Writers’ Programme Autumn/Winter 2011/12
New Writing South is the new writing development agency for the south east region. Our community of writers embraces professional, emerging and those just starting out; and includes: authors, playwrights, poets, radio writers, scriptwriters and more. We seek out talent, encourage ambition and provide career development for new and emerging writers, and work in creative ways with established professional writers. We support emerging writers with workshops, feedback, mentoring, networking, bursaries and advice, and work in innovative ways with professional writers offering networking, promotion and employment. New Writing South is committed to excellence and works in partnership with other arts organisations, universities, libraries, local authorities, schools and community groups in helping to develop the new writers of tomorrow. Membership is open to everyone involved in creative writing in the region, and helps us with everything we do. www.newwritingsouth.com
Contents Writers’ Programme – NWS Women Writers’ Retreat – New Ways to Write – Creating Children’s Books – The Monday Moot – Foundation Skills in Screenwriting – Writing Television Drama – Albie Sachs in conversation – Writing our Legacy – Finding creative work in new settings – White Night 2011 – Flash Utopia – Ten Poetry Tour – Writing Kids TV – Writer Industry Days – Crime Night with Peter James – Craft of Writing for Radio – Managing your own arts project – Creative Writing Responses to Visual Art – Writer Hubs
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Writer Services – Creative Learning – Writers @ Work – Writer Squads – Just Words – Script Reading Service – Writer Mentors & Writer Guide – Join us – Hire us
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NWS Women Writers’ Retreat A very special writing retreat for women writers set in the beautiful and peaceful surroundings of Tilton House in rural Sussex. Set over three days in September, this is your chance to just enjoy being a writer and find your own, personal ‘room to write’. At the heart of your creative journey are six workshops designed to stimulate and help you on your writing journey, led by prizewinning short fiction writer and teacher, Vanessa Gebbie. In between you can enjoy other experiences to unlock your creativity with literary walks, late night stories and much more. Special guests will be writer and film-maker Carole Hayman and Helen Garnons-Williams, Editorial Director of Bloomsbury. • Friday 16- Sunday 18 Sept • Tilton House, Firle, East Sussex • £355 Double Room (pp) £295 Triple Room (pp)
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New Ways to Write Tired of writing about the same things? Unsure where to find original material to set your work apart? During this fun 10-week course, poet and author Kim Lasky will guide you through a range of unusual and sometimes surprising sources of inspiration – from scientists, supermarkets and familiar Brighton landmarks to letters and works of art. You’ll look at contemporary writing that draws on these sources, and have a chance to experiment with them yourself using exercises designed to spark your imagination. Suitable for writers of poetry and fiction at all levels, this course will enliven your writing and ensure you’re never stuck for fresh, original ideas. • Wednesday evenings 7-9pm • Sept 28, Oct 5, 12, 19, 26, Nov 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 • The Writers’ Place, 9 Jew Street, Brighton • £100 (£50 cons.)
In partnership with:
www.newwritingsouth.com
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Creating Children’s Books Learn the basics of creating picture books for ages 0-7 with award-winning author and illustrator Claire Alexander. In this one-day session you will be guided through the process of writing a character study, learn how to depict your young character successfully and be inspired to collage your own character in colour. Bring along your own work for a constructive feedback session at the end of the workshop. You will also gain the opportunity to hear Claire’s own publishing journey, with up-to-the-minute information on what publishers are looking for in the current competitive market. • Saturday 1 Oct, 11am-4.30pm • The Writers’ Place, 9 Jew Street, Brighton • £40
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The Monday Night Moot Dream, scheme and suggest the impossible at the Monday Night Moot, a creative and intellectual whiz, which invites two speakers to talk passionately for 15 minutes, each presenting an opposing view on a burning issue. It’s then over to the audience to talk back, participate and give their verdict! Each event is chaired with an informal atmosphere. Wine and soft drinks will be on sale. We need your Moot! Contact chris@newwritingsouth.com to book a date to say what you think as a Moot speaker. • Monday evenings 7-9pm • Oct 10, Nov 14, Dec 12 • The Writers’ Place, 9 Jew Street, Brighton • £5
www.newwritingsouth.com
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Online Learning Foundation Skills in Screenwriting If you’ve ever wanted to write for the big screen, then this exciting online course is for you. Playwright and screenwriter Julie Everton leads participants in exploring the essentials of the craft of screenplay writing, where the emphasis throughout is upon developing an individual voice and a confident style whilst working in a supported environment. In addition to tutor feedback, participants will be encouraged to discuss one another's writing in the online forums and will be given advice on offering constructive and useful criticism. Each weekly lesson will arm you with the professional skills required to write in and for the film industry and you will be supported through the process creating your own short screenplay. • Starts Monday 3 Oct 2011 (10 weekly online sessions) • Online course via NWS website • £100 (cons. £50)
In partnership with:
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Writing Television Drama Get to grips with the tools you need to write a successful television drama series. This 10-week course is designed to help you find and develop your own story and explore the art of screenwriting – creating a world, character building, story structure and write your own script, supported by professional comedy and drama writer, Jenny Lecoat. Plus there will be opportunities to see professional actors improvise with your ideas and perform a reading of the finished product – along with tips on how to pitch and sell it. • Tuesday evenings, 7- 9.30pm • Oct 4, 11, 18, 25, Nov, 1, 15, 29, Dec 13 • The Writers’ Place, 9 Jew Street, Brighton • £135 Extra course by demand • Thursday evenings, 7-9.30pm • Feb 2, 9, 16, 23, Mar 1, 15, 29, Apr 12 • The Writers’ Place, 9 Jew Street, Brighton • £135
www.newwritingsouth.com
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Black History Month Albie Sachs South African writer, lawyer and author Albie Sachs has played a prominent part in the struggle for justice throughout his life and now makes a rare appearance in the UK. In conversation with broadcaster Simon Fanshawe, Albie will discuss his extraordinary personal journey – from being subjected to banning orders, tortured and detained in solitary confinement to writing the new South African constitution and playing a prominent position on the world stage. Twice winner of the Alan Paton Award his books include: The Strange Alchemy of Life and Law (2010) and The Jail Diary of Albie Sachs. Souvenir Press will be publishing a new edition of his award-winning book, The Soft Vengeance of a Freedom Fighter, this October. • Wednesday 5 Oct, 7pm • The Old Market, Hove • £10 (£8 cons.)
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Writing Our Legacy This workshop is a chance for more experienced writers to explore the themes of legacy and inheritance in a one-day workshop led by established authors and workshop leaders. You will also have the chance to get your writing published on the Writing Our Legacy website and get industry tips on how to get your writing published in the wider market. Come prepared to write, be inspired and be part of this year's Black History Month for Brighton & Hove. All places for the workshop are free, but limited. A £20 deposit will secure your place - £10 to cover lunch and refreshments. £10 will be returned upon attendance. Attendees will also receive a one-year NWS membership. • Saturday 15 Oct 11am- 4pm • The Writers’ Place, 9 Jew Street, Brighton
www.newwritingsouth.com
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Finding creative work in new settings The current economic climate means that more than ever artists and writers need to look to their own resources for new commissions, and working in community settings is an up-and-coming area to gain new skills and diversify income. Four taster sessions are available to help artists from all disciplines develop their skills and to take the initiative in creating projects and working in partnership. Participants will benefit from specialist knowledge from experts, and decide whether to access a longer training programme to be offered at a later date. • Thursday 13 Oct - Working in Health Settings: hospitals, hospices and mental health groups • Thursday 17 Nov - Working with Intergenerational groups: children and young people working with groups of elders • Thursday 26 Jan 2012 - Working with prisoners and ex-offenders • Thursday 1 Mar 2012 - Working with heritage and cultural organisations All sessions take place at: • The Writers’ Place, 9 Jew Street, Brighton • £40 per session or £120 for all four In partnership with:
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participatory arts and professional development
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White Night 2011 – Flash Utopia Brighton and Hove’s annual free all night arts festival returns. As the clocks go back, come and do something different in the middle of the night. This year’s citywide events are themed around Utopias. Described as the Gil Scott-Heron of his generation, award-winning writer and performance poet Dean Atta and New Writing South invite you to take part in a mass writing event to create a collection of flash fiction and poetry based on your idea of a perfect utopia. With the news full of scandal, death and destruction, be inspired, energized and entertained into writing about your vision of a utopian society you’d like to live in. Performance poets will perform throughout the night, musicians will provide a sonic landscape for you to write to, and artists will provide illustrations inspired by everyone’s writing to accompany the collection of work. There’ll also be the chance to perform your work. • Saturday 29 Oct • The Writers’ Place, 9 Jew Street, Brighton • From 7pm until late • Free
In partnership with:
www.newwritingsouth.com
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Ten Poetry Tour at Portsmouth Bookfest Hosted by award-winning writer Bernardine Evaristo, exceptional poets Malika Booker, Nick Makoha and Jan Kofi-Tsekpo will read from their latest work in this special event to celebrate the Bloodaxe anthology TEN. The poets come from a diverse range of backgrounds – with roots in Guyana, Trinidad, Uganda and Ghana. What they share is their craft – powerful, moving and truly exceptional poetry. Together they offer undeniable proof of the range and diversity of voices in contemporary British poetry today. ‘Sparkling new talents who demonstrate the richness, energy and confidence of the poetic voice in our multicultural country.’ Carol Ann Duffy • Wednesday 2 Nov, 7.30pm • New Theatre Royal, Portsmouth • £5 • To book visit: www.portsmouthbookfest.co.uk
In association with: Portsmouth City Council, Spread the Word, Bloodaxe Books & The Books Project
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Writing Kids TV
Take a look at the world of children’s TV and open up the mysteries surrounding getting paid work in this highly competitive field. From writing sample scripts to getting an agent and making contact with producers, this session lead by prolific writer of television comedy Emma Millions, will help writers who are keen to get a foot in the door and arm them with the knowledge they need to get that elusive first break. Whether you would like to work on existing shows or if you have a great idea you think children would love to see on television, this session will help you hone your pitch and find the best way forward. • Saturday 5 Nov, 10.30am-4pm • The Writers’ Place, 9 Jew Street, Brighton • £40
www.newwritingsouth.com
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Writer Industry Days Back due to popular demand these all-day events offer writers the chance to meet an exciting array of literary managers, directors, literary agents, publishers, producers and professional development guides - all aimed to help you understand more about the industry, develop your craft, and to help get your work out into the world. If you’re looking for some 1:1 attention for your writing, both days also include 45-minute intensive surgeries with professionals. Guests will be announced on our website. Writers at Large • Saturday 3 Dec, 10am-4.30pm • Jublilee Library, Jubilee Square, Brighton • £35 (£50 with surgery session – 12 places) • Includes buffet lunch Playwrights Industry Day • Saturday 25 Feb 2012, 10am-4.30pm • Nightingale Theatre, Surrey St, Brighton • £35 (£50 with surgery session – 10 places) • Includes buffet lunch
In association with: Brighton & Hove Library Service & The Nightingale Theatre
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Crime Night with Peter James NWS plays host to international best-selling crime novelist Peter James this December. Peter is one of the UK’s most popular crime and thriller novelists. His Roy Grace detective novels have sold more than one and a half million in the UK alone and six million worldwide in total. The series is now translated into 34 languages and his novel, Dead Like You, went straight into the Sunday Times bestseller lists at no 1 in both hardback and paperback. Join James and other crime writer guests in an evening of readings and lively and lighthearted discussion about writing and reading crime novels, and why the genre is so popular. • Tuesday 6 Dec, 7.30pm • Old Market, Hove • £10 (£8 cons)
www.newwritingsouth.com
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Online Learning The Craft of Writing for Radio Award-winning writer Anna McGrail leads this popular online course that explores radio drama's particular strengths and challenges, and equips you with the professional techniques to write for this liberating medium. Each week there will be practical exercises to complete and share with fellow students that will cover: the nature of radio drama; the importance of beginnings; radio story-telling and the use of narrators, location, sound and dialogue; and the market place for radio drama. By the end of the course, you will have gained an understanding of radio drama, be able to make a proposal for a radio play and have the beginnings of a script. • Starts Monday 9 Jan 2012 (10 weekly online sessions) • Online course via NWS website • £100 (cons. £50)
In partnership with:
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Managing your own arts project Managing your own arts project isn’t rocket science, but it does require some keen entrepreneurial skills including: good planning and organisation, forging new partnerships, knowing how to budget and a clear marketing approach. Skills common to a wide range of art forms including the written word, visual art, film, music and the performing arts. This one-day practical course led by Sara Clifford from Inroads is suitable for those who are new to project management and those who want to invest in learning how to plan and manage their projects more effectively. The day will also include talks from specialist guest speakers. • Saturday 11 Feb 2012, 10am -4pm • The Writers’ Place, 9 Jew Street, Brighton • £75
In partnership with:
Inroads
participatory arts and professional development
www.newwritingsouth.com
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Creative Writing Responses to Visual Art This special 5-week course led by experienced tutor and writer-in-residence Kay Syrad, will look at new ways of exploring art through poetry, fiction or personal writing. Featuring a visit to one of the main art galleries in the area, you will study examples of poetry and prose written in response to art (such as Breughel, Picasso and Frida Kahlo), and use creative writing techniques that will intensify your interaction with artworks in the gallery. • Wednesday evenings 7-9pm • 25 Jan, 1, 8, 15 & 22 Feb 2012 (incl. gallery visit 4 Feb 10.30am - 3.30pm) • The Writers’ Place, 9 Jew Street, Brighton • £65 (£45 cons.)
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Writer Hubs
Writer Hubs is a network of regular meetings for members and other creative writers in venues throughout the region. Working with partner venues, Writer Hubs offer the chance to informally meet other writers, listen and meet with guest writers and allows the ability for each hub to plan and curate their own events supported by New Writing South and hub partners. All writers are welcome to attend. Writer Hub locations: • Hampshire Hub - The Berry Theatre, Hedge End • Rye Hub - The School Creative Centre, Rye • Portsmouth Hub - New Theatre Royal, Portsmouth • Margate Hub - Theatre Royal Margate For more information on Writer Hubs and meeting dates, visit our website.
www.newwritingsouth.com
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Creative Learning Writers in Schools New Writing South’s highly successful Creative Learning Team has been placing professional writers in schools across the south east for over seven years. Our writers have worked with thousands of young people, inspiring their imaginations and encouraging their creativity. Our Creative Learning Team includes poets, screen writers, novelists, TV and radio writers, journalists, playwrights and crime writers. All our writers are CRB checked, most are Arts Award Advisors, and everyone is highly trained and experienced at working in schools. Our education work has been described as a model of practice by the Specialist Schools and Academies Trust. From one day workshops to yearlong residencies, we tailor make workshops to fit all abilities and budgets. If you’d like to find out about working with one of our writers, contact: creativelearning@newwritingsouth.com
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Writers @ Work Writers @ Work is a scheme that brings creative writers into businesses. From poets to playwrights, soap writers to authors, the scheme works with professional writers to inspire a fresh approach to using language at work. We have worked with all kinds of businesses in a variety of settings, from public sector communications officers to accountants to estate agents. Writers stimulate the imagination, provoke discussion and inspire creativity. A Writer at Work can also help you to take a fresh look at your business and the way you work. To find out more, contact: creativelearning@newwritingsouth.com ‘Really enjoyed it, great to be encouraged to be creative!’ Communications Officer at CIPR Local Public Services Conference
www.newwritingsouth.com
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Writer Squads Starting in September 2011 and aimed at young writers, Writer Squads will take place over a year in partner venues across the region, and will explore a range of creative writing, from poetry to playwriting and lyrics to flash fiction, supporting the development of young writers. If you are interested in working in partnership with New Writing South to set up a writer squad in your area, contact: creativelearning@newwritingsouth.com
Just Words Are you are writer aged 13-18? Then log on to www.justwordsnws.com Just Words is an inspiring new online resource designed to encourage a network of young writers nationwide. The site, which has been developed by New Writing South in consultation with young people, is a new way for young writers to network nationally and share writing. There's top tips from professional writers, including novelist Stella Duffy, Portsmouth Poet Laureate KeliAnne B, and Times journalist Damian Barr, plus information on competitions, events and opportunities. ‘The website has been really good and getting feedback for my writing has been really encouraging.’ Sophie, 15, Portsmouth Squad justwordsnws.com is supported by Get Digital, a Creative Junction initiative.
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Script Reading Service Writers normally only get one shot at attracting the attention of a company or producer, so it’s essential that your script is as good as it can possibly be. Our competitive script reading service provides an opportunity to get professional and objective feedback on your script prior to sending it out into the world. Our script readers are independent; recommended by agencies including: The BBC, New Writing Initiative, Soho and Bush Theatres and have read for Paines Plough, The Royal Court, Channel 4, UK Flim Council and Arvon amongst others. Reports are broken down to cover every element of the script, through presentation, story, structure, dialogue, characterisation, tone, genre and marketability – and will advise you on the potential next step forward for your script. All scripts for stage, radio and television are eligible, screen and short film scripts with prior arrangement. Scripts must be finished but you may submit a first draft for feedback. Reports usually take four to six weeks, furthermore, your script may be recommended for further development such as mentoring or a rehearsed reading. ‘Thank you for sending me the script report for my play - I have found it very interesting and incisive, and will certainly be using the service again in the near future.’ Dean Moynihan, Writer. For information on how to submit your work to our script reading service, visit our website.
www.newwritingsouth.com
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Writer Guide Writer Guide is our professional development service that enables you to invest in yourself. It helps you to look at where you are, define your goals and ambitions and then plan a route to fulfilling them. It’s like a one-toone sat-nav for writers! Writer Guide sessions offer a safe, yet challenging, space for you to pause and look at your career with the help of an objective, completely impartial guide. It’s a structured process that’s all about focusing on you, your career and your professional development.
Writer Mentors Writer mentors offer expertise and experience in order to support and guide emerging or established writers, often during a crucial time of their professional career or on a specific project. Our mentoring service will help you locate and find exactly the right mentor for you. The service is designed to broker your contract, advise you on fundraising, monitor the process and support the relationship throughout. Mentoring can last up to nine months, during which time you meet your mentor five or six times. For more information on our Writer Guide and mentoring services, visit our website or call us.
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Join us! New Writing South’s membership scheme is for everyone involved in creative writing in the south east, whether you’re a professional, emerging or aspiring writer. We exist for our members and your membership helps us with everything that we do. Membership provides access to a wide range of writer services including: 1:1 advice, script and manuscript assessment, career advice and mentoring. Membership also gives you advance notice on our programme of professional workshops, creative events and writing opportunities. You will also receive your own online writer profile page on a directory of south east writers, free entry to our Writer Hub professional networking, and a fortnightly enews that keeps you up-to-date with news and writing opportunities.
Hire us! If you are looking for a space where a group of you can get together and exchange ideas, discuss each others work and give feedback, the Writers’ Place could be the perfect creative outlet for you. The Writers’ Place is a workshop and meeting space located at New Writing South’s offices in the heart of Brighton’s cultural quarter, within walking distance of shops, bars, restaurants as well as main transport links. Holding up to 23 people theatre style, or up to 15 people workshop style the space is available for individuals, groups and organisations to hire. For more information on becoming a member or hiring us, visit our website or call us. www.newwritingsouth.com
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Booking information: unless otherwise stated, book online at www.newwritingsouth.com or phone 01273 735353 Access: We endeavour to ensure that all our events, venues and services are fully accessible to everyone. Please contact us to discuss any access needs you may have.
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New Writing South is a company registered by guarantee and a registered charity. Company No. 1092533. Registered Charity No. 4318810. Illustrations: Soizick Meister