Creative Writing Workshops with Jan Henley

Creative Writing Workshops

Some comments about the workshops…

‘Many thanks for a really great day!’

‘You encouraged everyone to get involved and comment with no fear of being put down.’

‘Jan is an exceptional teacher and seems to bring out the best in all of us.’

‘She makes me want to write.’

‘I enjoy every moment of your class.’

Once weekly day/evening classes (term-time only) at Northbrook College

1. Writers Workshop

Worthing. Monday 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. (from September 2008).

2. Writers Workshop

Worthing. Tuesday 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. (from September 2008).

3. Creative Writing Workshop

Shoreham & Southwick. Monday 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. (from Sept. 2008).

These informal workshops would suit beginners and more experienced writers. All types of writing welcome - fiction, non-fiction, life-writing, poetry, and drama. Work will be read and discussed in a helpful, friendly atmosphere with advice given about writing techniques and possible markets. Lots of ideas and motivation also provided.

All the classes at Northbrook College are on a yearly basis now, starting in September 08, ending in June 09, enrolling from early June 2008 when the brochure comes out. If you are interested in this for next September 2008, look out for the brochure available from Northbrook at West Durrington or Broadwater or from the library in June 2008. My creative writing workshops will be Mon evening (Broadwater) 7-9, Tues afternoon (Broadwater) 2-4 and Mon afternoon (Southwick) for the next academic year.

Each weekly session lasts 2 hours and the terms are similar to school dates - usually of 11, 11 and 8 weeks respectively so 30 in all. During the 30 weeks I try to cover most aspects of creative writing including aspects of writing fiction (for example, writing dialogue, creating characters, narrative voice) a few sessions on writing poetry and a few on article writing and plays. There will also be some sessions focusing on 'personal' writing and life writing and some which are intended to spark off ideas and motivation. Each session includes a 'workshop' where students can bring in something they have written (or a writing query) for discussion (although there will not be time for everyone to read every week) and a writing exercise - often in groups - to spark off ideas for writing. I also provide a handout on the week's subject and ideas for writing at home. The workshop is a good spring board for discussion amongst the group and I encourage everyone to give feedback on what they have heard. The aim is for everyone to work at their own pace and increase their own experience and knowledge - in these groups there is always a mix of beginners and more experienced writers and I feel this works well.

All workshops to be led by Jan Henley. Jan has written 10 novels and numerous short stories and articles for magazines. For further information, contact Northbrook College Admissions: 0800 183 60 60.

WEA Creative Writing in Chichester

Regular classes from September 2006. For more information please telephone 0800 328 1060 or check out the WEA website at www.wea.org.uk

Sussex Friends Centre and Sussex University
(Writing Short Stories and Novels)

An accredited course run by the Sussex Friends Centre and Sussex University: Writing Short Stories and Novels. (Tuesday evenings 6.45 – 8.45p.m. 30 weeks beginning Sept 2008).

Course Description

In the first term we shall be examining the various elements within fiction and practising aspects such as idea-finding, character-building, sense of place, conflict and tension, introspection and dialogue. There will be handouts, writing exercises and discussion during the sessions, and we will be looking at examples. Students will produce work to read in class, where constructive criticism and some written feedback on work submitted to the tutor will be given.

Students will be expected to do written work between classes and also keep a ‘writing journal’ in which they will reflect on their learning, any discoveries that they make and the development of their writing process.

In the second term, we shall be examining aspects of stories and novels in greater depth in terms of structure, plot and narrative technique, using illustrations. Students will continue to produce work to read in class and we will start focusing on developing an individual voice.

In the third term we will begin identifying and exploring themes that interest us as individuals and start working with some of the large themes of life: family relationships, belonging, identity, culture, effects of the past and experiences of loss, bigotry, poverty, love, sex etc using examples as illustration.

Regular attendance and participation in discussion is essential and students need to allow sufficient time outside the sessions for reading, and for preparing written work for the following week.

Please contact 01273 689265 (the Friends Centre, Brighton) or email info@friendscentre.org for details.

Courses at Missenden Abbey

Summer School 2008

Dates: 10th – 16th August 2008
Residential or non-residential available

The Course
As writers, how can we make our story or novel one that people will want to read? Through individual and group writing exercises, tutorial sessions, and friendly, constructive workshops we will be looking at ways to develop character, theme, symbolism, dialogue and narrative voice and structure in our creative writing.

This course aims to… enable students to improve their knowledge of narrative technique in the writing of fiction which they can use to work on and develop their own stories/ novels.
It is for… beginners and more experienced writers; anyone interested in writing fiction.

During the course… through a series of individual and group writing exercises, tutorial sessions and workshops, students will cover a range of narrative techniques. Topics will include the development of character and internal thought, the use of dialogue, ways of developing themes and symbolism, story structure, narrative voice and style.

The Venue
You can find out more about Missenden Abbey by going on to their web site: www.arca.uk.net/missendenabbey

All workshops to be led by Jan Henley.

Missenden Abbey provides a glorious setting. The Abbey is luxurious and there are lots of walks in the grounds and surrounding countryside. Students have the option of staying at the Abbey or attending workshops as a ‘day student’.

For more details and a brochure please contact Missenden Abbey. Tel: 01494 862904 or e mail: adultlearningchil@buckscc.gov.uk

Courses at Alston Hall, Preston.

RESIDENTIAL
COURSE CODE: PFMAP48C TUTOR: JAN HENLEY
COURSE TITLE: CREATING CHARACTERS AND STORIES : DATES: MONDAY - THURSDAY, 1ST - 4TH SEPTEMBER, 2008.

The course
In this friendly workshop we shall be exploring the art of characterisation.
Through exercises, group work, discussion and tutorials we shall develop
character profiles and see how using character action, dialogue and
introspection can produce exciting, three dimensional fictional characters
and page-turning stories.

The venue
Accommodation: Hand & Bath towels and soap are provided in each room along
with tea & coffee making facilities. Not all rooms are
en-suite but public facilities are available on the same floor as the
standard accommodation. A member of staff will be on duty throughout your
stay.
Catering: With prior notification, we can cater for vegetarian, vegan, low
fat, medically recommended and religious restricted diets. Please inform
the college of any changes to your dietary requirements. We record your
dietary requirements on our database for future reference.
Transport & Travelling: If you are travelling by road there is a full map
on the reverse of the brochure. The College minibus will pick up on request
only from the Meeting Point at the side of Preston Railway Station & from
Stand 41 on Preston Bus Station.

Alston Hall is a friendly and inspirational setting for a creative writing course. It is situated in beautiful countryside. And the food is absolutely fabulous...

For more details contact the college Tel: 01772 784661
email alstonhall@ed.lancscc.gov.uk web www.alstonhall.com

Winchester Writers Conference

Many workshops and talks feature in this conference at the end of June. Mine is a mini-course entitled Pitch and Presentation with Julia Bryant, aimed specifically at novelists who want to find out how best to pitch and present a novel to agents. (Friday 27th June 2008) 10-4p.m.
www.writersconference.co.uk
Tel: 01962 827238.

New Writing Retreat: Imagine…

Days of uninterrupted writing-time and me-time, in a place of tranquillity, with good food, warm weather and like-minded people. (And no housework…)

This is a new writing retreat/ holiday to take place at the end of May 2009 (20/5- 26/5).

The Venue
The venue is a 3 star hotel set in a stunning location in the Natural Park Sierra de las Nieves, Spain. This hotel is a 40 minute drive from Malaga airport, and sits in the mountains overlooking the charming spa-town of Tolox. It has magnificent panoramic views of the mountains, streams and pine forests of the area (check it out on www.cerrodehijar.com ). It has an outdoor swimming pool (with mountain views), very comfortable rooms with full en-suite facilities, and lots of areas – indoors and out –for writing. If you want exercise, there is excellent walking from the hotel and if you want to explore the village of Tolox, taxis are available to take you there and back. Best of all is the sense of tranquillity that you will find here – it’s a perfect writing retreat.

6 day writing course.
The course will be ideal for those working on a writing project and needing some uninterrupted writing time in order to focus and get some editorial feedback, and also for those writers who are looking for the motivation or ideas to begin a writing project. The group will be a maximum of ten and we will meet in the morning for (optional) writing motivation exercises designed to focus on developing a sense of place, characterisation, narrative voice etc. These exercises can be used to find new ideas but also to develop more depth in your existing work. Late afternoon there will be a workshop in which we will meet to share work, get constructive feedback and discuss writing issues that have emerged during the day. The rest of the time will be free for individual writing and I will be available to read and appraise your work and discuss it with you during the week.

What it will cost
The cost will be 845 euros (£670) for a single room ES. Twin rooms at a reduced rate (790 euros - £628) will be available (depending on demand). I am happy to welcome partners/ friends who are not participating in the writing holiday (fee for double or twin room without course is 640 euros - £508. There may be optional art trips for those not writing (at a small extra cost and depending on demand). We can benefit from this year’s prices by booking the hotel this year. I will be asking for an immediate deposit of 150 euros to secure your place, with the balance payable in February 2009. (Fee is payable in euros because of currency fluctuations, but you are welcome to pay at the current English currency rate of the time before Feb 2009 if you are concerned about this).

What it will include
• 6 nights at the hotel
• full board (a buffet breakfast, lunch, 3 course dinner)
• tea and coffee or juice throughout the day.
• the writing course
• meet and greet at Malaga airport
• transport to and from the hotel/ airport.

The flight will be extra, but there are many bargain flights available to Malaga from the UK and I am happy to liaise with you to help you book one.

If you would like to register interest in this course, contact me by e-mail.

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	*Creative Writing Workshops* Some comments about the workshops… ‘Many thanks for a really great day!’ ‘You encouraged everyone to get involved and comment with no fear of being put down.’ ‘Jan is an exceptional teacher and seems to bring out the best in all of us.’ ‘She makes me want to write.’ ‘I enjoy every moment of your class.’ Once weekly day/evening classes (term-time only) at Northbrook College 1. Writers Workshop Worthing. Monday 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. (from September 2008). 2. Writers Workshop Worthing. Tuesday 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. (from September 2008). 3. Creative Writing Workshop Shoreham & Southwick. Monday 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. (from Sept. 2008). These informal workshops would suit beginners and more experienced writers. All types of writing welcome - fiction, non-fiction, life-writing, poetry, and drama. Work will be read and discussed in a helpful, friendly atmosphere with advice given about writing techniques and possible markets. Lots of ideas and motivation also provided. All the classes at Northbrook College are on a yearly basis now, starting in September 08, ending in June 09, enrolling from early June 2008 when the brochure comes out. If you are interested in this for next September 2008, look out for the brochure available from Northbrook at West Durrington or Broadwater or from the library in June 2008. My creative writing workshops will be Mon evening (Broadwater) 7-9, Tues afternoon (Broadwater) 2-4 and Mon afternoon (Southwick) for the next academic year. Each weekly session lasts 2 hours and the terms are similar to school dates - usually of 11, 11 and 8 weeks respectively so 30 in all. During the 30 weeks I try to cover most aspects of creative writing including aspects of writing fiction (for example, writing dialogue, creating characters, narrative voice) a few sessions on writing poetry and a few on article writing and plays. There will also be some sessions focusing on 'personal' writing and life writing and some which are intended to spark off ideas and motivation. Each session includes a 'workshop' where students can bring in something they have written (or a writing query) for discussion (although there will not be time for everyone to read every week) and a writing exercise - often in groups - to spark off ideas for writing. I also provide a handout on the week's subject and ideas for writing at home. The workshop is a good spring board for discussion amongst the group and I encourage everyone to give feedback on what they have heard. The aim is for everyone to work at their own pace and increase their own experience and knowledge - in these groups there is always a mix of beginners and more experienced writers and I feel this works well. All workshops to be led by Jan Henley. Jan has written 10 novels and numerous short stories and articles for magazines. For further information, contact Northbrook College Admissions: 0800 183 60 60. WEA Creative Writing in Chichester Regular classes from September 2006. For more information please telephone 0800 328 1060 or check out the WEA website at www.wea.org.uk Sussex Friends Centre and Sussex University (Writing Short Stories and Novels) An accredited course run by the Sussex Friends Centre and Sussex University: Writing Short Stories and Novels. (Tuesday evenings 6.45 – 8.45p.m. 30 weeks beginning Sept 2008). Course Description In the first term we shall be examining the various elements within fiction and practising aspects such as idea-finding, character-building, sense of place, conflict and tension, introspection and dialogue. There will be handouts, writing exercises and discussion during the sessions, and we will be looking at examples. Students will produce work to read in class, where constructive criticism and some written feedback on work submitted to the tutor will be given. Students will be expected to do written work between classes and also keep a ‘writing journal’ in which they will reflect on their learning, any discoveries that they make and the development of their writing process. In the second term, we shall be examining aspects of stories and novels in greater depth in terms of structure, plot and narrative technique, using illustrations. Students will continue to produce work to read in class and we will start focusing on developing an individual voice. In the third term we will begin identifying and exploring themes that interest us as individuals and start working with some of the large themes of life: family relationships, belonging, identity, culture, effects of the past and experiences of loss, bigotry, poverty, love, sex etc using examples as illustration. Regular attendance and participation in discussion is essential and students need to allow sufficient time outside the sessions for reading, and for preparing written work for the following week. Please contact 01273 689265 (the Friends Centre, Brighton) or email info@friendscentre.org for details. Courses at Missenden Abbey Summer School 2008 Dates: 10th – 16th August 2008 Residential or non-residential available The Course As writers, how can we make our story or novel one that people will want to read? Through individual and group writing exercises, tutorial sessions, and friendly, constructive workshops we will be looking at ways to develop character, theme, symbolism, dialogue and narrative voice and structure in our creative writing. This course aims to… enable students to improve their knowledge of narrative technique in the writing of fiction which they can use to work on and develop their own stories/ novels. It is for… beginners and more experienced writers; anyone interested in writing fiction. During the course… through a series of individual and group writing exercises, tutorial sessions and workshops, students will cover a range of narrative techniques. Topics will include the development of character and internal thought, the use of dialogue, ways of developing themes and symbolism, story structure, narrative voice and style. The Venue You can find out more about Missenden Abbey by going on to their web site: www.arca.uk.net/missendenabbey All workshops to be led by Jan Henley. Missenden Abbey provides a glorious setting. The Abbey is luxurious and there are lots of walks in the grounds and surrounding countryside. Students have the option of staying at the Abbey or attending workshops as a ‘day student’. For more details and a brochure please contact Missenden Abbey. Tel: 01494 862904 or e mail: adultlearningchil@buckscc.gov.uk Courses at Alston Hall, Preston. RESIDENTIAL COURSE CODE: PFMAP48C TUTOR: JAN HENLEY COURSE TITLE: CREATING CHARACTERS AND STORIES : DATES: MONDAY - THURSDAY, 1ST - 4TH SEPTEMBER, 2008. The course In this friendly workshop we shall be exploring the art of characterisation. Through exercises, group work, discussion and tutorials we shall develop character profiles and see how using character action, dialogue and introspection can produce exciting, three dimensional fictional characters and page-turning stories. The venue Accommodation: Hand & Bath towels and soap are provided in each room along with tea & coffee making facilities. Not all rooms are en-suite but public facilities are available on the same floor as the standard accommodation. A member of staff will be on duty throughout your stay. Catering: With prior notification, we can cater for vegetarian, vegan, low fat, medically recommended and religious restricted diets. Please inform the college of any changes to your dietary requirements. We record your dietary requirements on our database for future reference. Transport & Travelling: If you are travelling by road there is a full map on the reverse of the brochure. The College minibus will pick up on request only from the Meeting Point at the side of Preston Railway Station & from Stand 41 on Preston Bus Station. Alston Hall is a friendly and inspirational setting for a creative writing course. It is situated in beautiful countryside. And the food is absolutely fabulous... For more details contact the college Tel: 01772 784661 email alstonhall@ed.lancscc.gov.uk web www.alstonhall.com Winchester Writers Conference Many workshops and talks feature in this conference at the end of June. Mine is a mini-course entitled Pitch and Presentation with Julia Bryant, aimed specifically at novelists who want to find out how best to pitch and present a novel to agents. (Friday 27th June 2008) 10-4p.m. www.writersconference.co.uk Tel: 01962 827238. New Writing Retreat: Imagine… Days of uninterrupted writing-time and me-time, in a place of tranquillity, with good food, warm weather and like-minded people. (And no housework…) This is a new writing retreat/ holiday to take place at the end of May 2009 (20/5- 26/5). *The Venue* The venue is a 3 star hotel set in a stunning location in the Natural Park Sierra de las Nieves, Spain. This hotel is a 40 minute drive from Malaga airport, and sits in the mountains overlooking the charming spa-town of Tolox. It has magnificent panoramic views of the mountains, streams and pine forests of the area (check it out on www.cerrodehijar.com ). It has an outdoor swimming pool (with mountain views), very comfortable rooms with full en-suite facilities, and lots of areas – indoors and out –for writing. If you want exercise, there is excellent walking from the hotel and if you want to explore the village of Tolox, taxis are available to take you there and back. Best of all is the sense of tranquillity that you will find here – it’s a perfect writing retreat. 6 day writing course. The course will be ideal for those working on a writing project and needing some uninterrupted writing time in order to focus and get some editorial feedback, and also for those writers who are looking for the motivation or ideas to begin a writing project. The group will be a maximum of ten and we will meet in the morning for (optional) writing motivation exercises designed to focus on developing a sense of place, characterisation, narrative voice etc. These exercises can be used to find new ideas but also to develop more depth in your existing work. Late afternoon there will be a workshop in which we will meet to share work, get constructive feedback and discuss writing issues that have emerged during the day. The rest of the time will be free for individual writing and I will be available to read and appraise your work and discuss it with you during the week. *What it will cost* The cost will be 845 euros (£670) for a single room ES. Twin rooms at a reduced rate (790 euros - £628) will be available (depending on demand). I am happy to welcome partners/ friends who are not participating in the writing holiday (fee for double or twin room without course is 640 euros - £508. There may be optional art trips for those not writing (at a small extra cost and depending on demand). We can benefit from this year’s prices by booking the hotel this year. I will be asking for an immediate deposit of 150 euros to secure your place, with the balance payable in February 2009. (Fee is payable in euros because of currency fluctuations, but you are welcome to pay at the current English currency rate of the time before Feb 2009 if you are concerned about this). What it *will include* • 6 nights at the hotel • full board (a buffet breakfast, lunch, 3 course dinner) • tea and coffee or juice throughout the day. • the writing course • meet and greet at Malaga airport • transport to and from the hotel/ airport. The flight will be extra, but there are many bargain flights available to Malaga from the UK and I am happy to liaise with you to help you book one. If you would like to register interest in this course, contact me by e-mail. Top of Page