Writing and being a witness in momentous times – with Roy McFarlane
There’s something about momentous moments; Coronation of King Charles III, Death of Princess Diane, the assassination of JFK, the moon landing or England winning the World Cup. Whether they be wars, earthquakes or elections we’ll be using these momentous times to write our own personal stories or use these events as springboards to see where characters might begin their journey.
Remember when writing with a distance from the event, there’s something powerful happening when we’re several days or weeks or decades removed, relying on fractured or fabricated memory, which creates spaces for you to write into and lift the story from the mundane to the lyrical.
About the tutor
Roy Mcfarlane is a Poet, Playwright and former Youth and Community Worker born in Birmingham of Jamaican parentage, spending most of his years living in Wolverhampton and the Black Country, now residing in Brighton. He is currently a Poetry Book Society collection selector and the National Canal Laureate.
The former Birmingham Poet Laureate has co-edited Celebrate Wha? Ten Black British Poets from the Midlands (Smokestack). His three collections are published by Nine Arches Press: Beginning With Your Last Breath and The Healing Next Time (shortlisted for the Ted Hughes and longlisted for the Jhalak Prize). His greatly anticipated third collection Living by Troubled Waters is out now. He’s performed nationally and internationally sharing his passion for social justice, equality, identity love and the healing power of poetry as a witness to our times.
About First Tuesday Writers
First Tuesday Writers is here to keep your writing fresh. Taking place on the first Tuesday of every month, each 90 minute session offers a deep dive into a writer’s creative world – designed to challenge and energise you, and lead you to new creative discoveries.
Every writer and every form of writing has something unique that we can learn and put to use in our own work. These workshops are all opportunities to learn from radically diverse writers – including poets, bloggers, crime writers and much more. Drop in for one or two events or sign up to them all: either way, you’ll leave buzzing, and ready to do your best and most innovative work.
Low cost places available
We believe the price of our courses should never be a barrier to your learning. If you are unable to pay for a place on this event, contact us to apply for a bursary place.