Writing workshops in my Brighton home

Fancy writing fiction?

A half-day Saturday workshop with me and creative writing guru Bridget Whelan will help get you started…

‘Whether you want help with the start of your novel, have a short story that needs fine tuning or this would be the first class in creative writing you have taken, Bridget Whelan and I can help improve your skills in a supportive, confidence-boosting workshop,’ says Sarah. ‘We’re confident that it doesn’t matter if you’re a complete beginner or are more experienced, it’ll get you going because there’s something so motivating about working with others.’

‘We’ve been running them over the summer and both of us have enjoyed the sessions hugely,’ says Bridget. ‘And the joy of teaching is that we find we learn something new each time too.’

The 3.5 hour sessions take place in Sarah’s home very close to the centre of Brighton. You and up to five others (max) will be welcomed into her cosy living room with its fire and long dining table ideal for writing or pretty patio garden, depending on the season. Lunch prepared her my chef husband is included and we’ll cover as many of the following topics as time allows:

* Character creation – making characters memorable and believable, avoiding stereotypes and being original

* First and third person storytelling – exploring the choices you have

On sunny days we’ll be outside

* Plotting – where to start, how to stop a flabby middle, endings

* Editing – a practical exercise to reveal your inner editor

Plus three subjects rarely covered in writing courses:

* Feedback – how to survive critical comments

* Dialogue – how to make conversation sound natural and drive narrative

* Up-to-date insights on the publishing industry

You can find full details, read reviews and book on AirBnB.

Or drop Sarah an email at sarahjulietrayner@gmail.com.

‘A very generous sharing of practical and personal experiences, through an enjoyable and accessible series of stories and short exercises. Everyone felt valued, and supported. Everyone found they could do things they hadn’t expected, and came away much more confident and equipped. Suitable for people just thinking about what they might do, and for people with experience. Excellent.’ Fiona

The poster for the workshops.

Are you working on a story right now? Send through the first 1000 words ahead of the workshop and Sarah or Bridget will read it and chat briefly at the end with you, providing supportive one-to-one feedback.

‘I could not have been more smitten with the entire experience! I learned unique nuggets of information from Bridget & Sarah that has freed me up to inspiration in ways other workshops have not. I felt at home, cared about in a genuine way, and could have stayed all day in that lovely garden! I only wish we had had longer!’ Chandra

We’ll share ideas and discuss ways forward

My co-host is Bridget Whelan, whose career was kick-started when she won $4000 in an international story competition. She has an MA in Creative and Life Writing from Goldsmiths College and lectures in the subject.

Get tips on editing your own work

‘Even as a total beginner I got a lot from this class. It was really well structured, with each subject introduced and explained and then explored with practical exercises. Atmosphere was very easy going and the hosts Sarah and Bridget were friendly. There was a mix of abilities but I felt even the most experienced for similar value from the session. Excellent lunch. I went to get inspired to get into writing and get some help getting started, and it definitely gave me that.’ Nigel

The atmosphere will be supportive and friendly

My husband, Tom, a chef, will provide home-cooked vegetarian food. He tends over-cater so expect generous portion!

Lunch is cooked by my husband Tom, a professional chef

The workshop includes a delicious lunch and refreshments.

Save your place via AirBnB – you”ll get 20% off if you book at least two weeks ahead.

If you’d interested in discussing this further, email sarahjulietrayner@gmail.com

18
MAY
2018

Blog