The Hammond House International Literary Prize
Having won the 2018 Prize in the screenwriting category, I now have the privilege of being part of the judging team for the scripts that are entered each year.
The 2022 competition is now closed for entries. The theme for this year was CHANGES. There were categories for: short stories, poetry, songwriting, scripts and comedy. Have a look at the main Hammond House website to find out more. The 2023 competition will open for entries in February.
For the script category you will need to submit up to 10 pages, and it can be for theatre, radio, film or TV. I have written a Quick Guide to entering a script to the Hammond House competition, to help you avoid some common pitfalls (see below).
Online Screenwriting Workshops
I have written and filmed two screenwriting workshops for Hammond House Writers.
If you sign up to their site (it'sfree), you will get access to see these videos:
Plot vs Character - which is more important?
Story Beats - how to use a beat sheet to create stories
Writing Information
I've written a few Quick Guides to help answer question you might have about writing scripts for film, TV, theatre and radio. These are especially useful if you're confused about what format your script should be presented in.
There is also one about sending articles and stories to magazines.
If you are a beginner, and have questions about creative writing, please email me to suggest other Quick Guides that can be included.
There is now a video on my YouTube channel...
A Writer is Someone Who Writes
Do you worry about calling yourself a writer? This short video will hopefully reassure you that if you're writing things, even if it's just a fun letter to a friend, then that already makes you a writer...a writer is someone who writes!
Writing Therapy
Sarah's Book about Writing Therapy
How to Cope with Agoraphobia
I wrote a poem about agoraphobia, based on my own experiences, and posted it on my Facebook page. I was contacted by someone else who struggles with agoraphobia. They asked me how I've coped with it, so here are my top ten tips...If you have also experienced agoraphobia, please email me and let me know your tricks and techniques!
All of Sarah's groups have an emphasis on writing therapy, which covers both the enjoyment of being creative, and reflecting and incorporating personal thoughts and experiences in your writing.
Where: Online, via Zoom
When: Monthly, Wednesdays 10.30am - midday
Next session: 18th January
Cost: £10 per class
Covers: Script writing (film, TV, radio and theatre)
Quick summary: A small, friendly group for beginners who want to learn how to write scripts ; and those who have learnt the basics, but want to be challenged to write more regularly. Classes consist of discussions, writing exercises, and the chance to share your work.
If you are interested in joining this group, or have any questions, please email Sarah at crockford.writing@gmail.com
Writing Therapy Group
Where: More info soon
When: More info soon
Next session: More info soon
Cost: More info soon
Covers: Fiction, non-fiction, memoir, scripts, short stories, poetry, memoir and personal reflection
Quick summary: A small, friendly group for all stages of writer, including those who wish to be one! All types of writing encouraged . Classes consist of writing exercises, and the opportunity to share your work (this is optional).
If you are interested in joining this group or have any questions, please email Sarah at crockford.writing@gmail.com
Hildenborough Library Creative Writing Group
Where: Hildenborough Library
When: The second Thursday of each month, 10am - 11am.
Next meeting: Thurs 12th January
Cost: No charge - this is to encourage you to visit your local library!
Quick summary: A chance to learn about writing flash fiction and short stories, and share your work with others. Sessions will include several writing exercises for you to complete.
Please bring a pen and a notebook.
If you're interested, please email Sarah at crockford.writing@gmail.com, or pop into Hildenborough library and speak to Jacie.
The Novel Support Group
Where: Hildenborough Library
When: The first Tuesday every month, 2-3pm.
Next meeting: Tues 7th February
Cost: No charge - this is to encourage you to visit your local library!
Quick summary: Whether you have always harboured a desire to write a novel, or have already taken the plunge to have a go, writing that first draft can be a long, hard, and sometimes frustrating experience. If you need a bit of moral support, want to find answers to your questions about creative writing, or want to meet others going through a similar process, then this is the group for you. This group is also suitable if you have started other long creative writing projects eg a film screenplay, theatre script or an autobiography.
Please email Sarah for more details if you're interested in joining this group.
Do you enjoy creative writing, and have penned poems, short stories, sketches or audio dramas? Want to hear them on the radio? BBC Upload is a fantastic opportunity for anybody with a bit of creative passion to get themselves on the airwaves.
Visit the BBC Upload site for more information.
BBC Radio Kent Upload
Radio Kent Upload is a great opportunity to get your work heard throughout the local area. It's on every weekday night between 9 and 10pm, hosted by the irrepressible Leo Ulph.
