Literature group tell tales at The Brindley
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NEW writers and storytellers told their tales to an appreciative audience at the Studio at the Brindley Theatre, Runcorn thanks to the Hear I Am project run by Halton Libraries and, literacy organisation, Read Now Write Now.
Held at two libraries: Halton Lea and Widnes, a group of beginners attended eight sessions and were guided by author Charles Lea how to not only write a short story but also perform it as well.
They looked at story structure focusing on plot design, characterisation and setting the scene as well as tone, diction, accent and tempo.
Funded by Arts Council England, with a generous supply of support in kind from Halton Libraries, 10 of these new writers wrote their very own stories and then read them out at the Studio.
Stories ranged from a painting which foreshadowed the future; ghost hunting in a ruined stately home, revenge on a burglar and a funny re-telling of Red Riding Hood, told from the perspective of the Wolf.
Charles Lea, director of Read Now Write Now and workshop leader, said: “It has been a wonderful eight weeks meeting new people, beginners to writing and then helping them achieve what to most is a lifetime ambition, to write a story.
“It has been terribly fun but also terribly fast and I will miss meeting up with everyone.
“Seeing, reading and listening to their stories has been a tremendous honour and I am truly grateful to all who attended, as well as Arts Council England, Halton Libraries and the Brindley.
“Most of these writers now want to continue to write and that is the real legacy of the course, helping people write their own stories, either in groups or independently.
“Well done to all.”
Sharon Taylor, one of the participants, said: “I absolutely loved this course, the tutor and the other members on the course made me feel really welcome and I loved how everybody helped each other along the way.
“The Brindley was a nerve-wracking experience but I’m proud of myself for reading out my story in front of an audience.
“This course has helped improve my confidence and pushed me out of my comfort zone.
“It has definitely inspired me to pursue a career in writing.”