker for amazing female-centric stories in the vein of Yellowjackets, and the kind of contemporary, accessible horror that Stephen King always nails. She wants to get lost in a world that feels within reach of ours. In the speculative and dystopian spaces, she’s interested in genius ideas that set up big questions or reflect the most broken (and sometimes hidden) parts of society. She loves Octavia Butler, Margaret Atwood, George Orwell, and also adored The Leftovers, Station Eleven, Wanderers, and The Power. The what-ifs of life and fiction fascinate her. In the grounded sci-fi space, she’d love to find a smart, immersive, and accessible story like The Martian. She doesn’t represent fantasy or romantasy. In regards to sci-fi, unless it’s very grounded and has crossover potential to a mainstream audience, it’s not for her. In the romance space, she’s particularly drawn to smart, complex and witty characters, where the chemistry is jumping off the page. She loves contemporary settings and all the tropes, though the voice and characters must come first to make the reading experience fully immersive. She wants to be cackling, and rooting for the characters with all her heart. She is very hands-on editorially, and loves working with her authors to shape their manuscripts, and brainstorm ideas. The best part of the job is discovering debut authors, and helping them find a home for their books. Marilia would like you to submit a covering letter, 1 - 2 page synopsis and the first 5,000 words of your manuscript in a single Word document. (In addition to the paid sessions, Marilia is kindly offering one free session for low income/underrepresented writers. Please email agent121@iaminprint.co.uk to apply, outlining your case for this option which is offered at the discretion of I Am In Print). By booking you understand you need to conduct an internet connection test with I Am In Print prior to the event. You also agree to email your material in one document to reach I Am In Print by the stated submission deadline and note that I Am In Print take no responsibility for the advice received during your agent meeting. The submission deadline is: Tuesday 16th September 2025
A NEW one-day watercolour painting workshop for beginners run by local artist and printmaker Lou Davis in our Edinburgh City Centre workshop space. Join artist Lou Davis for a whole day learning to paint in beautiful fluid watercolours. Lou uses watercolour to create simple and approachable patterned and abstract pieces that allow you to get acquainted with this medium in a way that helps you focus, shut out the outside world and simply create. In this workshop, you’ll learn everything you need to get started painting beautiful and relaxing projects using watercolour. We’ll cover a number of projects throughout the day, that will take you through the basics of watercolour from colour mixing and making different brush strokes, learning about paper types and water control, through to mixed media techniques: adding textures, working with masking fluid and embellishing your pieces with pens and metallic paints. This workshop is perfect if you’re new to watercolour and offers a really beautiful way to explore the medium, it’s also good if you’re experienced in watercolour and are interested in using your painting and drawing time to relax and de-stress. All materials for this workshop will be provided, and the price includes morning and afternoon refreshments from local suppliers. You are welcome to bring your own lunch, or there are several cafés and takeaway options nearby. Earth conscious credentials We are mindful of the effect we have on the environment, and do our best to minimise our impact. You will take the lovely watercolours you have created home with you on the day, and workshop correspondence and notes are sent to you electronically. Favourite feedback We love to hear what you think about our workshops. Here's a favourite review for previous watercolour painting workshop with Lou. A totally peaceful and mindful three hours spent being guided and inspired by Lou…Just going with the flow. Enjoying the process. And being quite surprised by the results. Lynn is a wonderful host at The Arienas Collective…Thanks Lynn and Lou for a mindful morning. [Judith] More information The Arienas Collective workshops, courses and events are run from a welcoming and supportive environment within a Georgian mews home in Edinburgh’s City Centre New Town. We invite you to join us, leave any day-to-day worries behind and immerse yourself in being creative. Spaces on our workshops and courses are limited so that our creative team of artists and makers can offer you the hands-on help and support you need to make the most of your time with us. Our taster and introductory workshops focus on teaching creative skills and methods you can continue practising at home, using affordable materials and equipment. Where more expensive equipment is required we will mention this in the workshop description. All the equipment and materials you need are included in the price, unless stated otherwise. Light refreshments from local suppliers are provided. On full day workshops you are welcome to bring your own lunch to eat inside or out. There is also a wide range of independent sit-in or takeaway delis, cafés, and restaurants, plus a range of supermarkets all within a 5-10 minute walk. Accessibility The workshop space is on the first-floor of our Georgian mews home and unfortunately we do not have lift access. Blue badge holders can park outside our front door on the single yellow line by arrangement. Allergies The workshop space is in our open plan living space and is not nut free. Please let us know about any skin or food allergies before booking. We offer a dairy-free milk and gluten free snack alternative. Minimum number no refund policy To ensure we can always pay our creatives a fair fee, we require a minimum number of bookings for each workshop and for this reason bookings are non-refundable. Should we have to cancel due to low numbers, we will offer you the option to swap to an alternative date or workshop, or to request a refund. We do our very best to avoid cancellations. Since we often get late bookings, we keep our workshops on sale for as long as possible. We realise that some of you travel from afar, so if you book a space and have not yet received an email confirming your workshop is going ahead and need to make plans for your trip, please get in touch before booking any travel or accommodation so we can update you on booking numbers. Or check in before booking. Private workshop bookings Most of our workshops are also available to book for: private get-togethers with family and friends; themed wedding and birthday celebrations; corporate team building and well-being purposes; and in-store retail events for your customers. If you’d like to know more please Email Lynn. Age restrictions Our workshops are planned with adults in mind. Many are suitable for teenagers, but some may require under 16s to be accompanied for insurance purposes. Please check with us before booking.
Hydronics Unlocked — 1-Day Course Design and install smarter heating systems with confidence. This full-day course is crafted for heating professionals who want to sharpen their design skills, understand system performance and build the knowledge they need for modern, efficient installs — with boilers, heat pumps or both. 💡 Who This Course Is For Whether you're: An experienced engineer looking to stay ahead of the curve, Newly qualified and craving clear, practical answers Installing gas or oil boilers and exploring the move into heat pumps, Already fitting heat pumps but missing key insights, Or designing systems on paper and want to bridge the gap to real-world installs… This course will help you take your next step to levelling up your career. 🧠 What You’ll Learn Build the confidence and skills to deliver systems that are more efficient, reliable and ready for the future. You'll learn: Our 10-Step Hydronics Process: your complete framework for design and installation Pump Setting: understand how to match pump performance to system needs Flow, Velocity, Resistance: calculations made simple and useful Pipe Sizing: learn how to size pipes correctly to minimise pressure loss Controls for Efficiency: understand how modern controls improve performance Low temperature design: build confidence and skills for heat pump work 🎁 What's Included 📍 In-person training led by Paul Leedham 📖 Take-home course book ☕ Tea, coffee, and biscuits provided throughout 🥪 Lunch provided ⭐ Paul Leedham Paul is an award-winning heat pump designer and one of the most respected voices in the low carbon heating space. A qualified electrician and heating engineer, he brings a rare depth of technical understanding, built on years of hands-on installation and high-end design work. He’s also actively involved in industry standards and policy discussions, keeping his training rooted in what’s coming next. 🗺 Where Matrix Energy Systems, Unit 5 Bradmarsh Way, Rotherham, Sheffield S60 1BW Google Maps link
Course Description The RQF Level 1 Awareness of Safeguarding course is designed to provide individuals with a basic understanding of safeguarding principles and practices. It aims to raise awareness about the importance of safeguarding and promote the well-being and protection of vulnerable individuals, such as children, young people, and adults at risk. The course covers the following topics: Introduction to Safeguarding: Definition and importance of safeguarding. Key legislation, policies, and guidance related to safeguarding. Roles and responsibilities of individuals and organisations in safeguarding. Types of Abuse and Neglect: Overview of different types of abuse, including physical, emotional, sexual, and financial abuse. Recognizing signs and indicators of abuse and neglect. Understanding the impact of abuse on individuals' well-being. Vulnerable Groups: Identifying vulnerable groups, such as children, young people, older adults, and individuals with disabilities or mental health issues. Understanding the specific safeguarding concerns and considerations for each group. Reporting and Responding to Safeguarding Concerns: Procedures for reporting safeguarding concerns or disclosures. Understanding the importance of maintaining confidentiality and handling sensitive information appropriately. Responding to safeguarding concerns in a timely and appropriate manner. Promoting Safeguarding and Preventing Abuse: Strategies for promoting a safe and inclusive environment. Recognizing potential risk factors and implementing preventative measures. Understanding the importance of creating a culture of safeguarding within organizations. Multi-Agency Collaboration: Collaboration between different agencies and organisations involved in safeguarding, such as social services, law enforcement, and healthcare. Sharing information and working together to ensure effective safeguarding practices. Case Studies and Scenarios: Reviewing case studies and scenarios to apply safeguarding principles and practices. Analysing potential safeguarding dilemmas and decision-making processes. Personal Responsibilities: Recognising personal boundaries and limitations when working with vulnerable individuals. Understanding the importance of self-care and managing emotional well-being when dealing with safeguarding issues. It is important to ensure that the course meets local safeguarding guidelines and requirements.
Developing Leadership and Emotional Intelligence Skills course is designed to empower participants with the essential leadership competencies and emotional intelligence skills needed to excel in today's dynamic workplace. Through a blend of theoretical frameworks, interactive exercises, and practical applications, this course aims to enhance participants' self-awareness, interpersonal relationships, and leadership capabilities, ultimately enabling them to inspire and motivate others towards achieving organizational goals.
What past delegates said: "I started looking for a course in education and training when I was offered a chance to help deliver some health & safety training in my local area - I was incredibly lucky to have found Ottilia Pochat Training. Ottilia has a wealth of experience in teaching, and she managed to share those skills and techniques with us in a way that was both incredibly informative and fun! I can’t recommend Ottilia Pochat Training highly enough - why wouldn’t you want to learn how to teach from the best?" This course is fully tutor-led and teaches you how to become a good, quality trainer Virtual Classroom, this course is run over 8 weeks: 16 sessions of 2½ hour duration, from 10:00 -12:30 and 13:30 - 16:00 The virtually run course starting on Friday 7 July will be held over 8 consecutive Fridays Face to Face: Five-day course Run by a Dutch teacher who spent 4 years learning to teach and has international teaching experience in working with all age groups Course Contents Roles and responsibilities in education and training Ways to maintain a safe and supportive learning environment Relationships between teachers and other professionals Boundaries between the teaching role and other professionals Points of referral to meet the individual needs of learners Inclusive teaching, including:Ways to create an inclusive teaching and learning environmentCreating an inclusive teaching and learning planJustifying own selection of teaching and learning approaches, resources and assessment methods in relation to individual learner needsUsing teaching and learning approaches to meet learner needsEvaluating the delivery of inclusive teaching and learning including areas for improvementDelivering inclusive teaching and learning to meet individual needs Communicating with learners in a way that meets their needs Understanding assessment in education and training, including:Different methods of assessment and how they can be adapted to meet individual learner needsHow to involve learners and others in the assessment processThe role and use of constructive feedbackRecord keeping of assessments Benefits of this course: This Ofqual regulated course will allow you to work in adult education Or even, run online training sessions With this course, you'll also be able to run professional workshops Accredited, Ofqual regulated qualification Our QA Level 3 Award in Education and Training (RQF) Course is a nationally recognised, Ofqual regulated qualification accredited by Qualsafe Awards. This means that you can rest assured that your level 3 Award in Education and Training fulfils the legal requirements to kick-start your own career in Education and Training. The Ofqual Register number for this course is 603/2770/4
During this fully tutored life drawing course, you will discover how returning to the essential principles of drawing can help even the more experienced artist to express their ideas and observations more eloquently. Guided by our tutor, you will be encouraged to explore line, movement, and proportion, using simple techniques and exercises that are designed to enhance your the skills, knowledge, and confidence in creating responsive figure drawings. Suitable for even more experienced artists who would like to develop their skills and explore drawing further. This improvers course in life drawing is for those of an intermediate level, and will unite the skills of observation, expression and understanding in one coherent approach. Beginning with the key principles of observation, this course will give you a strong understanding of proportion and tonal value so that you can make well-observed, proportionally accurate drawings. This fully guided course will teach you to observe and understand the influence of anatomical masses such as the skeletal-muscular systems by drawing your attention to key themes and ideas such as: Exploring the Proportions of the Human Body Understanding Movement and Weight DistributionSeeing shape Seeing Variations in Tone Knowledge required: Improvers/beginners level: This course is suitable for beginners or those with experience in drawing who would like to develop their skills and explore life drawing further What we will provide: Table easels Paper & Drawing board A range of drawing pencils, charcoal sharpener and eraser Instructional Handbook By the end of this course, you will be able to confidently produce personal, focused and responsive figure drawings.