Writers & Artists

LAST CHANCE: Are you crafting a story for young people? Do you aspire to write children's and middle-grade books that will sit on bookshelves next to writers such as Jacqueline Wilson, Emma Carroll and David Almond? Or powerful YA novels reminiscent of Patrick Ness, Dean Atta and Malorie Blackman? The stories we read when we are young shape us. This June, join us for a six-week online course to help develop your craft and work towards the publication of your children's book. Lesley Parr, award-winning writer of children's fiction including The Valley of Lost Secrets and Fallout will be using practical exercises, discussion and sharing opportunities to help you shape your book. She will be delving into the writing process, helping you create memorable characters, build a world, and structure your story. Students can also expect her to share insight into the children's book market and how to improve your chances of getting your work published. Book now: https://lnkd.in/ej9feJA5

How to establish a reputation, find work, and run projects as a ghostwriter, with Luke Shipman, founder of The London Ghostwriting Company: https://lnkd.in/eQ8KVhBy #fiction #nonfiction #writingcommunity #ghostwriting

Have you ever considered a career in publishing? Do you want to find out more about what working in the industry could look like, and how to get into it? Then come along to hear from #publishing professionals working across the industry. Our panellists will offer insight into the many roles available within publishing, discuss what they love about the industry, and look back at their respective career journeys so far. They'll talk about ways into the industry and offer insight into landing your first role in the industry, perfecting your CV and covering letter, and where you could go from there. Attendees can expect: candid advice from publishing professionals; the chance to put questions to the panel; and takeaway materials which, we hope, will serve as an inspirational and practical resource when it comes to considering a career in one of the most varied and creative industries within the Arts, whatever your skill-set. Join us in Sunderland on the evening of the 21st October to start your journey. Book now: https://lnkd.in/d9HfM8eb

Writing the script is only part of building a career as a screenwriter. This practical session looks at the business side of #screenwriting and the things #writers need to navigate beyond the page, from finding and making the most of opportunities to building industry relationships, approaching agents, understanding funding and schemes, and developing a career that can actually be sustained alongside the realities of work and life. Helen Tompson, screenwriter, script reader, educator and creator of The Business of Screenwriting, will share what she has learned from navigating the industry herself, as well as from conversations with writers and industry professionals. Book your place: https://lnkd.in/egDUYY9A

"To write about ghosts is to challenge the nature of material reality, and so the other elements of that material reality must be especially vivid and believable." Horror novelist Leon Craig explains why thinking about the layout of your haunted house can help you write more visceral scares: https://lnkd.in/eecg_yD8 #amwriting #writing #writingabook #writingcommunity #horror #writinghorror #gothic #writinggothic

I’m thrilled to be leading a session along with illustrator Nakul P during the National Literacy Trust and British Council’s attempt to set a new world record for the most people reading online in 12 hours! Our session includes a reading of Super Uma and a draw-along. As part of the Take 10 to Read campaign in the National Year of Reading, readers from around the world will come together on Thursday 8 October for one huge, shared reading moment. Join an online session (ours is at 9am , 1pm and 5pm), take 10 minutes to read, and help make history. Open to schools, businesses, community groups and individuals - sign up at https://lnkd.in/e_bj2xwx

LAST CHANCE: Are you struggling with #writer's block? Do you want to release the brake which is halting your creativity? Writer’s block is not laziness or lack of talent. It is a state created when the brain’s threat detection systems override its creative systems. When the brain feels unsafe, creativity shuts down. In this masterclass with neuroscience expert Andrew Wright (Action Your Potential), you’ll learn the #neuroscience of writer’s block and discover practical methods to restore creative flow. You’ll understand how to reduce internal resistance, lower creative threat, and create the mental conditions that allow ideas to move freely again. Following the masterclass you'll then be able to book in a 1-2-1 coaching session with Andrew and other members of the Action Your Potential team. The coaching sessions will take place online at a time and date that suits both you and the coach. You'll have an hour together, and be able to discuss your own struggles around creativity, productivity, writer's block and more, and be offered immediate, tailored advice to support you on your journey. Book: https://lnkd.in/e4CAAJC9

LAST CHANCE: Are you writing non-fiction? Do you want to submit your work to literary agents? In this lunchtime masterclass, literary agent Eli Keren will break down the key essentials of putting together a non-fiction proposal to send out to agents. He'll discuss the process of getting a publishing deal, and the journey a non-fiction proposal goes on during this process. He'll break down exactly what a non-fiction proposal needs to include, the do's and don'ts, and how to position it for a commercial audience. Book now: https://lnkd.in/gwgKwv-4

From ghost stories to writer's block, beginnings to editing, our October programme of events and courses has been designed to support your creative journey. Book your place now: https://lnkd.in/eRPr7pnp #writingevents #writing #writingcommunity #bookevents

"The unique details and decisions you make in your manuscript are what will set it apart from other stories." Why is it important to be specific in your writing? W&A Team member and author Clare Povey explains: https://bit.ly/4dhEIJV #amwriting #writing #writingabook #writingcommunity #writing #writingforchildren #kidslit