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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, 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 of each session 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 will be submitting it to the group (although you can opt to receive written feedback from Kate at any point). The aim is to show you what is possible, and to motivate and inspire you to do your best work.

 

These workshops will run in an initial sequence of six, with the option to continue. 

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Kate Worsley is an award-winning novelist ('She Rises’, 'Foxash'), creative writing tutor and mentor. 
She is a founder tutor at The Writers Company and has been a visiting lecturer in creative writing at City, University of London since 2015. From 2014- 2017 she was Royal Literary Fund Fellow in the Department of Literature, Film and Theatre, University of Essex. 
She holds an Introductory Postgraduate Certificate in Academic Practice, is an associate fellow of Advance HE and a member of the National Association of Writers in Education.

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TIME:                    Recurring MONDAYS 1-3pm;  WEDNESDAYS 6- 8pm 

DURATION:           Mondays 16th September - 21st October;

                            Wednesday 18th September to 23rd October. 
LOCATION:           Online via ZOOM 
COSTS:                 £155 discounted rate if full course fee paid in advance, or £30 per session. 

TUTOR:                  Kate Worsley (Find out more about Kate here).

HOW TO BOOK:   Contact Kate

'Seriously though, these sessions have been life-changing. Joining was the best decision I ever made.’  Exploring Fiction writer 2023

THE BOOK WRITERS GROUP
 

Petra offers two focused book writing support groups. You must either be undertaking a long-term project or be working regularly on shorter fiction, creative nonfiction, 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.  

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We are looking for committed writers only as the work is time-intensive for students and the teacher. There will be a maximum of seven students.

 

DATES:  Weekly throughout the year (with holidays). Starting 16th September

TIME:  Friday at 10 am; Monday at 2 pm.

LOCATION: Online via ZOOM

COSTS: £25 per class paid in half-termly blocks.

TUTOR: Petra McQueen (Find out more about Petra here)

HOW TO BOOK: Contact Petra

"Petra McQueen is an extremely capable and knowledgeable team leader."

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.

 

After attending a few sessions, 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.

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UPCOMING DATES

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Tuesday 17th September

10-1pm

Bensusan and Baker Archives

University of Essex

 

Monday 28th October

10-1pm

Halloween Gothic Poetry 

Alresford Church 

 

Monday 18th November

10-1pm

Ballads and storytelling poetry 

The Nottage 

 

Monday 16th December 

10-1pm

Performing Poetry with Special Guest

Colchester venue to be confirmed but likely Patch or Level Best

 

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DATES:         These workshops run regularly throughout the year - please contact Lelia to express an interest 

TIME:           9:30am - 12:30pm

LOCATION:  Various in North East Essex 

COSTS:        The cost for the block of 4 is £65 or it is £18 drop in with concessions available via prior                         arrangement (min £10).

TUTOR:        Lelia Ferro

HOW TO BOOK: contact Lelia here.

"I totally enjoyed the course, such a different experience, different people and different craft to my norm. You have such a beautiful warmth and authenticity about you which comes through in the way you shared with, and lead, the group."

THE WOMEN WRITERS CIRCLE

A bumper coaching & co-working programme to help you realise your writing dreams. It provides motivation, accountability, tried and tested ideas for managing your time, help to move beyond your specific blocks and a community of like-minded women (capped at 7 participants). You’ll develop the habit of showing up for yourself and your writing.

 

Comprises,

  • An individual 45-minute introductory session with your coach to         clarify your focus for the 6 weeks

  • Six weekly 90-minute group sessions that blend themed discussion   and tailored coaching.

  • Weekly (optional) 3-hour co-working sessions and drop in Q&A time

 

All sessions are led by an experienced coach who is also a writer.

You can be at any stage of your writing journey and working on any project. For more details see Arlene's website.

 

DATES:       Monday evening starting 16th September

TIME:           Contact Arlene for details

LOCATION:  Zoom

COSTS:        £350. You can pay in three instalments.

TUTOR:        Arlene Francey Lyne

HOW TO BOOK: contact Arlene here.

If you have to choose one thing to make your dream of being a writer real, choose this. 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, a positive experience in every way. 

WORSLEY WRITE CLUB

FREE co-writing sessions on Wednesday mornings. Focused silent time to work on your writing project. No sharing or feedback required, just companionable writing. Level access. Trained barista to hand. Proper cafe just across the road. Too many books on the shelves begging to be bought though! The venue is 20 min walk from Manningtree station or you can catch the104 bus from Colchester and Harwich. Parking is free on streets and in the Coop car park nearby.

DATES:       Every Wednesday

TIME:           10am -12.30pm

LOCATION:  Manningtree Arts, 19 High St, Manningtree CO11 1AG

COSTS:        Free!

TUTOR:        Kate Worsley

HOW TO BOOK: contact Kate here.

Really enjoyed it! I got more writing done that I would normally do in a couple of weeks

UNLEASH YOUR BOOK - HOW TO SELF-PUBLISH

Congratulations! You’re writing a book but are unsure about what happens next, and how to self- publish?
This one-day course is an exciting introduction to self-publishing. It will answer your questions and explore the six essential steps to successfully navigate the self-publishing route.


· Why your book is important.
· Understand your genre and define your ideal reader
· Get the inside right - tighten your manuscript
· Who judges a book by it’s cover? Everyone! Introduction to cover design.
· Marketing basics

 

The workshop will take place in an interactive group setting via Zoom with the opportunity to practice skills and discuss concerns.

DATES:       TBD. Please contact Angela for details. 

TIME:           9-4.30pm with breaks for lunch and coffee

LOCATION:  Zoom

COSTS:        £50

TUTOR:        Angela Cairns

HOW TO BOOK: contact Angela here.

With insider knowledge and a warm friendly manner, Angela really helped me understand all the ins and outs of self- publishing

STARTING OUT IN FICTION
with Kate Worsley

Learn how to read and think and work like a writer; and identify and understand the basic techniques and elements of good writing. Receive expert feedback on your writing and build skills and confidence by sharing your work. By the end of the course you will have a portfolio of new short pieces for you to develop further. 
 

This course is entry level beginners. It is suitable for anyone who enjoys writing and wants to learn new skills, but is not yet read to share their work with a group. It will build your confidence in sharing your work, preparing you for the Exploring Fiction workshops and close reading sessions.


Kate Worsley is an award-winning novelist ('Foxash', 'She Rises’), creative writing tutor and mentor. 
She is a founder tutor at The Writers Company and has been a visiting lecturer in creative writing at City, University of London since 2015. From 2014- 2017 she was Royal Literary Fund Fellow in the Department of Literature, Film and Theatre, University of Essex. 
She holds an Introductory Postgraduate Certificate in Academic Practice, is an associate fellow of Advance HE and a member of the National Association of Writers in Education.


Session one: Reading

Session two: Sensing (the world about you)

Session three: Listening (dialogue)

Session four: Speaking  (voice/POV)

Session five: Exploring (filling out slowing down)

Session six: Paring (editing)

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DATES:       16th September to 21st October

TIME:           6-8pm

LOCATION:  Zoom

COSTS:        £155 discounted rate if full course fee paid in advance, or £30 per session. 

TUTOR:        Kate Worsley

HOW TO BOOK: contact Kate here.

Kate makes you feel like anything is possible with your writing - do this!

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?

Petra can save you from the inner critic! This small, friendly class has been popular with our students for over ten years. It 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:       16th September to 21st October

TIME:           10-12

LOCATION:  Face to Face in Wivenhoe, Essex. Exact venue to be decided.

COSTS:        £150  

TUTOR:        Petra McQueen

HOW TO BOOK: contact Petra.

Petra McQueen is an extremely capable and knowledgeable team leader. Her courses are fun, interesting and, for anyone hoping to improve their writing skills, essential. I have been on two of her writing courses and can't wait to go on many more!

IN BRIEF
 

Suitable for writers at any level and in all disciplines, this four-week bite-sized course aims to refresh your creative practice by providing multiple starting points for writing and tips for overcoming procrastination during intensive half-hour tutored sessions. 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 on the course. Construct effective small pieces, learning how to hone and polish every word. After four weeks, you’ll have a neat selection of small pieces with big impact where every word counts!