Duration: 90mins
Class size: 25-40

The objective of these sessions is to identify ways to make writing more entertaining, and to make the reader want to continue reading. Hopefully it helps the pupils get over the ‘fear of the blank page,’ and shows that writing doesn’t have to be a novel - it’s not beyond them!

My workshops are designed to give pupils a range of techniques they may employ in their creative writing, which relate to the objectives in the National Literacy Strategy.

They have been devised to appeal to a wide range of abilities using a variety of learning styles with a lively, fun and active approach.

After a brief introduction, we will discuss the various tools used in writing humour, and the students will be asked to identify examples of these, and think of others.

Pupils will be encouraged to create their own story ideas during the sessions, using some of the methods which have been outlined.

Provided with stimuli, they will be asked to write a short piece, using the tools which have been discussed.

They can then read out their pieces aloud.

We will then discuss the many different outlets for writing, including stand-up comedy, newspapers, magazines, websites, TV, radio, theatre, film and advertising.

I will field any questions they have.