Workshop to Teach Aspiring Authors the ‘Write Stuff’

Budding novella writers are being ink-couraged to sign up for a workshop with creative writing expert and published author Robert Graham organised by Rochdale Borough Libraries.

Mr Graham, who leads the BA (Hons) Creative Writing course at Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU), will visit Heywood Library on Saturday, 1 March, from 2-3.30pm.

The workshop for just 15 lucky writers will begin with a discussion about what the distinguishing characteristics of a novella are. Most of the workshop will then be spent looking at specific elements of fiction-writing craft, which will involve writing exercises so bring along a pen and a notebook.

Mr Graham said: “The short novel is experiencing a renaissance at the moment. It’s ideal for book lovers who are on the move and using tablets and e-readers.”

For further information or to book a place at the event, contact Stock and Reader Development Manger Joanne Eaves on 01706 924941 or joanne.eaves@rochdale.gov.uk

Councillor Peter Williams, Cabinet member for Economic Development and Customer Services, said: “This is a great opportunity from any aspiring authors to get some top tips to improve their writing from a published author and if they enter the novella competition we may soon be stocking their story in the borough’s libraries.”

The workshop event ties in with the launch of a new novella writing competition, The MMU Novella Award, with a prize of £1,000, plus publication by Sandstone Press. It aimed squarely at e-reader users in search of good short reads and entries must be between 20,000 and 40,000 words long.

Jane Mathieson, coordinator of Time To Read, a partnership between 22 library authorities in the North West, said: “Novellas can get lost on library shelves, so this gives us an opportunity to bring them to the attention of readers. We will also be supporting entrants to the competition by hosting a series of writing workshops. It’s exciting to be in at the start of something new.”

The winner of the award will be announced at a one-day Novella Festival, held at MMU’s Cheshire campus in July, where there will also be readings, talks and panel discussions.

The closing date for the competition is 23 May 2014.

Further details can be found at www.mmunovellaaward.org.uk: Kat Dibbits at MMU 0161 247 5278 or Eilidh Smith at Sandstone Press 07901 914 596