Why not join us this summer?

We are running a series of three online workshops, led by award-winning writers. Alumni and Friends of States are welcome.

  1. Advanced Creative Writing Skills for Publication with Mahsuda Snaith on 19th June (7.30pm-9pm). Booking: https://DMUAlumniWritersNetwork-Masterclass_1.eventbrite.co.uk
  2. Tips for a Professional Writing Career with Mahsuda Snaith on 26th June (7.30pm-9pm). Booking: https://DMUAlumniWritersNetwork-Masterclass-2.eventbrite.co.uk
  3. The Devil is in the Details with Alison Moore on 4th July (7.00pm-8.30pm). Booking: https://DMUAlumniWritersNetwork-Masterclass-3.eventbrite.co.uk

You are welcome at one, two, or all three workshops! Read on for full workshop details.

Advanced Creative Writing Skills for Publication

In this online masterclass, award winning novelist, short story writer and writing coach Mahsuda Snaith will guide you through the key elements of creating stories that captivate and grab the attention of both agents and publishers. How can you give your writing the edge in a competitive industry whilst also staying true to your creative ambitions? With practical exercises, there will also be an opportunity to ask Mahsuda questions as well as discuss your ambitions in small groups.

Tips for a Professional Writing Career

In this online masterclass, award winning writer Mahsuda Snaith will guide you through her top tips for a professional writing career. As a writer of novels, short stories and currently working on a script for the adaptation of her first novel, Mahsuda will talk through the different ways she has managed her writing career and what the reality of writing for a living entails. There will be an opportunity to ask Mahsuda your own questions as well as practical exercises and small group discussions. 

The Devil is in the Details

In this workshop, we’ll be looking at recurring elements in a range of short stories. Focusing on the images of the birds in Daphne du Maurier’s ‘The Birds’, we’ll consider how a threatening atmosphere is introduced, developed and sustained. We’ll also discuss the use and impact of subtle motifs such as the knitting in Julio Cortázar’s ‘House Taken Over’. I’ll be talking about examples in my own work too, including the writing and editing process, and we’ll do some writing exercises.