Start Writing
Creative Writing Workshops in Libraries
This spring we’ll be bringing you new creative writing workshops in libraries across Newcastle, North Tyneside 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, Amanda Quinn, Jessie Greengrass and Harry Man. 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 Seaton Sluice Library
Have you always wanted to write? Maybe you’re a writer wanting to get back into the writing habit? Whatever stage you’re at, this six-week course delivered by writer Amanda Quinn will encourage and support you to get writing. The course is suitable for beginners or anyone wanting to develop their writing skills in a welcoming and friendly environment.
A limited number of free tickets are available to people for whom the cost is prohibitive. Please contact Margot Miltenberger [email protected]
Start date: 5 March 2025
Duration: 6 weeks
Price: £35, plus booking fee
Screenwriting Workshops at Tyneside Cinema
Start Screenwriting is an introductory six week writing course for those interested in trying screenwriting for the first time or transferring their skills from prose or theatre writing. You’ll work with northeast based screenwriter and actor Chess Tomlinson to learn more about writing for the screen. Throughout the course you will fly through format, story structure, writing dialogue, displaying character through action and much more – to build confidence to start off your screenwriting journey.
A limited number of free tickets are available to people for whom the cost is prohibitive. Please contact Margot Miltenberger [email protected]
Start date: 5 March 2025
Duration: 6 weeks
Price: £35, plus booking fee
Creative Writing Workshops at Haltwhistle Library
Join writer and experienced workshop facilitator Susannah Ronnie to begin or develop a sustainable independent writing practice through six workshops aimed at enabling writing across poetry, prose or scriptwriting. Each 90-minute workshop will be built around a specific theme – such as journeys, clothes, food, music, objects and works of art – and will combine structured exercises with the opportunity for discussion and sharing in a supportive environment.
A limited number of free tickets are available to people for whom the cost is prohibitive. Please contact Margot Miltenberger [email protected]
Start date: 7 March 2025
Duration: 6 weeks
Price: £35, plus booking fee
Novel Writing Workshops at North Shields Library
Start Writing a Novel is an introductory writing course for anyone who wants to write their first novel in 2025. Over the course of six weeks, you’ll be supported to start writing your novel, through a blend of craft and goal setting activities. The course will focus on the key ingredients that make a novel, and will support you to get started and make this your year of writing.
A limited number of free tickets are available to people for whom the cost is prohibitive. Please contact Margot Miltenberger [email protected]
Start date: 7 March 2025
Duration: 6 weeks
Price: £35, plus booking fee
Picture Book Making Workshops at Newcastle Library
Are you interested in writing and illustrating for young children? Do you have a head full of ideas but don’t know where to start? This six-week introductory course will give you the foundational knowledge you need to get started on your picture book making journey. From format to pitching your idea, this course will give you the tools you need to get started making picture books, as well as insight into the children’s book industry.
A limited number of free tickets are available to people for whom the cost is prohibitive. Please contact Margot Miltenberger [email protected]
Start date: 30 May 2025
Duration: 6 weeks
Price: £35, plus booking fee
Explore our previous Start Writing workshops
Screenwriting Workshops at Tyneside Cinema with Chess Tomlinson.
Writing for Children Workshops at Shiremoor Library with Karon Alderman.
Poetry Workshops at Killingworth Library delivered by Harry Man.
Creative Writing Workshops at Berwick Library delivered by Jessie Greengrass.
Creative Writing Workshops at Jesmond Library delivered by Amanda Quinn.
Creative Writing Workshops at Wooler Library delivered by Caro Giles.
Creative Writing Workshops at Morpeth Library delivered by Stephanie Butland.
Creative Writing Workshops at Newcastle West End Library delivered by Tahmina Ali.
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.
