- 31 May -30 June 2024
- For Writers
- Workshop
Pop-Up Writers House
As part of an exciting new partnership with Essex Book Festival, Metal is transforming Chalkwell Hall into a pop-up Essex Writers House for the whole month of March 2018 to host a wide range of literary events and activities. Our aim is to provide development opportunities for writers working in all genres, whilst engaging with audiences of all ages. Read more
- CANCELLED
- For Writers
- Workshop
An Introduction to Memoir Writing: Linda Wilkinson
CANCELLED DUE TO ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS. The line between memoir and biography has never been clear; a memoir can be a story about a week in a life, an emotion or a place. Linda Wilkinson, ‘accidental memoirist’, takes you through the techniques, pitfalls and joys of memoir writing. Read more
- For Writers
- Workshop
Writing For Radio Masterclass: Robin Brooks
Robin Brooks is one of Radio 4’s most experienced radio dramatists. In this workshop he will offer an introduction to writing drama for the radio. Suitable for all tastes and levels of experience. Read more
- Discussion
- For Writers
Granta Birth of the Book
Granta author Lulah Eilender, her literary agent Natalie Galustian, and her editor Ka Bradley will be discussing the often challenging but remarkable birth of a book: from the author’s original idea to the finished book on the shelf. An absolute must for new and emerging writers. Read more
- For Writers
The Magic of Writing: Adrian May
The history of literature is inextricably bound with magic and magical ideas. Both magic and writing are concerned with finding hidden forces and meanings, and inspiration is at the heart of both. Adrian May reveals how magic can be used as a tool to generate creativity, inspiring us to take risks in our own writing. Read more
- For Writers
- Workshop
Telling Stories of War and Peace: Liz Trenow
What are the joys and pitfalls of writing historical fiction, and why are war and peace such compelling topics for historical novelists? A participatory workshop with Liz Trenow, bestselling author of The Poppy Factory and her latest novel, In Love and War, published to mark the 100th anniversary of WW1. Read more
- For Writers
- SOLD OUT!
- Workshop
Novel Writing for Beginners: Harriet Paige
Harriet Paige, whose debut novel 'Man with a Seagull on his Head' was shortlisted for The Guardian's Not the Booker Award, guides you through the process of crafting your first novel, with practical tips on creating characters, scene setting, structuring the plot and submitting your manuscript to agents and publishers. Read more
- For Writers
- Workshop
Crime Writing Masterclass: Nicola Upson
Nicola Upson, award-winning British novelist and author, will guide participants through writing the perfect crime novel, while providing invaluable advice on how to get published. An absolute must for all aspiring crime writers. Read more
- Fiction
- For Writers
- Non-fiction
- Poetry
- Storytelling
- Workshop
Essex Authors Day
This exciting day of seminars and workshops brings together Essex-based authors, writers and aspiring writers. Listen to author readings at the Pop Up Podium, pick up top tips, meet other writers, and find out more about getting published and publicising your book. Read more
- For Writers
- Workshop
Stories for After the End of the World – Matthew De Abaitua
Science fiction author Matthew De Abaitua kicks off our first event in Kelvedon Hatch Secret Nuclear Bunker - come along to a creative writing workshop in this dark and dystopian atmosphere. Read more
- For Writers
Wild Writing Workshop: Beachcombing for Words
A workshop inspired by the beach, involving some beachcombing, with a return to the Tower for some writing exercises and work on creative writing with Essex-based writers Judith Wolton and Wendy Constance. Read more
- For Writers
- Young Essex
Pop-Up Essex Writers House
For Essex Book Festival, Metal is once again transforming their base at Chalkwell Hall in Southend into a Pop Up Essex Writers House for the whole of March, hosting literary events and activities for all to enjoy. Read more
- For Writers
- Networking
- Workshop
Essex Authors and You
A great opportunity for book lovers, local authors or aspiring writers of all ages: Drop in to the Writers’ Slams, hear a variety of authors read from their books, meet and talk to local authors and publishers; pick up writing tips and inspiration. Read more
- For Writers
- Workshop
An Introduction to Crime Writing
Crime novelist Laura Shepherd-Robinson guides participants through writing the perfect crime novel, while providing invaluable advice on how to get published. An absolute must for all aspiring crime writers. Read more
- For Writers
- SOLD OUT!
- Workshop
Wild Writing Workshop
Join James Canton for a workshop which delves into the nature that exists in the cracks between our human constructs, in the wilds just a few feet from our doors. Work with words, reframe your view of how you see the wild, and become mindful of the living landscapes that exist around us. Read more
- CANCELLED
- For Writers
- Workshop
Writing on Place in a Changing World
This writing workshop will be looking at how writers place themselves in their physical surroundings and how this embodies itself in their work. Participants will be invited to write, walk and workshop their words as we examine what lies beneath the surface of the places we move through. Read more
- For Writers
- Workshop
Writing for Radio Masterclass
This workshop offers an introduction to writing drama for the radio. Robin Brooks has over twenty years’ experience of writing original plays and adaptations for BBC Radio. Suitable for all tastes and levels of experience. Read more
- For Writers
- Online
- SOLD OUT!
Re-Writing the Archive – An Online Writing Workshop
Taking your inspiration from specific objects picked from Colchester Museum archives, you will work with bestselling novelist, Syd Moore, to devise a unique piece of creative writing during this online workshop. Read more
- For Writers
- Online
Social Networking for Writers – an online seminar
Bestselling author, Lizzie Chantree will help show you how to reach new audiences through social media; how to network with other writers, develop a writing brand and build a social media platform. Read more
- For Writers
- ONLY A FEW TICKETS LEFT!
- Workshop
Self Editing and Self Publishing Workshop
Why is it important to self-edit your manuscript and how should you do it? What are the advantages of self-publishing your book, and what do you need to be aware of if you’re looking to collaborate with a professional or publishing business? Find the answers to these questions in this Zoom workshop with author and editor, Maddy Glenn. Read more
- Essex Writers House
- For Writers
- In partnership
Hotdesks
Wednesday - Saturday 10.30 - 17.30 Essex Writers’ House Hot Desks are back by popular demand and with additional slots and social distancing protocols. Two FREE hot desks will be available each day at Chalkwell Hall, with inspiring Thames Estuary views. BOOK HERE www.esssexwritershouse.com Read more
- Discussion
- Festival Finale
- Fiction
- For Writers
- In Conversation
- In partnership
- In person
- Non-fiction
- Outside
- Storytelling
- The Children's University
- Workshop
- Young Essex
Essex Book Camp
Join in the fun at the Essex Book Camp With a huge range of events for all ages, from author events with the likes of Good Morning Britain’s Dr Hilary Jones through to our fabulous storytelling yurt; woodland crafts and meditation walks; drop-in family yoga sessions and more, Cressing Temple Barns is the place to be this August Bank Holiday Sunday. Free Drop-In Activities for all ages we just need one large image of Shane Ibbs telling stories for this… Read more
- Festival Finale
- For Writers
- Workshop
Script-writing Workshop
Join writer Neil D’Arcy-Jones, artistic director of Packing Shed Theatre, for a 2-hour scriptwriting workshop looking at the theatre of place. Packing Shed Theatre was set up in 2016 to create and produce work inspired by the people and places of East Anglia. In this work shop aimed at adults and older teens, you will explore script writing and how to structure pieces to develop your ideas. Tickets : Limited numbers: £15 / £12 Read more
- A Criminally Good Day
- Crime Fiction
- For Writers
- FREE
- In partnership
- Outside
- Storytelling
- Workshop
- Young Essex
Criminally Good Day
Crime-writer event, writing workshops, children's workshops, free drop-in activities, story-telling, acorn-planting and so much more... Read more
- CANCELLED
- For Writers
- Workshop
Story is King – Writing Workshop
** This workshop has been cancelled - sorry ** With advice on the fundamental principals of story and plot, structure, character and motives, Julie-Ann will provide the new writer with the tool kit to ensure a solid start to their emerging crime story. Read more
- CANCELLED
- For Writers
- Workshop
How to Build a Baddie – Writing Workshop
** This workshop has been cancelled - sorry ** Join Syd Moore for this wicked workshop which explores what makes fictional villains tick. The session will include discussion and creative writing exercises. Read more
- For Writers
- In partnership
- Workshop
Creative Writing – Getting Started
Get your writing mojo moving with an aerobic work out for your imagination. Come to Syd Moore's session empty-handed and leave with a new character, new world and an adventure or story which you can further explore. Read more
- For Writers
- Workshop
Growing Your Voice. Writing the Garden – Writing Workshop
In this writing workshop we will explore how to observe and describe gardens on the page, putting the smells, colours and textures of a patch of land into words that are alive with the place. Read more
- For Writers
- In My Steps - Radical Walks in Essex
- ONLY A FEW TICKETS LEFT!
- SOLD OUT!
SOLD OUT – In My Steps: Radical Walks in Essex and Writing Workshop – Boot Sale Harvest
Join author, poet and songwriter, Adrian May, for a stroll around Colchester Car Boot Sale and buy an unexpected item of your choice then use the object as inspiration for your writing at a workshop at Cuckoo Farm Studios. Read more
- Essex Writers House
- For Writers
- In partnership
Essex Writers House
Whether you are hoping to share your work for the first time, editing your third novel, or gathering up the notes on your phone, we’d love to support you on your writing journey. Come along to Chalkwell Hall and make yourself at home. Storytellers, screenwriters and scribblers all welcome! Read more
- For Writers
- FREE
- Partner Event
- SOLD OUT!
SOLD OUT!! Writing Landscapes Workshop
Authors Samuel Fisher and Justin Hopper are hosting a writing workshop at Wivenhoe Library where participants will be invited to think of the places they cherish and find ways to translate those landscapes into words. Read more
