Write Away: 3 hours of writing inspiration in Ilkley

Are you a writer who never seems to find the time to write? Perhaps you’re struggling to get started with a writing project, or see one through to the end? You might even want some guidance about what your idea could become. Seeing a piece of writing through from start to finish can be a daunting prospect.

Join screenwriter Andrea Mann and short fiction writer Emily Devane for a morning of practical writing advice and inspiration. Write Away is your opportunity to dedicate some time to your writing, with tips and strategies on how to get started, how to keep going and how to finish a writing project, whatever that might be.

The workshop will consist of three interactive sessions filled with prompts, guidance and examples to inspire and energise your writing.

Take a look at the information below, and if you have any further questions, please email writeawayilkley@gmail.com.

When: 10am-1pm, Saturday, 8 November

Where: Church House, All Saints' Church, 4 Church Street, Ilkley, West Yorkshire, LS29 2DS

What's the format?

• 9.45am-10am – Arrival and welcome; teas and coffees served.

• 10am-10.50am – Beginnings: Getting Started. We’ll explore where inspiration comes from, the fear of the blank page, how to get ready for writing, and where in the story to begin.

• 11am-11.50am – Middles: How to Keep Going! We’ll look at ways to maintain momentum, the hurdles that get in the way and how to tackle them, and how story beats can help move your story along.

• 12pm-12.50pm – Endings: Knowing When It’s Done and What Next? We’ll consider what makes a brilliant ending – and how to get there – as well as knowing when it’s ready to go out in the world.

• 12.50pm-1pm – Final questions and farewells.

Do I have to prepare anything in advance?

No, just come along. There is no need to read or prepare anything in advance. Though we’d love to hear your recommendations for a book, film or TV show you’ve enjoyed recently!

Does it matter if I'm not a published writer?

Not at all. Writers of all levels of experience are welcome. What you do need is an enthusiasm for writing and an interest in others' work.

Are all genres of writing welcome?

Yes. The main focus will be on creative forms of writing – memoir and novel writing, screenplays, flash fiction, short stories, creative non-fiction. Whatever the size or shape of your project – and whatever stage it’s at – we’re here to support you.

Will I have to share my work?

No. While there will be some short writing tasks during the session, you won’t be expected to share your writing with others. There will be opportunities to discuss and exchange ideas, and talk about your own writing. We will also share useful resources and advice for gaining feedback on your works in progress – from writing groups to professional editing services.

Is the group suitable for under 18s?

Sorry, but this session is for writers aged 18+. Young writers might be interested in the free Word Up North Young Writers’ Group for 12-18 year olds, which meets on Wednesdays during term time at Keighley Library from 4.30pm-6pm.

Is there a fee?

The workshop fee is £45 and includes a 3-hour workshop, all materials, and refreshments. A limited number of reduced price places are available for writers who would otherwise be unable to join us. Please get in touch at writeawayilkley@gmail.com if this applies.

Refreshments

A small selection of refreshments (tea, coffee, water, soft drinks, and biscuits) will be available before and during the session. If you'd rather bring your own, that's fine too.

I have accessibility needs - can you accommodate these?

Please let us know if you have any accessibility/mobility needs and we will do our best to make it possible for you to join us. The venue is fully accessible for wheelchair users, with ground level accessible w.c.

How do I sign up?

Simply register for a place via Eventbrite.

What if I signed up but can no longer come?

If you find you are unable to make the session, please get in touch.

The event is full - can I come anyway?

If the workshop is full, you can sign up for the waiting list in case any spaces become available, or contact us at writeawayilkley@gmail.com for last minute availability.

How do I find out about future events?

By registering, you will be added to our email list and kept up-to-date about future Write Away workshops and events.

I'd like to learn more about writing - do you have any advice?

Emily runs online and in person workshops and courses, as well as regular spoken word nights. Ask about being added to her Moor Words email list for the latest news, or follow Moor Words on Eventbrite. Contact her at moorwordsilkley@gmail.com.

Andrea offers professional mentoring to beginner and emerging screenwriters: guiding, advising and supporting them in the craft of screenwriting, their writing goals and the wider creative journey. You can find out more on her website here: www.andreamann.com/mentoring.

Your hosts:

Emily Devane is a writer, editor, teacher and bookseller based in Ilkley. Her short fiction, poetry and essays have been widely published in journals and anthologies including Ambit, Smokelong Quarterly, Best Microfictions, Lost Balloon and The Lonely Crowd.

Emily has taught workshops and courses for Comma Press, Dahlia Press, London Writers' Café, Northern Writers' Studio, Smokelong Quarterly, Flash Fiction Festival, Sheffield Hallam University, and Ilkley Literature Festival.

She has won the Bath Flash Fiction Award, a Northern Writers' Award and a Word Factory Apprenticeship. Her short story ‘The Ghosts that Dance Between Us’ won second prize in the Bath Short Story Award. Her flash fiction ‘Too Long Under Water’, which won second prize in the Smokelong Quarterly Grand Micro Contest, appears on the Nottingham University Creative Writing syllabus. Her story ‘The King of Connemaidh’ was runner up in The Mogford Prize for Food and Drink Writing.

She was a founding editor at FlashBack Fiction, an online journal championing historical flash fiction. She has judged writing competitions, including the October 2022 round of the Bath Flash Fiction Award.

Emily runs The Grove Bookshop Writing Group and hosts regular Spoken Word Nights in Ilkley.

Andrea Mann is a screenwriter with six feature films currently in development with producers. Originally from the West Midlands, she has lived in Ilkley since 2022.

Andrea's writing career began in her late 30s, writing jokes, sketches and parody songs for topical comedy shows – including the long-running NewsRevue at the Canal Café Theatre London, and The News Quiz on BBC Radio 4.

Writing around her day job, she penned the romantic comedy Fado! in her 40s. Only the second feature script she’d ever written, it was optioned by Golden Globe-winning producer Gareth Wiley, with actors Emily Watson and Richard E Grant later being attached to star.

Her other feature films in development include an 80s jukebox musical, a Yorkshire-set romantic comedy, and a sports underdog movie based on true events. Her ‘wheelhouse’ is warm, uplifting comedy-drama, and she always centres women in her work.

Andrea professionally mentors beginner and emerging screenwriters, hosts the twice-monthly ‘Write-In’ at Outside The Box café – where people can drop in to do any kind of writing – and is passionate about encouraging and supporting others in their creative goals and dreams.

You can find out more about Andrea at: www.andreamann.com.