A northern publisher is geared up to publish a book of historical fiction short stories based in Blackpool and wants local people to write it.
From November Comma Press is hosting a short story writing course for local aspiring writers. The course will consist of three sessions, with one held every three weeks, and there are 15 places available. With guidance from a tutor, each participating writer will produce a work of short fiction inspired by the town’s history. The stories will then be brought together in an anthology and published by Comma Press as an ebook.
The six sessions, which take place on Tuesdays from 6.30-8.30pm at Aunty Social on Topping Street, will be led by journalist, writer and Blackpool Social Club editor Antonia Charlesworth Stack.
“Blackpool’s rich history provides infinite inspiration for storytelling and I’m really excited about the opportunity to work with a group of writers to preserve some of them in an anthology,” she said. “I’m so pleased that Comma Press had decided to come to Blackpool where there is so much talent and creativity. Being published by Comma will be a great achievement and I’ll be really proud to be a part of that process.”
Comma Press is a not-for-profit publisher and development agency specialisng in short fiction from the UK and beyond. After running successful courses in northern cities it is now branching out into smaller towns and communities in a bid to uncover more regional talent and tell a greater breadth of stories. Previous Comma short story course participants have gone on to work with publishers including Penguin, Canongate and Granta.
The workshops will be a blend of enjoyable and interactive writing exercises, lively in-class discussions, thought-provoking assigned readings, and valuable opportunities to share writing as it evolves.
No experience is required and Comma aims to make the event accessible. The sessions cost £30 (£90 total) and subsidies are available – contact Isabelle at [email protected] for more info or book on Eventbrite.
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