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Courses and Workshops thread [post any course/workshop info here]
Comments
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I am looking specifically for a comedy writing class to do stand up and comedy writing - has any one any ideas? I heard a girl called Grainne Maguire use to do them but I cant find anything online0
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Just a quick word of warning to anyone who is thinking of joining the Creative Writing Group in Kevin Street Library on Thursday afteroons.
This group believes in the fluffy bunny style of critique. If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all. The result is that no-one there gets better. I went back after two years away, and found they were all writing in exactly the same way as before.
When I tried to point out a few realities about getting published to the woman who has written a novel, I got shot down, and was informed that a writer should express herself the way she wants, and considering the reader was just pandering to the lowest common denominator.0 -
When I tried to point out a few realities about getting published to the woman who has written a novel, I got shot down, and was informed that a writer should express herself the way she wants, and considering the reader was just pandering to the lowest common denominator.
Ouch. If you consider your reader to to be the lowest common denominator then you don't deserve any readers.
"Never underestimate your audience. They're generally sensitive, intelligent people who respond positively to quality entertainment."0 -
Ouch. If you consider your reader to to be the lowest common denominator then you don't deserve any readers.
"Never underestimate your audience. They're generally sensitive, intelligent people who respond positively to quality entertainment."
I don't think there's any danger of any of them getting published this century.0 -
Ouch. If you consider your reader to to be the lowest common denominator then you don't deserve any readers.
"Never underestimate your audience. They're generally sensitive, intelligent people who respond positively to quality entertainment."
I think a bloody-minded attitude of "I'm going to create the work I want to create" is not always such a bad thing (assuming there's some sort of talent there to back it up!) Trying to second-guess the reader can be counter-productive at times.
To take a non-literary example, I don't think someone like Mark E. Smith has ever cared very much about what some abstract "listener" might want to hear, and now has a significant cult following, and a large body of critically-acclaimed and influential work to show for it.
As I read one writer asking recently (can't remember whom), why can the reader make demands of the book, but the book can't make demands of the reader?0 -
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To take a non-literary example, I don't think someone like Mark E. Smith has ever cared very much about what some abstract "listener" might want to hear, and now has a significant cult following, and a large body of critically-acclaimed and influential work to show for it.
I think, in that example, the audience was Mark E. Smith. He was writing just for himself, and the popularity was just an added bonus.
Making your own path, to hell with the critics, is fine and if you can do that and still make popular work, then more power to you. But if that's what a person wants and they don't care about other people's opinions, then why are they reading/distributing their work to a writing group?0 -
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Monday, 12 March 2012, 17:30pm - 20:00pm
The next Open Day at the Big Smoke Writing Factory, Dublin's innovative creative writing school, runs Monday, March 12th, 5.30-8pm. Drop in to chat to one of our team about what options we have available for aspiring and developing writers - whether it's a Beginners' class you're looking for or a more advanced or specialist workshop.
Location Big Smoke Writing Factory, 7 Lower Hatch St, Dublin 2.Contact bigsmokewritingfactory@gmail.com0 -
Still looking for a creative writing weekend or night course that is not in Dublin city centre because of cost of parking. Weekend could be anywhere in Ireland, night class could be Dublin 15, Dublin 11, Meath, Kildare.0
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luckystella wrote: »I am looking specifically for a comedy writing class to do stand up and comedy writing - has any one any ideas? I heard a girl called Grainne Maguire use to do them but I cant find anything online
Exactly the reason I am looking through this thread, if you hear of one or are interested in setting one up please let me know.0 -
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this seems to be the best thread for funny writing http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/forumdisplay.php?f=9940
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For those interested in writing, there is nothing like reading and in Delvin, Co. Westmeath we are hosting our third annual book fair on Sunday 6th of May, hope to see you there as we have over 30,000 books on offer together with readings from special guests, hope to see you there.0
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We have a number of great writing courses about to start. Check out our website for more details.
Finish Your Novel with Conor Kostick
24th April - 26th June: Tuesday 6.30-8.30pm. €280/260 This is a practical ten-week course is for writers who are already part-way through the writing of a book. It takes place on Tuesday evenings.
For more details and to book your place click here>>>
Tales of the City: Short Fiction with Sean O'Reilly
24th April - 12th June: Tues 6.30-8.30pm. €220/200 members Interested in short fiction about life in the city? How can we write stories set in a contemporary urban environment? This eight-week course aims to stimulate writing about how we live, providing writers with the chance to develop their craft and present their work for detailed discussion by the group.
For more details and to book your place click here>>>
Crime Writing with Arlene Hunt 25th April - 30th May: Wednesdays, 6.30-8.30pm. €165/150 members This six-week course will look at issues such as how to develop characters, plot and atmosphere. Hone your criminally-minded skills and create scenes of murder, revenge and ask whodunnit and why?
For more details and to book your place click here>>>
Intermediate Creative Writing with Nessa O'Mahony 25th April - 30th May: Wednesdays, 6.30-8.30pm. €165/150 members You’ve taken your first steps into creative writing; this six-week course will provide you with the skills and confidence to develop your own voice and experiment with a variety of forms and genres.
For more details and to book your place click here>>>>
Journalism and New Media with Henry McDonald 26th April to 14th June: Thursdays 6.30-8.30pm. €220/200 members This eight-week course delivers a comprehensive series of classes on various aspects of writing in the digital world. The emphasis will be very much on practical training and hands-on drills.
For more details and to book your place click here>>>
Beginners' Creative Writing with Emer Martin 26th April - 31st May: Thursdays 6.30pm to 8.30pm.€165 / €150 (members) This evening workshop - over six weeks - is designed to prod the imagination and get you writing. Using tried-and-trusted methods to inspire and generate new ideas, you will discover your own unique voice and ways to strengthen that voice.
For more details and to book your place click here>>>>
How to Write a Novel with Juliet Bressan 1st May to 5th June: Tuesdays 6.30-8.30pm. €165/150 members If you've just started a novel, or if you're just at the dreaming and plotting stage of novel-writing, this six-week course will provide you with the support and insight into professional writing that you need.
For more details and to book your place click here>>>
Poetry Workshop with Paul Perry 3rd May to 21st June: Thursdays 6.30pm-8.30pm. This eight-week poetry workshop is suitable for poets who wish to focus on the creation of new work and the revision of work-in-progress.
For more details and to book your place click here>>>0 -
Just a quick post about one-day and half-day courses we have running next month - our autumn/winter schedule will be available shortly. We also have a six-week Intermediate Creative Writing workshop starting on Tuesday May 1st.
Getting Published (with Vanessa O'Loughlin) - ideal for anyone with a book ready to go out to agents or publishers
TUESDAY, May 1st 2012, 6pm-9pm, €40
Angst & Adventure: Workshop in Children's and Young Adult Fiction (with Claire Hennessy) - everything from picture books to YA
SATURDAY, May 5th 2012, 10am-4pm, €75
Beginners' Poetry Writing: Fundamentals and Beyond (with Kimberly Campanello)
SATURDAY, May 12th 2012, 10am-1pm, €35
Introduction to Fiction (with Claire Hennessy)
SATURDAY, May 12th 2012, 10am-1pm, €35
Writing Fantasy (with Sarah Rees Brennan) - world-building and making fantasy tropes your own
SATURDAY, May 12th 2012, 10am-1pm, €35
Novel Workshop (with Claire Hennessy) - for anyone working on a book and in need of feedback
SUNDAY, May 13th 2012, 10am-4pm, €75
'Act The Maggot' drama workshop (with Amy Redmond)
SATURDAY, May 19th 2012, 10am-1pm, €35
Beginning To Write (half day/evening)
THURSDAY, May 24th 2012, 6pm-9pm, €35
Beginning To Write (full day)
SATURDAY, May 26th 2012, 10am-4pm, €75
Write the Play - A Playwriting Course for Beginners (half day) (with Jessica Traynor) - the DOs and DON'Ts of writing and pitching a play script
SATURDAY, May 26th 2012, 10am-1pm, €350 -
Anybody else taking the poetry course, starting on Thursday in the writers centre?0
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Hey everyone,
To view an up-to-date schedule of our online and correspondence creative writing courses, visit www.creativewriting.ie or email us at info@creativewriting.ie for more information.
Our schedule of distance learning courses includes;
1. Beginners Creative Writing with Olive O'Brien (6 weeks) - €150.00
2. Intermediate Creative Writing with Adam Wyeth (8 weeks) - €195.00
3. Beginners/Intermediate Creative Writing with Adam Wyeth (10 weeks) - €250.00
3. Advanced Creative Writing with Geraldine Mills (6 weeks) -€150.00
4. Writing for Children with Oisin McGann (6 weeks) - €190.00
5. Beginners Poetry with Afric McGlinchey (6 weeks) - €150.00
6. Intermediate Poetry with Afric McGlinchey (6 weeks) - €150.00
7. Advanced Poetry with Afric McGlinchey (6 weeks)- €150.00
8. Poetry with Leanne O'Sullivan (6 weeks)- €150.00
8. Screenwriting with Anne Barrett (6 weeks)- €150.00
9. How to Blog with Niamh Griffin (4 weeks) - €95.000 -
Hi all,
Our 6 week online beginners creative writing course is now on special offer for €99.99 (€150 value). The offer is valid for our 6th of June course.
You can choose to do the course online or by postal correspondence. To book, visit, http://creativewriting.ie/6-week-beginners-creative-writing-course/
Thanks:)
Olive
www.creativewriting.ie0 -
Hi everyone,
We have added more dates to our summer creative writing course offer.
Our 6 week Online Beginners Creative Writing Course usually costs €150 however this has been reduced to €99 for all of our June and July courses. You can also purchase a gift voucher for friends, family, Father's Day...!
It's suitable for complete beginners or for someone who hasn't written anything for a while and who would like to get back into a writing routine. Full details are below and we are more than happy to accommodate "holiday breaks" of up to three weeks.
Creative Writing Course
Where: Online
Start Dates: 6th June 2012
25th June 2012
10th July 2012
18th July 2012
Course Duration: 6 weeks
Cost: €99 (reduced from €150 for the summer)
Website: http://www.creativewriting.ie
Email: info@creativewriting.ie0 -
This six week Summer Writing course is a great way for both beginners and slightly more experienced writers to keep their creative juices flowing over the Summer. Class will take place Wednesday evenings, 6.30pm - 8.30pm starting June 20th.
For more information and online booking visit our website.0 -
The summer sale on our 6 week Online Beginners Creative Writing Course is ongoing for the month of July and August! Please note that the usual course price will resume this September.The course is suitable for complete beginners, or for anyone who would like to get back into a creative writing routine.It usually costs €150/£126/$204 however this has been reduced to €99 (or £80/$126USD) for the following course start dates;16th July 2012
23rd July 2012
6th August 2012
14th August 2012Details are below and if you have any queries, don't hesitate to contact me at info@creativewriting.ieBeginners Creative Writing Online Course
Course Duration: 6 weeksCost: €99/£80/$126 (reduced from €150/£126/$204 for the summer)Email: info@creativewriting.ie0 -
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Hi all,
At Writer IT we are moving from residential courses to online courses. We have just launched the first online course: Format For Submission.
This is a 6-week online course guiding you through the steps you need to take to format your MS professionally. It's designed specially for writers. It's aimed mostly at writers who aren't very comfortable with computers, or who have a niggling feeling that there are quicker ways to get things done.
If it's too simple for you, it could be just right for the Luddite in your life!
It will be priced at €120 but it's available for €30 until the end of July.
You can start the course any time. The first lesson is free online and you can complete your first simple worksheet straight away.
Here's a link to the course:
http://www.writerit.com/index.php?option=com_virtuemart&page=shop.browse&category_id=6&Itemid=62
Please feel free to email us at info@writerit.com if you have any questions, or any suggestions for future Writer IT-related courses. And watch this space.
Ita0 -
Greetings all,
The second online course is up at Writer IT. It's called Getting the Most from your Word Processor. It's a ten-lesson course that can be completed at your own speed.
This course will cost €160, but it's available at €40 until July 14th.
Please drop us a mail at info@writerit.com if you have any comments or suggestions.
Regards,
Ita0 -
Course in Cork (well Kinsale actually)
I was looking to do a course in Narrative Journalism this year (as you do) but the only course I could find was Some Blind Alleys in Dublin and they weren’t that keen to start one in Cork. So I decided to organise one myself.
I approached Rachel Andrews and she is close to agreeing to give the course. For those who don’t yet know Rachel check her out here http://www.rachelandrews.org/about-rachel-andrews/ or here http://themammothjournal.wordpress.com/2012/07/30/selected-rachel-andrews-on-the-maze-prison/ .
If I can provide a venue and a class fairly quickly I think I can persuade her to do it. The venue is sorted (here in Kinsale) and the plan is to run for 10 weeks from late September / start of October. The cost will be around €200.
Message me here if you are interested or email me at donalhayes@gmail.com
Thanks
Donal0 -
Hi all - our autumn term starts Monday September 24th and we've an Open Day next Tuesday (18th September), 5.30-8pm, for anyone wanting to drop in and have a chat about which course might suit best.
Our full course list is available at http://www.bigsmokewritingfactory.com/Courses.php, but here's what's starting in September (weekly classes) and running in October (one-day courses):
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BEGINNERS CLASSES (weekly)
Beginning To Write (10 weeks) / WEDNESDAYS, starting September 26th 2012, 7pm-9pm, €240
or THURSDAYS, starting September 27th 2012, 6.30pm-8.30pm, €240
or FRIDAYS, starting September 28th 2012, 10.30am-12.30pm, €240
Write The Play (Playwriting for Beginners) (6 weeks) / MONDAYS, starting September 24th 2012, 7pm-9pm, €150
Beginning To Write Fiction (6 weeks) / TUESDAYS, starting September 25th 2012, 6.30pm-8.30pm, €150
Beginning To Write Children's Fiction (6 weeks) / WEDNESDAYS, starting September 26th 2012, 6.30pm-8.30pm, €150
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SPECIALIST WORKSHOPS (weekly)
Novel In Progress (10 weeks) / MONDAYS, starting September 24th 2012, 6.30pm-8.30pm, €250
Intermediate Creative Writing / TUESDAYS, starting September 25th 2012, 7pm-9pm, €200 (8 weeks)
or FRIDAYS, starting September 28th 2012, 10.30am-12.30pm, €150 (6 weeks)
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ONE-DAY OR WEEKEND WORKSHOPS
How To Revise (half day) / SATURDAY, October 6th 2012, 10am-1pm, €40
Introduction to Comedy (1 day) / SATURDAY, October 6th 2012, 10am-1pm, €75
Feature Journalism: An Introduction (1 day) / SATURDAY, October 13th 2012, 10am-4pm, €75
Beginning To Write Poetry (1 day) / SATURDAY, October 13th 2012, 10am-4pm, €75
Getting Published (half day) / SATURDAY, October 20th 2012, 10am-1pm, €40
Drop us a line at bigsmokewritingfactory at gmail dot com if you've any queries.0 -
Hey everyone,
To view an up-to-date schedule of our online creative writing courses, visit www.creativewriting.ie or email us at info@creativewriting.ie for more information:)
Our courses include;
1. Beginners Creative Writing with Olive O'Brien (6 weeks) - €150.00 - Next available date: 25th September 2012
2. Advanced Creative Writing with Geraldine Mills (6 weeks) - €150.00 - September 24th 2012
3. Writing for Children with Oisin McGann (6 weeks) - €190.00 - 21st January 20130 -
Last chance to sign up for one of our wonderful Autumn courses!
We want to spread the word of all the great stuff we have going on in the Irish Writers' Centre so as to encourage aspiring, budding and experienced writers to take advantage of us.
We have a number of really wonderful weekend and weekly courses starting next week:
There's everything from Beginners Creative Writing to Finishing Your Novel as well as classes about writing for your preferred audience, be it Writing Desire or Writing for Kids. You can have a look through our courses here: http://www.writerscentre.ie/html/courses/weeklyindex.html
Here's a taster of what's going on:
24.09.12: Beginners' Creative Writing with Nessa O'Mahony
We all have a book in us, don’t we? Do you want to find out if you do? If you’ve always had that yen to pick up a pen and try writing something – a story, a poem, a memoir– why not come along to the Irish Writers Centre and sign up for the eight week long Beginners’ Creative Writing course with tutor Nessa O’Mahony?
24.09.12: Finish Your Novel with Conor Kostick
This is a practical course for writers who are already part-way through the writing of a book. Over the ten weeks the participants will work together to further the progress of their books, as well as engage in exercises designed to assist in strengthening the quality of writing
24.09.12: Poetry Taster Menu: Workshop Series
This ten-week course will be taught by a different poet each week. The theme and style of the workshop will change from writer to writer giving participants a taste of various types of poetry and approached to writing
25.09.12: Beginning a Novel with Karen Gillece
This eight-week course for those with an idea for a novel they wish to write, or who have already embarked on writing a first draft of a novel. The course will cover various aspects of novel-writing including openings and endings, voice and perspective, character, dialogue and plot development.
25.09.12: Writing Desire: Flesh Made Word with Sean O'Reilly & Kimberly Campanello
How can we write about sex? Irish writing seems to shy away from any attempt to represent the reality and complexity of our erotic lives. Sex is a secret. Desire is merely a plot-device. This 10-week course looks at the history of the genre of erotic writing, looking at some classic texts in both prose and poetry, and concentrating on student’s writing in this field.
26.09.12: Crime Writing with Declan Burke
Taking place over eight weeks, the Crime Writing Course will explore the essential elements of the crime novel: plot, character, setting and form. It will also consider the importance of pace and tension, dialogue, the various types of the crime and mystery narrative, and authorial voice.
27.09.12: The Second Draft: the art of rewriting with Mia Gallagher
So you’ve put the time in, done your research, worked through your blocks and now have a first draft of your short story, novel or play. Congratulations! But is your work really finished? In this ten-week course, Mia Gallagher will take participants through the techniques and stages associated with rewriting – bringing a first draft to second draft.
27.09.12: Feature Writing with Henry McDonald
On this ten-week course Henry will examine a number of subsets of the feature writing genre. These include news features, Focus-style investigations, writing Obituarie, sport features, travel articles, cultural and critical essays/reviews.
03.10.12: Writing for TV Drama and Feature Films with Ferdia MacAnna
Have you ever wanted to write a script for a Television Drama? Perhaps you yearn to write a screenplay for a movie? Or perhaps you would like to try your hand at penning a Rom Com like 'Four Weddings and a Funeral', 'Bridget Jones', or 'The Hangover'? This seven-week course will explore the basics of the difficult skill of script and screen writing for TV drama and Film.
03.10.12: Writing the Short Story with Mike McCormack
Through reading and writing exercises this eight-week course will explore several aspects of the short story; structure, pacing, dialogue and endings will all be examined. It will also explore some experimental compositional techniques which can be used to spark new work and ideas.
11.10.12: Intermediate Creative Writing with Cláir Ní Aonghusa
If you have started to write, but are unsure of what comes next, this eight-week workshop course will provide you with a structured and safe environment in which to develop your ideas and improve your technique.
Looking forward to seeing you at The Irish Writers' Centre!0 -
The Novel Fair is a new initiative by the Irish Writers’ Centre launched first in 2011. It aims to introduce up-and-coming writers to top publishers and literary agents, giving novelists the opportunity to bypass the slush pile, pitch their ideas and place their synopsis and sample chapters directly into the hands of publishers and agents.
Last year Twenty writers were selected for the Fair. Of those that attended many of them have signed with agents, a few of the books are under consideration with publishing houses and three of the attendees have sold their books. Niamh Boyce, signed with Ger Nichol and sold her book ‘The Heralist’ to Penguin Ireland, Janet Cameron sold her book ‘Cinnamon Toast and the End of the World to Hachette Ireland’, having signed with Jonathan Williams and Kevin Curran sold his book ‘Beatsploitation’ to Liberties Press. The deadline for the competition this year is October 17th and the Novel Fair itself will take place on February 16th, 2013. The Novel Fair Competition costs €40 to enter (€35 for members of the Irish Writers’ Centre).
This year a judging panel will be asked to select a shortlist of ten successful entries, presented to them anonymously. There is no limitation on style, genre, or target market, the only requirement being that the writer has not published a novel before. Publishers and agents will be invited to come along on the day to the Irish Writers’ Centre and meet the ten selected writers in person. Each writer in attendance will have a stand at the Fair with copies of the synopsis of their novel, the finished novel itself and biographical material.
Follow this link for more information, application forms and terms and conditons: http://writerscentre.ie/novelfair/0 -
Just a quick note about upcoming one-day courses in October. Courses must be booked in advance.
How To Revise (half day)
SATURDAY, October 6th 2012, 10am-1pm, €40
Introduction to Comedy (1 day)
SATURDAY, October 6th 2012, 10am-4pm, €75
Feature Journalism: An Introduction (1 day)
SATURDAY, October 13th 2012, 10am-4pm, €75
Beginning To Write Poetry (1 day)
SATURDAY, October 13th 2012, 10am-4pm, €75
Getting Published (half day)
SATURDAY, October 20th 2012, 10am-1pm, €400 -
On Saturday, October 13, 2012, Jane Mitchell, award-winning author and Regional Advisor for the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (Ireland Chapter), will present a day-long, practical, hands-on workshop in Dublin on writing for children. There will be a maximum of 12 to 15 participants to allow time for reading work aloud and feedback from Jane.
Date: October 13, 2012 (Saturday) from 10:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Location: Children’s Books Ireland office, 17 North Great George’s Street, Dublin 1
Cost: €65 for SCBWI members / €75 for non-members.
Please note that lunch is not included, but there are local shops and cafés nearby.
Make your cheque payable to “SCBWI Ireland” and send by post to Jane Mitchell, CRC, Vernon Avenue, Clontarf, Dublin 3, on or before October 10th.
Register: Email scbwiireland@gmail.com to let us know you're coming, but payment must be received by October 10th if at all possible to guarantee your place.
Possible topics include:- Beginnings and endings
- Plot and structure
- Character development
- Dialogue
- Keeping things moving
- Editing and Reviewing
Please specify your first three choices in order of preference when you register. Jane will focus the workshop based on the feedback received.
Bio of Jane Mitchell
Jane Mitchell has published six books (one in Irish) including the award-winning Chalkline and When Stars Stop Spinning, plus two short stories, and has written articles and reviews for various publications, such as Children’s Books Ireland’s INIS magazine. Three of Jane’s books have won awards and several have been published in other languages, such as Dutch and German. Jane recently taught two Writing for Children courses at the Irish Writers’ Centre in Dublin. For more information about Jane, visit http://www.janemitchell.ie/ .0 -
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Hi all
Just some info on the One-Day workshops that the Big Smoke Writing Factory is running this Autumn/Winter term. Big Smoke Writing Factory is located on Hatch St. in Dublin city centre & provides classes & workshops for both beginning & developing writers, with an emphasis on improving & sharing work with others. All courses are run by experienced writers, including those on our board of directors, & also guest writers for classes with a more specialist aim.
Feature Journalism: An Introduction (1 day)
SATURDAY, October 13th 2012, 10am-4pm, €75
Beginning To Write Poetry (1 day)
SATURDAY, October 13th 2012, 10am-4pm, €75
Getting Published (half day)
SATURDAY, October 20th 2012, 10am-1pm, €40
Independent Publishing (half day)
SATURDAY, November 3rd 2012, 10am-1pm, €40
The Language of Seduction: Writing Erotic Fiction (half day)
SATURDAY, November 3rd 2012, 2pm-5pm, €40
Intermediate Poetry Writing (1 day)
SATURDAY, November 17th 2012, 10am-4pm, €75
Writing Science Fiction (half day)
SATURDAY, November 17th 2012, 10am-1pm, €40
How To Revise (half day)
SATURDAY, November 24th 2012, 10am-1pm, €40
Self-Promotion for Poets (half day)
SATURDAY, December 1st 2012, 10am-1pm, €40
No previous writing experience is required, though we advise that those applying for some of our more specialised courses (e.g., Intermediate Poetry Writing) to have some writing experience.
More information on all our courses & booking can be found at our website, http://bigsmokewriting factory.com , we also run ongoing courses & offer a critique service, further details of both can also be found on the website.
Any inquiries to be directed to bigsmokewritingfactory@gmail.com0
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