WORKSHOPS & COURSES

 

I have been running workshops in the spoken and written word for 12 years: 5 years at the University of Bath and 7 for the Open University. I offer workshops in creative writing and performance skills (storytelling, poetry) to all ages. Currently teaching A174 Start Writing Fiction; A215 Creative Writing; & A363 Advanced Creative Writing for the Open University; and also Life Fiction for Skyros Writers' Lab. I also run weekly writing classes in the Bath area and co-run the Bath Writers' Workshop

I have run workshops and courses for the following:

Alternatives, London; Imperial College, London; Hawkwood College; Gaunts House Summer Gathering: Wessex Gathering: MBS Show, London Olympia; Treadwells Bookshop, Covent Garden; Swindon Youth Arts Week; Bristol Cathedral School: Churchdown, School, Glos; BREAZ, Bristol; Swindon Youth Arts Week; Italian TEFL Students, NE Italy; MIND, Bath: BEMSCA, Bath; Community Learning Service; Norton Radstock College; Teachers' INSET, Glos and Wilts; B&NES Playworkers; UEA...

THE NOVEL IN YOU

A 9 month novel-writing course
with Kevan Manwaring

Flexible - start whenever you are ready & work at your own pace.
Professional - practical advice from a published author & Open University/Skyros creative writing teacher
Supportive - weekly check-ins, monthly chapter critiques, proposal appraisal, initial consultation & review

An inspiring, informative and motivational novel-writing correspondence course over 9 months. Each month you receive a study pack focusing on key aspects of the craft: concept; characterisation; dialogue; plot; structure; themes; tone.

You will receive a professional critique of at least one chapter

a month (more can be arranged); plus realistic, practical advice about your publishing options, including how to write a proposal with potential. You have the option to share your work-in-progress with fellow participants via an online forum and receive mutual feedback and support. We'll also look at the next stages - writing editor-friendly press releases; how to build a media platform; organising a book launch; creating opportunities; raising your profile. By the end of 9 months you will have everything you need to 'give birth to your book'.

To discuss further, including fees contact Kevan 01453 765660 or email kevanmanwaring@yahoo.co.uk for an initial discussion.

Previous participants:

'I have found this course to be very enjoyable, and an inspiration to me in getting my first novel going, if not finished. It has become a highlight of my week!'

'The course was very good and filled alot of gaps in my knowledge. It gave me all I needed (I think!) to sit down and write a good novel - it was very motivating. Looking forward to finishing it.'

'Really excellent course. Well thought-through; very well organised; very clear; very supportive; very encouraging; realistic; well-structured; most enjoyable. Thank you.'

'Delivery of the course was excellent.'

'I want to thank you - your course has been an inspiration and the journey most enlightening.'

 

Up and coming courses and workshops

 

Spring Term 2012

Tuesday evenings:

Creative Writing

10 week class - an excellent introduction covering fiction, poetry & life-writing. Tuesdays, 7-9pm, Subscription Rooms, Stroud - starting on 17 January. click here for more info.

 

Thursday evenings:

Way of Awen

12 week course in creativity and personal mythology, Isbourne Holistic Centre, Cheltenham,

Thursdays, 7-9.15pm, from 19 January. Taster on 12 January. Visit their website for more info

Saturday dayschool:

Creative Writing

Devizes Study Centre, Wiltshire College

25 February; 12 May

FFI: http://www.wiltshire.ac.uk/courses/

Saturday dayschool:

Poetry

Warminster Study Centre, Wiltshire College

3 March; 12 May

FFI: http://www.wiltshire.ac.uk/courses/

 

Saturday dayschool:

Storytelling

Devizes Study Centre, Wiltshire College

10 March

FFI: http://www.wiltshire.ac.uk/courses/

Saturday 20 May

Climbing the Beanstalk - storytelling in easy stages

Hawkwood College, Glos

Learn how to tell stories without a text - to entertain your family, friends, work colleagues, even a fee-paying public! The ancient timeless art of storytelling is an ideal transferable skill - for anyone who gets nervous speaking in public or wants to express themselves through the spoken word. Whether you need to enhance your public speaking skills, boost self-confidence, love to explore the world's treasure hoard of stories, or simply want to enjoy tapping into your creativity and imagination, this is for you. No experience necessary. ***Ideal for Continuing Professional Development***

FFI: http://www.hawkwoodcollege.co.uk/courses/

  

10 day residential writing holiday

21-31 July

Life Fiction

with Kevan Manwaring

Skyros Writers' Lab, Greece, tbc

 

 

Tuesday mornings from 18 September

The Storyteller's Journey

Hawkwood College

10 week course, Tuesdays 10-12noon

The Storyteller's Journey is for anyone who wishes to explore the ancient, timeless art of storytelling. Joseph Campbells' theory of the Hero's journey shall provide our guide as we delve into the Otherworld of myths, legends, folk tales and fairy stories. Be prepared to leave the 'Ordinary World' behind as we boldly cross the threshold into a magical realm of the imagination. Along the way we will meet strange and wonderful characters - powerful archetypes whose energy & wisdom we can access to enrich our own lives; we'll visit the wildwood; worlds of gods, monsters and magic; lost realms; and familiar landscapes - seeing the everyday anew, discovering tales on our doorstep. Bravely, we'll enter the belly of the whale and confront personal demons around performing in public, as well as learn from the rich treasures of the shadows - all the time being supported in a friendly, supportive environment where our Inner Child will be encouraged to play - using voice and body work, mime, role-play and improvisation, props, space, and audience participation. You'll get to workshop a different story each week, receiving constructive feedback from the tutor and group. By the end of the course you'll have all you need to embark on a storytelling path - for pleasure or profit - but the true elixir will be the joy of the stories themselves, which offer a wise map for the pilgrim soul through this life and others.

FFI: http://www.hawkwoodcollege.co.uk/courses/

 

 
Weekend Residential Workshop

23-25 November

Writing Life

The Grange, Isle of Wight

How do you turn the raw material of everyday life into writing that leaps from the page? And how do you sustain yourself as a writer? During this informative, supportive and motivational weekend we'll explore these questions as we examine autobiographical material, and our reasons for writing. By the end of the weekend you'll have a tool-kit of techniques, further resources, and all you need to cultivate the 'write habit' – a renewable writing practice and a professional methodology that will blitz that writer's block for good. Led by writer, storyteller and Open University tutor Kevan Manwaring, author of several creative non-fiction books including Lost Islands, The Way of Awen, & Turning the Wheel.

FFI: http://www.skyros.com/isle_of_wight.htm