Location: Brighton, East Sussex

Address: commences on Palace Pier, Madeira Drive, Brighton BN2 1TW

Date: Saturday 19th July 2025

Time: 10am - 5pm

Workshop Number: BR190725

Price: £47 standard / £42 concessions (senior citizens/disabled persons)

Duration: 7 hours, including lunch/coffee breaks

Class Size: Maximum 10 students (6 required for workshop to proceed)*

(*Once enrolled, should the course not go ahead and there is not a suitable alternative course you’d like to transfer to, you will receive a full and immediate refund. Please note: refunds via PayPal or Eventbrite usually take 3-5 working days.)

Format: In-group discussion, comprehensive notes/worksheets and writing exercises via walking between locations.

*Please note: though the overall distance covered is relatively small (1-3 miles max for the whole day), the ability to walk comfortably is important.

Age: all ages, though under 18s to be accompanied by an adult.

(I am DBS checked)

This creative writing workshop is suitable for beginners, writers with projects underway or those looking for a fresh injection of inspiration. It is perfect for all genres and also those wishing to write short stories.

Workshop description: Whether new to creative writing or a seasoned author, this workshop focuses on exploring and practising (via writing exercises) the key ingredients necessary to bring together to write full, rich and compelling prose, to make your writing sparkle and to deliver the very best reader experience possible.

No matter your chosen genre (be it crime, sci-fi, romance, a biography), the lessons taught will allow your writing to form the deep bonds and connections required to hook your reader and keep those pages turning, creating a delicious momentum as your story builds towards its conclusion.

In fiction writing, we’re creating a literary experience relevant to the genre in which we’re writing. Our readers want escapism; they want to be entertained, gripped, thrilled, moved emotionally (again, relevant to our chosen genre). And so, by learning the techniques and triggers to deliver that, we will be well on our way to creating truly memorable work.

You don’t need to have a story idea to participate, as I can supply, via a host of prompts, numerous scenarios to get you creating. And this workshop develops that idea through the day via the afore-mentioned writing exercises, until, by the end of the day, you will have created your very own story, featuring a protagonist, a location, a set up, a plot twist and an ending.

Route of the day: Whilst being weather-dependent, this is the tried and tested route that brings such inspiring results:

With comprehensive accompanying notes, this workshop commences by the fabulous clock tower at the entrance to the iconic Palace Pier. From there, we head west along the seafront, marvelling at the panoramic views before crossing over to have a coffee in JB’s American Diner, where we chat and start the first of our many writing exercises.

From there, we head north up Lion Street, moving into the delightful, bustling Lanes district to our next stop - Cafe Coho in Ship Street, chosen for its wonderful staff, delicious coffee and fabulous views of the once Holy Trinity Church (40 Duke Street), which is now the Fabrica arts and events space. In this heartbeat area of Brighton, we are blessed with culture, inspiration and influences to capture and incorporate in our own writing, to ensure our work becomes as alive and engaging as possible.

Building our plots, character profiles and potentials for drama, tension and jeopardy as we go - from here, we continue through the Lanes, meandering east, heading for the breathtaking majesty of the oriental Royal Pavilion - such a wonderful place to practice our location descriptions; the idea for the whole day being that, with our minds creatively-focused, we can soak-in the countless influences and possibilities around us as we consider the vital ingredients that build through the start, middle and ends of our stories.

Honestly, being ‘out on the street’ is, to me, the most exciting part of the creative process, where we cannot fail to be inspired by the endless opportunities afforded, e.g., detailing street lamps, cobbles and architecture etc. that gives a place its unique flavour; absorbing the hustle and bustle, nature, history and all the other characteristics to make the reader feel there - in the location/setting of your choice.

And finally, we return to Palace Pier for the best way to end the day - to watch the sunset and the jaw-dropping starling “murmuration” as they swoop and swirl in their hundreds of thousands to roost for another night on the glorious south coast. Perhaps the ultimate supporting cast to feature in your story? Why not - the creative world is your oyster.

In summary: It is always a wonderfully creative, insightful and inspiring day that will take your writing to the next level. And there’s nothing like being in the company of fellow-creatives to inspire you to achieve your writing goals.

Some of the key elements you will learn:

Structure

Character

Location

Dramatic event

Reaction to dramatic event

Resolution

Plotting, plot twists & pace

Plus, you will gain insights into the delivery of your story, creating the very best reader experience possible.

Reviews: “Such an exciting day which really kickstarted my writing. And so much fun!” Sarah, Oxford.

“This workshop is a game changer. It opened my eyes to everything that’s required to write a full, rich book. I learn best by actually doing it, rather than being in a classroom. Superb!” Ryan, Bromley.

FAQ

Are there any session requirements? Yes, you’ll need basic written and spoken English skills to benefit from it.

Is previous creative writing experience required? No.

Are there any other costs? No, unless you wish to buy food or refreshments on the day.

When do we have lunch? At approx the midway point (12.30-1pm), so I’d recommend a good breakfast beforehand and bringing food to snack on. Given the radius within which we are working, there are countless eateries en route, allowing us flexibility to stop as the group wishes.

Is there anything I need to bring? Just your own writing materials – pens, paper, laptop etc.

What to wear: please dress accordingly for the unpredictable weather. Good walking shoes is a must. And as mentioned, the workshop entails walking from location to location, so please ensure this is comfortable for you.

Weather: should this be against us, we will still be able to complete the workshop as there are countless venues where we can work indoors.

Refund policy: once enrolled, should the workshop not go ahead and there is no suitable alternative workshop/course you’d like to transfer to, you will receive a full and immediate refund. Please note: refunds via PayPal or Eventbrite usually take 3-5 working days.

To Enrol:

Please select from the ‘Workshop Prices’ drop-down menu, then enter the workshop number (BR190725), add any special instructions (e.g. is this purchase a gift? If so, who for? / do you, or the recipient, require special access etc.), then click ‘Buy Now’ to be taken through to your PayPal account.

Should you not have a PayPal account, alternative payment methods are available. Please email me to discuss.

Thank you for reading and should you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to email me on: dominic@creative-writer.co.uk

I very much hope to work with you on your writing goals.

Best wishes & happy writing!

Dominic

Dominic Canty

dominic@creative-writer.co.uk

www.creative-writer.co.uk