|
The following creative writing courses, held in person at Bookseller Crow Bookshop on Tuesday evenings with Karen McLeod are: Creative writing course (life writing & fiction)
Writing a Memoir course (new for 2024)
Deal Life Story Writing Workshop (held in Deal, Kent)
To enrol, register interest, or ask a question, email: [email protected] Creative Writing Course Information Designed to help you discover what you are interested in writing about – and in which form – on one hand the course introduces elements of craft, while equally encouraging experimentation. In this highly practical course (you will get writing from the off!) feedback, encouragement and writing tips gathered from my years as a writer are offered along the way. The instruction given is highly supportive, at times playful, and always encouraging to aid everyone in their creative pursuits. You can read more about me and my writing here. Aside from time spent at the workshop with the group, you’ll need to write for a few hours each week. Ahead of the course start date, students receive a suggested reading list to inspire and invigorate, this is optional, and will help you prepare and definitely get you motivated. The sessions are delivered live, in person, in the events area of Bookseller Crow Bookshop. Some course material and information will be sent via email, other times it will be handed out during the session on the evening. Places are offered on a first come first served basis and the total cost is £179. The group is capped at 12 writers to maintain the personal bonding found within creative workshops. Classes are suitable for over 18’s, and aimed toward beginners or writers who wish to gain confidence and find motivation. It is also ideal for writers who are experiencing a creative block. The course material is geared towards those with an interest in writing fiction and/or using autobiographical life writing material. It is also an introduction to creative writing and seeing the world as a source of creativity. Exercises are set within the class each week, as well as the explorative, creative assignments to be completed outside of class. During the six weeks we will explore:
In the final week there will be tips on how to keep writing and a reading party where we celebrate your achievements. Participant feedback “The main thing I wanted to say was ‘thank you’. When I took your course, I had a real case of lost mojo. I found you properly inspiring and your approach to life writing really helped me reconnect. The novel I’m working on had its genesis in your class so you had a very real impact.” I don’t think I’ve ever enjoyed a creative course so much. It has truly opened my eyes, expanded my mind and encouraged me to write more. Thank you again for being such an inspiring teacher and running such fantastic classes! “I got exactly what I wanted and needed on your course! I was looking for ways to access writing that felt all locked up inside of me and I didn’t want to ‘learn to write like everyone else’… Thank you for an absolutely fantastic course.” “I loved the course – it knocked me off my normal pattern of thinking and got me to try new things! Also I got some really useful feedback.” |
Writing a Memoir course information Do you want to write a memoir and don’t know where or how to start? Or perhaps you’re already working on one and need ideas on how to continue? Or do you simply wish to explore your life through writing with no definite outcome? Whether you are beginning or already writing then this course is for you. There are so many rich possibilities for compelling narratives based on our true stories – including lives and experiences that might seem very ordinary until they’re held up to the light. Over the six evenings of the course, prize-winning writer and memoirist, Karen McLeod, will take you on an in-depth exploration of your memories. She will aid your gathering of material and introduce you to the techniques you’ll need to sharpen your prose style. This will enable you to start shaping your lived experience into a readable and lively story. Karen is the author of the memoir Lifting Off published by Muswell Press in 2024. Her first novel In Search of the Missing Eyelash won a Betty Trask Award and was translated widely. In a previous life, Karen worked for British Airways as cabin crew and it was this experience which sent her into freefall, and then many years later became the story for Lifting Off. As a gay working-class writer, Karen welcomes everyone from all backgrounds to apply, especially those in need of encouragement who don’t feel ‘seen’ in the contemporary literary or UK landscape. The price of the course is £199 and the maximum class size is twelve people. There will be two concessionary places available for those who are unwaged or having financial difficulties (contact Karen for more details). WEEK 1 Digging into the past – maps and photos WEEK 2 Memory and truth - My story not The Story WEEK 3 Planning and structure – strong beginnings in memoirs, and reading other texts for inspiration. WEEK 4 Tools for storytelling – how do stories work, and finding your authentic voice WEEK 5 Building your writing WEEK 6 Reading party - looking to the future 
Photo by Travis Elborough
To enrol, register interest, or ask a question, email: [email protected] |