We have four brilliant speakers who have very kindly offered to volunteer their time to share their skills and help to women have their voice heard through writing.

Feel free to drop in and out of the sessions as you like, and we hope to see you at the meet and greet where you can ask the authors and artists any questions you may have about getting started with, improving on and even publishing your writing.

[This is a free event as we want to make sure it's accessible as possible. Instead we ask there where you can you donate to our chosen charity, Safety4Sisters, and help enable the amazing work they do to support women who have experienced gender-based violence and have no recourse to public funds: https://www.safety4sisters.org/cv19donate ]

Schedule

1.15pm: Introduction and welcome with a reading by Manchester/London poet and activist Steph Pike.

Steph performed some of her amazing work at the launch of the Manchester Branch of WEP at The Pankhurst Centre five years ago. We welcome her back today to give a reading of 'Suffragette City' and tell us a little about what inspires her as a poet, activist and performer.

1.30pm: Workshop One - Poetry by Helen Shay

Helen will facilitate a fascinating workshop exploring how poetry can be used to express feminist issues. Helen is an accomplished spoken word performer based in the North, currently serving on the Society of Author’s Poetry & Spoken Word Group Committee. As a WEP founder member, she believes spoken word can empower the voices of women and be a tool for change.

2.00pm: Workshop Two - Self-publishing by Jen Eden

Do you have that first draft of your novel ready? A collection of poetry hidden in notebooks? Jen Eden leads this fantastic workshop packed with advice on how to get your writing out there and how to set about self-publishing your work.

2.30pm: Workshop Three: Creative writing by Emma Milsom-Franks

With two degrees in English and on track to become a teacher, get your pens and paper ready to get involved with Emma Milsom-Frank’s interactive workshop that looks at simple writing techniques to evoke memory and imagination.

3.00pm: Workshop Four - Plot Sequencing/Character Development by Eloise Bonney

Have the story but not sure where to begin? Eloise Bonney has written her very own short plays and is currently studying Applied Theatre and Community Drama at the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts. Join Eloise as she sets out how to get started with plot sequencing and character development.

3.30pm: Meet and greet

And relax! After our workshops, pop along to our meet and greet where you'll be able to ask authors and artists for their tips on writing.

4.30m: We'll be launching an exciting new project with an opportunity to put your new skills to practice! More details to follow soon.

4.45pm: End

* All of the writers and workshop leaders are giving their time freely for this event. Please do consider supporting their work at future events or through their publications.

***UPDATE - 13 December 2020***

The Zoom link has been sent out from our Manchester Vols email account. If you have not received this or have any issues accessing the event, email manchester@womensequality.org.uk