Testimonials
"I attended one of Laura's Writing for Children courses to give me some inspiration when I was working on my Creative Writing MA dissertation. I found her teaching invaluable. She was enthusiastic and extremely knowledgable about all aspects of writing for children. Laura has given me the confidence to start working on my own novel for teenagers, and I know that if I want high quality, focused feedback she is the person to ask."
—Astrid Holm MA
"Both Laura’s manuscript service and her monthly writing group have been fantastic. She has a great ear for tone and an eye for detail as well as an ability to really get under the skin of what you’re writing. Her balance of constructive criticism and intelligent encouragement are just right, and she always has her focus on the main prize — getting published — offering great contacts to agents and writing competitions. I really couldn’t recommend her services more highly."
—Kirsten Wild
"I found Laura's workshops challenging without ever being daunting, and her comments on people's work astute yet always encouraging. They made me look at the whole spectrum of children's literature, inspiring me to stretch out in new directions and take a few risks."
—Suzi Hopkins
"Laura offers lots of positive feedback, encouragement, constructive criticism and the feeling that she genuinely enjoys reading her students' work, even when she's pointing out the obvious and not-so-obvious flaws. Hers was the first (and only) writing group I've attended and I'm still an ad-hoc member two years later. It has been really useful to have the benefit of submitting drafts to someone with experience in the publishing world who gives honest feedback which is always positive and constructive. I may be some way off a final draft but the process has been made all the more enjoyable by attending one of Laura's writing groups."
—Caroilne Donovan
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CREATIVE WRITING WORKSHOPS
I run creative writing for young people workshops aimed at those who have been interested in writing for children, or who have started to develop stories, but are looking for guidance in going further. Workshops are interactive, and involve excercises in opening up creativity, developing your writing in terms of voice, character, and plot, and an opportunity for group work and feedback.
I am running two one-day workshops in spring/summer 2010:
Saturday 22nd May, 9:30-5:30 pm
Writing for Young People
Whiteway Centre, Rottingdean
Price £70, including lunch
This intensive one-day workshop is for anyone who wants to study writing for young readers. We will cover topics such as defining the boundaries of books for children, developing a strong plot, using language effectively, creating memorable characters, and tips on trying to get published. With a combination of group discussion and writing exercises, we will cover picture books, early chapter books and writing for teens. Whether you are already an experienced writer for children or have always felt it was something you wanted to try, this could be the perfect way to develop your writing aspirations.
The workshop will take place in the picturesque village of Rottingdean, just three miles east of Brighton. The session will be held in the Whiteway Centre (parking available), and includes a 2-course lunch at French bistro Cafe Gourmand. Advice available if you wish to book accommodation - please contact me to discuss details.
I am a lecturer at the National Centre for Research in Children's Literature (NCRCL) at Roehampton University where I teach creative writing at undergraduate and MA level. I have been a children’s book editor, a judge for the London Writer’s Competition, and director of the Brighton Children's Book Festival. For more about my background, visit the About Me section of the website.
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June/July 2010 - date TBC
Preparing your novel for publication
Whiteway Centre, Rottingdean
Price, TBC
This one-day intensive workshop will be for people who have a complete novel for middle grade or young adult readers, and who wish to prepare to submit to an agent and/or publisher. As a group, we will review each person's cover letter, synopsis and opening chapters, and there will also be general pointers for preparing for publication. Price/timing is being worked out, partially based on numbers who wish to participate. Please get in touch if you are interested in discussing this further.
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I also run a monthly writing support group. If you are near the Brighton area and would be interested in joining one of these groups, please contact me. |
