Finding the Words

Service Description

In this 3 hour workshop we will be exploring the theme of the exhibition 'When words fail' and preparing writing in your preferred form for potential performance. We will finding inspiration in the exhibition and working on ways to evoke and describe speechlessness in fiction, poetry and creative non fiction. Perhaps you want to describe the emotions a character feels when they are too shocked by another's behavior to speak, or maybe you would like to write about a time in your life when you were so happy, angry, or in love to find the words to express yourself. Sometimes the unspoken is far more powerful than the spoken. In the last part of the session, we will be looking at editing and preparing your writing to perform before an audience. This workshop is suitable for everyone. No experience in writing or performance is needed - only an open heart and a willingness to look and learn. Objectives: To learn inventive and engaging writing techniques to explore seemingly impossible themes. To learn some tips on preparing your writing for performance. Please bring along pen and paper, or if preferred, laptop or ipad. Tea and coffee will be provided. Feedback from previous workshops: 'For me, this [workshop] was an almost spiritual experience' Student - Craven Arts House 2025 'Nicola is friendly and knowledgeable. I learned so much in the workshop'. Student - Armagh Literary Festival 2019 About your Tutor: The tutor's name is Nicola Hill. She is a published writer of fiction and creative non fiction and has worked for many years as a creative writing tutor in the community and for the Open University. In 2019 she achieved her Phd in Creative writing. She is also a visual artist and often uses images alongside her written work. She has plenty of experience of performing her writing in public.