2024 Workshops and Courses

Want to get writing in 2024? Here’s a list of all the workshops and courses I have coming up in the New Year.

Biscuit Factory Writing Workshops

Last year I ran some writing workshops at the Biscuit Factory Gallery in Shieldfield. This proved to be an excellent venue with lots of inspiration on hand (as well as a lovely café). So, I’m happy to be back for some longer sessions in the New Year.

Sunday 18 February (11am-2pm) Get Writing in 2024 – £30

Sunday 21 April (11am-2pm) Exploring Nature in Writing – £30

Sunday 16 June (11am-2pm) Re-writing the Past – £30

Jesmond Library Writing Residency

I’m into the third month of my writing residency at Jesmond Library and have been enjoying spending time there and getting to know everyone. As well as going to meet groups and schools, I’ve been in the library every Saturday morning to run workshops or offer one-to-one appointments with anyone wanting writing advice. If you think you’d benefit from a one-to-one appointment please email me. Also get in touch if you’re interested in attending any of the following workshops at the library. They are free to attend but you do need to book in advance as numbers are limited.

Saturday 13 January (10am-12pm) – Writing Poetry

Saturday 10 February (10am-12pm) – Writing Short Stories for Women’s Magazines

Saturday 9 March (10am-12pm) – Entering Writing Competitions

I’m also working to put together an anthology of writing about the library and libraries in general to celebrate the 10^th anniversary of the library becoming entirely volunteer run. I’m looking for uplifting pieces of under 500 words from writers local to Jesmond – if you’d like to contribute something, please let me know and I’ll send you the full details.

Newborn Parents North East

Earlier this year, I was part of Artists’ Agency – a fantastic Helix Arts training programme for artists wanting to develop participatory and community-based arts projects. Part of the programme involved the chance to pitch for funding from Creative Central: NCL to create a public artwork. I didn’t pitch, but I’m going to be involved in Rachael Brien’s successful project – Newborn Parents North East. This project will create space for birthing parents to explore their experiences through writing and other creative activities. If you or anyone you know will have a baby of under six months in January 2024 who’d be interested in getting involved then you can find out more and book a place here.

Gather Online Writing Group

If you’re not near Newcastle, I have a monthly online writing group which meets on the first Thursday of the month between 6.30pm-8.30pm. Sessions cost £10 each and it’s fine to come along to occasional sessions or if you haven’t been before. The first sessions of the year will be on 11 January, 1 February, and 7 March and you can .