Debi Alper
LightNews LightNews
banner
debialper.bsky.social
Debi Alper
@debialper.bsky.social
1.1K followers 820 following 210 posts
Author, freelance editor, creative writing tutor and fearless slayer of Doubt Demons. Also interested in mudlarking, singing with my choir, micro gardening, working class peeps and radical Jewish voices. Owned by my cat. She/her.
Posts Replies Media Videos
debialper.bsky.social
Apply before end of Nov to get the self-edit course at the lowest price! jerichowriters.com/creative-writing-courses/self-editing-course/
November 28, 2025 at 4:36 PM
Reposted by Debi Alper
jerichowriters.bsky.social
If you've ever wondered whether our Self-Edit Your Novel course is worth it - or whether you should bother applying for our free bursary place - allow course leader Debi Alper to enlighten you...
November 26, 2025 at 3:01 PM
debialper.bsky.social
Bursary klaxon! 📢📢📢https://www.instagram.com/p/DRUp_1qCMfe/?igsh=MWNvYnA3MTVyNTRhbQ==
undefined on Instagram: "jerichowriters🏃Run, don't walk...🏃 We're offering one lucky author the chance to win a bursary place on the next Self-Edit Your N…"
jerichowriters🏃Run, don't walk...🏃 We're offering one lucky author the chance to win a bursary place on the next Self-Edit Your Novel course, which starts on 6 January 2026. To be in with your chance of winning it, please submit a piece of writing, plus your reasons for applying, by 8 December. Did you know...? This best-selling course has been running for 14 years and now boasts ✨more than 100✨ published authors among its alumni! Quite the achievement for course leaders @debialper and @emmadarwinwriter!🔗Follow the link in our bio for all the details you need about the bursary or to enrol on the course now.#creativewritingcourse #amwriting #amediting #selfediting #writingtips #writingresources #novelediting #writingcommunity #writingbursary #bursaryopportunity
www.instagram.com
November 21, 2025 at 3:30 PM
Reposted by Debi Alper
jerichowriters.bsky.social
Writers finish the six week course with fresher, more compelling books, as well as the tools to draft and edit more effectively in future.
🔗 The next course begins on 6 January 2026. Visit our website to secure your spot now! zurl.co/WG4nS
November 11, 2025 at 9:47 AM
debialper.bsky.social
Make 2026 the year when you change your writing - and maybe even your life - forever. 👇
jerichowriters.bsky.social Jericho Writers @jerichowriters.bsky.social · 18d
Writers finish the six week course with fresher, more compelling books, as well as the tools to draft and edit more effectively in future.
🔗 The next course begins on 6 January 2026. Visit our website to secure your spot now! zurl.co/WG4nS
November 11, 2025 at 3:04 PM
Reposted by Debi Alper
jerichowriters.bsky.social
If you want to strengthen your muscles, you go to the gym. If you want to strengthen your manuscript, we recommend the best-selling Self-Edit Your Novel course - no spandex required!
November 11, 2025 at 9:46 AM
Reposted by Debi Alper
pulpthorn.bsky.social
Great course - can heartily recommend.
debialper.bsky.social Debi Alper @debialper.bsky.social · 24d
Bursary time! Please apply if you're eligible and join me and @emmadarwinwriter.bsky.social in January. 👇
jerichowriters.bsky.social Jericho Writers @jerichowriters.bsky.social · 24d
Did you know...? Our best-selling Self-Edit Your Novel course now boasts ✨more than 100✨ published authors among its alumni! Quite the achievement for course leaders Debi Alper and Emma Darwin.
November 6, 2025 at 10:58 AM
debialper.bsky.social
Bursary time! Please apply if you're eligible and join me and @emmadarwinwriter.bsky.social in January. 👇
jerichowriters.bsky.social Jericho Writers @jerichowriters.bsky.social · 24d
Did you know...? Our best-selling Self-Edit Your Novel course now boasts ✨more than 100✨ published authors among its alumni! Quite the achievement for course leaders Debi Alper and Emma Darwin.
November 5, 2025 at 3:28 PM
debialper.bsky.social
www.instagram.com/reel/DQbqLcc... I've been reeling over on Insta about common things to tackle when self-editing. @jerichowriters.bsky.social
jerichowriters on Instagram: "If you've been working on a novel for a while and feel determined that ✨next year✨ will be the one when you get it into readers' ha…"
If you've been working on a novel for a while and feel determined that ✨next year✨ will be the one when you get it into readers' hands, you're probably facing a challenge that's common to every author: self-editing your book. Why do we self-edit? So we can spot errors and issues in our own work - and polish them away! - before we share that work with agents, publishers or readers. In this reel @debialper, co-tutor of our best-selling Self-Edit Your Novel course, explains four things you'll definitely need to consider as you go through your manuscript again. 1 in 6 students who've studied on the course in the past fourteen years have gone on to publish their books - so her advice is well worth bookmarking! 🔗 Want to join us when the next Self-Edit Your Novel course starts in January? Follow the link in our bio (scroll down in the Linktree!) to secure your spot now.#writingcommunity #writingtips #writingresources #writingcourse #creativewritingcourse #writingtutor #writingmentor #writersofinstagram #writersofig #writersofinsta #authorsofinstagram #authorsofig #authorsofinsta #amwriting #amediting #selfediting #editinganovelView all comments
www.instagram.com
October 31, 2025 at 1:47 AM
debialper.bsky.social
The most brilliant news for Claire AKA Ellie, one of our @jerichowriters.bsky.social #SelfEditAlumni from back when the course first started. 💜💜💜💜💜
clairesnonsense.bsky.social Claire Waller / Ellie Graves/ Claire Lunn @clairesnonsense.bsky.social · Oct 9
ARRRGGGHHHH! FINALLY! I CAN FINALLY SHARE!!

Unfortunately, the actual announcement is behind a paywall, so I’ve screenshotted it for you all 🥰

I’m writing this one under the name Ellie Graves, because I clearly can’t have enough names

www.thebookseller.com/rights/trans...

#booksky #transworld
Announcement of my Transworld Debut, MANEATER: Transworld has acquired horror-thriller crossover novel Maneater by debut author Ellie Graves. Editor Nicole Witmer acquired world rights from Sandra Sawicka at Marjacq. The debut’s synopsis reads: "Maneater follows Renee Landis as she finally quits her dead-end job at a chicken shop after landing the coveted role of junior chef at London’s pristine NOVA restaurant. But it’s not the restaurant that draws Renee in – it’s the executive chef. "Gracie Fitzgerald is as legendary as she is secretive, known for her succulent, signature dishes and the notorious methods in which she runs her kitchen. No one can touch her workspace with bare hands. No other chef can taste her signature dishes. And no one, under any circumstances, is allowed to enter her personal freezer…" Sawicka said: "I am beyond thrilled to have worked on this deliciously dark novel with Ellie and Nicole, who are just a dream team. Can’t wait for the audience to sink their teeth into Gracie and Renee’s story." Witmer added: "Maneater is an incredibly fun take on the good-for-her femgore readers love to see in this genre. Gracie Fitzgerald has filled the Miranda Priestly-sized hole in my reading. Ellie’s writing is equal parts delicious and terrifying, keeping readers guessing until the very last line." Graves said: “I’m not sure I should admit to the amount of fun I had writing Maneater… it turns out, playing ‘I wonder how far you can push this?’ when it comes to food in horror is ‘quite far’! "I can’t wait for readers to meet Renee and everyone at NOVA – and I especially can’t wait for the world to meet Chef Gracie." Maneater will publish in hardback, e-book and audio in March 2026. Article continued (whole transcript in last picture)
October 9, 2025 at 10:09 PM
debialper.bsky.social
A snippet of Space Oddity from @singeazychoir.bsky.social for your listening pleasure. 🎶🎶 www.instagram.com/reel/DOyDAN3...
Login • Instagram
Welcome back to Instagram. Sign in to check out what your friends, family & interests have been capturing & sharing around the world.
www.instagram.com
September 19, 2025 at 7:58 PM
Reposted by Debi Alper
booksellercrow.bsky.social
August 29, 2025 at 2:34 PM
debialper.bsky.social
New pix!
Black and white portrait Colour portrait
August 29, 2025 at 1:34 PM
debialper.bsky.social
Bursary klaxon! 📢 Deadline 28 August! 👇
jerichowriters.bsky.social Jericho Writers @jerichowriters.bsky.social · Aug 7
Did you know...? Typically, *one in four* of our Self-Edit Your Novel alumni go on to publishing success. Even better, if you apply before 28 August you could win a bursary place on our next course, starting 9 September. Visit our website for all the details you need! buff.ly/LlVC7Fj
August 26, 2025 at 4:56 PM
debialper.bsky.social
Stuffed marrow, red cabbage slaw, and honey roasted carrots, all still in the ground a few hours ago.
Plate of food as described
August 17, 2025 at 7:44 PM
debialper.bsky.social
From pic 1 to pic 2. Pic 3 is carrot tops prepped for pesto. All from our community allotment. 💚
Red cabbage cut in half Cole slaw made from the cabbage Big pile of carrot tops
August 17, 2025 at 4:54 PM
debialper.bsky.social
Bursary alert! Please apply if you're eligible and join me and @emmadarwinwriter.bsky.social in September.
jerichowriters.bsky.social Jericho Writers @jerichowriters.bsky.social · Aug 7
Did you know...? Typically, *one in four* of our Self-Edit Your Novel alumni go on to publishing success. Even better, if you apply before 28 August you could win a bursary place on our next course, starting 9 September. Visit our website for all the details you need! buff.ly/LlVC7Fj
August 16, 2025 at 1:34 AM
Reposted by Debi Alper
cfranciswrites.bsky.social
For anyone who wants to learn more:

jerichowriters.com/six-tips-for...

And if you're after an editing course, I highly recommend Debi Alper's self-editing course at Jericho Writers. I've not yet done it myself, but I've been in several of Debi's workshops at conferences and she's brilliant!
Self-Editing Course: Polish Your Manuscript – Jericho Writers
Our self-editing course is led by publishing professionals, and will help you get your manuscript to industry standard.
jerichowriters.com
August 6, 2025 at 8:35 AM
Reposted by Debi Alper
cfranciswrites.bsky.social
Hello #SummerOfStory

Day 6: The Narrative Triangle

@kiraofthewind.com reminded me there is another technique with this name, so sorry for any confusion. This 🔼 is an editing technique by the marvellous @debialper.bsky.social, used for assessing the narrative drive of your story.

#WritingPrompt
1: Title, Date, & Prompt Introduction This slide features a large torn piece of lined paper with the text 'August 6th' at the top and the writing prompt 'Narrative Triangle' in bold script letters. There's also note attributing credit to Debi Alper, whose handle appears beneath the title. There is a typewriter in the corner with a note saying 'TOOLS not RULES'. On the right, there is a speech bubble with prompt questions, a Bluesky butterfly, and a palm leaf background. Transcription: August 6th Narrative Triangle by Debi Alper @debialper.bsky.social What's your take on this writing technique? Have you used it before — or do you avoid it? Share your thoughts, drop a snippet, or tell us how you'd use it in a scene. 2: What and Why This slide is a piece of lined paper with 'What?' and 'Why?' highlighted at the top and middle. It explains what the Narrative Triangle is as a writing technique and why it's useful. There is a Bluesky butterfly and palm fronds in the background. Transcription: What? Every scene should move the story forward somehow, whether that's through plot, character development, or raising the stakes. One quick way to check is by using the Narrative Triangle: where do you start, what happens, and where do you end up? If, by the end of the scene, nothing's really changed—your characters, the plot, or the stakes are all right back where they started—that's a sign the pace has stalled and the scene might not be pulling its weight. Why? It ensures each scene earns its place and ups narrative momentum. 3: In Practice This slide looks like a piece of graph paper and features a triangle diagram labelled 'Start of the scene', 'Events during the scene', and 'End of the scene'. Inside the triangle is a reminder: If, at the end of your scene, there has been no progression in plot, stakes, or character development, then it's better to cut the scene. Speech bubbles explain that if a scene only repeats a shift already shown, it might need trimming. There is a speech bubbles shaped note about Debi Alper's self-editing course and a Bluesky butterfly in the background. Transcription: Check out Debi Alper's self-editing course at Jericho Writers to learn more about this concept and other great practices. What if it's a repeat of a shift we've already seen? If another scene delivers the same change more powerfully, this one might be dragging. Don't just ask if something changes — ask if it needs to. Sometimes we need to look beyond full scenes and examine the smaller units of action — conversations, choreography, travel, introspective beats. Ask yourself: 'Is this changing anything?' If not, it probably needs to go. Kill those darlings. It hurts, but it's worth it for a cleaner, more engaging story. 4: What do you think? This slide is a torn piece of paper with discussion questions for writers about using the Narrative Triangle in editing. There is a speech bubble repeating 'TOOLS not RULES', a Bluesky butterfly, and palm fronds in the background. Transcription: What do you think? So, what's your take on using the Narrative Triangle in editing? Any overwriters out there considering using this to trim down? Do you think every scene in a book should contribute to character, plot, or stakes? Why not share your experience or a snippet with the community? Hot takes welcome — just please don't set anyone on fire!
August 6, 2025 at 8:35 AM
debialper.bsky.social
Community allotment update, activity overseen by Zinzi.
Zucchini growing Kohlrabi Working on the raised beds Box containing lettuce, spinach, carrots, tomatoes, parsley, basil.
July 27, 2025 at 2:45 PM
Reposted by Debi Alper
sladey.bsky.social
Just in case you find yourself in SE15 with a tenner in your hand tonight…

Local band Pretty Trees are launching their long-awaited album at The Ivy House.

Great pub, great beer, great music…
Poster advertising an album launch party for Pretty Trees, a local London band on Thursday 24 July. Doors open 7:30pm. Tickets £10 on the door.
July 24, 2025 at 2:02 PM
debialper.bsky.social
Balcony update.
Close-up of peach-coloured gladioli blossom Wildflowers and basil Close-up of small white flowers Gladioli and busy lizzies
July 24, 2025 at 1:00 PM
debialper.bsky.social
Someone on the @jerichowriters.bsky.social self-edit course just said, 'Debi is a bit like a forensic scientist, who can glean so much from a tiny DNA sample,' and I feel so SEEN!
a woman wearing purple gloves and goggles is holding a glass of water .
ALT: a woman wearing purple gloves and goggles is holding a glass of water .
media.tenor.com
July 19, 2025 at 4:46 PM
debialper.bsky.social
Holding a new novel by one of our @jerichowriters.bsky.social' #SelfEditAlumni is my favourite thing. Huge congrats to John Taylor 🎉🎉🎉
Copy of Angels and Blackbirds by John Alex Taylor
July 19, 2025 at 10:43 AM
Reposted by Debi Alper
singeazychoir.bsky.social
Local band The Pretty Trees (feat. SingEazy’s own Dan Maitland) are launching their new album, ‘Universes Please’ at The Ivy House, Nunhead on Thursday 24th July. Doors open at 7.30pm. Tickets £10 at the door. Special guests, SAS.
Want a sneak peak? Https://prettytrees.bandcamp.com
July 16, 2025 at 8:06 PM