A day of workshops, talks, feedback on works in progress and an opportunity to share work at an open mic for writers writing for children.
Join children's authors, Ali Sparkes, Yarrow Townsend and Carole Smith for a Writers' Day including two workshops exploring techniques for generating new work, opportunity for 1:1 feedback on a short extract of a work in progress, a 'writers in conversation' panel discussion and an open mic where you can share an extract of your work with other participants.
Workshop 1: Finding your writing momentum can be tough, especially when you're pressed for time and need to jam your magnus opus into snatches of an hour here or there. Ali Sparkes can totally relate. She's managed to fit 50+ children's books around a mad schedule of events, family life and journalism. Join Ali for fast and fun exercises to loosen up the brain and get the storyline flowing. Bring a pen, a notebook or tablet, and prepare for a writing adventure.
Workshop 2: The Secret Stories of Plants
Magical and medicinal plants have been at the heart of storytelling for the whole of human history. But in a time when fewer and fewer children have access to nature, how can stories about plants inspire connection – and adventure – with nature?
In this workshop, you’ll find out how Yarrow’s adventures with plants (from New Forest bogs to the Amazon rainforest) inspired The Map of Leaves. Through a series of short writing exercises, you’ll get to know the hidden stories of everyday weeds and wildflowers – before leaping into writing your own wild adventures.
No botanical knowledge required – we’ll have lots of help from Yarrow’s favourite writers. All you need for this workshop is a pen and a sense of adventure!
1:1 Feedback on a manuscript extract. Writers are invited to email in advance an extract of no more than 1000 words for a ten-minute feedback session with one of our featured authors. Please note the feedback sessions will take place while workshops are in progress to make the most of the day.
Reading and Discussion - each guest author will read an extract from their work and take part in a panel discussion with scope for questions from the audience.
The day will close with opportunity for you to share your work at open mic.
9.45-10am - arrival/refreshments (refreshments not included)
1000-1130: Workshop 1
1145-1315: Workshop 2
1315-1400: Lunch
1400-1500: Readings/Discssions
1515-1630 - Open Mic
Ali Sparkes: Winner of the Blue Peter Award for Frozen In Time, Ali Sparkes has published more than 40 adventures for children and young adults over the past decade.
Ali always meant to be a singer and an actress but instead found herself writing for a local newspaper, before joining the BBC as a regional broadcast journalist. After a stint writing comedy shorts for BBC Radio 4 she decided to try writing children's fiction - and in 2004 got her first book deal, for the five part Shapeshifter series, with Oxford Children's Books.
Her perhaps darkest novel is Death By Detention - published by Coven - an edgy teen thriller and the first in her new Teen Ops series. See the trailer at www.alisparkes.com/deathbydetention
Although the Night Series (Night Speakers, Night Raiders, Night Walker and Night Terrors) are literally dark - as most of the action for the insomniac characters takes place in the small hours. See the trailer at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gt9JGmD-WgY
Ali's books have been translated into many languages from French and German to Latin American and Japanese. More of her books are translated for Turkey than any other country. Turkey loves Ali's books. And Ali loves Turkish Delight, so it's all good...
Yarrow Townsend: Yarrow Townsend spent her childhood among the moss, oak and heather of the New Forest. After working as a teacher, and then as a stablehand, Yarrow completed an MA in Writing for Young People at Bath Spa University, before returning to the forest to work for the RSPB. Always in search of ways to be closer to the outdoors, Yarrow now lives on a narrowboat, travelling the canals with her garden on the roof. The Map of Leaves is inspired by her life by the woods and the water, and by her own parents’ herb books. Follow her: @yarrowtownsend
Carole Smith: Have You Seen The New Forest Unicorn? by New Forest resident Carole Smith is already a huge hit with young and old since its release just one month ago at The BIG Indie Book Launch in Foyles Charing Cross Road in London. Bringing back memories of childhood trips to the New Forest, enjoyed by those who appreciate a good unicorn tale (who doesn’t, right?), and of course readers who are also horse riders or animal lovers. The beautifully illustrated picture book (illustrations by local artist Alexandra Wilson) is available to buy in multiple shops and tourist attractions in the New Forest, as well as online and in all good bookshops
