Start Writing
Creative Writing Workshops in Libraries
This autumn we’ll be bringing you new creative writing workshops in libraries across Newcastle and Northumberland. Are you curious about writing, but have never put pen to paper before? Or maybe you’re already a writer but you want to develop your craft and build your writing skills?
These creative writing courses will be delivered by award-winning professional writers, including Caro Giles, Stephanie Butland and Tahmina Ali. Over six weeks, you’ll have the opportunity to explore writing across forms and learn to access your creative side.
“This has been such a wonderful opportunity to meet people who are so talented and inspiring. I’m at the beginning of my writing journey and this has given me so much knowledge and a thirst to keep going.”
– Start Writing participant
Creative Writing Workshops at Newcastle West End Library
Would you like to try your hand at creative writing? This six-week course led by Tahmina Ali will explore using creative writing and poetry to express your identity and tell your story.
A friendly and safe space to share your story and experiences. All abilities are welcome. West End postcodes will be prioritised. Please contact Amy Robson if you would like to apply or find out more [email protected].
Start date: 4 August 2023
Duration: 6 weeks
Price: Free
Creative Writing Workshops at Morpeth Library
Are you ready to start writing? These workshops are for anyone who would like to take the stories in their head and put them down on paper. This six-week course delivered by author Stephanie Butland will help you explore what makes writing work, and take a look at the tools of the trade: plot, structure, character, and getting the words down. This is a supportive environment in which to learn and grow as a writer, and everyone is welcome.
A limited number of free tickets are available to people for whom the cost is prohibitive. Please contact Margot Miltenberger [email protected]
Start date: 11 September 2023
Duration: 6 weeks
Price: £35, plus booking fee
Creative Writing Workshops at Wooler Library
Join author Caro Giles for a series of workshops on life writing. Caro will help you to develop a writing practice using whatever is around you as inspiration. Whether you want to explore memoir, family history or the world around you, these workshops will help you to explore new creative ideas and build your confidence to ensure you can get your words onto the page.
A limited number of free tickets are available to people for whom the cost is prohibitive. Please contact Margot Miltenberger [email protected]
Start date: 12 September 2023
Duration: 6 weeks
Price: £35, plus booking fee
Previous Start Writing Workshops
Creative Writing Workshops at Newcastle City Library delivered by Laura Fish.
Creative Writing Workshops at Blyth Library delivered by Matt Wesolowski.
Creative Writing Workshops at Whitley Bay Library delivered by Carina Rodney.
Creative Writing Workshops at Prudhoe Library delivered by David Mark.
Start Writing is sponsored by Authors' Licensing and Collecting Society
Authors’ Licensing and Collecting Society (ALCS) make sure you receive the money you’re entitled to as a writer when someone copies or uses your work. They collect money from all over the world, then pay it to their members. So far, they’ve paid a total of £600 million to their 117,000 members. ALCS is a not-for-profit organisation owned by their members and open to all types of writer.
As part of ALCS’ commitment to fostering an awareness of authors’ rights, they have developed or funded a number of resources aimed specifically at educating people about copyright. You can find downloads of the copyright education leaflets, information booklets, lesson plans, projects and competitions they’ve produced or sponsored, aimed at different age groups.
