Today I am sending out a newsletter about my line up of weekly classes and workshops for the coming months (I love the autumn!) and I thought it might be a good idea post it here also. It is nearing the time when we begin planning what we’ll do in September and I’d love to learn Italian. I’ve been saying this for years, but I’m really going to put in the effort to find a class this autumn. Here’s what else I’ll be doing:
WEEK LONG ADULT WRITING COURSE
Firstly I am running a week-long intensive writing course for ADULTS from 22nd – 26th August. It will be best suited to people who have attended a writing course before and want to further develop their skills and works in progress (however beginners are also welcome). The cost of the course is €150 and it runs in Skerries Mills from 10.30a.m.-3p.m. for five days. During this course I will be building on the topics covered during the adult courses last month and before the summer break.
ONE DAY ADULT NOVEL WRITING WORKSHOP
Secondly, I am running a one day workshop for adults on ‘Beginning a Novel: The First Three Chapters’ on Saturday 3rd September in Skerries Mills. It runs from 10.30a.m. to 3p.m. and costs €45. It will be suited to people who have already begun to work on a novel, or have an idea for one that they want to write, but aren’t quite sure how to begin. The first three chapters of a novel are the most important as they are what you send to a publisher or literary agent to attract a deal. There are key elements needed to make the opening chapters of your novel as good as they can be, and we will discuss those on the day. As with all of my classes, the group size will be limited to twelve.
ADULT WEEKLY CLASSES
Following on from that, my Autumn/Christmas term of classes begins on Monday 12th September with my popular Monday morning ADULT class in Skerries Mills from 10.30a.m to 12.30p.m. I find this class a great start to the week. We get our writing done, natter over coffee in the Cafe during the break, and head off with homework full of good intentions for the week. Students will be asked to do homework which we will workshop together in class. There is no compulsion on anyone to do homework, but it is the best way to get the most out of this writing course. The adult thirteen week term costs €235 if booked, and paid for, before 25th August or €260 thereafter (with the option to pay in two installments of €130). Class size is limited to twelve.
CHILDREN’S AFTER SCHOOL CLASSES
For CHILDREN, I am running afternoon classes in Skerries Mills on Thursdays (beginning 15th Sept) from 2.55p.m. – 3.55p.m. for 8-10 year olds, and from 4 -5p.m. for 10-13 year olds. (The age groups need not be strictly adhered to, so if one time suits your child better than another let me know).
Also After School classes for children begin in St. Oliver Plunkett’s School in Malahide beginning on Tuesdays (13th September) from 4 – 5p.m. and from 5 – 6p.m. Both class sessions suit 8 to 13 year olds. My Malahide class has become increasingly popular and that is why this term I have decided to run a second class on a Tuesday afternoon.
A new option for children will take place next term in Balscadden Community Centre beginning on Wednesday 14th September from 3- 4p.m. for 8 to 13 year olds.
All children’s classes run for thirteen weeks and cost €155 if booked, and paid before, 25th August or €170 thereafter (with an option to pay in two installments of €85)** Class size is limited to twelve.
TEENAGE CLASSES
This term I am planning to run a TEENAGE Creative Writing class upstairs in the Skerries Bookshop on Mondays from 5p.m. to 6p.m. It will begin on Monday 12th September and will be suited to 12 to 16 year olds. The term runs for thirteen weeks and costs €170 if booked, and paid for, before 25th August or €185 thereafter (with an option to pay in two installments of €92.50). The class size is limited to five students (due to the size of the venue).
As always, Paddy, in the Skerries bookshop is kindly collecting fees for me (or you can post me the amount if that suits you better). My address is Megan Wynne, 12 Rockabill Apartments, Skerries, County Dublin. Please include your mobile number and email address when you send the fee. Cheques should be made payable to Megan Wynne. I will confirm your place when I receive it.
HALLOWEEN SPOOKY STORY WRITING WORKSHOP
Oh, another thing, I will be running a SPOOKY STORY writing workshop during the Halloween break for children and teenagers (8 – 16 year olds) in Skerries MIlls on Friday 4th November from 10.30a.m. – 3p.m. It will cost €45. This will be my third year to run a Spooky Writing Course and it is always a lot of fun, involving vampires, dragons and witchtes etc.
So there are busy times ahead for me, and they will get busier at Christmas. Similar to previous years, I plan to publish a collection of students’ short stories for charity. Those attending term classes from September to December will have a chance to submit a story and see their work in print. We will have a launch in December, which is always lots of fun for friends and family, while at the same time making money for a charity. Last year we made over €500 for the local St. Vincent de Paul.
LITERARY FESTIVALS
Finally (promise!) do check out the following writing festivals for children and adults taking place over the coming weeks. They’re a great opportunity to meet writers and get lost in the world of stories!
www.mountainstosea.ie
http://www.airfield.ie/index.html
So that’s it from me. Thank you very much for reading this and I hope to see you soon.
