Getting Started With Your Novel

The next in the series of the Preston Writing Network's summer creative writing courses is Getting Started with Your Novel - a day-long workshop held at the New Continental, Broadgate. The course starts at 10am on August 22nd and finishes at 4pm: there'll be an hour for lunch and morning refreshments will be provided.

Have an idea but not sure if it’s got legs? Written the first page, first chapter, or first half and not sure where to go next? Having trouble deciding if your idea is for a novel, a story, or something else? Writing is a lonely business. Perhaps you want to develop a plan for an extended piece of work, or talk to others about how to create your own writing discipline. A reflective day with discussion, practical exercises and tips. Some writing experience needed, but enthusiasm and an idea for a novel (however vague) is essential. £35 per person. 20 people maximum.

To book, call Robyn on 01772 499207 or email robyn@newcontinental.net. For more details on the Creative Writing Summer School, click here.

Helena Pielichaty to visit Preston

Helena Pielichaty is the author of over twenty-five books for children, including the award-winning Simone series and the best selling Clubbing Together. On wednesday 5th August, between 2 - 3pm Helena will be at the National Football Museum to talk about her exciting new series, Girls FC.

Based around the Parrs U11s, Girls FC explores the world of girls' football in a twelve-book series that is aimed at 8-11 year olds. The series is released on the 3rd August with the first four books. Here's what Helena had to say about the series on her website:

Based around an U11s girls’ football team, the Parrs, the
series is a mix of my usual reality-bites-but-with-laughs story-lines. It kicks off with 9 year old football mad Megan Fawcett. All she wants is to get five minutes on the pitch for her school team but Mr Glasshouse, headmaster and coach, believes only the Y5s and Y6s should play in the first team. He barely notices her, even when she wears fairy wings and a tiara to training. So, after a chance meeting with Hannah Preston from the senior women’s squad, Megan starts her own team. A team just for girls; some from school, some from after school club and one from Lornton FC’s ground caught nicking stuff from the changing rooms!

As well as participating in the launch and having the chance to meet and talk
to the author, you'll be able to have a tour of the museum, watch a female
football freestyler in action and take part in the 'Goal-Striker' penalty
shoot-out. Helena will be signing books and you can find out more about her and
her writing life here.

The National Football Museum is on Sir Tom Finney Way, Preston and this looks to be a great afternoon out for younger PrestonWNers or their children! Places
are limited - to secure a place please email eve.warlow@walker.co.uk

Screenwriting Workshops with industry professional - and it's a freebie!

Hello there! Ruth here, and I'm posting from the pendelino, so expect an occasional delay and some slightly dubious tea. This opportunity is a cracker for all of you who are looking to expand your screenwriting skills and portfolio. You need to act quickly - deadline is Monday 29th June!

How to Get Ahead in Screenwriting - Summer Course & Masterclass

Signal Films is offering aspiring screenwriters in Lancashire and Cumbria the opportunity to take part in free scriptwriting training led by an industry expert this summer.

Tutor Rob Ritchie, former Head of Screenwriting at the National Film and Television School will guide trainees through the process of developing a short film script to industry standard during these special one-off courses taking place in Barrow-in-Furness and in Lancaster, with 15 places available on each course.

The 3 day courses will be followed by a 1 day intensive masterclass for all trainees on the principles of pitching and securing commissions and will be held in Barrow-in-Furness.
Additional places are available to attend the 1 day masterclass only simply by registering with Signal Films.

Screenwriting Courses:
Lancaster: Sat 11th, Sun 12th July, Sat 5th September 2009
10am – 5pm (Refreshments throughout the day and lunch will be provided)
The Storey Creative Industries Centre, Meeting House Lane, Lancaster, LA1 1TH

Barrow-in-Furness: Sat 25th, Sun 26th July, Fri 11th September 2009
10am – 5pm (Refreshments throughout the day and lunch will be provided)
The Dock Museum, North Road, Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, LA14 2PW

Masterclass:
Barrow: Sat 12th September
9.30 – 5pm (Refreshments throughout the day and lunch will be provided)
The Custom House, 1 Abbey Road, Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria

For a place on the course:
- Fill in the attached form, contact Anna on 01229 839983 or email signalfilms@gmail.com
- In your application please include your short film script(s) and if possible a current C.V.
- Deadline for applications for course: Monday 29th June 2009

For a place on the masterclass:

· To register for the masterclass only call Anna on 01229 839983 or email signalfilms@gmail.com
· Deadline for registration for a masterclass place: Fri 4th September 2009

***Course and masterclass costs are fully subsidised – applicants must be aged over 16 and living in Cumbria or Lancashire. Places are limited so be quick to register!***


This project is supported by Northwest Vision and Media, West Lakes Renaissance, Northern Rock Foundation, Barrow Borough Council and Furness Enterprise

Signal Films
6-9 Lawson Street
Barrow-in-Furness
LA14 2LN
01229 839983/01229 838592