Sounds Good: From the Page to the Podcast
Event information
Where: Online & Northumbria University
Date: Starting 19 September
Cost: £550
Type: Online Writing Course , Skills and professional development
Are you ready to take your writing skills to the next level? Do you want to stand out from the crowd and make your mark in the world of podcasting? If so, New Writing North has just the course for you! Introducing our inaugural, multi-part podcasting course specifically designed for writers. Delivered by experienced journalist, producer, podcaster and writer, Lisa Mainwaring, you’ll learn the tools needed to create captivating audio stories that will draw in and engage your listeners, including producing a short sound-designed audio piece, based on your idea – a valuable asset for future projects.
This course is part of our wider Sounds Good programme. Find out more about it here.
What to expect
From learning how to write for the ear, to crafting narrative stories, to learning recording techniques, you’ll get a comprehensive overview of the skills needed to develop a non-fiction or fiction podcast.
We’ll even demystify the commissioning process with guests working in pitching companies, so you can confidently pitch your ideas to funders and media organisations. Over 6 weeks, you’ll join Lisa Mainwaring online and in the studio, as she takes you on a journey from the page to the podcast. A weekly online clinic with Lisa will guide your work progress between sessions.
Lisa’s infectious enthusiasm and nurturing teaching style will help you to create immersive experiences for your listeners. So if you’re ready to continue on your journey into podcasting, join us at New Writing North and experience first-hand the power of sound storytelling! Suitable for beginners and experienced writers alike.
- Learn the ‘why and who for’ of podcasting, how to structure writing of all forms and formats for legally compliant compelling audio
- Create your own short, sound-crafted piece of audio that you could use as a podcast trail, intro or writing ‘calling card’
- Craft pitches and understand how the industry works in a session co-led with an independent studio exec who pitches to industry commissioners
- Get hands-on with online software and guided studio tech
- Small group, peer support, practical assignments and tutor-guided support between sessions in a weekly online clinic
Term dates 2023
- Online tutoring sessions: Tuesday 19 September – Tuesday 17 October, 7.30-9.30pm for 5 weekly sessions
- In-person professional studio sessions: Saturday 21 October and 28 October 9.30am-1.30pm (Northumbria University, Newcastle)
- Tutor-guided online clinics to support your progress between sessions (1 hour weekly)
2023 cohort sold out
We now have a full cohort for September/October 2023 and we are aiming to run the course again in Jan / Feb 2024. Please contact Lucie McNeil [email protected] if you would like to register an expression of interest for this course.
Bursaries
A limited number of reduced-price bursary places are available for £250. If you’d like to be considered, please contact Lucie McNeil [email protected] and briefly outline why you feel you might be eligible for a bursary place.
Lisa Mainwaring is an experienced producer, podcaster, journalist and writer for podcast agencies, broadcasters and brands, including Listen, BBC, ITN, Audible and Amazon Music. Growing up in Lanchester and Shotley Bridge, her passion for audio storytelling is evident in her work, as she seamlessly fuses vivid sounds and captivating narratives to create immersive experiences for her listeners. She has created global award-winning radio documentaries and podcasts. Lisa is also an accomplished trainer, having taught journalists and producers Media Law, to ensure legally compliant storytelling.
