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!”
GET INVOLVED…
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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