workshop
All Night at The Museum
1 year ago
A huge well done to all those who braved, and survived, Saturday’s all night writing workshop.
The fourth of these we have run, it is so pleasing to see that people still have the desire and courage to experiment with their creativity in this way.
From 11pm to 5am we wrote, drank coffee, snacked on unhealthy sugary things and wandered inquisitively around the warren of warehouses and stores that make up the Museum Collections Centre in Birmingham.
It was a long night, but a staggering experience to be surrounded by artefac
ts as eclectically arranged as these, many of which originate from the West Midlands.
Over on our October Festival Blog, our student journalists are beginning the long process of writing this up, with more detailed interviews, images and examples of creative writing to follow.
Here, on our Facebook Page, you can view a gallery of images of the night’s activities. You can also look back over our twitter feed for snippets of information and pictures posted as we went along.
You can also catch a piece about the workshop on BBC Midlands Today on Monday 3 October 2011 at 1.30pm and 6.30pm.
The Spring Thing is tomorrow! Win A Workshop..
2 years ago
Yes, we wondered too…
Yes, we wondered too…
There are now just twenty four hours between us and the first event of The Spring Thing 2011.
It has been a busy week here in the Festival office, putting finishing touches to our plans, designing and making our big version of Magnetic Poetry (and we will be posting pictures of your poems on twitter at #bbfspringthing) and a few other things just for fun (because you can’t spend *all* your time between events in the Bookshop…). 
So even if you are just passing through on Saturday or Sunday, there will be something to see and people to say hello to – so please do stop by! We will be based in the main foyer area of Birmingham Conservatoire from 11am-9pm both days.
You know all about the events by now, but just incase you need a refresher, the programme is here. Tickets are still available for most things (although some are going fast!), and you are welcome to buy them on the door. To avoid disappointment you are welcome to get tickets to any of the weekend’s events at our Ticket Desk within the Conservatoire from 11am Saturday. This is located immediately inside the main entrance.
To celebrate the start of the weekend, we are offering you the chance to win a place on our unique writing workshop experience at the Project Pigeon Loft on Sunday.
This is an evocative and interesting space, and you will have the chance to work with novelist and comic writer Paul Macdonald, as well as meet the curators of Project Pigeon and learn a bit more about what they do. You might be wondering how birds and writing go together – but this isn’t about Pigeons per se. Have a look at the Spring Thing Newspaper Issue One for an interview with the project’s curators and some words from Paul. The article therein may also provide some inspiration for the question below!
We have two places to give away. These usually retail at £23 so take advantage of this unique give away and spend a few sunny hours wandering around the loft in Digbeth. There will be tea and coffee, too, and Festival Newspaper writer Anouk Abels will be on site to capture the experience in words.
TO WIN: Email us here and tell us which popular probiotic drink is apparently important to the diet of a Pigeon. We will contact the winners by Saturday morning.
If you are not a winner, don’t worry – you can still buy a ticket to this workshop (subject to availability) here.
Meanwhile, today, Friday, the Festival team will be out and about in the centre of Birmingham (around Birmingham Cathedral and Birmingham Central Library) asking you for your phrases to describe Birmingham – as inspiration for Talking Cities on Saturday night. Come and see us between 12-2 today, we will swap you a word for a chocolate!
We hope to see you this weekend at some of the Spring Thing’s events, or in the foyer enjoying the chance to read, relax and talk to friends. Say hello to our team – we love to meet people!
Have a great Spring Thing.
The Festival Team
Workshop: Creating Characters with Paul Dowswell
2 years ago
Sunday 10th April 2011
Workshop Creating Characters with Paul Dowswell
£23/£17/ 3.15-5.45pm / Seminar Room, Birmingham Conservatoire, Paradise Place, Birmingham B3 3HG
How do you invent believable, interesting and rounded characters in children’s and adult fiction? Writer Paul Dowswell will explore basic rules, first or third person, back story and motivation.
Paul writes historical fiction for Bloomsbury Publishers.
Book Online or call 0844 870 0000.
Writing Workshop: Project Pigeon (with Paul McDonald)
2 years ago
Sunday 10th April 2011
Writing with Project Pigeon & Paul McDonald
£23/£17 / 11am – 1pm /Project Pigeon Loft, Milk Street, Digbeth, Birmingham B5 5NH
Do you know much about Pigeons? That they have won medals for saving lives, been featured in many great works of art and films? That they race, find their way home and can even be involved in artworks? Pigeon fancying has a long history in the West Midlands, and those at Project Pigeon are part of an expansive, innovative project designed to explore the history and social impact of pigeon keeping in this region. Project Pigeon works with pigeons and people to bring about social change. They do lots of things with their pigeons, such as run workshops, make musical performances, curate exhibitions and design and build city centre lofts. Project Pigeon is run by Alexandra Lockett and Ian England. The project started in January 2009 and it is open ended – it has taken them to lots of places and they have made lots of discoveries.
They have invited us, and writer Paul McDonald, to come along and meet the birds and hear some of the amazing stories of this adventure.
Born in Walsall, Paul McDonald left school at 16 to train as a saddlemaker. In 1986 he began full-time study, completed his PhD in 1993 and now lectures at Wolverhampton University. Paul remains in Walsall where, to his horror, he’s developing a taste for chunky jewellery and combat dogs. His novels include Do I Love You? and Kiss Me Softly Amy Turtle. He is published by Tindal Street Press
.
Please note that due to the nature of the venue, facilities are limited. Warm clothing and sensible footwear is advised. Tea and coffee will be available but you are welcome to bring a flask!
For more information, visit www.project-pigeon.co.uk
Project Pigeon’s Loft is located on Milk Street, Digbeth, Birmingham (in Boxxed’s backyard opposite a youth hostel, under a viaduct)
Book Online or call 0844 870 0000
Workshop: Poetry With Roz Goddard
2 years ago
Sunday 10th April 2011
Poetry Workshop with Roz Goddard
£23/£17 / 11am-1.30pm / Seminar Room, Birmingham Conservatoire, Paradise Place, Birmingham B3 3HG
Who knows wh
at an apple thinks? (Edwin Morgan).Explore the role of poet as the receiver of messages. How do we interpret what a fence panel thinks, or a peach? We will look at celebrated poets who use personae and use voices other than our own.
Roz Goddard’s fourth poetry collection is The Sopranos Sonnets & Other Poems (Nine Arches Press). She is a former poet-laureate for Birmingham, and her work is permanently displayed in BMAG’s newest gallery. Her poetry has been broadcast on BBC Radio 3 and 4. She runs writing workshops and courses, including for the Arvon Foundation and mentors individual writers. She is currently studying for an MPhil in writing at Glamorgan University. More details of her work can be found at (www.rozgoddard.com)
Book Online or call 0844 870 0000
Workshop: Editing Your Fiction with Will Buckingham
2 years ago
Saturday 9th April 2011
Workshop: Editing Your Fiction
£23/£17 / 2pm – 4.30pm / Shakespeare Memorial Room, Birmingham Central Library, Paradise Place, Birmingham B3 3HQ
Writer Will Buckingham leads this popular workshop on editing , offering practical advice on perfecting your writing.
Will is a writer, lecturer and philosopher. His most recent book is Finding Our Sea-Legs: Ethics, Experience and the Ocean of Stories, is an exploration of the relationship between ethics and storytelling. The book is published by Kingston University Press
Will’s first novel, Cargo Fever, is published by Tindal Street Press. He is currently working on a second novel called The Martyrdom of Ivan Gelski, a second philosophy book, and various short stories and essays. His philosophy blog thinkbuddha.org was listed by the Sunday Times as one of the top 100 blogs of 2009. When Will is not writing, he teaches in the department of English and Creative Writing at De Montfort University, Leicester.
Book Online or call 0844 870 0000
Workshop: Truth, Lies & Life Writing – Candi Miller
2 years ago
Saturday 9th April 2011
Workshop: Truth, Lies & Life Writing – Candi Miller
£23/17 / Shakespeare Memorial Room, Birmingham Central Library, Paradise Place, Birmingham B3 3HQ
A writing workshop which considers the impossibility of truth when writing your or someone else’s life – and encourages you to do it anyway. You will engage in writing activities designed to help develop vivid recall so you can power your life-writing. With novelist Candi Miller (Salt and Honey)
Book Online or call 0844 870 0000
![tts_logo_24h_rect_large[1]](http://www.birminghambookfestival.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/tts_logo_24h_rect_large1-90x90.jpg){kind=logo}
Teenage Writers Workshop: David Calcutt
2 years ago
by Birmingham Book Festival
in april 2011, birmingham, book, Events, family, festival, News, spring, spring thing, teenagers, workshop, writing
Saturday 9th April 2011
Teenage Writers Workshop: David Calcutt
£9 / 11.30am – 1.15pm / Centre For The Child, Birmingham Central Library, Birmingham B3 3HQ
Come and explore creative writing with novelist David Calcutt - No experience needed!
David Calcutt writes plays, poetry and novels for young adults, runs workshops and works in schools.
This workshop will allow you to explore your interest in creative writing in a friendly and supportive environment.
Suitable for ages 14-19.
In association with:
Book Online or call 0844 870 0000
14 October: W/Shop: Nick Walker- Flash Noir Fiction in Hitchcock’s Hallway
2 years ago
WORKSHOP
Thursday 14 October
Ikon Eastside, 3 Fazeley Street, Birmingham, B5 5SE
2.30 – 4.30pm
Nick Walker: Flash Noir Fiction in Hitchcock’s Hallway
A suspense-filled, Hitchcock-drenched writing workshop where typing is against the clock and the only light is sliced through Venetian blinds. Your Jimmy Stewart for the afternoon is Perrier nominated writer, novelist, and playwright Nick Walker. You’ll pay for the whole seat, but only use the edge of it.
With thanks to Ikon Gallery 
Note: This workshop will take place amidst Ikon Eastside’s exhibit, Hitchcock’s Hallway and will include a short talk on the installation. www.ikon-gallery.co.uk
Tickets: £23 (£17)
Box Office: 0121 303 2323 or BOOK ONLINE
9 October: W/Shop: Mandy Ross – Family Writing
2 years ago
WORKSHOP
Saturday 9 October
Shakespeare Memorial Room, Birmingham Central Library, Chamberlain Square, Birmingham B3 3HQ (meeting point)
10.30am -12.30pm
Mandy Ross: Family Writing
Join Mandy Ross for a walking, writing tour of the city centre. Taking in Birmingham’s architecture, nature, history – and its people – you may find inspiration in the least likely places…
Mandy has written over 60 children’s books. Her latest, Hometown History Birmingham, traces the city’s history from Roman times to the present.
Tickets sold in pairs:
£12 for one adult and one 9-16 year old
Box Office: 0121 303 2323 or BOOK ONLINE
Note: this workshop will involve walking. Waterproofs and comfortable footwear are advised.
Workshop Saturday is sponsored by Newman University College, Birmingham
9 October: W/Shop: Andy Walsh – Writing for Games
2 years ago
WORKSHOP
Saturday 9 October
South Birmingham College, High Street Deritend, Digbeth, Birmingham, B5 5SU
1.30pm – 4pm
Andy Walsh: Writing for Games
In Association with the Writers’ Guild
This practical, interactive workshop will outline the ins and outs of interactive writing. Industry terminology explained, writing styles demonstrated and a chance to try your hand at some games writing.
Andrew Walsh has worked as a writer, designer, director or script consultant on more than 40 videogames. He won the 2009 Writers’ Guild Videogames Writing Award for Prince Of Persia.
Tickets: £23 (£17)
Box Office: 0121 303 2323 or BOOK ONLINE
Workshop Saturday is sponsored by Newman University College, Birmingham
9 October: W/Shop: Jo Ind – Finding Your Blogging Voice
2 years ago
WORKSHOP
Saturday 9 October
South Birmingham College, High Street Deritend, Digbeth, Birmingham, B5 5SU
1.30pm – 4pm
Jo Ind: Finding Your Blogging Voice
You can write – but how do you write for the web? A practical workshop on writing blog posts, including tips on drawing readers to your website and using photographs.
Jo is a journalist and a blogger (joind.co.uk). She is deputy site editor for NHS local (nhslocal.nhs.uk) and manages its blogs.
Tickets: £23 (£17)
Box Office: 0121 303 2323 or BOOK ONLINE
Workshop Saturday is sponsored by Newman University College, Birmingham
9 October: W/Shop:Michael W. Thomas – Setting Them All in Motion
2 years ago
WORKSHOP
Saturday 9 October
South Birmingham College, High Street Deritend, Digbeth, Birmingham, B5 5SU
1.30pm – 4pm
Michael W. Thomas: Setting Them All in Motion
How can we build character? From the outside in, creating their looks, behaviour, place in life? Or from the inside out, focussing on personality, attitude, philosophy? In this workshop, we’ll explore giving life to characters in poetry and prose.
Michael W. Thomas is a poet, novelist and dramatist. His latest poetry collection is Port Winston Mulberry, from Littlejohn and Bray.
Tickets: £23 (£17)
Box Office: 0121 303 2323 or BOOK ONLINE
Workshop Saturday is sponsored by Newman University College, Birmingham
9 October: W/Shop: Judith Allnatt – The Power of Objects
2 years ago
WORKSHOP
Saturday 9 October
South Birmingham College, High Street Deritend, Digbeth, Birmingham, B5 5SU
1.30pm – 4pm
Judith Allnatt: The Power of Objects
Seashells, clocks, roses, rings: writers use objects as tools – as potent symbols or devices to reveal character or create intrigue. Using exercises and a range of objects, we will explore and harness the power of objects in our writing, turning stones into axe-heads.
Judith Allnatt’s second novel, The Poet’s Wife, was published in 2010. Her first, A Mile Of River, was shortlisted for the Portico Prize for Literature.
Tickets: £23 (£17)
Box Office: 0121 303 2323 or BOOK ONLINE
Workshop Saturday is sponsored by Newman University College, Birmingham
9 October: W/Shop: Nicholas McInerny – Writing Pictures In Sound
2 years ago
WORKSHOP
Saturday 9 October
South Birmingham College, High Street Deritend, Digbeth, Birmingham, B5 5SU
10am -12.30pm
Nicholas McInerny: Writing Pictures in Sound.
Radio drama offers unique opportunities to both the established and novice writer. It can go anywhere, at anytime, with anyone. In this workshop, based on his experience of writing nearly 30 plays for BBC Radio 3 and 4, Nicholas will show you how.
Tickets: £23 (£17)
Box Office: 0121 303 2323 or BOOK ONLINE
Workshop Saturday is sponsored by Newman University College, Birmingham
9 October: W/Shop:Helen Cross – Writing Short Stories
2 years ago
WORKSHOP
Saturday 9 October
South Birmingham College, High Street Deritend, Digbeth, Birmingham, B5 5SU
10am – 12.30pm
Helen Cross: Writing Short Stories
This workshop explores where to find stories, how to look at what you find, and how to carve these mysteries into story shape.
Helen’s stories have appeared in various magazines, anthologies and have been broadcast on BBC Radio 4. Her latest novel is Spilt Milk, Black Coffee (Bloomsbury 2010).
Tickets: £23 (£17)
Box Office: 0121 303 2323 or BOOK ONLINE
Workshop Saturday is sponsored by Newman University College, Birmingham
9 October: W/Shop: Myra Connell – Dreams & Poetry
2 years ago
WORKSHOP
Saturday 9 October
South Birmingham College, High Street Deritend, Digbeth, Birmingham, B5 5SU
10am – 12.30pm
Myra Connell: Dreams and Poetry
Are our dreams a source for poems? Can the poems we write enrich our understanding of our dreams?
We will explore the intriguing connections between dreams and poems. You are invited to bring a dream that you would like to write.
Myra Connell’s second pamphlet of poems, From the Boat, is published by Nine Arches Press.
Tickets: £23 (£17)
Box Office: 0121 303 2323 or BOOK ONLINE
Workshop Saturday is sponsored by Newman University College, Birmingham
9 October: W/Shop: Will Buckingham – Editing
2 years ago
WORKSHOP
Saturday 9 October
South Birmingham College, High Street Deritend, Digbeth, Birmingham, B5 5SU
10am – 12.30pm
Will Buckingham: Editing
Kerouac wrote On the Road in a creative frenzy on a single roll of paper. What they don’t tell you is that he then edited it, word by word. It is not the stuff of legend, but legendary works are built upon careful editing. This workshop will explore how to hone and perfect your work.
Will Buckingham is a novelist, academic and philosopher. His most recent book is Finding Our Sea-Legs: Ethics, Experience and the Ocean of Stories.
Tickets: £23 (£17)
Box Office: 0121 303 2323 or BOOK ONLINE
Workshop Saturday is sponsored by Newman University College, Birmingham
9 October: W/Shop: Lynn Davies – Writing For TV
2 years ago
WORKSHOP
Saturday 9 October
South Birmingham College, High Street Deritend, Digbeth, Birmingham, B5 5SU
10am -12.30pm
Lynn Davies: Writing for TV
In Association with Script
Newcomers and old hands alike will find this a stimulating whistle-stop tour of the skills and industry techniques involved in crafting a script for TV or cinema. Lynn Davies won a Writers’ Guild Award for his work on BBC’s ‘Between the Lines’. He teaches screenwriting, and runs his own theatre and media production company, Kayelle Productions Ltd.
Tickets: £30 (£25)
(EXTRA: one to one afternoon surgery on your own ideas £10, £7 – five slots available to participants of this workshop only – mention at time of booking)
Box Office: 0121 303 2323 or BOOK ONLINE
Workshop Saturday is sponsored by Newman University College, Birmingham
9 October: W/Shop: Rebbecca Hemmings- Performing Your Writing
2 years ago
WORKSHOP
Saturday 9 October
South Birmingham College, High Street Deritend, Digbeth, Birmingham, B5 5SU
10.30am – 3pm
Rebbecca Hemmings: Performing Your Writing
Designed for novice writer/performers as well as those needing a refresher on performance techniques, this workshop will be relaxed, informative, fun and challenging. There will be opportunity to vocalise text and try various ways of delivering it, building confidence towards a performance of your own work at the end of the day.
Rebbecca Hemmings is a freelance theatre practitioner and Director of Soliloquy Theatre Company.
Tickets: £32 (£28)
Box Office: 0121 303 2323 or BOOK ONLINE
Workshop Saturday is sponsored by Newman University College, Birmingham
Script workshops for dramatic writers
2 years ago
Check out TENacity, a programme of workshops designed to develop playwrights – a variety of venues, dates, times and tutors, and some of them are free!
Visit Script’s website for more:
http://www.scriptonline.net/stage.html
Or see their flyer here:
3 years ago
Mollie Davidson tells us about a family writing workshop she took part in as part of the Birmingham Book Festival and gives details about the next one in October 2009 . For adults and young friends/relatives in pairs, these are a great way to get your kids(and yourself!) writing…
Festival Artistic Director Jonathan Davidson tells us about a forthcoming Helen Cross/Tommy Wierenga event at the Birmingham Book Festival in October 2009, and more about the book behind it…