Introducing Focus Workshops:

Time is a challenge for all of us. I've talked to many people who've been interested in attending my in-depth day courses at Trinity College but haven't been able to make a particular date. I also know that some would-be writers are reluctant to sign up for a long course with a commitment to attend every week for months at a time. We're all juggling our busy lives and our many commitments - how can you find time to be a writer?

So I've designed Fictionfire Focus Workshops for you: a rolling programme of Saturday afternoon workshops on particular aspects of writing. You choose when you want to attend. You choose how many you wish to attend. Focus Workshops offer you the perfect compromise between making a regular commitment to pursuing the art and craft of writing and the freedom to cherry-pick those topics which most interest you. If you choose to attend regularly, over time you'll benefit from the cumulative experience of classes that cover all the elements of a full fiction-writing course.

Whether you're just starting out or are more experienced, you'll explore techniques and engage in fun writing exercises in the company of other writers, in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

Here's how it works:

I'll post on this page of the website the upcoming topics for the next block of Focus Workshops. I'll also notify everyone who has joined my mailing list (if you want to be added to the list, please sign up using the form on the Home Page of the site). You can then choose to sign up for single workshops or several: flexibility is the key. Come as often as you wish, to suit you.

If you book more than one Workshop in a particular block, discounts will be available. You can book via my online shop using Paypal, or you can print off and send my Booking Form along with a cheque. Check the workshop Terms and Conditions before you make your booking. Please also email me  to let me know which Workshops you're booking.

Preferably, bookings should be made by the Saturday before the Workshop you wish to attend. There will be a minimum class size of three: if fewer than three people sign up for any particular workshop, it will be cancelled and I'll recommend you book an individual consultation instead.

Focus Workshops will be held at my home in Oxford: full details will be sent when you make your booking. The Workshops run from 2-5 p.m. - tea, coffee and cake will be served. Each workshop costs £25: if you book two workshops at the same time, you'll pay £45 (a discount of £5) and if you book three, the price will be £65 (a discount of £10). 

Focus Workshops: Winter 2012 Block

1   January 21st      Cracking Openings 2

     This course was such a success in the autumn block of workshops that I'm running a second course - you can join us even if you missed the first part as I will briefly reprise what we covered there before going on to look at more ways of getting your story started and your reader hooked. (NOTE: Please make your booking by January 18th) 

2   February 4th      A Sense of Place

In this workshop we'll look at how crucial location is to your story - and how to transport your reader into it through description, imagery and atmosphere. (NOTE: NOW FULLY BOOKED - KEEP CHECKING THE SITE FOR ANNOUNCEMENTS OF NEW WORKSHOPS. EMAIL ME AT INFO@FICTIONFIRE.CO.UK  IF YOU WISH TO BE PUT ON A WAITING LIST IN CASE ANYONE IS UNABLE TO ATTEND)

3   February 18th     The Inner Lives of Characters

You can choose to bring a character to life by focussing on external aspects such as clothing, possessions and houses. This can be very effective. In this workshop, though, we'll look at the psychological and emotional dimensions, exploring how to convince your reader of the character's inner life, drawing them into your character's mind, heart and soul. (NOTE: NOW FULLY BOOKED - KEEP CHECKING THE SITE FOR ANNOUNCEMENTS OF NEW WORKSHOPS. EMAIL ME AT INFO@FICTIONFIRE.CO.UK IF YOU WANT TO BE PUT ON A WAITING LIST IN CASE ANYONE IS UNABLE TO ATTEND)

If you have any questions about these workshops or if you want to suggest a topic you'd like to see covered in future workshops, please get in touch at info@fictionfire.co.uk . The Dynamic Dialogue workshop in the autumn was particularly popular, so if you would like me to run that again, please let me know.