Top Picks
The Writers’ Block 10 Top Picks
The Writers' Block are offering an abundance of creative writing workshops and events this Autumn!
The Writers’ Block is a creative writing centre in Redruth that deliver incredible literacy events and workshops for families, the community and schools. Whether you are a seasoned writer or haven’t picked up a pen science school, why not join them this Autumn and try your hand at writing gothic horror or devote your love for the sea through poetry? You could listen to a rehearsed reading or learn tips for writing your own play. There is a chance to share your poetry; learn how to draw manga, and so much more!
Find our top picks from their programme below, for more search our listings or visit their website.
1. Manga Afterschool Club
The Ladder, Redruth
Tue 12th September, 2023
Prepare for an exciting artistic journey; sign up for the manga drawing workshop featuring the talented illustrator Keith Sparrow.
Immerse yourself in the world of manga creation as Keith guides you step by step through a hands-on workshop, generously sharing his extensive expertise in the realm of manga artistry. This session will be most suitable for 10-16-year-olds.
2. Introduction to Audiobook Production and Narration
The Ladder, Redruth
Mon 18th September, 2023
Join Elaine Claxton and Mark Pugh in this incredible workshop, where the art of crafting captivating audio stories takes centre stage. Immerse yourself in a world of knowledge as you uncover the intricacies behind bringing audio narratives to life.
Explore a treasure trove of insights encompassing technical finesse, reading aloud, the mastery of microphone techniques, and the preservation of vocal health. Gain firsthand wisdom on many facets of audio storytelling, equipping you with the skills to captivate through the power of sound.
3. Myth & Montage Workshop with Fiona Benson
The Ladder, Redruth
Mon 9th October, 2023
Come along for a whimsical workshop where we craft poems and collages that intertwine mythical creatures with the contemporary world.
Drawing inspiration from the evocative works of poets such as Shivanee Ramlochan, Sophie Herxheimer, and Ann Carson, this session promises a delightful and imaginative journey. Don’t miss out on this fun, creative workshop with Lilith, Medusa, and Geryon.
4. Horror Writing Workshop with Polly Hall
The Ladder, Redruth
Thu 26th October, 2023
Polly Hall, the award-winning author of The Taxidermist’s Lover, invites you to exorcise your inner demons via pen and paper in this fun horror writing workshop.
You’ll create monstrous characters, conjure up spooky settings, evoke atmosphere through descriptive writing, and visit horror tropes such as the haunted house and the isolated moorland. Come prepared to splurge your deepest fears and grotesque thoughts onto the page.
5. Young Writers Spoken Word Masterclass with Meg Chapman
The Ladder, Redruth
Sat 14th October, 2023
Sign up for the Writers’ Block monthly creative writing classes tailored for young minds aged 11 to 16, brimming with ideas and stories.
This session will be guest lead by a Meg Chapman, rapper and spoken word artist. Each class is designed to ignite your imagination, fostering engaging discussions and complemented by lively, brief exercises crafted to ignite the spark of creativity.
6. Storytelling with Drag
The Ladder, Redruth
Sat 11th November, 2023
This ‘Storytelling with Drag’ workshop is for 16 – 24 year olds who want to have some fun and learn more about drag! The focus will on drag personas – the characters we make as drag artists and how we use the stage to tell a story (through music, lip-syncing and comedy), often in under 5 minutes.
The workshop will be led by the fabulous YuGiHoe, a drag queen whose work is filled with clever jokes and pop culture references, and the excellent Dwayne Pipe, a drag king whose work explores masculinity through humour. Both have confident drag personas and often tell entire stories in the length of one song.
There will be an opportunity to develop a persona of your own, play with costume and start work on a number/ 3-minute-way to tell your story, with an opportunity to share your personas with others at the end!
7. Smalltown Boy Performance
The Ladder, Redruth
Sat 11th November, 2023
“Smalltown Boy,” by Brenda Callis, stands as a poignant theatrical piece delving into themes of grief, community, and the journey of embracing one’s queer identity against the backdrop of Cornwall.
We extend an invitation to 14-24 year olds for a special work-in-progress presentation of “Smalltown Boy,” tailored for LGBTQIA+ youth and young individuals from diverse backgrounds across the globe. This unique opportunity lets you witness the play and contribute your invaluable insights and feedback. Your perspectives will serve as vital ingredients, shaping the evolution of the space into its ultimate form.
8. Playwriting Workshop with Brenda Callis
The Ladder, Redruth
Sun 12th November, 2023
This workshop is for young people aged 16 – 24 who are interested in playwriting in any capacity. Within the workshop, there’ll be lots of opportunities to put pen to paper through writing exercises; exploring character building, writing from experience and specifically around playwriting; looking at dialogue, story structure and more.
The session will also look at exploring different forms, such as combining drag and theatre in our play Smalltown Boy! By the end, you’ll be bound to have a bit more knowledge about playwriting and a few ideas on paper to go off and explore.
9. Speakeasy with Mor Poets
The Ladder, Redruth
Tue 21st November, 2023
This in-person session will be opened by special guests Mor Poets in conversation with Olivia Lowry. The second half of the evening gives you a chance to share, or listen to others peoples writing.
Share your work, meet other writers, discover new talent! Special guests Mor Poets will open this sharing. Mor Poets is a collective of women poets living in Cornwall who are inspired to write about the sea. The second half of the evening gives you a chance to share your own writing or sit back listen to others peoples talent.
10. Writing For Performance with Sarah Connors
The Ladder, Redruth
Wed 29th November, 2023
Join Playwright Sarah Connors to explore aspects of writing for a live performance.
The workshop will explore character, dialogue, avoiding the dreaded exposition and much more to set you on the right tracks for writing for the stage.
