Creative Writing Workshops London...
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many thanks to www.chiswickbuzz.net
[and spot the deliberate apostrophe mistake :)]
EVER FANCIED CREATIVE WRITING?
Together, publisher, Stephanie Zia, and I run
Creative Writing Workshops London
"There's something about the relaxed atmosphere they create
which helps to loosen the anxieties of writing"
*
"I wouldn't recommend them if I didn't totally trust them... they are a class act"
Click on the links below to explore a whole host of newly-devised, online one-hour workshops for writers of any level. Plus our popular workshops for BEGINNERS to ease you in more gently if you prefer. We limit all workshops to just 6 participants.
Our trademarks are :
Interactive - a mix of mini-lectures, discussion and exercises. Join in or sit and listen. You never have to read out, unless you want to
Inspirational - suitable for beginners and for any writer who would like a creative boost
Stand-alone - try a class and, if you enjoy it, you may want to come back for more!
1. For beginners who would like to dip their toe into the world of creative writing rather than plunge in, we also have our FOUR POPULAR WORKSHOPS, where we will set you at your ease and introduce you to the basics of CHARACTER, PLOT, DIALOGUE, SETTING.
We both can recall the first time we had to read our work out - heart thumping - and there is no pressure to read out unless you want to. We focus on helping you unleash your imagination in a fun and safe setting.
We have now completed our winter series of Introductory Workshops (more to come in spring) and are offering Level 2 Workshops in Character, Plot, Dialogue and Setting.
FOR BEGINNERS - See dates and booking links below in BLUE
2. For all writers at any level we have devised a raft of themes you might like to explore :
ADDING TEXTURE TO YOUR WRITING [ENDED - NEW DATE IN SPRING]
SETTING AS A CHARACTER OR PRESENCE
USE OF SILENCE, OMISSIONS AND GAPS
USE OF SOUNDS, SMELLS, TASTE
VOICE AND STYLE
USE OF COLOUR
SELF-EDITING 1 - COMMON PITFALLS TO EDIT OUT
SELF-EDITING 2 - ADDING SOPHISTICATION
RESEARCH - WHEN, HOW, AND HOW TO WEAVE IT IN
READ OUT YOUR WORK AND GET FEEDBACK*
PROCRASTINATION - FINISHING YOUR NOVEL
* MAX 4 ATTENDEES
FOR ALL LEVELS - See dates and booking links in GREEN
Tues 9 Feb 18.30-19.30 GMT [SOLD OUT]
Creative writing workshop for beginners, Creating Dialogue
Thurs 11 Feb 18.30-19.30 GMT
Use of Silence, Omissions and Gaps
Tues 16th Feb 18.30-19.30 GMT
Creative writing workshop for beginners, Creating setting
Thurs 18th Feb 18.30-19.30 GMT
Use of sounds, smells, tastes
Tues 23 Feb 18.30-19.30
Voice and style
Thurs 25 Feb 18.30-19.30
Use of Colour
Tuesday 2nd March 18.30-19.30 GMT
One-hour Creative Writing Workshop for Beginners (2) – Deeper into Character
Thursday 4th March 18.30-19.30 GMT
One-hour Creative Writing Workshop - Self-editing 1 : Common Pitfalls to Edit Out
Tuesday 9th March 18.30-19.30 GMT
One-hour Creative Writing Workshop for Beginners (2) - Deeper into Plot
Thursday 11th March 18.30-19.30 GMT
One-hour Creative Writing Workshop - Self-editing 2 : Adding Sophistication to your Writing
Tuesday 16th March18.30-19.30 GMT
One-hour Creative Writing Workshop for Beginners, Deeper into Dialogue (2)
Thursday 18th March 18.30-19.30 GMT
One-hour Creative Writing Workshop - Research : how to research, weaving research in
Tuesday 23rd March 18.30-19.30 GMT
One-hour Creative Writing Workshop for Beginners (2) - Deeper into Setting (Setting as a Character/Presence)
Weds 24th March 18.30-20.00 GMT
90 minute Creative Writing Workshop – Read Out and Receive Feedback. Open to all levels. Max 4 attendees. Cost £30.
Thursday 25th March 18.30-19.30 GMT
One-hour Creative Writing Workshop – Procrastination – Finishing your Novel
Since 2017, we have run a series of one-off, informal and engaging creative writing sessions. We have welcomed over 150 students around my kitchen table - many of them returning for our follow-up sessions.
Now, with social distancing in mind, we have moved online and developed a series of new workshops for writers of all levels. Dip your toe in to one which takes your fancy - or book up for all on offer. Dates and details will posted here as and when we run them - or contact me.
Using fun and simple exercises, we will share our personal tips on the creative writing process. How do you develop and portray great characters? How do you write authentic-sounding dialogue? How on earth do you tackle the plot of a novel? We will help you understand how to build scenes and chapters, using your senses to bring them to life.
While we will write bits and pieces along the way, there will be NO PRESSURE TO SHARE unless you wish to. As our feedback illustrates -
Some feedback from our kitchen table workshops :
"Exceeded my expectations...cosy, intimate, yet professionally run"
"Relaxed approach gave me the confidence to read aloud which I've never had before"
"Booked it as a treat for myself and what a treat it was!"
"An absolutely brilliant course. Clear, concise, full of humour"
"The lovely style of the workshop leaders, complemented by knowledge"
"Such a vibrant and dynamic class!"
"Inspired me to get back to my writing and approach it in a different way."
"All the exercises were so imaginative. No pressure. Supportive environment"
"Very calm atmosphere. Felt open to share my writings."
"Booked it as a treat for myself and what a treat it was!"
"Very warming and welcoming. Great brownies too!"
"No pressure to read work but the relaxed approach gave me the confidence to read aloud which I've never had before"
"A wonderful morning and intro to creative writing, I truly enjoyed myself. What a lovely bunch of people. I've written the first line of my novel on the bus home."
"The most exhilarating three hours I've spent in a long while"
"Put me in such a good mood for the rest of the day and filled me with confidence, I would love to do the next one"
"I would highly recommend you - cathartic is how I would describe my experiences and I loved it!"
A very supportive and safe environment to share."
"Make it regular? Would love to come back"
"Thank you for a great session yesterday, I am already hammering out the narrative structure."
"Perfect for someone taking baby steps in creative writing"
"Techniques that I can walk away with and keep trying"
"You both created a nurturing, productive and inclusive environment... though you made it seem effortless it was an extremely well-planned and considered workshop and I learnt a lot whilst thoroughly enjoying myself, which is rare"
"Friendly and welcoming atmosphere... no pressure to share"
"Thank you for a fantastic and comprehensive beginners' course on creative writing. It was wonderful."
"Such a fab workshop, so much fun! Look forward to the follow-up."
"For someone taking baby steps in the world of creative writing, this was the perfect start... my mind is buzzing with ideas"
"Thank you - I went for lunch afterwards and found myself writing again"
"Became aware that I have more imagination than I thought, an extraordinary discovery. Felt safe to share."
"I'm going straight to the coffee shop to start writing!"
"Great way to get those creative juices flowing"
"For the first time I understand Show Not Tell!"
"Inspired me to write again"
"Eye-opening and inspirational morning ... worth every moment"
"Loved the playfulness of it"