DELIGHTS FOR WRITERS AT BOOKFEST

Novelist William Sutton previews Bookfest’s writing events.

For full listings see https://librariesandarchives.portsmouth.gov.uk/public-library-service/whats-on/events/portsmouth-bookfest-2022/

Writing is a solitary pastime: if you write, you’ll know how much we need encouragement. Portsmouth Bookfest 2022 21 February-13 March is packed with events for writers (and readers).

The range of events is amazing. Artist Kim Edith leads a Zine Making Workshop: create narratives with words and pictures in ‘Storytelling through Portsmouth Museums collection’. Ever wanted to write a film? Book in advance for ‘Wave Makers’ at your local library. “No experience required,” says screenwriter Matt Wingett, “just an aspiration to be creative with words.” In ‘Transmedia storytelling’ workshop, writers with too much imagination learn interdisciplinary collaborative skills. ‘Off the Shelf Poetry Masterclass’ invites you to submit work to award-winning poets Denise Bennett and Maggie Sawkins. Discuss your poems at ‘Poetry Corner’ with Tina MacNaughton. Children create characters with author Shelagh Moore in ‘Storytime’ (ages 5–7) and ‘Writing Workshop’ (9–11). Becci Louise invites 10–14year-old environmentalists to create ‘Octopus Medicine’ poems and art. There’s a bonanza of advice for fiction writers, whether beginning your novel or selling it. Wendy Metcalfe advises on ‘Writing a sparkling first page’. Everyone needs to learn ‘How to Edit Your Writing’: in this constructive online group, two authors post excerpts to be pruned into shape. ‘Speak Up’ encourages writers to read confidently. These friendly workshops help you to engage audiences. Exploring our city’s different histories, ‘Diverse voices’ is a free workshop/performance.

To get you started, five novelists offer ‘Tips for aspiring authors – from the horses’ mouths’. Don’t postpone signing up for ‘Writing for Procrastinators’; two of last year’s attendees already have books out. Congratulations!

Once your novel’s polished, ‘Pitch and Punt’ it with award-winning writer Lucy Flannery. Publicist Esther Harris and scout Naomi Tongue reveal ‘What do Literary Scouts do?’ The effervescent Scott Pack shares insider knowledge: Tips from a Publisher explores writers’ mistakes in submitting.

For readers, David Lammy MP’s Tribes explores our compulsion to belong. “He interrogates polarisation, tribalism and identity politics… blending memoir with shrewd analysis.” (Independent) Mohsin Zaidi’s award-winning memoir A Dutiful Boy explores diversity and inclusion, mental health and justice. ‘Around the world in 10 books’ is always enlightening. ‘View from the Hill’ illuminates folklore, flora and fauna. Local crime writer and raconteur Pete Adams proposes ‘A funny way of being serious’. Full-day Mystery Fest hosts bestsellers Leigh Russell, Linda Regan and Jeff Dowson alongside local stars Christine Lawrence, Chris Blackwater and Carol Westron. And lots more besides: Google ‘Portsmouth Bookfest’. For more details check the website.

David Lammy

@PompeyBookFest PortsmouthLibraries Tickets eventbrite.co.uk/e/portsmouthbookfest-2022-tickets-209159992167 Edit Your Writing & Writing for Procrastinators: william-sutton.co.uk/events

Loree Westron

AUTHOR LOREE WESTRON WRITES:

I’ll be joining Helen Salsbury and Christine Lawrence, discussing ‘A funny thing happened while I was researching my novel’. Each of us has written a novel set in ‘near history’. We’ll discuss using real experiences to shape stories we tell. (Central Library, 23 February: free).

In ‘Literary Fiction –an Intensity of Language’, Helen and I join novelists Gabrielle Kimm and Alison Habens to define the elusive term ‘literary fiction’. (Central Library, 13 March: £4).

Maybe you’ve attended art classes in the past, but became disheartened? Or perhaps you've become a ‘lockdown artist? Or you’ve simply never tried to paint or draw before, but would like to begin? Whatever your background or experience, you will be very welcome at The Omega Art School, (for adults). Taught by professional artists and tutors the school is run along the same lines of a traditional art school, with carefully planned lessons, short lectures, demonstrations, work sheets and even home assignments. Tutors include: Kevin Dean, Jacqui Mair, Sadie Tierney and Chris Wood. The summer term begins on 25th April. Please email omegaartschool@gmail.com for the syllabus and booking information.

the Omega art school 2 Omega Street Southsea PO5 4LP

Set in stunning grounds on the Isle of Wight overlooking the Solent, Ryde School is an independent day and boarding school for boys and girls from Nursery to Sixth Form. Just a few minutes from mainland transport links, we can provide a ‘hover nanny service’ for younger pupils who commute daily from Southsea, Portsmouth, and Gosport as well as full, weekly, and flexi boarding options ensuring busy family lives can be easily accommodated. We recently opened two new, award-winning boarding houses, bringing all our boarding facilites on to the main school site in Ryde. Millfield, a lovingly restored Victorian villa situated within the school grounds for younger boarders and a new purpose-built senior boarding house with stunning sea views, also within the school grounds. Both offer comfortable twin and single rooms (many with en-suite) with a few triple rooms in the junior house. Our aim is to ensure all boarders of all ages optimise study and leisure time whilst enjoying a nurturing ‘home from home’ experience.

Do join us for our next open morning on Saturday 5 February and take a tour of the school and our new boarding houses and see what Ryde can offer your child.

KAREN FORBES SCHOOL OF DANCE COMES TO MILTON

Karen Forbes recently began a dance school in Southsea, alongside her Wimbledon school which she has run successfully for 34 years. The secret to the success of Karen’s Wimbledon school is that the pupils start very young and tend to continue until their late teens. Many have gone onto prestigious establishments such as Tring Park, Royal Ballet School, Hammond and arts educational. “Currently several of our pupils have secured places with the London Children’s Ballet and will be dancing in 2022’s Ann of Green Gables. The Southsea School, in Milton has quickly become very popular and the children are enjoying the magic, fun and technique. The Strawberry Tinies in particular, are loving their themes, rhythms and funky moves, which the parents seem to enjoy as much as the children,” said Karen. “We also have a a new Primary Modern class on Thursday afternoons at 4pm,” added Karen. If you would like to book a trial place for your child, please call: 07506946882.