Creative Writing Workshop: Picnic

I help creative writers get new perspectives on their work and overcome blocks to get words on the page. We explore characters, plot, objects and settings. Each session includes writing exercises appropriate for all genres that help you interrogate your characters and focus on key moments of your story.

Picnic

One person’s relaxation is always someone else’s worst nightmare. Before we break for summer, this workshop is all about what happens when a character tries to relax and evade the hard work of the story you are dragging them into.

Who are the workshops for?

Perhaps you want to give writing a go but aren’t sure what will happen. Maybe you used to write and want to get back to it. Or you write, but would like a structured inspiration and a practice session. The workshops are designed so that you can make the most of them whatever mood you’re in.

If you are full of ideas we hope to bring them into sharper focus, if you’re feeling a bit creatively empty I aim to fill you up and get you going again.

What happens in the workshop?

We usually have a warm up exercise around the theme of the workshop, do a little bit free writing, and then there’s a chance to build a more structured scene that could go on to become a short story, or even spark an idea for a novel.

If you have a work in progress then you can use these workshops to interrogate a character, setting or object that plays a vital role in the story. You can add substance to minor characters, think in detail about the repercussions from plot twists, find out which objects in your story have a deeper story to tell and how setting reflects the mindset of your characters.

You don’t have to switch on your camera, feel free to be inspired and get words on the page!

What genre is this for?

The workshops will be useful for literary, crime, fantasy, romance, YA, adventure, magical realism, horror and historical, both short stories and longer works. We usually have a good spread of genre writers in the workshops.

They aren’t as good for dramatic writing; screenplays and scripts, but feel free to come along if a theme catches your eye. Poets, you are always welcome, but the workshops will be pitched more at prose.

Do we share work?

In these particular sessions we don’t read out work or share it with others. Come and experiment with no judgment.

I do run occasional workshops for people who would like to read and discuss. Best to email me about those as they are usually on demand for certain groups who’ve got to know each other through the workshops.

Is it fun?

Previous students of London Writing School workshops kindly said:

"Thank you, love your sessions."

"Thank you very much for your invaluable support"

"I cannot tell you how useful I found it. My writing had dried up and it got the juices flowing again."

Who is the teacher?

I am a very friendly and supportive teacher and love helping people carve out a creative space in their week. I teach various creative writing courses and I also work with young people who are struggling to manage school.

You can find out more about my creative projects at www.roarcreativeproductions.com some of which are:

· Shortlisted for the Crime Writer’s Association Debut Dagger for A Random Act of Generosity

· Self-published a novel – search for A Company of Roses on Amazon

· Completed an MA in Screenwriting

· Have written and produced sold-out theatre shows in London

· Have written and directed a six-part audio drama, search for The Grove wherever you get your podcasts

· Have written and directed a short film

· Trained as a teacher at Goldsmiths University