How you'll learn
These ten-week creative writing workshops are an Unthank School of Writing institution.
Regular bespoke feedback is given on all aspects of a story both by the group and the tutor. Advice is also given on managing a writer’s routine and schedule and how to draft and edit fictions of whatever length. Further discussion of the work can continue throughout the week via email or on the Unthank School’s online forum. The tutor is always available to offer advice or listen to specific questions. We also have a lot of contacts and ideas that we can share when writers reach a stage where a submission to a publisher or journal is the next natural step.
Who it's for
These groups are great for writers who have completed an introductory course but who now want to experiment further and work on their own stories or projects. They are also extremely useful for more experienced writers whose work is at a later stage, who need advice on honing and final draft polishing. It’s also a great place to discuss your favourite books and authors and any adventures in writing you’ve had since the last session.
About the tutor
Ashley Stokes is a novelist and short story writer. A long-term editor for The Literary Consultancy, he has taught creative writing at the University of East Anglia, the Open University and Norwich University College of the Arts. His area of expertise is the popular and literary novel and the short story. A graduate of both Oxford University and UEA, Ashley Stokes’ stories have appeared in anthologies and journals since 1997, including Bare Fiction, The Lonely Crowd and The Warwick Review. His first novel, Touching the Starfish was published in 2010 and his first collection, The Syllabus of Errors in 2013, both by Unthank Books.
Robert F –
Now into my third term of evening classes with USW the experience remains the highlight of my week. I am pleased and gratified by the dedication to the course, the increasing quality of the writing and the level of constructive criticism drawn from the group under Ashley’s empowering coordination.
KJ P –
Incisive, witty, thought-provoking, straight-talking, and so much more. Ashley ticked all the boxes for me. Worth every penny, with a sharp critique of the Great American Novel to boot. Highly recommended for all budding novelists. And the best biscuits in town.
Tim S –
I have been attending Unthank workshops non-stop for around a year and a half. The group’s regular critical engagement with my work has played an important role in my development as a writer, as has the opportunity to read and discuss the writing of other participants.
Laura J –
I’ve attended a number of Unthank School courses and look forward hugely to each session. I always come away having learned something and the workshops definitely give focus and structure to my writing.
Rachel S –
Tuesday nights are the main reason I write. Ashley’s advice is always spot on and the support of the group is invaluable.
Tim J –
Under Ashley’s guidance and with the help and support of a vibrant and entertaining group of fellow writers, I have learned so much. Through a process of peer review, the issues tackled have included plot development, characterisation and use of language all within lively sessions that are always welcoming, constructive and hugely enjoyable.