Writing Information
For all you budding writers out there, I'm writing a few 'quick guides' to get you started. The first three are below.
- The Hammond House International Literary Prize 2021 is now closed for submissions. I am part of the judging team for the scripts. The 2022 competition will be open for entries in February following the awards ceremony. You can now enter theatre and radio scripts, but if you fancy having a go at writing a short film, and have never tried writing a script, you can read the 'quick guide to screenwriting basics'. I have recently added 'a quick guide to writing radio scripts' and 'a quick guide to writing theatre scripts'. If you want some guidance of how to enter a script into the Hammond House competition, there's a quick guide for that too.
- If you enjoy writing short stories or non-fiction articles, and wondered how to get them into a magazine, have a look at the 'quick guide to writing for magazines'.
- I've filmed a couple of short screenplay masterclasses for Hammond House, they will be available to view soon on Hammond House Writers. They will guide you through a series of exercises, to help understand and practise the topics of:
- Character versus Plot
- Story Beats
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: Weekly, Wednesdays 10.30am - midday (term time)
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.
This is a small group. There are currently spaces available.
If you are interested in joining this group, or have any questions, please email Sarah at crockford.writing@gmail.com
Finding inspiration and getting creative
Where: Online, via Zoom
When: more details soon
Cost: £10 per class.
Covers: Fiction, non-fiction, memoir, poetry, 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: January 13th *
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 (who will be running the group) at crockford.writing@gmail.com, or pop into Hildenborough library and speak to Michael Kent (keep an eye on the board out the front for opening days/ times).
*Sessions may have to be cancelled at short notice because of Covid issues - if you wish to be kept informed, please email Sarah to be added to the contact list.
The Novel Support Group
Where: Hildenborough Library
When: Once a month, day and time to be confirmed soon
Next meeting:
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. Although the main focus is for novels, this group is also suitable if you have started other long creative writing projects eg a film screenplay or an autobiography.
Please email Sarah for more details if you are interested in this new 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.
