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)
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
Write by the Sea
Relax, recharge and get some words written in the company of other writers at Beverley’s retreat in Bridlington.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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 Motherhood
Location: The Writers Workshop
Facilitator: Raquel Vogl
Motherhood is a rich subject for writing. As Sarah Ruhl writes, “...motherhood is an undiscovered country in the literary sense, one we must venture into lest our experiences [go] unrecorded.”
Open to anyone who is a mother (self-defined) or wants to write about mothers. Open to both novices and seasoned writers.
This workshop will provide a space to explore our experiences of mothering through writing in any genre. We will mine the rich and abundant material that comes from the experience of mothering or being mothered, and I hope that the act of describing our experiences empowers us as writers and as mothers.
This workshop will use different prompts from the previous workshops on motherhood. We will spend our time writing and sharing our writing.
Good Readers Club (Life Writing)
Location: The Writers Workshop
Facilitator: Hannah Boursnell
They say that to be a good writer, you must read widely. But there’s reading and then there’s reading. Really reading. Slowly, thoughtfully, and with an open, curious mind.
In my friendly, guided discussion group, we’ll be deep-diving into short pieces by different writers – masters of their craft – in order to analyse their technique and demystify the intangible (or is it?) magic that makes their work come alive on the page and linger in the imagination.
Just like in your regular book club, we’ll chat about what we like and don’t like and learn from each other’s insights into the text. Unlike in your regular book club, you’ll come away with practical ideas you can implement into your own writing. (And a handout.)
Over three months, beginning in October, we’ll be focusing on life writing, using essays and short extracts from memoirs to explore various aspects of the form.
Session 2 (Saturday, 9th November, 1.30-3.30): SENSE OF SELF
How do writers use their most challenging, personal experiences to find their voice?*
Extracts: A Woman’s Story, Annie Ernaux / Crying in H Mart, Michelle Zauner
Material will be circulated to attendees ahead of each session, so do be prepared to do a small amount of advance reading to get the most out of each session. Ticket sales close one week before each session to allow all confirmed attendees time to read the material.
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.
Complete Fabrication: Winter Short Story Challenge
Are you new to short-story writing?
Or does it take you an age to finish a short story?
Or do you benefit from the company of others to write?
Complete Fabrication is a multi-session workshop designed to help you create an original short story from scratch.
Praise from previous participants:
"The course took me through the short story writing process step by step without it feeling like a huge task, and now I have a complete story. Fantastic course. I would recommend to anyone."
"I really enjoyed the opportunity to experiment with my writing in a supportive group."
"You reminded me I am creative. Thank you for helping me find that spark again!"
The sessions take place on Wednesdays on the following dates:
November 6th - Session 1: Ideas generation (Writers Workshop, 6:45-9:00PM)
November 13th - Session 2: Story structure (Writers Workshop, 6:45-9:00PM)
November 20th - Session 3: Creative critique and editing ONLINE (7:00-9:00PM)
November 27th - Session 4: Writing time and story surgeries ONLINE (7:00-9:00PM)
December 4th - Session 5: Share and celebrate! (Writers Workshop, 6:45-9:00PM)
Each workshop will be facilitated by Rosie Carnall and Lorna Partington.
Members of the Writers Workshop have the opportunity to pay in installments. Please email lorna@ideal-type.com for information.
Please note:
This is a repeat of the course that ran in July 2024.
Tickets are NOT available for individual sessions, so please ensure you can attend every session.
The Writers Workshop is not accessible by wheelchair.
If the minimum number of bookings is not attained, this event will be rescheduled and a full refund will be issued.
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.
Narrative Modes: Action & Exposition
Location: The Writers Workshop
Tutor: Lorna Partington
When we write, we move between five narrative modes: action, exposition, dialogue, interiority and description.
In the first of 3 masterclasses, you'll explore action and exposition. 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 other two masterclasses:
Dialogue and interiority: Saturday, November 30
Description: Sunday, December 15
Each class is designed to stand alone.
THE SUNDAY SOUL SESSIONS 2 -Writing about Loss
Location: The Writers Workshop
Facilitator: Beverley Ward
For the new academic year, we're excited to introduce our Sunday Soul Sessions - a series of 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.
Loss affects all of us. Whether it's a bereavement, divorce, illness or heartbreak, grief threads its way through all of our lives as we try to make sense of our changing realities. Writing is known to be a helpful and effective way to process loss. Sharing our words enables grief to be witnessed and makes us feel less alone as we move forward in grief. It's also the basis of some great fiction!
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.
If you have questions, please email beverleywardwriter@gmail.com
Study Skills for the Uninitiated... Where Do I Start?
Join Amanda Marples, mentor and inspirer of writers and thinkers, for a 2 hour session focused on equipping you with the skills you need to start studying with gusto. In this interactive session, Amanda will explore:
Getting organised - all the practical things to think about before you get started
Time management - different approaches to managing your time
Effective note taking and how to take in new information
Reading skills
Maintaining focus
What if it's all going wrong?
We'll also cover where to get more support if you're a university student and want to explore more., plus plenty of time for questions!
UNIVERSITY OF SHEFFIELD OR SHEFFIELD HALLAM UNIVERSITY STUDENT? Students at the Sheffield universities are eligible for a FREE ticket to this event, if they are also a member of The Writers Workshop. Find out about our Student Membership here: Join — The Writers Workshop. Free tickets are limited and will be allocated first come, first served. Please contact us at workshopwrite@gmail.com to claim yours!
BOOK HERE
Nature Writing Workshop: Foraging Special
Meeting Point: Corner of Limbrick Road and Walkley Lane (just up from the Riverside pub, overlooking the weir over the River Loxley).
Leaders: Anne Grange and Kath Walsh
Our walk this time doesn't cover a lot of distance, but some of the paths are steep and may be slippery, so please wear stout shoes and bring waterproof clothing.
We will discover a little-known green space between houses and allotments, bursting with plant and animal life, finding time to write in nature and find out about the amazing properties of the plants we sometimes take for granted. At the end of our exploration in miniature, we'll warm up with a drink and a concluding writing session in the Riverside Pub.
Your workshop leaders are Anne Grange, a local novelist, poet and editor, who has lived in Sheffield since 1995 and has a deep love of nature and the environment, and Kath Walsh, a local environmental activitist and foraging expert who runs many outdoor workshops in and around Sheffield.
Study Skills for the Uninitiated: Where Do I Start?
Location: The Writers Workshop
Host: Amanda Marples
Join Amanda Marples, mentor and inspirer of writers and thinkers, for a 2-hour session focused on equipping you with the skills you need to start studying with gusto. In this interactive session, Amanda will explore:
Getting organised - all the practical things to think about before you get started
Time management - different approaches to managing your time
Effective note taking and how to take in new information
Reading skills
Maintaining focus
What if it's all going wrong?
We'll also cover where to get more support if you're a university student and want to explore more., plus plenty of time for questions!
UNIVERSITY OF SHEFFIELD OR SHEFFIELD HALLAM UNIVERSITY STUDENT? Students at the Sheffield universities are eligible for a FREE ticket to this event, if they are also a member of The Writers Workshop.
Sounds About Write with Jay Mitra and Sile Sibanda
Location: Sheffield Plate
Sounds About Write is The Writers Workshop's live literature event featuring invited guests from the world of publishing plus aspiring authors. Learn about their writing journeys as they chat to our founder, Beverley Ward, then see them in action before you take to the stage yourself.
For this special Off the Shelf Festival of Words edition of Sounds About Write, we have local spoken-word producer and BBC Radio presenter Sile Sibanda performing with punk poet Jay Mitra.
Then it's your turn to take to share your words in the open mic. Poetry or prose, anything goes! It doesn't have to be polished, and you don't have to be perfect; you just need something you'd like to share and that sounds about right! For an open mic slot, email workshopwrite@gmail.com by 6:00PM on the day of the event. First come, first served.
Join Workshop members for social chitchat upstairs at Sheffield Plate from 5.30pm. The event (downstairs) will begin at 6:45pm. Performances begin promptly at 7pm. We must vacate the building by 9pm.
About our guests
Sile Sibanda is a spoken word performer, BBC Radio presenter, events host, creative producer/facilitator, and amateur DJ. She has been involved in creative and community projects for over 13 years, starting with a glee club at the age of 12. Sile became a creative producer for Storytrails, creating an immersive storytelling experience about untold stories of people living in Sheffield. Sile is passionate about reading books from different countries and writing whilst listening to jazz. She love the outdoors and travelling.
Jay Mitra (they/he) is a punk poet and creative non-fiction writer from Yorkshire, currently based in London. Their poetry has been published in Acumen Poetry, Drawn To The Light Press, Ink Sweat and Tears, and Broken Sleep Books’ Queer Icons anthology. They were the Bronze prize winner in the Creative Non-Fiction category of the Creative Future Writers’ Awards 2023 and was selected as one of Apples and Snakes' 40 Future Voices in Poetry. Jay has been featured on BBC Radio 6 and Radio 3’s The Verb and has also performed in a variety of festivals including BBC’s Contains Strong Language, Manchester Pride, and Manchester Punk Festival. Currently, he is pursuing a career in teaching and working as a freelance writer and facilitator. You can find out more about them on Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) @punkofcolour.
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Writing Club for 9-13s
Location: The Writers Workshop
Facilitator: Beverley Ward
Writing Clubs are a chance for children and young people aged 9-13 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.
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.
16 Ways to Write a Novel: Novel Writing Masterclass with Gavin Extence
What’s the best way to write a novel? Unsurprisingly, there’s no one answer to this
question! A huge part of learning to write is figuring out what kind of writer you are,
what works for you and what doesn’t. The aim of this session is to start answering these
questions together. By exploring a whole host of approaches to plotting and writing a
novel, we'll dive into the tenets of good story-telling while simultaneously broadening
your own writing toolkit.
Topics covered will include:
How to outline a story, chapter or scene
Beginnings, middles and endings
How to engineer satisfying plots and character arcs
How to find a way forward when you’re stuck
The class is designed to be valuable to all writers – whether you’re setting out for the
first time, with the germ of a story idea, or you’re currently working through novel
number five, looking for new inspiration. Follow-up sessions will explore plot-structure
and characterisation in greater depth, but this introduction also works as a standalone
class, suitable for anyone who aspires to write but doesn’t know quite where to begin!
Gavin Extence is an award-winning novelist whose work has been translated into over twenty languages. His first novel, The Universe versus Alex Woods, was selected as one of the Waterstones 11 best debuts of 2013, was part of the Richard and Judy Summer Book Club, and went on to be an international bestseller. He has written six books for adults and young adults, and has over a decade of teaching experience, including masterclasses, workshops and one-to-one mentoring. He lives in Sheffield with his wife, children and cat.
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.
Building Fantasy Worlds with Jools Warner
Location: The Writers Workshop
Tutor: Jools Warner
This workshop will focus on worldbuilding in fantasy fiction.
We'll explore what makes fantasy worlds come alive and how to go about crafting them, from the big picture right down to the details. The session will include guided discussions and practical exercises to unlock imagination and write coherent, immersive fantasy worlds.
The workshop is suitable for beginner and intermediate writers, whether you're taking the very first steps in your fantasy writing journey, or you've a world in mind that you'd like to deepen and develop.
Jools Warner is a novelist based in Sheffield. She writes fantasy for adults, and spooky stuff for younger readers. She did an MA in Creative Writing at Sheffield Hallam University, graduating in 2022 with Distinction. Her debut novel Ernie and the Mage-Killer was published in 2024 by Bellows Press, and she is working on the sequel.
Writing Club for 9-13s
Location: The Writers Workshop
Facilitator: Beverley Ward
Writing Clubs are a chance for children and young people aged 9-13 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.
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.
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.
Neurodivergent Writers: Group Mentoring
Location: 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
Good Readers Club (Life Writing)
Location: The Writers Workshop
Facilitator: Hannah Boursnell
They say that to be a good writer, you must read widely. But there’s reading and then there’s reading. Really reading. Slowly, thoughtfully, and with an open, curious mind.
In my friendly, guided discussion group, we’ll be deep-diving into short pieces by different writers – masters of their craft – in order to analyse their technique and demystify the intangible (or is it?) magic that makes their work come alive on the page and linger in the imagination.
Just like in your regular book club, we’ll chat about what we like and don’t like and learn from each other’s insights into the text. Unlike in your regular book club, you’ll come away with practical ideas you can implement into your own writing. (And a handout.)
Over three months, beginning in October, we’ll be focusing on life writing, using essays and short extracts from memoirs to explore various aspects of the form.
* LIMITED TIME BLOCK BOOKING *
From 09/09/24 to 15/09/24, get a ticket to attend all three events listed below at a discounted price of £40.00 for members of The Writers Workshop and £55.00 for non-members. From 16/09/24, tickets will be available for individual sessions at £15.00 for members and £20.00 for non-members.
Session 1 (Saturday, 12th October, 1.30-3.30): SENSE OF PLACE
How do writers evoke the times and places that are most meaningful to them?
Extracts: A Flat Place, Noreen Masud / Just Kids, Patti Smith
Session 2 (Saturday, 9th November, 1.30-3.30): SENSE OF SELF
How do writers use their most challenging, personal experiences to find their voice?*
Extracts: A Woman’s Story, Annie Ernaux / Crying in H Mart, Michelle Zauner
Session 3 (Saturday, 7th December, 1.30-3.30): SENSE OF HUMOUR
How – and why – do writers use comedy to connect with readers?
Essays by Samantha Irby (‘Into the Gross’) and Nora Ephron (‘I Hate My Purse’)
Material will be circulated to attendees ahead of each session, so do be prepared to do a small amount of advance reading to get the most out of each session. Ticket sales close one week before each session to allow all confirmed attendees time to read the material.
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.
Novel Slam 2024
Novel Slam is the legendary event where aspiring novelists pitch their novels to a supportive audience and trusty judges Daniel Blythe, Gavin Extence, Stacey Sampson, Bryony Doran and Sarah Castleton from publishing company, Hachette UK. Bring a one minute pitch and a three minute extract to compete for Novel Slam Champion 2024. You could win feedback from Hachette, coaching, manuscript assessment and other prizes. Or join the audience and cast your vote.
Organised by The Writers Workshop and Sheffield Novelists
Tickets: £5 entrants, £3 audience