Morning Workshops 10.30 to 12.30

Tony May
     The Characters of Jack the Ripper

Who was Jack The Ripper? Do you think you could recognize him if he was right in front of you? Well, this workshop is your chance to prove it! It demonstrates how photographs, observation and insight can be sources of inspiration when creating a character, without glorifying anything The Ripper did.

Sunitha Webster
     Drama From Life

Are you constantly making mountains out of molehills? Perhaps it’s time to harness those skills and create some theatre or film. This workshop will look at drawing out the aspects of life that interest you and investing them in characters and stories that you can use for any performance writing.

Deb Scott-Lovric
     Writing with Children

Using drama cards and story props: get your imagination working overtime by playing with classic characters, settings and props to create original stories. We will be using drama cards and undemanding drama techniques (such as tableau) to devise stories that can be made into simple books to share with your children.

Anne Patrick
     Plotting Workshop

If you have a story and it’s going nowhere, apparently has no end, or no middle, or maybe no beginning, then this is the workshop for you. Learn how to: structure your story, the points of the story-arc, the hero’s journey and heroine’s journey.

Lucia Birch
     From the Soul

We will be working with Music, Meditation and Movement, using the ensuing experience as a catalyst for the creation of a piece of written work which will stem not only from the intellect but also from the soul. Feel free to bring drums, shakers, tambourines or any musical instruments which you may wish to use.

Andy Smith
     Acrylic Art Workshop: My spirituality

Have you ever painted a canvas? Paint one from start to finish in our workshop session by following Andy's simple 'easy step' process. Using acrylic paints and being guided by the suggested theme of 'my spirituality' our group will sketch and complete a canvas to take home. You can use your own theme if you wish. No previous art experience is required. The only pre-requisite is to set aside fears, perfectionism and thoughts of 'not being good at art! & be ready to enjoy yourself. So come along and have a go and share the experience with the group.

Early Afternoon Workshops 2.00 to 3.30

Simon Walker
     Making a Character

Discovering people in a story makes a book worth reading. A chance to develop a character in a piece of writing by visiting a Stratford store. The aim is to stimulate our imagination by observing people around us and introducing another significant character; giving scope to the plot.

Dave Chambers
     Poetry Workshop

I read a poem recently that had the line, "Anyone can write a poem, I still hold that" in it. I kind of agree with that poet, but he didn't say it was easy, because mostly it isn't. Come on here and do a few exercises that will make it less difficult, whether you're an accomplished poet or beginner.

Jan Hedger
     Fabrics, Photographs & Objet d’art

What do they say to you? What do they evoke? Reality or non-reality? The past or the present. Or do they take you into the future? Let your senses transport and captivate you in this ‘hands on’ workshop. We will look at, and discuss fabrics, photographs & objects; how they can work for you to prompt the release of your writing skills. So come along to Jan’s Attic – there won’t be any cash, but the rewards will be bountiful!

Derek Smith
     A Story from a Place

There are a number of different ways to start a story. This workshop uses a familiar place. Places we know can be evocative of events in our lives, good and bad. Knowing them well we can describe them, can imagine the possibilities, and begin to bring a character into that setting who has some trouble in his/her life, which is the essence of a story.

Donna Franceschild
     Writing Drama

How do you write a story using only the words characters speak? This workshop is a practical introduction to writing drama, and will explore the elements of structure, character, dialogue and subtext through discussion and improvisation. So if you've got acting skills, bring them along on the day!

Andy Smith
     Acrylic Art Workshop: My spirituality

Have you ever painted a canvas? Paint one from start to finish in our workshop session by following Andy's simple 'easy step' process. Using acrylic paints and being guided by the suggested theme of 'my spirituality' our group will sketch and complete a canvas to take home. You can use your own theme if you wish. No previous art experience is required. The only pre-requisite is to set aside fears, perfectionism and thoughts of 'not being good at art! & be ready to enjoy yourself. So come along and have a go and share the experience with the group.

Late Afternoon Workshops 4.00 to 5.30

Roger Kirkpatrick
     Writing To Win Readers

Writing is crafting experience and contemplation into a piece of work. Getting that work read involves catching someone’s attention, engaging their imagination and retaining interest. This practical workshop will use writing exercises to explore techniques and share tips. Lead by Roger Kirkpatrick who, as marketing director of publishers Random House, sold other people’s work and now writes for fun.

Derek Smith
     A Stratford Walk

A 30 minute walk round Stratford, about half a mile in all, discovering links with Elizabeth Fry, Kier Hardie, Gerard Manley Hopkins, Seamus Heaney and Joan Littlewood. We’ll cross the meridian, see some of the Olympic site, return to St John’s and write some poetry.

Roger Mills
     Oral History A Thing of the Past?

Roger Mills has been working on a project about Cable Street in Stepney. He will be talking about working methods and how the once strong area of oral history work might be revived. Not a 'How to' session - but there will be group exercises and discussion around a range of topics.

Lynne Clayton
     The Furniture Game

Come to this workshop for some light-hearted fun and games with metaphors (What are metaphors, after all, and are they any use really?) You could also end up writing a poem.

Jackie Premitt
     Working Memories

The object of this Workshop is to explore places that remain strong memories, for whatever reason. To write about them. Then to discuss the feelings around the memories.