In-person events
Please note:
The Writers Workshop is not wheelchair accessible and there is only partial lift access via Waterstones during business hours.
Sounds About Write, our live literature event at Sheffield Plate, IS wheelchair accessible.
Until we find a new home, we are expanding our ONLINE offer: click here for the online listing, and many in-person events have an online-access option also.
Please read our refund policy.
For all our in-person events, view our Eventbrite collection here (excluding Writing Club for 9-13s)
Tarot & the Writing Path
Venue: The Writers Workshop
Facilitator: Jools Warner
This workshop will focus on exploring ways to use the tarot to guide and develop your writing. We'll look at how to use the evocative imagery of the cards for insights and guidance on the writing journey itself, and also ways to apply its archetypes and themes in fiction writing to access layers of character, setting, and story.
There will be a series of practical tarot exercises to help you tap into intuition. We will then build on this so that you can apply guidance from the tarot directly to your writing. You will also get plenty of time to discuss the insights you receive from the world(s) of the tarot.
The workshop is suitable for beginner and intermediate writers also interested in tarot, whether you're looking for new ways to enhance your writing or interested in deepening an existing relationship with tarot.
If you have a tarot deck of your own, feel free to bring it, but I'll be bringing a few decks along. I find the variations in style and art work on the cards to be helpful inspiration, and I want you to experience this too!
Jools Warner is a novelist and tarot reader based in Sheffield. Her tarot journey began in 2007, and she has been reading professionally since 2022. As a novelist, she writes fantasy fiction and paranormal romance for adults, as well as spooky stuff for younger readers. She did an MA in Creative Writing at Sheffield Hallam University, graduating in 2022 with Distinction.
Twixtmas Stroll & Nature Writing
Venue: Meet at the top gates of Hillsborough Park (Middlewood Road)
Facilitator: Anne Grange
If you’re recovering from the excessive of the festive season, why not get some fresh air, exercise, and give your brain a creative boost!
We'll be meeting at Hillsborough Park (MAIN GATES on MIDDLEWOOD ROAD) to explore hidden stories and natural havens in the former grounds of a grand house, now one of Sheffield's oldest libraries. The park is one of the most popular in Sheffield, famous for the Tramlines festival and its bustling Parkrun, but there's also room for some quiet contemplation and wildlife.
Our route will be dictated by the order of stories we'll pull out of a festive woolly hat, and we'll take time to write at various stops en route.
A table has been booked in the Depot Bakery in the old stable block in the park, which has plenty of stories of its own!
This walk is accessible by wheelchair and very close to tram and bus routes (there's also parking at the bottom end of the park). This event is also dog friendly!
Write Yourself Calm - life writing workshop
Venue: The Writers Workshop (and online)
Facilitator: Anne Grange
Please note: This workshop is a hybrid session taking place at the Writers Workshop in Orchard Square, Sheffield, and also online on Zoom.
The start of the year is a good time to capture some calm memories to look back on when we most need them. Using photos, objects and sounds as prompts, we'll remember moments of serenity and put them down in words so you'll always be able to think about them.
If you are only just starting writing creatively, this workshop will help your imagination to flourish. By the end of the workshop, you will have several short pieces of writing you can develop further.
We'll be trying out a series of prompts and exercises intended to spark your creativity - and to help you to reach your most tranquil memories. The session will be fun, interactive, and sensitive to everyone's needs.
Group Mentoring for Neurodivergent Writers
Venue: The Writers Workshop
Facilitator: Amanda Marples
Hands up who is neurodivergent and really needs some support with their writing? Who longs for a writing coach but is having enough trouble paying the gas bill? Here is a solution: low-cost, high-quality group mentoring.
Here's what to expect...
Monthly meet-ups (online options also available)
Small groups of no more than 5 writers
Opportunity and dedicated space to bring your writing-related executive function issues (see below)
Space to talk it through with other ND writers
Access to the expertise of ND professional writer and mentor Amanda Marples (facilitating)
Solutions
Gentle accountability and goal-setting
What are writing related executive function issues? (not an exhaustive list!)
Time management
Focus and concentration
Motivation & Procrastination
Rejection Sensitivity
Planning and workload management
Maintaining interest
Managing boom-bust cycles of activity
Making sense of feedback & understanding submission requirements
Bring your stuff...and let's find a way through it together.
Story Starters: New Year Sprint
Venue: The Writers Workshop
Facilitators: Lorna Partington and Rosie Carnall
Writers are often asked, "Where do you get your ideas from?"
Well, now there's an easy answer!
Kickstart your writing in 2025 with Story Starters, which will help you generate new story ideas to sustain your creative writing practice in the coming months. There will be four sessions, each with a different focus. Attend one, attend all: it's up to you!
In each workshop, facilitators Rosie Carnall and Lorna Partington will lead fun and interactive themed exercises to prompt new writing. Working collaboratively with fellow writers, you'll develop your own structured ideas - "story starters" - that you can use as the basis of new short-form projects ... but, who knows, they may even inspire you to write a novel!
Rosie and Lorna will also be offering Work in Progress sessions throughout 2025 to help you finish what you start.
No prior creative writing experience necessary.
These sessions can be booked as a series or as single sessions. There is a discount for booking all 4.
The sessions will be on January 6, 13, 20 and 27.
Create Your New Year
Venue: Sheffield Plate
Host: Beverley Ward
Beverley’s annual visioning event returns, this time in our neighbouring venue, Sheffield Plate.
We can’t control how the world will look in 2025, but we can still set a positive creative intention and spend a convivial few hours with our Writers Workshop friends, writing and collaging our visions of our new year.
Your ticket includes a complimentary drink and canapes and all the collage supplies you need.
You can find out more about why Beverley runs this event over on her blog.
Get Writing
Friendly, supportive writing workshops for writers at all stages of their writing journeys. Think of it as push-ups for your writing muscles, a play date for your inner child, a chance to exorcise your demons or just plain magic.
You’ll be guided through a series of themed writing exercises to generate new writing in the company of other writers. You can write in whatever genre and for whatever purpose suits you. Expect fun, laughter, friendship and solidarity as side effects.
Get Writing is facilitated by Beverley Ward every Wednesday from 11am-1pm. Block bookings are available.
Children’s Writing Club
Writing Clubs are a chance for children and young people to play with writing outside of the constraints of the formal curriculum.
Writing Clubs are a place where young people can express themselves, experiment, develop their love of stories and language, and grow in confidence. Writing is a creative act and not just a tool for passing exams. In Writing Club we don’t focus on grammar, spelling or punctuation but writing skills will develop naturally as children fall in love with the power of the written word.
Writing Club is faciltated by children’s author, Beverley Ward and is suitable for ages 9-13.
Absolute Beginner Creative Writing Workshop
Location: The Writers Workshop
Facilitator: Raquel Vogl
Have you always wanted to write creatively but don’t know where to start? Are you intimidated by groups of more experienced writers?
This is the workshop for you. We will do several beginner friendly writing exercises and I will give you exercises and tips to take home to build a writing practice. There will be the opportunity to share your writing but it is not obligatory.
This will be a friendly, fun, and open space to get words on the page, build confidence in your writing, and develop your own writing practice. We will be doing different prompts from previous workshops, so if you have attended before we'll be doing new prompts and exercises.
Moonwrite Workshop
Venue: The Writers Workshop
Facilitator: Coco Lone Neal
Every living being since the dawn of time has gazed up at the same moon. A moon which inspired mythology, literature, religion, philosophy, science; a moon that directs migrations, tides, the movement of leaves, and even the blood in our veins. You will be hard pressed to find an artist untouched by the moon.
These workshops are first and foremost about inspiration. Every month I will bring poems, extracts, art, stories, myths, maps, and we will use them as jumping off points into our own writing.
Each workshop takes place on the Sunday closest to the full moon. Join us for the first one of the new year, when we'll meet the January Moon - also known as the Wolf Moon, Ice Moon, Quiet Moon. Who will this moon be to you?
Suitable for every level of writing and every genre, whether you’re a dedicated moon-worshipper or someone who enjoys the simple awe of looking up into a night sky and finding light.
Narrative Modes: Description
Location: The Writers Workshop
Tutor: Lorna Partington
Please note: This is a repeat of the class held on December 15th.
When we write, we move between five narrative modes: action, exposition, dialogue, interiority and description.
In the last masterclass in this series, you'll explore description. What is it? When is it best to deploy this mode? How can we best engage the reader using description?
In this class, you'll be learning key principles, discussing examples from great writers, and having a go at writing in this narrative mode.
Each class is designed to stand alone.
Story Starters: New Year Sprint
Venue: The Writers Workshop
Facilitators: Lorna Partington and Rosie Carnall
Writers are often asked, "Where do you get your ideas from?"
Well, now there's an easy answer!
Kickstart your writing in 2025 with Story Starters, which will help you generate new story ideas to sustain your creative writing practice in the coming months. There will be four sessions, each with a different focus. Attend one, attend all: it's up to you!
In each workshop, facilitators Rosie Carnall and Lorna Partington will lead fun and interactive themed exercises to prompt new writing. Working collaboratively with fellow writers, you'll develop your own structured ideas - "story starters" - that you can use as the basis of new short-form projects ... but, who knows, they may even inspire you to write a novel!
Rosie and Lorna will also be offering Work in Progress sessions throughout 2025 to help you finish what you start.
No prior creative writing experience necessary.
Get Writing
Friendly, supportive writing workshops for writers at all stages of their writing journeys. Think of it as push-ups for your writing muscles, a play date for your inner child, a chance to exorcise your demons or just plain magic.
You’ll be guided through a series of themed writing exercises to generate new writing in the company of other writers. You can write in whatever genre and for whatever purpose suits you. Expect fun, laughter, friendship and solidarity as side effects.
Get Writing is facilitated by Beverley Ward every Wednesday from 11am-1pm. Block bookings are available.
Children’s Writing Club
Writing Clubs are a chance for children and young people to play with writing outside of the constraints of the formal curriculum.
Writing Clubs are a place where young people can express themselves, experiment, develop their love of stories and language, and grow in confidence. Writing is a creative act and not just a tool for passing exams. In Writing Club we don’t focus on grammar, spelling or punctuation but writing skills will develop naturally as children fall in love with the power of the written word.
Writing Club is faciltated by children’s author, Beverley Ward and is suitable for ages 9-13.
Crafty Writing: Notebooks
Venue: The Writers Workshop
Facilitator: Carmel Page
Carmel Page is a Creative Opportunist, she does anything creative she can get away with but mostly loves stories and recycling.
Learn how to bind your own notebooks by reusing paper, envelopes and card. Then write in your book, inspired by your crafting.
No experience needed.
You are encouraged to bring any paper, card, or clothing you wish to reuse but do not need to bring anything.
Absolute Beginner Creative Writing Workshop
Location: The Writers Workshop
Facilitator: Raquel Vogl
Have you always wanted to write creatively but don’t know where to start? Are you intimidated by groups of more experienced writers?
This is the workshop for you. We will do several beginner friendly writing exercises and I will give you exercises and tips to take home to build a writing practice. There will be the opportunity to share your writing but it is not obligatory.
This will be a friendly, fun, and open space to get words on the page, build confidence in your writing, and develop your own writing practice. We will be doing different prompts from previous workshops, so if you have attended before we'll be doing new prompts and exercises.
Children’s Writers Meetup
Location: The Writers Workshop
Facilitator: Beverley Ward
Have you got an unpublished manuscript for children or teenagers? Or would you like to write one? Perhaps you have loads of ideas and beginnings of stories but no idea how to structure them or how to approach publishers.
Children’s Writers Meetup is a space for aspiring and published writers of children's fiction and poetry to gather together to share tips and ideas and to get feedback on their work from publisher children's author, Beverley Ward.
Buy your basic ticket (£5 for members of The Writers Workshop, £10 for non-members) and select the £10 supplement if you would like to send up to 1000 words for feedback from Beverley and the group.
Email beverleywardwriter@gmail.com with any queries.
Story Starters: New Year Sprint
Venue: The Writers Workshop
Facilitators: Lorna Partington and Rosie Carnall
Writers are often asked, "Where do you get your ideas from?"
Well, now there's an easy answer!
Kickstart your writing in 2025 with Story Starters, which will help you generate new story ideas to sustain your creative writing practice in the coming months. There will be four sessions, each with a different focus. Attend one, attend all: it's up to you!
In each workshop, facilitators Rosie Carnall and Lorna Partington will lead fun and interactive themed exercises to prompt new writing. Working collaboratively with fellow writers, you'll develop your own structured ideas - "story starters" - that you can use as the basis of new short-form projects ... but, who knows, they may even inspire you to write a novel!
Rosie and Lorna will also be offering Work in Progress sessions throughout 2025 to help you finish what you start.
No prior creative writing experience necessary.
Get Writing
Friendly, supportive writing workshops for writers at all stages of their writing journeys. Think of it as push-ups for your writing muscles, a play date for your inner child, a chance to exorcise your demons or just plain magic.
You’ll be guided through a series of themed writing exercises to generate new writing in the company of other writers. You can write in whatever genre and for whatever purpose suits you. Expect fun, laughter, friendship and solidarity as side effects.
Get Writing is facilitated by Beverley Ward every Wednesday from 11am-1pm. Block bookings are available.
Children’s Writing Club
Writing Clubs are a chance for children and young people to play with writing outside of the constraints of the formal curriculum.
Writing Clubs are a place where young people can express themselves, experiment, develop their love of stories and language, and grow in confidence. Writing is a creative act and not just a tool for passing exams. In Writing Club we don’t focus on grammar, spelling or punctuation but writing skills will develop naturally as children fall in love with the power of the written word.
Writing Club is faciltated by children’s author, Beverley Ward and is suitable for ages 9-13.
Storytelling Skills
Venue: The Writers Workshop
Facilitator: Carmel Page
Once upon a time everyone was a storyteller.
We still are, we are always talking to each other, but if you wish to get really good at storytelling this session will help you hone your skills.
Carmel Page is a renown storyteller who performs in large museums, around blazing bonfires, in spooky graveyards, sitting on pub bars, lying on piles of scarves and whilst throwing teddy bears at her audience. She is passionate about storytelling and giving people the skills and confidence they need to fill the land with stories.
Spoken Word Poetry Meetup
Venue: The Writers Workshop
Host: Chivonne Head
Join us for the second edition of our Spoken Word Poetry Meetup! Whether you're a seasoned poet or just dipping your toes into the world of spoken word, this event is the perfect place to share your work and connect with fellow poetry enthusiasts. The meetup will be held at Orchard Square, so mark your calendars and get ready to be inspired by the power of words. In the session we will be writing a poem this time, on the theme of audiences, or whatever you prefer to write about. Arrive with a blank page and leave with a poem and some new like minded friends. See you there!
The Sunday Soul Sessions: Writing Through the Darkness
Venue: The Writers Workshop
Facilitator: Beverley Ward
January is often synonymous with the blues, but does it have to be that way? The concept of 'wintering' has become increasingly popular in recent years, with its invitation to see the dark months (or the dark periods of our lives) as a time for rest, nurture and restoration. What we plant in the darkness might flourish in the lighter months. How can we use this time to support ourselves?
Join Beverley Ward in a gentle, reflective workshop in which we'll explore how we can use writing to stay afloat during the literal darkness of winter and also through the difficult periods of our lives.
Story Starters: New Year Sprint
Venue: The Writers Workshop
Facilitators: Lorna Partington and Rosie Carnall
Writers are often asked, "Where do you get your ideas from?"
Well, now there's an easy answer!
Kickstart your writing in 2025 with Story Starters, which will help you generate new story ideas to sustain your creative writing practice in the coming months. There will be four sessions, each with a different focus. Attend one, attend all: it's up to you!
In each workshop, facilitators Rosie Carnall and Lorna Partington will lead fun and interactive themed exercises to prompt new writing. Working collaboratively with fellow writers, you'll develop your own structured ideas - "story starters" - that you can use as the basis of new short-form projects ... but, who knows, they may even inspire you to write a novel!
Rosie and Lorna will also be offering Work in Progress sessions throughout 2025 to help you finish what you start.
No prior creative writing experience necessary.
Get Writing
Friendly, supportive writing workshops for writers at all stages of their writing journeys. Think of it as push-ups for your writing muscles, a play date for your inner child, a chance to exorcise your demons or just plain magic.
You’ll be guided through a series of themed writing exercises to generate new writing in the company of other writers. You can write in whatever genre and for whatever purpose suits you. Expect fun, laughter, friendship and solidarity as side effects.
Get Writing is facilitated by Beverley Ward every Wednesday from 11am-1pm. Block bookings are available.
Children’s Writing Club
Writing Clubs are a chance for children and young people to play with writing outside of the constraints of the formal curriculum.
Writing Clubs are a place where young people can express themselves, experiment, develop their love of stories and language, and grow in confidence. Writing is a creative act and not just a tool for passing exams. In Writing Club we don’t focus on grammar, spelling or punctuation but writing skills will develop naturally as children fall in love with the power of the written word.
Writing Club is faciltated by children’s author, Beverley Ward and is suitable for ages 9-13.
Tarot & the Writing Path
Venue: The Writers Workshop
Facilitator: Jools Warner
This workshop will focus on exploring ways to use the tarot to guide and develop your writing. We'll look at how to use the evocative imagery of the cards for insights and guidance on the writing journey itself, and also ways to apply its archetypes and themes in fiction writing to access layers of character, setting, and story.
There will be a series of practical tarot exercises to help you tap into intuition. We will then build on this so that you can apply guidance from the tarot directly to your writing. You will also get plenty of time to discuss the insights you receive from the world(s) of the tarot.
The workshop is suitable for beginner and intermediate writers also interested in tarot, whether you're looking for new ways to enhance your writing or interested in deepening an existing relationship with tarot.
If you have a tarot deck of your own, feel free to bring it, but I'll be bringing a few decks along. I find the variations in style and art work on the cards to be helpful inspiration, and I want you to experience this too!
Jools Warner is a novelist and tarot reader based in Sheffield. Her tarot journey began in 2007, and she has been reading professionally since 2022. As a novelist, she writes fantasy fiction and paranormal romance for adults, as well as spooky stuff for younger readers. She did an MA in Creative Writing at Sheffield Hallam University, graduating in 2022 with Distinction.
Get Writing
Friendly, supportive writing workshops for writers at all stages of their writing journeys. Think of it as push-ups for your writing muscles, a play date for your inner child, a chance to exorcise your demons or just plain magic.
You’ll be guided through a series of themed writing exercises to generate new writing in the company of other writers. You can write in whatever genre and for whatever purpose suits you. Expect fun, laughter, friendship and solidarity as side effects.
Get Writing is facilitated by Beverley Ward every Wednesday from 11am-1pm. Block bookings are available.
Children’s Writing Club
Writing Clubs are a chance for children and young people to play with writing outside of the constraints of the formal curriculum.
Writing Clubs are a place where young people can express themselves, experiment, develop their love of stories and language, and grow in confidence. Writing is a creative act and not just a tool for passing exams. In Writing Club we don’t focus on grammar, spelling or punctuation but writing skills will develop naturally as children fall in love with the power of the written word.
Writing Club is faciltated by children’s author, Beverley Ward and is suitable for ages 9-13.
Writers Day 2025: The Writing Journey
Join The Writers Workshop at Channing Hall, Sheffield, on February 8th for Writers Day 2025, supported by New Writing North and Hachette.
There are a limited number of early-bird tickets available NOW for a limited time only. Book today to enjoy a £20 discount! Ticket includes refreshments and lunch.
Suited to emerging and developing writers, the Writers Day will include sessions that explore the writing journey from creation through publication, as well as opportunities to pitch to publishers and meet your new BWFs (best writer friends)!
The full programme will be released along with full-price tickets shortly. In the meantime, here's a preview of some of the planned sessions (subject to alteration):
A Writer's Journey: Novelists Karen Powell and Sarah Brooks share their experiences on a panel, supported by New Writing North.
A Book's Journey: Editors from Hachette (and imprint Headline), Lucy Twist and Frankie Edwards, share insights into the publishing journey.
Find Your Story: What is the unique story that only you can tell? Whether it’s in poetry or prose, explore the ‘what’ of your desire to write.
Find Your Voice: What is voice and how do we recognise and develop our distinctive style?
Find Your Protagonist: Whether you are writing nonfiction in which you’re the protagonist or writing fiction with an invented one, find out what makes a central character compelling.
Find Your Readers: A look at indie publishing options, and book marketing essentials.
Find Your Writing Mojo: Tips from writing coaches to help you sustain a writing practice, even when you’re feeling stuck, dejected or uncertain.
Pitching your project: Take the opportunity to submit your work to a representative of the agenting or publishing industry. Please note, pitching is subject to a supplementary admin charge.
Full programme details (including how to apply for a pitching slot) will be released in mid-January.
Get Writing
Friendly, supportive writing workshops for writers at all stages of their writing journeys. Think of it as push-ups for your writing muscles, a play date for your inner child, a chance to exorcise your demons or just plain magic.
You’ll be guided through a series of themed writing exercises to generate new writing in the company of other writers. You can write in whatever genre and for whatever purpose suits you. Expect fun, laughter, friendship and solidarity as side effects.
Get Writing is facilitated by Beverley Ward every Wednesday from 11am-1pm. Block bookings are available.
Children’s Writing Club
Writing Clubs are a chance for children and young people to play with writing outside of the constraints of the formal curriculum.
Writing Clubs are a place where young people can express themselves, experiment, develop their love of stories and language, and grow in confidence. Writing is a creative act and not just a tool for passing exams. In Writing Club we don’t focus on grammar, spelling or punctuation but writing skills will develop naturally as children fall in love with the power of the written word.
Writing Club is faciltated by children’s author, Beverley Ward and is suitable for ages 9-13.
Children’s Writing Club
Writing Clubs are a chance for children and young people to play with writing outside of the constraints of the formal curriculum.
Writing Clubs are a place where young people can express themselves, experiment, develop their love of stories and language, and grow in confidence. Writing is a creative act and not just a tool for passing exams. In Writing Club we don’t focus on grammar, spelling or punctuation but writing skills will develop naturally as children fall in love with the power of the written word.
Writing Club is faciltated by children’s author, Beverley Ward and is suitable for ages 9-13.
Get Writing
Friendly, supportive writing workshops for writers at all stages of their writing journeys. Think of it as push-ups for your writing muscles, a play date for your inner child, a chance to exorcise your demons or just plain magic.
You’ll be guided through a series of themed writing exercises to generate new writing in the company of other writers. You can write in whatever genre and for whatever purpose suits you. Expect fun, laughter, friendship and solidarity as side effects.
Get Writing is facilitated by Beverley Ward every Wednesday from 11am-1pm. Block bookings are available.
Narrative Modes: Description
Location: The Writers Workshop
Tutor: Lorna Partington
When we write, we move between five narrative modes: action, exposition, dialogue, interiority and description.
In the last masterclass in this series, you'll explore description. What is it? When is it best to deploy this mode? How can we best engage the reader using description?
In this class, you'll be learning key principles, discussing examples from great writers, and having a go at writing in this narrative mode.
Each class is designed to stand alone.
Narrative Modes: Dialogue & Interiority (Repeat)
Location: The Writers Workshop
Tutor: Lorna Partington
Please note: This is a repeat of the class held on November 30.
When we write, we move between five narrative modes: action, exposition, dialogue, interiority and description.
In the second of three masterclasses, you'll explore dialogue and interiority. What are these modes? When is it best to deploy them? How can we best engage the reader using these modes?
In this class, you'll be learning key principles, discussing examples from great writers, and having a go at writing in these narrative modes.
The final masterclass:
Description: Sunday, December 15
Each class is designed to stand alone.
Children’s Writers Meetup
Location: The Writers Workshop
Facilitator: Beverley Ward
Have you got an unpublished manuscript for children or teenagers? Or would you like to write one? Perhaps you have loads of ideas and beginnings of stories but no idea how to structure them or how to approach publishers.
Children’s Writers Meetup is a space for aspiring and published writers of children's fiction and poetry to gather together to share tips and ideas and to get feedback on their work from publisher children's author, Beverley Ward.
Buy your basic ticket (£5 for members of The Writers Workshop, £10 for non-members) and select the £10 supplement if you would like to send up to 1000 words for feedback from Beverley and the group.
Email beverleywardwriter@gmail.com with any queries.
The Workshop Christmas Social at The Old Shoe
This Christmas we’re giving ourselves and you the gift of a night off writing, and gathering together for a festive celebration at The Old Shoe in Orchard Square. No literary guests, no writing party games, no open mic, just good old-fashioned socialising and the chance to get to know each other outside of the Workshop setting.
Writing chat and Christmas jumpers are permitted but not essential.
Food can be ordered from Sheffield Plate or Proove on the night.
We look forward to seeing you there.
Children’s Writing Club
Writing Clubs are a chance for children and young people to play with writing outside of the constraints of the formal curriculum.
Writing Clubs are a place where young people can express themselves, experiment, develop their love of stories and language, and grow in confidence. Writing is a creative act and not just a tool for passing exams. In Writing Club we don’t focus on grammar, spelling or punctuation but writing skills will develop naturally as children fall in love with the power of the written word.
Writing Club is faciltated by children’s author, Beverley Ward and is suitable for ages 9-13.
Get Writing
Friendly, supportive writing workshops for writers at all stages of their writing journeys. Think of it as push-ups for your writing muscles, a play date for your inner child, a chance to exorcise your demons or just plain magic.
You’ll be guided through a series of themed writing exercises to generate new writing in the company of other writers. You can write in whatever genre and for whatever purpose suits you. Expect fun, laughter, friendship and solidarity as side effects.
Get Writing is facilitated by Beverley Ward every Wednesday from 11am-1pm. Block bookings are available.
Crafty Writing: Gift Wrap
Venue: The Writers Workshop
Facilitator: Carmel Page
Carmel Page is a Creative Opportunist, she does anything creative she can get away with but mostly loves stories and recycling.
Join her to learn how to make gift-wrap boxes from paper and card. Then use old shirts and trousers to make gift bags before settling down to write, inspired by your creative activity.
No experience needed.
You are encouraged to bring any paper, card, or clothing you wish to reuse but do not need to bring anything.
Group Mentoring for Neurodivergent Writers
Venue: The Writers Workshop
Facilitator: Amanda Marples
Hands up who is neurodivergent and really needs some support with their writing? Who longs for a writing coach but is having enough trouble paying the gas bill? Here is a solution: low-cost, high-quality group mentoring.
Here's what to expect...
Monthly meet-ups (online options also available)
Small groups of no more than 5 writers
Opportunity and dedicated space to bring your writing-related executive function issues (see below)
Space to talk it through with other ND writers
Access to the expertise of ND professional writer and mentor Amanda Marples (facilitating)
Solutions
Gentle accountability and goal-setting
What are writing related executive function issues? (not an exhaustive list!)
Time management
Focus and concentration
Motivation & Procrastination
Rejection Sensitivity
Planning and workload management
Maintaining interest
Managing boom-bust cycles of activity
Making sense of feedback & understanding submission requirements
Bring your stuff...and let's find a way through it together.
Structuring Your Novel
Venue: The Writers Workshop
Facilitator: Gavin Extence
Structuring Your Novel – 3 Acts and 7 Key Plot Points
Most people will have heard of the three-act structure. At its most simple, it’s beginning, middle and end. Diving deeper, it’s a dramatic roadmap – a way of navigating a story so it’s easier to plot and more satisfying to read.
In this class, we’ll be looking at how the three-act structure can be used in a variety of genres, including rom-com, Fantasy/ Sci-Fi, and literary fiction. By the end of the session, you’ll have a renewed appreciation for the fundamentals of good storytelling, and be ready to apply what you’ve learned to your own writing.
Recommended Reading
It would be helpful (but not essential!) if participants could read The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion before attending as we’ll be using it as a reference for looking at story structure in more detail. It’s widely available in bookshops, libraries and online (including second-hand). It’s also great fun to read and wonderfully well-plotted!
Nonfiction Writers Meetup
Host: Hannah Boursnell
Location: Writers Workshop
If you've got a non-fiction project (of any genre) in mind or on the go, join this informal monthly meetup where we’ll talk everything fact-not-fiction. This is an opportunity to get to know other local writers working on non-fiction projects, share your progress (or lack thereof), discuss ideas and challenges, and support each other on your non-fiction journeys. Hannah — a freelance editor and former non-fiction publisher — will be on hand to offer support, advice and plenty of tea and cake.
Children’s Writing Club
Writing Clubs are a chance for children and young people to play with writing outside of the constraints of the formal curriculum.
Writing Clubs are a place where young people can express themselves, experiment, develop their love of stories and language, and grow in confidence. Writing is a creative act and not just a tool for passing exams. In Writing Club we don’t focus on grammar, spelling or punctuation but writing skills will develop naturally as children fall in love with the power of the written word.
Writing Club is faciltated by children’s author, Beverley Ward and is suitable for ages 9-13.
Get Writing
Friendly, supportive writing workshops for writers at all stages of their writing journeys. Think of it as push-ups for your writing muscles, a play date for your inner child, a chance to exorcise your demons or just plain magic.
You’ll be guided through a series of themed writing exercises to generate new writing in the company of other writers. You can write in whatever genre and for whatever purpose suits you. Expect fun, laughter, friendship and solidarity as side effects.
Get Writing is facilitated by Beverley Ward every Wednesday from 11am-1pm. Block bookings are available.
Spoken Word Poetry Meetup
Venue: The Writers Workshop
Host: Chivonne Head
Do you write poetry? Are you thinking about performing your poetry to an audience but need a space to practice and get feedback? Or perhaps you've performed before and want to meet with like-minded people?
Spoken Word Meetup is a place for you to meet other poets to share works in progress, practice performing, and get some feedback on your poetry. We'll do some writing, reading, and performing, and share tips on how to deliver our poetry and get over our nerves. We'll aim to build a community of spoken-word poets able to use their poetic voice confidently, and even perform at an open mic night, if you feel comfortable doing so. Come along and bring a poem with you - your own or another poem that you'd like to read.
Narrative Modes: Dialogue & Interiority
Location: The Writers Workshop
Tutor: Lorna Partington
When we write, we move between five narrative modes: action, exposition, dialogue, interiority and description.
In the second of three masterclasses, you'll explore dialogue and interiority. What are these modes? When is it best to deploy them? How can we best engage the reader using these modes?
In this class, you'll be learning key principles, discussing examples from great writers, and having a go at writing in these narrative modes.
The final masterclass:
Description: Sunday, December 15
Each class is designed to stand alone.
Children’s Writing Club
Writing Clubs are a chance for children and young people to play with writing outside of the constraints of the formal curriculum.
Writing Clubs are a place where young people can express themselves, experiment, develop their love of stories and language, and grow in confidence. Writing is a creative act and not just a tool for passing exams. In Writing Club we don’t focus on grammar, spelling or punctuation but writing skills will develop naturally as children fall in love with the power of the written word.
Writing Club is faciltated by children’s author, Beverley Ward and is suitable for ages 9-13.
Get Writing
Friendly, supportive writing workshops for writers at all stages of their writing journeys. Think of it as push-ups for your writing muscles, a play date for your inner child, a chance to exorcise your demons or just plain magic.
You’ll be guided through a series of themed writing exercises to generate new writing in the company of other writers. You can write in whatever genre and for whatever purpose suits you. Expect fun, laughter, friendship and solidarity as side effects.
Get Writing is facilitated by Beverley Ward every Wednesday from 11am-1pm. Block bookings are available.
Sunday Soul Session: Writing about Family
Venue: The Writers Workshop
Facilitator: Raquel Vogl
Sunday Soul Sessions are workshops for writers who want to delve deep into the big issues and reflect on what it means to be human in a changing world.
This workshop will focus on writing about family. This will be a chance to explore and record family memories that you have always wanted to get down on the page. Family life has inspired so much great writing in all the genres, and many people describe wanting to write down their memories for future generations. This workshop will allow us the time and space to explore ourselves and the people we are close to.
Whether you're writing memoir, essays, fiction or poetry or just want a to safe space to put some words on the page, this space is for you.
Writing Romance
Tutor: Anna Mansell
From "Meet Cutes" to "Will they, Won’t they?", writing romance is all about creating a world in which your reader can fall in love at the same time as your protagonists.
In this workshop, we’ll explore your characters, their world, and the tension that's keeping your characters apart. All wrapped up in a collection of exercises, group chat (no pressure to share unless you want to!), and tea.
By the end of it, you should leave with a clear path to falling in love with writing your own romance novel.
Anna Mansell is the amazon top 100 bestselling author of 7 novels, including a rom com under the pen name, Lottie Brook. She also writes for stage and is an emerging screenwriter. Read more.
Write by the Sea
Relax, recharge and get some words written in the company of other writers at Beverley’s retreat in Bridlington.
Sounds About Write with Lewis Buxton
Venue: Sheffield Plate (downstairs)
Each month we invite a published author to share their work and insight into their writing journey, and then we open the floor to emerging writers in our open-mic segment. Your work doesn't have to be polished ... it just needs to sound about right!
To reserve an open-mic slot, email workshopwrite@gmail.com before 6:00PM on the day.
This month, we’re excited to be hosting the poetry show - Friend. This show is an average guy’s guide to making new friends. Join award-winning poet and performer Lewis Buxton in a story about sport, sit coms, and socialising. He’ll write poems for his best mates, confess his darkest secrets, and with his trade mark welcoming wit ask how on earth does a man in his thirties make new friends?
Lewis Buxton is a poet and theatre-maker described by the Eastern Daily Press as being ‘a performer in full control of his craft.’ He has written for The Independent and The Arts Review as well as having poems published in the foremost literary magazines in the world: The Poetry Review, The Rialto and Magma amongst others. His first one man show ‘Boy!’ toured the UK in 2023, and his new show ‘Friend’ will tour in 2024. His first book ‘Boy in Various Poses’ was published in 2021, and he has played to sold-out audiences around the UK.
Children’s Writing Club
Writing Clubs are a chance for children and young people to play with writing outside of the constraints of the formal curriculum.
Writing Clubs are a place where young people can express themselves, experiment, develop their love of stories and language, and grow in confidence. Writing is a creative act and not just a tool for passing exams. In Writing Club we don’t focus on grammar, spelling or punctuation but writing skills will develop naturally as children fall in love with the power of the written word.
Writing Club is faciltated by children’s author, Beverley Ward and is suitable for ages 9-13.
Get Writing
Friendly, supportive writing workshops for writers at all stages of their writing journeys. Think of it as push-ups for your writing muscles, a play date for your inner child, a chance to exorcise your demons or just plain magic.
You’ll be guided through a series of themed writing exercises to generate new writing in the company of other writers. You can write in whatever genre and for whatever purpose suits you. Expect fun, laughter, friendship and solidarity as side effects.
Get Writing is facilitated by Beverley Ward every Wednesday from 11am-1pm. Block bookings are available.
Writing Workout
Location: The Writers Workshop
Writing Workouts are fun, friendly creative-writing sessions, led by either Rosie Carnall or Lorna Partington, in which participants are guided through several themed writing prompts designed to get the ideas and ink flowing.
We encourage the use of pen and paper (if possible) because it helps us access a different creative mindset than keyboard and screen.
This is not a course: each session stands alone.
No prior writing experience necessary.
Refreshments provided.
I'm Not Your Mother: book launch with Helen Rice
Venue: Pangolin Craft Beer (Hillsborough)
An afternoon of spoken word and music to celebrate the publication of Helen Rice’s new poetry collection, published by Written Off. Featuring music from John Dyson, nibbles, and a guest appearance from Beardog, with a Q&A hosted by Beverley Ward. Ticket price includes a drink from the bar.
Copies of the pamphlet will be available for sale. Please note the bar is card-only but Helen can accept cash or card for books.
About the book Step or ‘blended’ families are the fastest-growing family type in the UK, with an estimated one in three families now fitting this description. Yet throughout history and across cultures, from fairy tales to Fleabag, the stepmother is rarely portrayed positively. Surely not every stepmother is wicked? In I’m Not Your Mother, writer and performer Helen Rice reflects on the experience of reaching middle age and being technically childless yet, in her roles as a stepmum and auntie, living a life that is certainly not child-free. These poems explore the feelings this complex identity has inspired alongside the effort, passion, disappointment and love that go into sustaining a delicate family ecosystem.
"Helen’s poetry is lighthearted and engaging, tackling large themes without pretension, and taking on serious topics without ever taking itself too seriously."- Leanne Moden, Poet
"Helen Rice's poems are important: they're funny, honest and human."
- Helen Mort, Poet and Novelist
Absolute Beginner Creative Writing Workshop
Location: The Writers Workshop
Facilitator: Raquel Vogl
Have you always wanted to write creatively but don’t know where to start? Are you intimidated by groups of more experienced writers?
This is the workshop for you. We will do several beginner friendly writing exercises and I will give you exercises and tips to take home to build a writing practice. There will be the opportunity to share your writing but it is not obligatory.
This will be a friendly, fun, and open space to get words on the page, build confidence in your writing, and develop your own writing practice. We will be doing different prompts from previous workshops, so if you have attended before we'll be doing new prompts and exercises.
Routes to Publication
Location: The Writers Workshop
Hosts: Carmel Page and Steve Kay
How does a writer become an author? Should you find a publisher or self-publish?
In this interactive session you will learn the pros and cons of different routes to publication. We will highlight some of the pitfalls so you can chose the route that is right for you.
Whether you find a publisher or self-publish, the process has many stages. Learn what these are, what is involved, and what you can do yourself. We will explain the important elements of creating a good product: editing, interior-file creation and cover-file creation. We will give you a realistic idea of how much your book might make and when you should (or should not!) pay for skilled help.
By the end of the session you will know what jobs are involved in publishing and you will have a personal action plan.
Children’s Writers Masterclass: Writing Picture Books with Susannah Lloyd
Location: The Writers Workshop
Facilitator: Beverley Ward
As part of our regular Children’s Writers Meetup, we're excited to be inviting a series of professional childrens writers to join us for masterclasses. First up is Susannah Lloyd - a writer of picture books for young children. Susannah will share her Top Tips for children's book writing, including an exploration of the authors and illustrators who have inspired her and a Q&A so that you can ask her about your own project.
Buy your basic ticket (£15 for members of The Writers Workshop, £18 for non-members) and select the £15 supplement if you would like to send up to 1000 words for feedback from Beverley, Susannah and the group.
Email beverleywardwriter@gmail.com with any queries.
Children’s Writers Meetup is a space for aspiring and published writers of children's fiction and poetry to gather together to share tips and ideas and to get feedback on their work from publisher children's author, Beverley Ward.
About Susannah
Susannah Lloyd is the author of a chapter book, Badgers Are Go, and picture books Who Ate Steve, Here Be Giants, Oh Monty, Here Be Dragons, This Book Can Read Your Mind, and The Terribly Friendly Fox. Her books feature scoundrels, blunderers, shenanigans, and VERY unreliable narrators. They have been translated into ten languages. Her passions are for dark humour and for using the interplay between word and picture to create a space for the young reader to participate in the story making. She is inspired by old black and white movies, dusty stuffed animals in museums and all things small in the world.
BOOK HERE
Children’s Writing Club
Writing Clubs are a chance for children and young people to play with writing outside of the constraints of the formal curriculum.
Writing Clubs are a place where young people can express themselves, experiment, develop their love of stories and language, and grow in confidence. Writing is a creative act and not just a tool for passing exams. In Writing Club we don’t focus on grammar, spelling or punctuation but writing skills will develop naturally as children fall in love with the power of the written word.
Writing Club is faciltated by children’s author, Beverley Ward and is suitable for ages 9-13.