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A new series of creative writing workshops have been launched to encourage wordsmiths in their late-20s and early-30s to improve their skills, meet like-minded people…and sip on wine.
The 'Wine and Write' workshop series aims to promote creative social activities for young islanders, regardless of their level of experience.
The sessions are designed for "young millennial and old gen-z" writers of all levels, and will take place at the Jersey Library in the run-up to the Jersey Festival of Words in September.
The festival, which aims to promote a love of the written and spoken word, will feature over 60 events from a diverse range of writers between 20 and 29 September.
Hey it’s my two favourite things! ???? & ✍????
— Martha MacDonald (@marthabmacd) April 19, 2024
Super jazzed to be running this workshop for @JerseyWordFest next month. Book your tickets so I don’t have to drink and scribble alone (aka a normal Thursday evening for me) ???? https://t.co/rNthBV4DQ4
The organisers wanted to create a space that specifically catered to young people to get them involved and raise awareness about the Jersey Festival of Words.
The 'Wine and Write' workshops therefore aim to address a notable gap in Jersey's literacy scene — something that Festival Assistant Ellen Baker experienced when she returned to the island after studying in the UK.
The Warwick University graduate said: "When I returned to the island, I felt as though there was a real lack of creative social activities that didn't feel 'stuffy' or 'formal'.
"I wanted to create an event that you would expect to be in a bustling city like Bristol or London."
Pictured: Martha MacDonald has worked as a playwright in residence with theatre companies like Paines Plough and RIFT, is a credited writer on the Radio 4 comedy show ‘DM’s Are Open’ and was shortlisted for a Funny Women Award in the Content Creator category in 2022.
The first workshop – led by freelance writer, comedian and playwright Martha MacDonald – will be held in The Workspace on the first floor of the library on Thursday 16 May at 18:00.
Martha, who started writing at the age of 14, said: “I’m delighted that the Festival of Words has asked me to run the first workshop in the ‘Wine and Write’ series.
"As someone who started writing professionally as a direct result of creative opportunities on-island when I was a teenager, I hope that these sessions will inspire other young Jersey writers and get them involved in the wonderful work of the local literary festival."
The 27-year-old added: "My vision for the workshop is that it will be a low-pressure, relaxed and fun atmosphere to generate some new ideas.
"I hope that people will leave with a (not just wine-induced) buzz and a renewed excitement for their writing projects!”
Tickets cost £15 per person and include the full workshop as well as drinks. They can be booked by emailing ellen@jerseyfestivalofwords.org.
Details of further events will be released soon, and more information can be found here.
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