Current Courses and Workshops

I wasn’t sure that I’d be able to write anything on the day, but Amanda put us at ease and had the skill to help us unlock those memories and put pen to paper. She ensured that each participant had an opportunity to share what they had written and to be heard and valued.

Feedback from Jesmond Library Residency Workshops

Start Writing at Seaton Sluice Library for New Writing North

An introduction to creative writing as part of New Writing North’s Spring 2025 event programme

A six week creative writing course for beginners or anyone wanting to develop their writing skills in a welcoming and friendly environment. Please note that this is the same course I led at Jesmond Library in Spring 2024. You are welcome to attend the course again, but please be aware that the content will be the same.

Seaton Sluice Library, Community Centre, Seaton Sluice, Whitley Bay NE26 4RH

1.30pm-3.00pm on Wednesdays for six weeks (5 March 2025 – 9 April 2025)

Cost: £35, plus booking fee.

Book via the New Writing North website.

 

Time to Write

Monthly writing workshops at Koru Peaceful Pizza (Salters Road, Gosforth)

These workshops are all about making time to do something creative each month and you can expect interesting and inspiring exercises that will get you writing and develop your skills in a calm and supportive atmosphere. This is a smaller group, with no more than eight people at each session to allow for more writing and feedback time.

Sessions are on the last Sunday of the month between 11am-1pm and you can attend regularly or as a one off. Upcoming dates are:

30 March

Cost: £20 per session. Please note that bookings are non-refundable but you can transfer your booking to another date (or another person) if you’re unable to attend.

Contact me find out more and book your place.

 

Gather Online Writing Group

A monthly online writing group for anyone wanting regular writing inspiration and support

These sessions cover a different theme or skill each month and include plenty of writing exercises and the chance to share and discuss what you’ve written with the group if you’d like to. There’s also time to discuss progress on your own writing projects and ideas with me and other writers.

Sessions are on the first Thursday of the month between 6.30pm-8.30pm and you can attend regularly or as a one off. Upcoming dates are:

6 March

3 April

1 May

5 June

3 July

4 September

Cost: £10 per session. Please note that bookings are non-refundable but you can transfer your booking to another date (or another person) if you’re unable to attend.

Contact me find out more and book your place.

 

Biscuit Factory Writing Workshops

Longer masterclass sessions at the Biscuit Factory Gallery in Newcastle

These sessions provide you with a more in depth look at a particular subject or theme and offer plenty of writing time as well as a toolkit of additional prompts and useful information to take away with you.

Cost: £30 per session.

Booking is through the Biscuit Factory website and upcoming dates are:

Sunday 16 March (11am-2pm) Character Creation

Sunday 18 May (11am-2pm) A Sense of Place

 

Hexham Young Writers Group 

An after-school group for writers aged 11-13

This six week course for young people aged 11-13 will run between 21 January-1 April 2025 at the Queen’s Hall Arts Centre in Hexham.

Cost: £36

Find out more (including full list of session dates) and book through the Hexham Book Festival website.

 

I have really enjoyed this course. It has helped me develop confidence in my writing and has inspired me with new ideas. Amanda has structured the course really well providing a good balance between writing, critiquing and practical suggestions around the craft of writing. She has been extremely supportive to all the group members and made writing accessible to all.

Feedback from student on one of my Workers’ Educational Association creative writing courses