Monday, October 19, 2009

FREE Creative Writing Workshops

Please see the information below from Jenn Ashworth about 2 opportunities to participate in FREE creative writing classes next week. For any of you who haven't met Jenn before, she creates a very relaxed and safe environment to have a go in and for anyone who would like some advice from a bona fide writer, these sessions could be a really enjoyable and useful opportunity for you.


Jenn will be teaching a FREE two hour creative writing workshop at Chorley Library on the 21st October - between 9.30 and 11.00 am. The theme of the workshop is 'A Sense of Place' and is suitable for beginners, as well as writer with some experience who'd like to concentrate on evoking a sense of place in their writing or building up confidence at working in groups.


To book a place, or for more information, telephone Chorley Library on 01257 277222.

On Wednesday 21st October between 2.30 - 4.30pm Jenn will be at Lancashire Records office, Bow Lane, Preston - leading a workshop in creative writing. The workshop is aimed at beginners or those with some experience who are looking for inspiration or to build up their confidence. We'll use material from the archives as well as some gentle writing prompts in order to create short pieces of fiction and poetry. This workshop is commissioned by Lancashire Library Service for the 2009 Adult Learning Revolution. To book a place, contact the Records Office on 01772 533039.

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

scRibble is born!!

The first meeting of the real life scRibble took place last night in the fabulous surroundings of the snug at The Continental.

I am sure my fellow "founder" Cat, would agree that we heaved a huge sigh of relief as 18 other budding writers arrived to take part (I had been wondering all day if we would be left sitting all alone with only the excellent wine and possible a portion of bread and butter pudding to console ourselves with!).

The evening got off to a good start with introductions from all the members (and hopefully I didn't witter on too much).  Who would have thought that one creative writing group could boast not one, but two stars of Eastern Eurpoean Television?

The short writing exercise based on "A new take on a traditional tale" produced some fine examples of creativity; from Rumplestiltskin in the guise of Sam Spade to a moving account of the re-homing of a small miner in a specially converted cottage with 6 others of similar stature via a chilling account of a blood thirsty wolf. 

If this is what we can produce during our first meeting, I can't wait to see what else these talented folk can come up with.  I am looking forward to learning from the more experienced and sharing my angst with other beginners.

The "Challenge" fofr our October meeting is to produce a piece of writing starting with one of the following lines:

1 - Shadows quivered on the wall as the candle flickered, then fizzled to nothing.


2 - The dream last night had seemed so real, but it was just a dream, right?

3 - The storm whipped the trees outside and she huddled into her quilt.

4 - The prickles on his neck told him he was being watched.

Here's looking forward to sharing some chilling (or otherwise) tales for our late October meet.

I just want to finish by thanking everyone who attended last night and a special big thank you to Cat, without whom I wouldn't have dared to take this beyond the spark of an idea.

Monday, September 21, 2009

scRibble (on paper) First Meeting

The first meeting will take place in the New Continental, South Meadow Lane, Preston on Monday 28th September from 7.30 pm to 9.30 pm. Meetings will then be held on the last Monday of each month (same time, same venue).


During the meetings we will have the opportunity to undertake writing exercises, share ideas, give and receive feedback on whatever members would like to share and find out about competitions, workshops and other events members may be interested in.


For details of subscription etc. please contact Catherine Cable or Cat Dunlop.

We intend scRibble to be an organic, dynamic group that will mould itself to the needs and want of its members.


So, if writing is your thing and you want to meet like minded people, please come along on Monday 28th September to The New Continental and give it a go.