About this Event
'There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.' – Maya Angelou
Have you written a novel, script or stories that you'd like to get out into the world? Are you in the middle of a work in progress and wondering what to do when it's finished? Have you spotted a writing competition or scheme that you'd like to enter?
Join short fiction writer Emily Devane and screenwriter Andrea Mann for a morning workshop of practical writing activities, tips and inspiration to help prepare you for pitching and submitting your work (and yourself!). Together, we'll explore:
- How to pitch your writing project - in writing and in person.
- Pitching for different types of project (e.g. novels, short stories, non-fiction, poetry, scripts).
- Doing your homework: finding opportunities and knowing who to send it to.
- Submitting to competitions and writing schemes.
- How to make sure your project is ready for submission.
- Pitching yourself and raising your profile as a writer.
There will be advice and tips from Emily and Andrea, drawn from their own writing and submissions experience, plus interactive sessions filled with examples and guidance. We'll give you the tools to make your submission the best it can be.
Take a look at the information below, and if you have any further questions, please email [email protected].
Write Away workshops are your opportunity to dedicate some time to your writing - whatever kind of writing you're doing.
When: 10am-1pm, Saturday, 23 May 2026
Where: Church House, All Saints' Church, 4 Church Street, Ilkley, West Yorkshire, LS29 2DS
What's the format?
The timings below are for guidance, but may be subject to change:
- 9.45-10am – Arrival and welcome; teas and coffees served.
- 10-11.25am – Session 1
- 11.25-11.35am - Break for refreshments.
- 11.35-12.50pm - Session 2
- 12.50pm-1pm – Final questions and farewells.
Do I have to prepare anything in advance?
No, just come along. There is no need to read or prepare anything. Though you'll get an email from us ahead of the session, which may include some questions to think about in advance.
Does it matter if I'm not a published writer?
Not at all. Writers of all levels of experience are welcome. What you do need is an enthusiasm for writing and an interest in others' work.
Are all genres of writing welcome?
Yes. The main focus will be on creative forms of writing – memoir and novel writing, screenplays, flash fiction, short stories,poetry, and creative non-fiction. Whatever the size or shape of your project – and whatever stage it’s at – we’re here to support you.
Will I have to share my work?
No. While there will be some short writing tasks during the session, you won’t be expected to share your writing with others. There will be opportunities to discuss and exchange ideas, and talk about your own writing. We will also share useful resources and advice for gaining feedback on your works in progress – from writing groups to professional editing services.
Is the group suitable for under 18s?
Sorry, but this session is for writers aged 18+. Young writers might be interested in the free Word Up North Young Writers’ Group for 12-18 year olds, which meets on Wednesdays during term time at Keighley Library from 4.30pm-6pm.
Is there a fee?
The workshop fee is £45 and includes a 3-hour workshop, all materials, and refreshments. A limited number of reduced price places are available for writers who would otherwise be unable to join us. Please get in touch at [email protected] if this applies.
How to I purchase the workshop as a gift for someone else?
Choose the 'gift' option at checkout. If you'd like to keep it a surprise, we'll send you a gift certificate to give to the recipient - we'll also ask for their contact e-mail address, so we can send them any pre-workshop information ahead of the session.
Refreshments
A small selection of refreshments (tea, coffee, water, soft drinks, and biscuits) will be available before and during the session. If you'd rather bring your own, that's fine too.
I have accessibility needs - can you accommodate these?
Please let us know if you have any accessibility/mobility needs and we will do our best to make it possible for you to join us. The venue is fully accessible for wheelchair users, with ground level accessible w.c.
Is parking available at the venue?
There is limited free parking available in the turning circle (accessed via the entrance to the right of the church). There is also a pay and display carpark a 2 minute walk from Church House, at South Hawksworth Street, or paid on street parking on nearby streets (check signs carefully for restrictions).
How do I sign up?
Simply register for a place via Eventbrite.
What if I signed up but can no longer come? What is your refund policy?
If you find you are unable to make the session, please get in touch. If you notify us at least 7 days before the event, a full refund will be given. For cancellations within 7 days of the event, refunds are discretionary.
The event is full - can I come anyway?
If the workshop is full, you can sign up for the waiting list in case any spaces become available, or contact us at [email protected] for last minute availability.
How do I find out about future events?
By registering, you will be added to our email list and kept up-to-date about future Write Away workshops and events.
I'd like to learn more about writing - do you have any advice?
Emily runs online and in person workshops and courses, as well as regular spoken word nights. Ask about being added to her Moor Words email list for the latest news, or follow Moor Words on Eventbrite. Contact her at [email protected].
Andrea offers professional mentoring to beginner and emerging screenwriters: guiding, advising and supporting them in the craft of screenwriting, their writing goals and the wider creative journey. You can find out more on her website here: www.andreamann.com/mentoring.
Testimonials: What people have been saying about Write Away workshops
'Great tutors, great setting. Very positive and pragmatic approach - demystifies writing, brings it down to earth.' Murna
'Thank you for a really enjoyable and inspiring workshop! Came away with lots of very useful info, tips and ideas.' Marie
'Loved the workshop. Excellent overview - great for beginners and people who have written lots before!' Helen
'Helped to remind me how to get back to the heart of why I write and how to move on when stuck or struggling. Great fun!' Alice
'Simply put, it was great!' Tony
'A supportive, fun and highly creative atmospher, which inspired and sends you away with ideas... to write!' Bernie
'Thank you so much for a professional, creative and stimulating workshop. Time well spent to stir my imagination.' Louise
'I'm taking away some great nuggets of ideas to put into practice.' Carolyn
'Emily and Andrea's course was fantastic, engaging, and offering really useful practical advice.' Richard
Your hosts:
Emily Devane is a writer, editor, teacher and bookseller based in Ilkley. Her short fiction, poetry and essays have been widely published in journals and anthologies including Ambit, Smokelong Quarterly, Best Microfictions, Lost Balloon and The Lonely Crowd.
Emily has taught workshops and courses for Comma Press, Dahlia Press, London Writers' Café, Northern Writers' Studio, Smokelong Quarterly, Flash Fiction Festival, Sheffield Hallam University, and Ilkley Literature Festival.
She has won the Bath Flash Fiction Award, a Northern Writers' Award and a Word Factory Apprenticeship. Her short story ‘The Ghosts that Dance Between Us’ won second prize in the Bath Short Story Award. Her flash fiction ‘Too Long Under Water’, which won second prize in the Smokelong Quarterly Grand Micro Contest, appears on the Nottingham University Creative Writing syllabus. Her story ‘The King of Connemaidh’ was runner up in The Mogford Prize for Food and Drink Writing.
She was a founding editor at FlashBack Fiction, an online journal championing historical flash fiction. She has judged writing competitions, including the October 2022 round of the Bath Flash Fiction Award and the 2026 NFFD Microfiction Competition.
Emily runs The Grove Bookshop Writing Group and hosts regular Spoken Word Nights in Ilkley.
Andrea Mann is a screenwriter with six feature films currently in development with producers. Originally from the West Midlands, she has lived in Ilkley since 2022.
Andrea's writing career began in her late 30s, writing jokes, sketches and parody songs for topical comedy shows – including the long-running NewsRevue at the Canal Café Theatre London, and The News Quiz on BBC Radio 4.
She then wrote the comedy-drama feature script Fado! which was optioned by Golden Globe-winning producer Gareth Wiley, with actors Emily Watson and Richard E Grant later being attached to star.
Her other feature films currently in development include an 80s jukebox musical, a Yorkshire-set romantic comedy, and a sports underdog movie based on true events. Her ‘wheelhouse’ is warm, uplifting comedy-drama, and she always centres women in her work.
Andrea professionally mentors beginner and emerging screenwriters, teaches on the MA Screenwriting course at MetFilm Leeds, and hosts the twice-monthly ‘Write-In’ at Outside The Box café in Ilkley, where people can drop in to do any kind of writing. She is passionate about encouraging and supporting others in their creative goals and dreams.
You can find out more about Andrea at: www.andreamann.com.
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
All Saints' Parish Church, Ilkley, United Kingdom
GBP 45.00
