THE WRITE STUFF – Part I
Exclusive Writers Workshops - with Barbara Jane Mackie
‘an Anthony Minghella protégé’
Screenwriter, Novelist and BBC Script Editor, Barbara Jane Mackie will be holding Writing Workshops at the Blacksheep Club Lounge in Union Street, Ryde on the 13th, 14th and 15th of April.
With an extensive background in producing, writing and developing BBC dramas ‘Dangerfield’, ‘Bad Company’ and ‘Dalziel and Pascoe’, Barbara has developed her own writing over the years and had recently completed her first novel, the romantic comedy, ‘Eat the View.’ A Lecturer in screenwriting at Portsmouth and Southampton Solent Universities, Barbara has extensive experience of teaching and leading dynamic writing workshops and has recently received her Masters degree in Creative Writing.
An Island resident of six years, Barbara says the following: ‘The island is the perfect place to live as a writer. If you can’t get inspiration on the beaches and headlands here, then where can you get it? Ryde, too, was a favourite with Virginia Woolf and her literary set, and Woolf talked of ‘falling over poets and writers’ in this town. I hope to help to bring the heritage of writing, creating and living an artistic life back to the Island.’
A writing protégée of the late Anthony Minghella, Barbara is excited about her partnership with The Blacksheep. ‘It’s a perfect venue for us to share skills and develop our stories and poems to be read out on the third day to an invited audience. The building has such great history, and atmosphere. It will be fun!’
Annie Horne, owner of the Blacksheep said “We are very happy that Barbara has chosen The Blacksheep Club Lounge to host these creative workshops and we have been actively involved in helping to make the whole event happen. I am also looking forward to working with Barbara in the future in developing special creative events to be hosted in Ryde”
In her three day workshop, which will be fun, lively, supportive and inspiring, Barbara will be leading new and established writers through the steps she herself took to launch into a novel and complete it. Writing exercises and literary techniques will be taught in a warm and supportive atmosphere. ‘Writers just starting out, or established writers looking to invigorate their work will all be most welcome.’
‘There is a lot of fear around writing, even with writers who are itching to write and clearly talented. I found that myself, when starting my novel, so I want to share the steps I took with other writers.
I will be running further workshops at The Blacksheep: The Write Stuff – Part II’ – in May, a follow up, where writers can hone their writing skills, and further workshops covering ‘Screenwriting’ in June, and finally finish with a three day Writing Festival, ‘Write here, Write now’ at The Black Sheep in July. Guest speakers from the TV and Literary world will be invited to the final festival.’
The Write Stuff – Part I
Dates 13, 14 & 15 April – Cost to enrol for this first three day workshop £130
Workshop Content:
Day One: The Short Story – writing exercises and feedback. Building your craft.
Day Two: The Novel – the biggie. How to approach and develop your first novel.
(Writers invited to join Barbara at dinner at The Black Sheep at 7.30pm Saturday
This is optional and not included in the cost. Book dinner direct with The Blacksheep
Day Three: Poetry and writing presentations. Writers can invite friends and family to listen to their work at 4.00pm (Barbara will be joined by colleague Anna Barzotti, Poet and performer.)
Cost: £130 for three days to include lunches, teas and coffees
Payment to The Black Sheep Bar – 01983 811006 or email: info@theblacksheepbar.co.uk
(Places limited – please book early)
Notes to Editors:
Future writing workshops:
The Write Stuff – Part II will be held in May
Screenwriting Workshop will be held in June
Writing Festival – Write here, Write now will be held in July
For further information or interview with Barbara Mackie:
Barbara Mackie: barbara.mackie@btinternet.com or 07856 030 123
Annie Horne: annie@theblacksheepbar.co.uk 01983 811008 or 07968 876 845
