One-Hour Workshops
More to come - watch this page!
Cracking the Cryptic Crossword - Vivien Brown
Crosswords have been around since 1913, and it’s well documented that tackling a daily crossword, especially a tricky cryptic one, is good for our mental health, not to mention a great way to increase our vocabulary and keep our brains active. Many people shy away from cryptics, assuming that they are just too difficult, but there are lots of easier ones available in the national press to get you started. It is said that it takes a year to learn to solve cryptic crosswords and nine years to master them, but we will attempt to cover all the basics in just one hour! This whistle-stop tour of the world of cryptic crosswords will help you to recognise every type of clue, from anagrams to double meanings, and even ones where the answer is right there, hidden in the clue itself. You will learn some of the shortcuts, tricks and pointers that crossword setters use to guide you (and confuse you!) and we will solve a few particularly clever and fun clues together. With lots of examples, simply explained, and a printed hint sheet for all delegates to take home.
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Vivien Brown is a novelist and short story writer who likes to escape her desk at least once a day to tackle a cryptic crossword, the harder the better! As Vivien Hampshire, she is the author of ‘How to Crack Cryptic Crosswords’ published by How To Books. She also compiles cryptic crosswords for magazines, friends and clients, often themed or personalised to suit the readership or recipient.
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Editing - Christie J Newport
This will be an interactive course providing you with the tools to edit your prose to the best it can be. We will cover areas such as spotting surplus material as well as use of action and dialogue to further the story in a succinct and exciting way. We will cover believable characters and realistic dialogue. We will learn to cut away the detritus and tell our stories in the most compelling way. This workshop is designed to show you how to make your work shine and how to untangle yourself from any binds. We will discuss what it is a reader wants. How to make your book more appealing to agents and publishers. I will be offering advice on how to tighten your prose to a publishable standard.
I will be using a PowerPoint presentation to demonstrate editing techniques and share the knowledge I have gained via my Journalism Degree, writing courses and guidance and mentorships with bestselling authors Nadine Matheson and Harriet Tyce.
This workshop is about learning, sharing and having fun with likeminded people. It will be confidence building and hopefully leave you feeling enthused about the often-daunting editing process.
I will be using a PowerPoint presentation to demonstrate editing techniques and share the knowledge I have gained via my Journalism Degree, writing courses and guidance and mentorships with bestselling authors Nadine Matheson and Harriet Tyce.
This workshop is about learning, sharing and having fun with likeminded people. It will be confidence building and hopefully leave you feeling enthused about the often-daunting editing process.
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After years of hard work, attending courses, festivals, events and winning mentorship and guidance from two bestselling authors, I have now completed two manuscripts and I am working on my third and fourth. I am also editing my first two books. I am represented by Northbank Talent Management who will be putting the first book I wrote out on submission early this year. They have predicted that it will be ‘a big one’ for them in 2022. I also entered my second book into the Joffe Books competition and won by a unanimous decision. I have won a two-book deal with them. The first of the DCI Beth Fellows books will be published in Autumn. Dorothy Koomson will be giving me her notes on my work during a consultation. I will also be joining Dorothy Koomson, Susan Yearwood, my agent Hannah Weatherill and the Joffe books team for a celebratory meal in London. A lot is already scheduled for this year, and it is all very exciting. I am keen to pay it forward and share the knowledge that I now have.
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Judging a Book by its Cover - Toni Bunnell
We’re all told not to, but many of us still do, judge a book by its cover. This session will show you how to create a captivating book cover that gives a taste of what the reader can expect from your story. We will discuss how to choose an appropriate image and title for your book, and also look at how to use any reviews and blurb on the back cover to stimulate interest.
Creating a stunning book cover is crucial when hoping to catch the attention of a passing potential reader. Whether you decide to use the services of a publisher to design your book cover, or whether you choose to do it yourself, the input you have in terms of the images used and the title will be all important.
Participants will learn about the creative processes involved in producing an eye-catching cover for their book.
At the end of the workshop you will be in a position to choose suitable images for your cover and select a title that captures the mood of your storyline. Also, you will learn how to promote your book by structuring and prioritising additional information on the cover.
Creating a stunning book cover is crucial when hoping to catch the attention of a passing potential reader. Whether you decide to use the services of a publisher to design your book cover, or whether you choose to do it yourself, the input you have in terms of the images used and the title will be all important.
Participants will learn about the creative processes involved in producing an eye-catching cover for their book.
At the end of the workshop you will be in a position to choose suitable images for your cover and select a title that captures the mood of your storyline. Also, you will learn how to promote your book by structuring and prioritising additional information on the cover.
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Dr Toni Bunnell is a singer-songwriter, musician, broadcaster, author, hedgehog rehabilitator and a wildlife biologist with a PhD in polecat behaviour. She has run York Hedgehog Rescue for 32 years. In 2017 she was awarded an Animal Action Award by IFAWUK for outstanding achievement in the field of hedgehog care and conservation. She lectured at Hull University for 16 years and has appeared many times on radio and television including Love Your Garden, Countryfile and The One Show.
As a singer-songwriter on the folk scene Toni has performed many times at folk clubs and festivals throughout the UK and Germany. She continues to perform on a regular basis and has recently released her seventh album as well as a song book containing 100 of her songs. |
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Toni spent five years running music therapy sessions for people with learning difficulties, resulting in the traditionally published book: Music Makes a Difference. She has self-published eight novels as paperbacks, two of which are available as audiobooks, and three non-fiction books about hedgehogs.
She has twice been featured in Subscriber Spotlight in Writing Magazine and in December 2018 had a two page article accepted for publication by Writing Magazine.
Toni has self-published twelve books, in each instance designing and formatting the covers herself and sent the entire book, print-ready, to the printer.
Website: www.tonibunnell.com
She has twice been featured in Subscriber Spotlight in Writing Magazine and in December 2018 had a two page article accepted for publication by Writing Magazine.
Toni has self-published twelve books, in each instance designing and formatting the covers herself and sent the entire book, print-ready, to the printer.
Website: www.tonibunnell.com
Yoga for Writers - Katherine Bolton
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A combination of Chair and Mat Yoga to allow your body to stretch. We work out minds so much during swanwick week, this is a time for your body. The yoga flows is specifically planned to help with writers who spend a lot of their time at computers, reading, or sitting down. Can suit all levels. Please bring a mat, some water to drink and wear loose comfortable clothing. Katherine is an experienced Hatha and Yin Yoga Teacher and runs Pebble-Moon Holistic Wellbeing Centre in Seaton.
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Crime Scene Techniques for Crime Writers - Kate Bendelow
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Whether you’re new to crime fiction or an old-hand in need of a refresher, this one-hour workshop will guide you through:
We will also discuss evidence types so you can choose which clues suit your plot and will help snare your antagonist. |
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A Writer's Guide to Coping Better with Stress - Sarah Harlow
Do you want to stop feeling overwhelmed by your creative projects and life in general? Learn how to manage negative thoughts and setbacks better? Understand why you have a strong desire to clean the house when a deadline is approaching? Then this workshop is for you.
You’ll be introduced to different characters to aid you in your journey through self-care and positive mental wellbeing..
Identify your inner antagonist and where to find your ‘feel good’ factors. There will be a list, a reward chart and gold stars. Writers will be able to share ideas throughout and take part in a mini guided relaxation at the end.
You’ll be introduced to different characters to aid you in your journey through self-care and positive mental wellbeing..
Identify your inner antagonist and where to find your ‘feel good’ factors. There will be a list, a reward chart and gold stars. Writers will be able to share ideas throughout and take part in a mini guided relaxation at the end.
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Sarah is a Solution Focused Hypnotherapist specialising in supporting writers, filmmakers and actors with anxiety, stress and confidence building. She has a varied creative background and has written since she was a child. In 2016, Sarah founded Royal Borough Writers, based in Windsor and Maidenhead, Berkshire where she regularly hosts feedback forums and writing games for the group.
Completing a BA in Creative Writing and Film, taking short courses and attending festivals has introduced her to many new ideas and formats but she loves weird and wonderful flash, poetry and scripts the most. She’s currently finishing ‘that script’ which by now, people have stopped asking about! Website: www.sarah-harlow.com Instagram: unwind.uplift (therapy) sarahlchanfrey (writer) |
Writing Action Sequences - Andrew Roberts
“Hello. My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die.”
What kind of action do you write? A gritty murder scene in a detective story? An epic battle in a fantasy? Or perhaps an affair of honour between gentlemen in a period romance?
This workshop will be looking at how to write action sequences in prose. We’ll be looking at the differences between gritty and entertaining fight scenes, how to structure a fight scene, and some of my go-to techniques. We’ll try and apply this to your favourite fight scenes, and look at writing your own using the structure we explored.
Sharpen your blades, load those six shooters, and get ready to rock and roll!
What kind of action do you write? A gritty murder scene in a detective story? An epic battle in a fantasy? Or perhaps an affair of honour between gentlemen in a period romance?
This workshop will be looking at how to write action sequences in prose. We’ll be looking at the differences between gritty and entertaining fight scenes, how to structure a fight scene, and some of my go-to techniques. We’ll try and apply this to your favourite fight scenes, and look at writing your own using the structure we explored.
Sharpen your blades, load those six shooters, and get ready to rock and roll!
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Andrew Roberts has been writing as a hobby since he was 17, originating from his interest in table-top roleplaying games and inspired by the old pulp magazines of the early 20th Century. His main work-in-progress is the Kestrel and Scar series of swashbuckler tales.
His first visit to Swanwick in 2016 changed his life, and made him want to take his work further. To accommodate this, he left his day job as an accountant to study for a BA in Creative Writing. He might have spent half the time in lockdown, but he’s eager to break out into the world of freelancing now that he’s graduated |
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Performing Poetry - Les Baynton
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This workshop will give poets a guide on how to present their poetry. There will also be an extra chance to perform after Poetry Night, which I am hosting again. I will also give tips on running a regular poetry night, building up attendance, and developing links with musicians, publishing small books of poets’ work. An informal and lively workshop with a warm welcome for everyone
Les Baynton is a poet who has run a number of regular poetry nights at QUAD, DEDA and The DEAD POETS. He was a headteacher who happily escaped/retired early and organised many school poetry workshops. He loves performing and is also The Derby Beer King, writing a festival poem each year. He is a lover of Swanwick and has also attended Caerleon Writers’ Holiday for some years.
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