Ever wanted to write short stories? Ever wanted to sell them?

This is a one-day, commercially focused course to help you unlock your writing potential and get your short stories published.

Who can come on the course?

Anyone who wants to write stories!! People of any age, sex and background can write. I’d be delighted to work with anyone with a genuine interest in storytelling and a desire to do something with even the slightest spark of writing ability.

What will be covered?

The content of the course will be twofold:

Creating a Story: For this I will cover generating ideas, plot structure, character work, dialogue, and beginnings and endings. I will look to work with each participant to create a piece and then develop it using different writing techniques. There will be a chance for a brief, individual critique.

Targeting a Market: I will provide full advice and guidelines on what the major women’s magazines are looking for and will help participants focus their writing to meet these and sell their stories.

Who is running it?

My name is Joanna Barnden. I’m 36, I have an M.A. in English Lit from Cambridge University, and lecture in Creative Writing for the Open University. I’ve been writing part-time for five years and am now published regularly in Women’s Weekly, Bella, Take a Break, My Weekly, People’s Friend and Yours. I’ve had over 100 stories and serials published (samples available on request). I won a BBC short story competition in 2003 as well as a highly commended in the East Midlands Playwriting competition and I’ve had a one act play performed in Chesterfield’s Pomegranate Theatre.

Short stories are my main income source and it’s a job I love. I firmly believe, however, that I could have dramatically shortened the time it has taken me to get my current success with a bit more creative and commercial know-how. These are what I aim to provide on this course.

When and where will it be held?

The course will be held on Saturday April 18th 2009, overlooking the sea in Praa Sands, near Penzance from 9.30am to 4.30pm. Full directions provided on booking.

How much will it cost?

The cost of the day is £80. This will include all tutoring, course materials and information packs to take home. It will also include all refreshments and a full, home-cooked lunch. You can look to earn between £85 and £400 for a published story so it shouldn’t take you long to recoup this!

Recommendations:

“A most enjoyable day. Joanna’s knowledge and enthusiasm are infectious – I feel inspired again.”

“Joanna has really helped me to see where I’ve been going wrong. A very informative and challenging day.”

“Thank you for such a full and friendly day. Your help and advice has been invaluable.”

Contact me any time on: 01332 824405 or joannabarnden@tiscali.co.uk