Anna Edgar writes about two excellent Workshops to be enjoyed virtually at our festival on October 15th 2020!
Anne Ryland’s Poetry Workshop is at 10 AM on 15th October
Bea Davenport’s Creative Writing Workshop is at 1 PM on 15th October
Places are limited so book early!
We are all going to enjoy a very different experience this year as the literary festival goes online, and that will include the two workshops as well. Anne Ryland is the poetry presenter and Barbara Henderson will give her workshop on creative writing. Both are highly respected, published writers. Both live in Berwick and are previous contributors to the festival. Barbara is known for her novels, under the name of Bea Davenport, and Anne has published two collections of her poems.
I have attended the workshops of both presenters at previous festivals and can’t wait to return this year. You don’t need to be a poet or author yourself; it’s enough to bring lots of enthusiasm and openness to the experience. Both Anne and Barbara are so well prepared and organised that we are skilfully led through a series of themed writing exercises with images, prompts and examples, until lo and behold, you have produced your very own poem or short story. My own creations have included a poem observing a hand, and the introduction to a crime story at a wedding reception.
Throughout the session you can choose to share what you have written or not. If you do, your contribution will be valued, and the feedback from the presenter is always encouraging and insightful. It is also fascinating to listen to how the members of the group interpret the same topic in such different ways. If you prefer not to read what you have written, then that is respected too. And we can work on our writing and send to the presenter after the workshop, as both Anne and Barbara very generously offer to give further individual feedback.
Both workshops will be popular with new and returning participants. Numbers are limited to maximise their benefit to those taking part. So, when the workshops come online, do make sure to reserve your place.
Anna Edgar
