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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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 - Maria Hennings Hunt
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Relax | Restore | Revitalise
A gentle chair based yoga session – combining conscious movement and stretching with breath. Please wear loose comfortable clothing and if you can - bring a blanket/cushion/pillow. If you have a yoga mat and would like to join in with this session, mat-based alternatives to the Asana's will be given. Maria Hennings Hunt is a fully qualified Registered Yoga Alliance Teacher. She runs a successful Dance, Yoga and Marital Arts school in SE London called Dance Generation. dancegeneration.co.uk |
Essential Tips for Crime Writers - Val Penny
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Val Penny leads an entertaining romp around the important points to remember when writing a crime novel. Topics to be covered include: the hook, the blurb, the characters, the story arc, the sub-plot and anything else useful we can fit into an hour’s workshop. This workshop will be fun and informative. Give it a go.
Val Penny is a published poet and author of the best-selling Edinburgh Crime Mystery series featuring DI Hunter Wilson and The Jane Renwick Thrillers. She shares secrets and tips for promoting your work in a busy market.
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Mental Health for Writers - 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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Prize Winning Readings - Hosted by Ingrid Jendrzejewski
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An opportunity to hear the winners of our writing competitions reading their own work. If you entered this year or are thinking of doing so next year, come along and join us for some ‘insider tips’.
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Hit Submit - Ingrid Jendrzejewski
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In this one-hour writing session, we’ll present you with some themes and prompts from current writing contests, magazines and literary journals. Pick the ones you like best and spend the hour generating ideas, writing your first draft, or just putting your thoughts down in the company of like-minded writers. And, if you manage to finish a draft and actually submit your piece by the end of the Swanwick week you can join the 2022 Roll of Honour. There will be prompts to suit all styles, genres and experience levels, as well as practical advice and moral support for those new to sending out your work.
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Editing: Both Sides of the Fence - Allison Symes
What is the view from both sides of the editing fence? In 2020, I found out!
For this workshop, I’ll be sharing thoughts and tips from an author’s viewpoint – specifically how to improve the editing of your work before you submit it anywhere.
I’ll look at what you can do to make working with your editor as good an experience for you, and for them, as possible. Editor and author both want the same thing – for your book to be the best it can be, after all.
I’ll share ways of looking out for your wasted words (we all have them) and to get your writing as sharp as possible. Plus I’ll share why it pays you to do as much as you can before your work is edited by someone else.
And as for the other side of the fence…
I’ll share thoughts and tips from the editor’s viewpoint – specifically what an editor is looking for when they’re editing your work.
I’ll also look at why every writer needs an editor, and how you, as an author, can make the most of working with them.
For this workshop, I’ll be sharing thoughts and tips from an author’s viewpoint – specifically how to improve the editing of your work before you submit it anywhere.
I’ll look at what you can do to make working with your editor as good an experience for you, and for them, as possible. Editor and author both want the same thing – for your book to be the best it can be, after all.
I’ll share ways of looking out for your wasted words (we all have them) and to get your writing as sharp as possible. Plus I’ll share why it pays you to do as much as you can before your work is edited by someone else.
And as for the other side of the fence…
I’ll share thoughts and tips from the editor’s viewpoint – specifically what an editor is looking for when they’re editing your work.
I’ll also look at why every writer needs an editor, and how you, as an author, can make the most of working with them.
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Allison Symes - Bio
I'm a multi-published flash fiction/short story writer, blogger, and editor. My main focus is on short story/flash fiction collections for the independent press. I run workshops on writing, especially for flash fiction (online and in person). I judge short story/flash fiction competitions too. I write weekly for online magazine, Chandler’s Ford Today, on topics of interest to writers. I write monthly for US-based online magazine, Mom’s Favorite Reads. I am an editor for their flash fiction/short story submissions and set the flash fiction challenge. My fiction has appeared in anthologies (CafeLit/Bridge House Publishing). I have two flash fiction collections out with Chapeltown Books. (From Light to Dark and Back Again – 2017. Tripping the Flash Fantastic – 2020). I’m currently working on my third collection. I’m a member of the Society of Authors, Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading, and Association of Christian Writers. |
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Social Media for Beginners - Jennifer Wilson
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Are you aware you should probably have an 'online presence' but have no idea how to go about getting one? In this introductory workshop, we'll talk about the most popular social media outlets, what they can (and can't) do for you, and how to get the most out of them without having to spend all day glued to your screen. By the end of the hour, you'll have planned a week's worth of posts, and be full of ideas for more to follow.
Jennifer C. Wilson has been stalking dead monarchs since childhood, starting with Mary Queen of Scots, before moving onto Richard III. She is the author of the paranormal historical fiction Kindred Spirits series, following the ‘lives’ of some very interesting ghostly communities, published by Darkstroke, as well as writing historical romances, published through Ocelot Press.
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Build a World - Andrew Bannister
Back by popular demand, after a triumphant world tour from Hong Kong to Huddersfield, SF author and world-builder Andrew Bannister presents his renowned, not to say notorious, Build-A-World Workshop - a roller-coaster, no holds barred hour of mildly competitive sci-fi and fantasy world-building where the only limit is your imagination. The glittering prizes will include both jelly sweets AND chocolate, because no expense has been spared....
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Andrew Bannister is the author of The Spin Trilogy, published in the US by Tor, in Germany by Piper and elsewhere by Bantam. His latest work, ACCORDING TO KOVAC, was published by Newcon Press in 2020.
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