Autumn Courses and Workshops
Autumn is a time for gathering story ideas and harvesting the fruits of your labour...
BOOK WRITERS GROUP
This is a rare opportunity to join one of Petra's focused book writing support groups. You must either be undertaking a long-term project or be working regularly on shorter fiction or poetry.
Each week members of the class send each other up to 1000 words to be reviewed by each other and the tutor. The workshop then takes the form of positive feedback and areas for improvement. Occasionally Petra will run a skills workshop where she feels the group as a whole will benefit.
​
We are looking for committed writers only as the work is time-intensive for students and the teacher. There will be a maximum of eight students.
DATES: Running throughout the year from Monday 12th September
TIME: 3 pm - 5 pm
DURATION: 6 weeks in the first instance
LOCATION: Online via ZOOM
COSTS: £150
TUTOR: Petra McQueen (Find out more about Petra here).
HOW TO BOOK: Contact Petra
"I started the creative writing process as a novice, the whole experience was a great one. Led by the deft, experienced hands of Petra McQueen it was a guided foray into the construction and creation of new territory. The group situation is great, sympathetic and a great sounding board."
COACHING CIRCLE
Do you want to prioritise your writing this autumn? Would you welcome some gentle support and accountability to make it happen? If so, Arlene is running a small group coaching circle for 5 women writers.
​
We’ll meet bi-weekly for 6 sessions. You’ll create your overall goal for 3 months and break it down into stepping stone goals. Each session we’ll recap on progress and set realistic actions for the next two weeks. Along the way we’ll cover prioritisation, setting your day up to honour your writing, motivation, and dealing with limiting beliefs.
You can be at any stage of your writing journey, with any level of experience and working on any project. This is for you if you’re ready to take action, start knowing yourself as a writer who can and does, and believe it would be more fun doing so with others!
For more information visit Arlene's Coaching site.
​
​
DATES: 19th September, 3rd October, 17th October, 31st October, 14th November, 28th November1
TIME: Mondays 10am - 12pm bi-weekly for 6 sessions
DURATION: 6 weeks
LOCATION: Online via ZOOM
COSTS: £495. You can pay in 4 instalments. Please go to The Flourishing Woman to find out more.
TUTOR: Arlene Francey Lyne (Find out more about Arlene here).
HOW TO BOOK: Contact Arlene
"Arlene’s writer’s circle was just the nudge I needed to get my book project going. Arlene guides the friendly group meet-ups in a warm and earthy manner combined with a healthy dose of no-nonsense, goal-oriented advice. The best part of having such a supportive coach and circle of fellow writers is that it keeps me motivated and excited about the writing process…and makes me confident to call myself a writer!"
EXPLORING FICTION with KATE WORSLEY
These workshop-format sessions aim to deepen your understanding of how fiction works through the traditional method of close reading– a.k.a. learning from the best. They also provide regular feedback on your own work, as well as the encouragement, support and stimulation of a varied group of writers from around the world. You are encouraged to share your work, its influences, and aims, develop your skills and confidence and push your writing to its limits. EXPLORING FICTION is suitable for anyone who is already motivated to write, but keen to stretch their writing muscles. The close-reading element will be accessible to writers at all levels of ability as well as those with English as a second language.
​
Numbers are capped at ten, to ensure all writers’ work receives regular attention. Every other week, you submit 700-1,000 words over the weekend before a session. Kate then guides the non-submitting writers in giving their feedback on your work in the first part of the session.
The second part focuses on an aspect of writing technique such as point of view, voice, character etc. Kate guides you in the analysis of a relevant text which will be provided in advance. You are encouraged to explore this in your own work, whether or not you are submitting it to the group (although you can opt to receive written feedback from Kate). The aim is to show you what is possible, and to motivate and inspire you to do your best work.
DATES: from Wednesday 14th September 2022 to 19th October 2022
TIME: 6 pm - 8 pm
DURATION: 6 weeks
LOCATION: Online via ZOOM
COSTS: £150 discounted rate if full course fee paid in advance, or £30 per session. PLUS opt in at any point for written feedback from Kate (approx.150-200 words) on your response to a task (up to 700 words) for an additional £15. Keyworker 10% discount. One discounted place for disadvantaged writers, please contact Kate for details. 10% of any profit to be split between Carers UK and Women’s Aid.
TUTOR: Kate Worsley (Find out more about Kate here).
HOW TO BOOK: Contact Kate
'This has been such an amazing experience for me. It's been a really emotional journey, and I am so grateful to have been part of such a nuturing and supportive group steered so expertly by Kate. I have learnt so much and am looking forward to continuing the journey.' KT
SHORTS FOR ALL
Shorts for All will teach you the basic skills in constructing a tiny story - a whole world in 100 words or fewer!
Learn how to make every single word work hard to earn its place in your pieces. Learn how to edit, streamline and improve your ideas and receive expert feedback and build community, skills and confidence by sharing your work with your peers. After four weeks you’ll have a neat selection of ‘little’ stories with big impact, which you can develop further.
​
Please scroll down to find MORE SHORTS FOR ALL - our continuation course.
DATES: Sept 9th, 16th, 23rd and 30th.
TIME: Fri 4.30-5
DURATION: four weeks
LOCATION: Online via ZOOM
COSTS: £50
TUTOR: Helen Chambers (Find out more about Helen here).
HOW TO BOOK: Contact Helen
The Microfiction course is varied and thoroughly enjoyable. Helen fizzes with spirit for her subject and leads the lessons with warmth and energy. She creates a can-do atmosphere and is sensitive to everyone's needs.
MONTHLY MONDAY MORNING POETRY WORKSHOP
Through monthly study/set homework on a new theme each session, and writing exercises aimed at developing your inner voice and observational artistry, you will gain skills in crafting your poetry, and editing your material with like-minded others.
​
By the end of this practical course, you will have written and edited a small collection of your own material, and you will have had the opportunity to explore a broad range of poetic themes and styles.
​
Feel free to drop in each month, or book a block of six.
Poems for discussion are set for reading ahead of the workshop. Please feel free to bring any new beginnings related poems of your own!
DATES: Mondays: 19th September, 17th October, 21st November, 13th December; 16th January; 20th February; 20th March; 17th April
TIME: 10 am - 1 pm
LOCATIONS: The Nottage Institute, The Quay, Wivenhoe, Colchester CO7 9BX; First Site, Colchester; St. Leonard's, Hythe, Colchester; Colchester Library.
COSTS: DROP IN £18 per 3 hour workshop. FULL BOOKING OF THE WHOLE COURSE £15 per workshop, 8 workshops - £120 Paypal: emferr@essex.ac.uk Or message Elelia on for bank details.
Please use your name as a reference!
Art should be for all, so if the course would put you out of pocket, please message Elelia and we will come up with a plan to support you
TUTOR: Elelia Ferro (Find out more about Elelia here).
HOW TO BOOK: Contact Elelia
'Lelia helped me to find my authentic voice, and explore my poetry writing with knowledge and confidence.'
BEGINNERS CREATIVE WRITING
Have you always wanted to write but don't know where to start? Are you a secret writer and haven't dared show anyone your work?
Arlene can save you from the inner critic! This small, friendly class will give you the skills and confidence to tackle the blank page. We will be looking at techniques such as 'show not tell', plot, theme, dialogue, setting and character. You will be encouraged to share your work and will gain insights into what makes your writing unique and how to improve.
DATES: Starting Tuesday 20th September - five weeks in the first instance. Option to continue.
TIME: 10 - 11.30 am
LOCATION: Zoom (contact us if you don't know how)
COSTS: £125
TUTOR: Arlene Francey Lyne (Find out more about Arlene here).
HOW TO BOOK: Contact Arlene
"Arlene will motivate and empower you beyond your wildest dreams. Writer’s block will become a distant memory and your fears and insecurities will take a back seat to make way for mind blowing action. I cannot recommend it highly enough."
ARTISTS RETREAT
For those of you who do art as well as write, Juliet is offering a monthly retreat. These Online Artist Retreat Days are designed to provide support: coming together with other artists, makers, creatives to share the frustrations and the eureka moments when things finally come right. They’re a space where you can talk about your own work to a small group of like-minded people for mutual support.
There will be the opportunity to create a structure for the day, to share an image of your work in progress via a WhatsApp group and to give and and receive feedback.
Each block will consist of three days spread out over three months and will cost £65. Only five places will be available to ensure everyone gets the chance to share work and talk through any stumbling blocks. Artists, makers, illustrators and creatives working in any medium are welcome. There will be a maximum of five students so please book early to secure your place.
DATES: Thursday 8th September, 6th October; 3rd November
TIME: 9 - 5.30
DURATION: all day
LOCATION: online
COSTS: £65 total
TUTOR:Juliet Lockhart (Find out more about Juliet here).
HOW TO BOOK: Contact Juliet
I’ve never taken part in a session like this before and found it hugely inspiring and stimulating. Your sensitive observations and encouragement were really helpful. I haven’t worked so hard for ages!
WRITING WORKOUT
A lively series of fun writing workshops that aim to stretch your writing muscles and build your confidence as part of a friendly and supportive group of aspiring writers.
You can expect some stimulating writing exercises, lots of group discussion, and gentle, expert guidance from award-winning novelist and experienced writing mentor Kate Worsley.
This is part one of Novel Writing: The Toolkit, and so you will have the option to continue on to Novel Writing: the basics in the spring term 2023.
Writing workout is aimed at anyone who thinks they may have a book in them and wants to start to dig it out. Short story and memoir writers welcome.
DATES: MONDAYS 12 Sept-17 Oct, 31 Oct-7 Dec
TIME: 11am-12:15pm
LOCATION: online
COSTS: Drop-in £12 per session or £150 for the first six sessions, or a discounted rate of £240 if you book all twelve in advance. Also one discounted place for a disadvantaged writer (please contact Kate for details).
TUTOR: Kate Worsley (Find out more about Kate here).
HOW TO BOOK: Contact Kate
"Do it now! I did not write AT ALL before joining. Kate's sessions have given me time and a reason to write, as well as encouragement, (some) confidence, and crucial feedback."
MORE SHORTS FOR ALL
More Shorts for All provides a step-up (and entirely new material) for those students interested in micro, flash and short fiction, and who have previously taken any of Helen’s courses. An opportunity to take your writing further and delve deeper into the world of short-short stories.
​
If you have not yet taken one of our Shorts courses and would like to, please take a look at Shorts for All.
DATES: Oct 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th.
TIME: Weds 11.30-12
DURATION: four weeks
LOCATION: Online via ZOOM
COSTS: £50
TUTOR: Helen Chambers (Find out more about Helen here).
HOW TO BOOK: Contact Helen
"Helen is an excellent teacher - supportive, full of ideas and good advice, and makes the most of the short time available."
That's all for now but don't forget to check back as we add courses all the time! Also, why not check out our one-to-ones and manuscript assessment? We are here for every stage of your writing journey.
There is a positive approach to sessions and a valuable and timely feedback on homework tasks. The tutors obviously love their subject and are very skilled in their specialisms. But are also down to earth and have a realistic handle on the highs and lows of the writing process, guiding and advising as necessary. They create a friendly and supportive atmosphere and I love how they encourage new thought and diversification in their writing prompts. There is a real will to help pupils to improve and to continue to write, even when confidence is ebbing.