Creative Writing Workshops
Ready, steady, write!
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Our first workshop was held at the iconic Red Brick Building where sessions included characterisation, dialogue and essential editing skills. We always make sure that there is plenty of opportunity for participants to chat with us and to mingle with each other in a relaxed setting.
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If you would be interested in us teaching a course for you, please get in touch.
Below are just a few of the topics that we cover and some information about us as teachers:
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"An informative and enjoyable workshop." Tracy Williams
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"Thanks to you all for a very thoughtful day. You have renewed my enthusiasm for writing." Mary Shoobridge
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"I feel excited about my plot again and for that I thank you three lovely and inspiring ladies." Justine Fraser
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Getting to grips with dialogue
Writing conversations can be the trickiest part of your story. How can you write dialogue that works and is credible? Is dialogue transcribed speech and – if not – how do we capture the natural rhythm of speech by creating something that is in essence artificial? When and how should you introduce dialogue? Just how much or how little should you use in your story? Should dialogue comprise long chunks of speech or short phrases? How do you incorporate dialect when you need to? How does dialogue contribute to painting your character? Last of all, what about dialogue tags and the punctuation rules for these?
By examining and creating examples of dialogue, we will consider how dialogue can enhance and accelerate the story as a whole.
Sonja Price is a lecturer at Jena University in Germany where she teaches English Language and Creative Writing. She studied at the University of East Anglia (UEA) and has a PhD in English Literature. Her first novel, The Giants Look Down (Robert Hale, 2016), was shortlisted by the Romantic Novelists’ Association for the Joan Hessayon New Writers' Scheme Award.
Editing know-how
No matter what you have written, it will benefit from editing. But what does editing mean and what do editors do? What’s the difference between a copy-editor and a proof-reader, for example? Do you really need an editor or can you check the work yourself? This session will give you the tools to improve your writing and pointers for things to look out for if you decide to employ a professional.
Using practical exercises, we’ll look at some basic techniques that will help you to make your writing the best it can be.
(Jan now also teaches the dialogue section of the workshop, because it's what she loves the most!)
Jan Ellis is the pen name for Janet Ravenscroft, who has worked in publishing since the mid-1980s. She has degrees in English and history, and teaches Renaissance art and culture. She writes contemporary ‘romcom’ and mystery for Waverley Books.
Telling a good tale
What makes a gripping story? Successful novels are often based on structures that have been used for story-telling through the ages. How does a narrative become a story? We’ll look at how to shape a novel, maintain pace and give it direction.
Nikki Copleston qualified as a librarian in London, where she worked in various library roles, most recently – before moving to Somerset – in overall charge of stock selection for a busy local authority. She published The Shame of Innocence, featuring D.I. Jeff Lincoln, and has since published a Jeff Lincoln novella, A Saintly Grave Disturbed.
