Authors join forces for BridLit
Calling all writers!
In conjunction with Bridport Literary Festival, writers Greg Mosse and Jason Goodwin are running a dynamic story development workshop, A Novel in a Weekend, devised from ideas by people in the room.
It takes place on 5 and 6 November, from 10am to 5pm, at Rushay, an Arts and Craft country house on the edge of the Marshwood Vale, a mile from the coast at Charmouth.
Jason and Greg have each more than 20 years’ professional experience working with novelists, playwrights and screenwriters. Both have published thrillers and mysteries.
Greg Mosse is an actor, director and writer and married to the writer Kate Mosse. His plays have been produced in multiple theatres around the UK. He will be appearing at Bridport Literary Festival on Monday 7 November to talk about his new eco-thriller, The Coming Darkness.
Described as ‘Bladerunner meets John le Carre’, the novel is set in an alternative near future in which global warming and pathogenic viruses have torn through the fabric of society. It is a powerful narrative about the unknown, combining plot lines, ambiguous characters and a chillingly real dystopian fiction.
Jason, a writer and historian based in Dorset, says: I’ve worked with Greg many times before, at West Dean College and at masterclasses in London and Harrogate. He’s a teacher of genius. He calls himself a writer and an encourager of writers, which is about right, and of course I’m itching to readThe Coming Darkness. I’m really pleased he’s agreed to come to us in Bridport this year.’
Jason’s bestselling Yashim detective series is set in 19th century Istanbul. The Janissary Tree won an Edgar award for best novel and the series has been translated into over 40 languages. He is the author of Lords of the Horizons: A History of the Ottoman Empire, among other award-winning nonfiction.
Jason is also mentoring a guided, residential writing week at Rushay from 4-11 November, co-tutored by creative writing tutor, Jeremy Seal.
The course will include selected visits to hear author talks at the Bridlit. For more details see the website byhillsandthesea.co.uk
Says Jason: ‘The guided writing week will be the second I’ve run in conjunction with Bridlit. The first one last year at Rushay was a roaring success, when we hosted published novelists, total beginners and writers who just craved some quiet time and space to get on with their work. Everyone really gelled, and we all came together over meals – the point is that no-one has to do anything distracting or domestic! Rushay is a brilliant place for it – walks on the doorstep, comfy bedrooms, lots of work space.
‘I was able to read works in progress and give comments and pointers which people seemed to find helpful – the feedback was amazing. And being able to dip into the festival and hear other writers talk about their work, and ask them questions of our own, expanded the whole experience.’
Thanks to the generosity of a previous participant, Rushay is able to offer a bursary to a writer who would benefit from the week or weekend but cannot currently afford the rates. If that’s you, please email rushaywriting@gmail.com with a brief description of your work and your situation.
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