‘Most of the basic material a writer works with is gathered before the age of fifteen.’

Willa Cather

Write into Childhood is a course for anyone who has ever been a child and is longing to re-wild their imaginations; who values childhood and young adult experience as central to who we are and what we become; who is inspired to write into childhood realities or fantasy/dream worlds; who has read a children’s or YA story that has helped them navigate through life and would like a go at writing one. Over this six week course Sita will share many techniques to access writing stories for readers aged from five through to middle grade to Young Adults and adults!

Week 1) Sita presents her patchwork storytelling quilt in a brainstorm of creativity starting with a naming ceremony and finding your ‘voice.’

Week 2) Exploring Rites of Passage stories. Sharing inspirations. The role and depiction of adults in children’s and YA fiction and the need for Intergenerational diverse stories.

Week 3) Experimenting! Trying out a range of fun and random techniques to build character and connection to landscape, place and plot.

Week 4) Writing dialogue that sings – a myriad of methods and the vital place of reading aloud!

Week 5) Into the wilds. Entering the magical, surreal symbolism of the storytelling woods of childhood. Settling on the form and genre that fits your storytelling – novel, memoir, poetry, free verse, play, novella or illustrated novel.

Week 6) Testing your story. The value of workshopping with readers. Daring to change and grow new patchwork pieces for your story. Reflecting on the patchwork pieces collected so far.

Zoom delivery. Cost £140. Autumn Two: Evenings Tuesdays 6.30-9pm Nov 8, 15, 22, 29, Dec 6, 13.