Write Away in Ilkley: Find Your Writing Voice Workshop

'Your writing voice is the deepest possible reflection of who you are... In your voice, your readers should be able to hear the contents of your mind, your heart, your soul.' Meg Rosoff

What do people mean by a 'writing voice'? How do you identify your own and then use it on the page?

Join short fiction writer Emily Devane and screenwriter Andrea Mann for a morning workshop of practical writing activities, tips and inspiration to help you find and develop your writing voice. Together, we'll explore how to uncover the voice that's unique to you.

There will be advice and tips from Emily and Andrea, drawn from their own writing experience, plus interactive sessions filled with examples and guidance to elevate your writing.

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

Write Away workshops are your opportunity to dedicate some time to your writing - whatever kind of writing you're doing.

When: 10am-1pm, Saturday, 24 January

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

What's the format?

• 9.45-10am – Arrival and welcome; teas and coffees served.
• 10-11.25am – What is 'voice'? Finding and excavating your own.
• 11.25-11.35am - Break for refreshments.
• 11.35-12.50pm - Using and developing your writing voice.
• 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. Though you'll get an email from us ahead of the session with some questions to think about in advance.

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.

Testimonials: What people have been saying about Write Away workshops

'Great tutors, great setting. Very positive and pragmatic approach - demystifies writing, brings it down to earth.' Murna

'Thank you for a really enjoyable and inspiring workshop! Came away with lots of very useful info, tips and ideas.' Marie

'Loved the workshop. Excellent overview - great for beginners and people who have written lots before!' Helen

'Helped to remind me how to get back to the heart of why I write and how to move on when stuck or struggling. Great fun!' Alice

'Simply put, it was great!' Tony

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.