For many writers, the morning is the best time to work - when it’s quiet and your mind is uncluttered by the day ahead. And there’s nothing like starting the day writing to make you feel good about your work and yourself.
In this new series of weekly writing workouts, you’ll have the opportunity to hone your craft through practical workshops led by special guest tutors eager to share their secrets with you.
First-up, we are pleased to introduce longstanding Guardian Masterclass tutor and creative writing athlete Laura Dockrill. An award-winning, multi-talented writer who has written the genres, Laura understands the importance of creative workouts and often describes herself as having a six-pack in her brain.
Try one masterclass or book the series at a discounted rate - and if the times don’t suit, masterclass recordings will be available for two weeks so you can catch-up or revisit the exercises at your own pace.
This course is for…
Writers and aspiring writers. No experience required. Everybody is welcome- except the inner critic! (or leave the inner critic at the door)
Course content
Just write!
Jump-start that long-awaited project, dust away the cobwebs and let off some steam by flexing your creative muscles with morning writing work-outs. Carve out some precious time for yourself and your well-being; whether it’s dedicating a sacred space to think- find calm and clarity, strengthen and sharpen your skills, find your writing voice, stretch your creativity, push your boundaries, wrestle with a new idea, be curious and explore... or maybe now is the time to find the grit to dig deep and attack some much needed heavy-lifting without the pressure of an empty page. Summon your power, feel your heart pump, let your pen sweat and most importantly play. Start your day energised, fuelled and more fulfilled and proud- knowing you’ve done something for yourself- with a series of high-intensity, expressive writing-exercise packed sessions, covering a whole range of approaches, allowing you to go at your own pace, aiming for your own results. Led by creative writing athlete/ heavyweight Laura Dockrill.
Tutor profile
Laura Dockrill is an award-winning writer and illustrator. Her first book for children, Darcy Burdock was shortlisted for the Waterstones Book of The Year Prize and long listed for the Carnegie Medal as well as her young adult novels, Lorali and Big Bones, which was also shortlisted for the YA Book Prize 2018. Her powerfully honest memoir What Have I Done?, was widely celebrated as one of the best non-fiction books of 2020.
Her writing has expanded to stage and screen; Laura’s first film, Goldfish, received a BAFTA nomination for best short. She has been commissioned from The National Theatre, The Young Vic and The Donmar Warehouse. Her show for children, Dust, won a Best Theatre award at the 2022 Offies.
Laura is on the advisory panel at The Ministry Of Stories, and has judged many literary prizes including the John Betjeman Poetry Prize, BBC National Short Story Prize and the BAFTA Children’s Prize.
Details
Dates: Wednesday 3 May, Wednesday 10 May, Wednesday 17 May and Wednesday 24 May
Time: 8am-9am BST
Price: £35 per masterclass (plus £2.20 booking fee), or save 20% and book four classes for £112 (plus £5.71 booking fee)
Are you an aspiring children’s author looking for support to take you towards publication? You may also be interested in Laura’s comprehensive 6 week writing for children programme.
A catch up recording will be shared after the class and will be available for two weeks.
This masterclass is available globally. See this time zone converter to check your local live streaming time.
8am BST | 9am CST | 12am PT | 3am ET
You will be sent a link to the webinar 24 hours and 30 minutes before the course start time. Please email masterclasses@theguardian.com if you do not receive the access link 24 hours before the scheduled start time.
About Guardian Masterclasses
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Returns policy
Once a purchase is complete we will not be able to refund you where you do not attend or if you cancel your event booking. Please see our terms and conditions for more information on our refund policy.
