Unlock your inner writer in this creative and supportive class. Whether you are an aspiring novelist, short story writer, poet or scriptwriter, you’ll learn all the skills you need to improve and develop your work.
Under the guidance of freelance journalist and published author, John Dean, you’ll learn how to craft believable characters, create vivid scenes and develop a memorable plot. You’ll have the chance to work in different genres, from crime to horror to American short stories and historical fiction. Most importantly, you will choose what you want to write and what you hope to achieve. Whether you have finally finished your masterpiece and are eager to see it published or you are simply writing for sheer pleasure, you’ll be free to work at your own pace in a supportive environment. You’ll receive tips and constructive feedback from John as well as from the rest of the group. Indeed, John is keen to stress the strong social aspect of the course. ‘Writing,’ he says, ‘can be a very lonely business and the group is a chance to meet like-minded people, discuss ideas, solve problems and share new work.’
John, who has had several crime novels published by Robert Hale Press, is keen to see students grow in confidence both in themselves and in their writing. In the past students have formed their own writing group, The Incumen Writers, given readings at local libraries, seen their work commended in international short story competitions and even been shortlisted for a BAFTA.
As class member Mary Parlett says: ‘The class is the best night of the week … it makes us work, it makes us laugh and it makes us think.’
Creative Writing John Dean
Tuesday 7-9pm £49 (£37)
Advanced Creative Writing John Dean
Wednesday 7-9pm £49 (£37)
To reserve or to book a place on a course, telephone Box office on 01325 486555 or call in to Darlington Arts Centre Reception.
Writers enjoy success
Inkerman Writers are members of the creative writing courses tutored by novelist John Dean at Darlington Arts Centre on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings.
Outside of the classes, members engage in a variety of activities including public recitals of their work, film-making, entering short story competitions and showcasing pieces through their website [external link]
Group members have enjoyed success in a variety of national and international short story writing competitions, winning prizes and regularly being named on shortlists.
And in the summer of 2008, member Bud Craig won first prize in the Writers’ Forum national short story competition with What I Miss About Memphis, a story developed for the group. The story was published in the August/September issue of the magazine.
Inkerman Writers’ work also secured them one of the group awards at the Adult Learners’ Week ceremony held in Darlington on May 12, 2008. The awards, backed by local colleges, Darlington Borough Council, Darlington Arts Centre and other organisations in the town, were staged to recognise individuals and groups who have taken their adult learning to a wider audience.
The group’s next recital is at Cockerton Library, in Darlington, between 6.30-8.00pm on Thursday January 29, 2009.
Click on the following titles to read stories written by students on the Creative Writing course