Tuesday, 8 December 2015

Short Story Course at Morrab Library in January!





It is time to shake your short story tail feathers and start writing!

A Short Story course is being held at Morrab Library starting January 9th at a bargain price of £40.

The full advert can be seen here:

Go check it out and I'm waiting to hear from you to reserve your place!

:)

Wednesday, 21 October 2015

Creative Writing Course at Morrab Library, Penzance, Cornwall.

Lo and behold!  :)  

The Creative Writing Course at Morrab Library.  Starts Saturday 21st November/  See the link here:
http://www.freewriterscentre.org/freewriterscentre/live-events/


and the entire advert pasted below: 

Creative Writing Course
 with Linda Cleary


once a week on Saturdays starting 21st November (end: 12th Dec)
from 10.30am to 12.30pm
for 4 weeks (8 hr course)
at Morrab Library http://morrablibrary.org.uk/
Morrab Gardens
Penzance, Cornwall

morrab library


The Creative Writing course acts as an extended masterclass looking at various techniques and exercises to open up and improve writing skills, work with metaphor and imagery, create texts and narratives to given themes and word counts as well as free writing.

There is no criteria other than a willingness to open up one’s writing; the course is designed that people of varying writing experience can participate and each draw their individual benefits.
A short intro video about the course is here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-nqFUGVu2F4


Price £40


Limited number – please register in advance by contacting me in the first instance by email or mobile:

email: freewriterscentre@gmail.com
mobile (text): 07507550764



Linda Cleary is a writer and tutor who has been delivering courses since 1991. She is also the Literary Arts Coordinator for Hypatia Trust who are part funding this course.

See both websites for more information:



Thursday, 6 August 2015

Short Story Course in Zamalek - August 25th


This course is now completely full!  :)
Anyone else wishing to join you can take this course or any other online, anytime here:
http://www.freewriterscentre.org/freewriterscentre/courses/


Short Story Course
 with Linda Cleary

For those who completed the 4 week Creative Writing course or who have proven writing skills.

This course focuses on work on character, voice, atmosphere, plot and building story and we continue with further creative writing expansion techniques.
We also read published short stories for discussion and understanding format, focusing on the necessary elements for each student to produce a final draft of a 1000 word narrative.

4 weeks (8 hr course)
once a week on Tuesdays starting 25th August
from 7pm to 9pm

at

Art Lounge Cairo
37 B Ahmed Heshmat Street,1st floor, apartment 2, Zamalek

Places limited to 10 people


Price 585 LE

Email to arrange registration:
thewriterscentre@gmail.com

Here is a small video to introduce the Short Story course

Students can rest assured that if they miss any class for any reason they can receive work via email with exercises clearly written, audio and also some video sections to help them. 
 

Thursday, 30 July 2015

A Creative Writing Holiday in Nuweiba, Egypt - POSTPONED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE

POSTPONED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE

Of Writing the Stars and Sea
A Creative Writing Holiday in Nuweiba, Egypt



POSTPONED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE

It is my greatest pleasure that the Free Writers Centre is able to announce this new wonderful writing holiday within the sublime serenity of Nuweiba and specifically with Habiba Community as our hosts.

Here, within the tranquil haven of the beach lodge we can take our daily writing classes, enjoy wonderful freshly cooked food, delight in the ocean and take the time to stand on this sacred ground whilst gazing at the stars. The evenings can provide us with time to relax together as well as the opportunity to share your writing as spoken word. The Habiba Community have many things within their own grounds that are deserving and of interest, not least an organic farm giving fresh produce to the kitchen. There are also optional trips for anyone wanting to take them that can be fitted into our schedule, such as a half day trip to the Colored Canyons, and a Bedouin Dinner trip in the mountains.

The writing course will look at how to use the alchemy of our own dream tapestry to weave into our creative writing. We will work on theme, characters and archetypes, dramatic structure and plot. We will also look at Dreamtime totems and landscape. All participants, whether just starting out in developing their writing or those who are further on the writing path will benefit.

Let us go to Habiba, let us go to the beloved lands and sea!


“Don’t wait any longer.
Dive in the ocean,
Leave and let the sea be you.”

Rumi




 


The trip is arranged by the Free Writers Centre http://www.freewriterscentre.org/ 
through 9Yards Business Development www.9yards.co for Habiba Village http://www.habibaorganicfarm.com/

Saturday, 18 July 2015

Advanced Creative Writing Course at Art Lounge Zamalek

Dear All

For people who believe their work is at a certain appropriate level and/or have interest in the subject matter of this course and are committed to producing work - please see the following advert for the upcoming Advanced Creative Writing Course:


Advanced Creative Writing Course
with Linda Cleary

10 hour course in Advanced Creative Writing – LE 750
4 sessions of 2 ½ hours each
(Sundays 6.30pm to 9pm) starting Sunday 2nd August at 6.30pm

at

Art Lounge Cairo
37 B Ahmed Heshmat Street,1st floor, apartment 2, Zamalek

Places limited to 10 people


Course outline
This course is for those people who have completed the first course(s) with me
and for new students with demonstrated abilities.

The course requires a creative aptitude, proven skills and commitment to producing assignments.

It is an intense 4 session course
with further creative writing writing exercises and discussion
to strengthen description, atmosphere and imagery;
we also work on several key topics each week such as contemporizing myth in writing,
symbolism and surrealism, writing creative non fiction and
strengthening editing skills by working on review and critique
as well as discussion and individual work.


Prospective students must apply by email: thewriterscentre@gmail.com
and they will be notified if they are selected.

Participation is given if I know that your writing is at a certain level or/and I believe you would benefit from the work we cover on this course.


and here is a small video to introduce the Advanced Creative Writing course


*The course fee is higher than the previous courses due to the increased class hours and also the out of class editing time I give each student - as due to the intense course content more work is generated.

*Please note this course is NOT at Diwan, and as such registration will be via me personally and I shall arrange a time and venue to collect all advance payments before the course begins so as to confirm minimum student registrations are complete.

Many thanks
Linda Cleary

Monday, 6 July 2015

Creative Writing Courses at Diwan Bookstore July/ August

The next roll out of Creative Writing courses starting at Diwan Bookstore​ Zamalek on 27th July and at the Heliopolis branch from 1st August.  Register in advance at the store you wish to take the course in!  See you there :)

Short intro about the course here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-nqFUGVu2F4

And check my website for other courses and to take online!  http://www.freewriterscentre.org/





Tuesday, 16 June 2015

Free Writers Centre Website Is Born!


Boom! Boom! Boom! 
The Free Writers Centre website is now ready to view!!!
 

You can now buy courses online and follow the study materials via written exercises, audio and some video - also chat with other students via a forum and receive assessment from me for assignments.

There is also a blog, Twitter, Youtube (and soon a Facebook page) and the Members Area of the website will soon open offering online writing surgeries, chats, online literary salons and much more! 

Check it out! Big it up! Share it!

And you can view it with this song for the launch moment :)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cbSB5PIt01o
 
And this day also happens to be a New Moon and this is also Bloomsday https://en.wikipedia.org/?title=Bloomsday
 

Cool cats or what! ♥

Thursday, 4 June 2015

Short Story Course in the month of Ramadan

Write a short story during the month of Ramadan!

The Short Story course is available at Art Lounge, in Zamalek, though due to Ramadan it will be at earlier times than usual. 

Email to arrange registration:
thewriterscentre@gmail.com 

Students can rest assured that if they miss any class for any reason (during Ramadan or at any time) they can receive work via email with exercises clearly written, audio and also some video sections to help them.

--------------------------------


Here is a small video to introduce the Short Story course


Short Story Course with Linda Cleary

For those who completed the 4 week Creative Writing course or who have proven writing skills.

This course focuses on work on character, voice, atmosphere, plot and building story and we continue with further creative writing expansion techniques.
We also read published short stories for discussion and understanding format, focusing on the necessary elements for each student to produce a final draft of a 1000 word narrative.

4 weeks (8 hr course)
once a week on Sundays starting 21st June
from 1pm to 3pm

at

Art Lounge Cairo
37 B Ahmed Heshmat Street,1st floor, apartment 2, Zamalek

Places limited to 10 people


Price 585 LE

Email to arrange registration:
thewriterscentre@gmail.com



Sunday, 31 May 2015

Creative Writing Courses at Diwan in Ramadan!

  It will be Ramadan very soon but I will still offer the Creative Writing Course at Diwan during that month, though at earlier times than usual.  Students can also rest assured that if they miss any class for any reason (during Ramadan or at any time) they can receive work via email with exercises clearly written, audio and also some video sections to help them.



 Creative Writing Course with Linda Cleary

The Creative Writing course acts as an extended masterclass looking at various techniques and exercises to open up and improve writing skills, work with metaphor and imagery, create texts and narratives to given themes and word counts as well as free writing.
There is no criteria other than a willingness to open up one's writing; the course is designed that people of varying writing experience can participate and each draw their individual benefits.
4 weeks (8 hr course)

---------------------------------
 
once a week on Fridays starting 19th June
from 3pm to5pm
at Diwan Zamalek
AND
 4 weeks (8 hr course)
once a week on Saturdays starting 20th May
from 1pm to 3pm
at Diwan Heliopolis

 
Price 585 LE
Limited number – please register in advance at the Diwan bookstore you wish to take the course in
Age group: for adults (17 yrs +)


---------------------------------

and here is a small video to introduce the Creative Writing course

Wednesday, 22 April 2015

Creative Writing Newsletter for May 2015

Dear All

I hope you are all fabulous!
Just to keep you up to date with all my Creative Writing events for the month of May.

In brief, we have:

Creative Writing courses at Diwan Heliopolis & Zamalek
A new roll out of Creative Writing courses at Diwan starting Saturday 16th May at Diwan Heliopolis and Monday 18th May at Diwan Zamalek
http://writerscentre.blogspot.com/2015/04/creative-writing-courses-at-diwan.html

and here is a small video to introduce the Creative Writing course


AND

Advanced Creative Writing Course
starting Wednesday 20th May at Art Lounge, Zamalek


and here is a small video to introduce the Advanced Creative Writing course


AND

New Website
Stay tuned for news of my new website going live VERY SOON! It will offer an ongoing menu of online Creative Writing courses, workshops, writing surgeries, audio/video, forum, members area, events, readings, salons, writing holidays and much more!


With thanks and hope to work with you soon,
Linda



Advanced Creative Writing Course starting May 20th

Dear All

For people who believe their work is at a certain appropriate level and/or have interest in the subject matter of this course and are committed to producing work - please see the following advert for the upcoming Advanced Creative Writing Course:


Advanced Creative Writing Course
with Linda Cleary

10 hour course in Advanced Creative Writing – LE 750
4 sessions of 2 ½ hours each
(Wednesdays 6.30pm to 9pm) starting Wednesday 20th May at 6.30pm

at

Art Lounge Cairo
37 B Ahmed Heshmat Street,1st floor, apartment 2, Zamalek

Places limited to 10 people


Course outline
This course is for those people who have completed the first course(s) with me
and for new students with demonstrated abilities.

The course requires a creative aptitude, proven skills and commitment to producing assignments.

It is an intense 4 session course
with further creative writing writing exercises and discussion
to strengthen description, atmosphere and imagery;
we also work on several key topics each week such as contemporizing myth in writing,
symbolism and surrealism, writing creative non fiction and
strengthening editing skills by working on review and critique
as well as discussion and individual work.


Prospective students must apply by email: thewriterscentre@gmail.com
and they will be notified if they are selected.

Participation is given if I know that your writing is at a certain level or/and I believe you would benefit from the work we cover on this course.


and here is a small video to introduce the Advanced Creative Writing course


*The course fee is higher than the previous courses due to the increased class hours and also the out of class editing time I give each student - as due to the intense course content more work is generated.

*Please note this course is NOT at Diwan, and as such registration will be via me personally and I shall arrange a time and venue to collect all advance payments before the course begins so as to confirm minimum student registrations are complete.

Many thanks
Linda Cleary


Creative Writing Courses at Diwan Bookstore in May

Creative Writing Course with Linda Cleary

The Creative Writing course acts as an extended masterclass looking at various techniques and exercises to open up and improve writing skills, work with metaphor and imagery, create texts and narratives to given themes and word counts as well as free writing.
There is no criteria other than a willingness to open up one's writing; the course is designed that people of varying writing experience can participate and each draw their individual benefits.

4 weeks (8 hr course)
once a week on Saturdays starting 16th May
from 7pm to 9pm
at Diwan Heliopolis

AND

4 weeks (8 hr course)
once a week on Mondays starting 18th May
from 7.30pm to 9.30pm
at Diwan Zamalek


Price 585 LE
Limited number – please register in advance at the Diwan bookstore you wish to take the course in
Age group: for adults (17 yrs +)


and here is a small video to introduce the Creative Writing course




Thursday, 9 April 2015

Seeking the Blue Lotus - a Writing Cruise from Aswan to Luxor May 7th to 11th 2015

Seeking the Blue Lotus
a Writing Cruise from Aswan to Luxor

a 4 day creative writing holiday with Linda Cleary
May 7th to 11th, 2015


*Price: 2550 LE

Only 12 people maximum. Register soon to ensure your place.


This will be a fantastic itinerary of temple tours in the mornings 
and daily writing class 
in the afternoons, cruising along the inspirational waters of the Nile on a 5 star boat, The Nile Smart, with your accommodation and meals all included.

Over the course of the trip you will receive 10 hours of writing tuition (within a 2 ½ hour class per day). Given the fabulous natural environment, historic culture, monuments and atmosphere we will look at the story of the landscape; working on how to open up description, build characters, voice and plot – taking the theme inspiration from the ancient beauty and mystical fame of the Egyptian Blue Lotus.

----------------------

*Price is per person with Egyptian ID sharing a twin room with ensuite bathroom (full board basis including writing tuition, visits, guide and transfers to and from the boat to airport)
and excluding airfares, beverages and tips.
----------------------


To register please send an email in the first instance to Linda Cleary: thewriterscentre@gmail.com

With Thanks!
Linda Cleary
---------------------------------------------

Check out the amazing itinerary of the Writing Cruise
Itinerary



Thursday 7th May 2015 – must arrive to boat by 8am to get the tour (flight to Aswan)
Morning:
Breakfast
Tour: Philae Temple – The Temple of Isis

Afternoon:
Lunch
Writing class (3 to 6 pm includes afternoon tea break)

Free time
Dinner


Friday 8th May 2015

Morning:
*Optional trip to Abu Simbel – enquire if interested!
We can put the Writing Class later in day for that day if need be

Breakfast
Writing class (10am to 1pm includes a break)

Afternoon
Lunch
2pm sailing
Tour: Kom Ombo Temple


Free time
Dinner
Sailing overnight to Esna



Saturday 9th May 2015

Morning:
Breakfast
Tour: Esna Temple

Afternoon
Lunch
Sailing to Luxor
Writing class (3 to 6 pm includes afternoon tea break)

Free time
Dinner



Sunday 10th May 2015
Morning:
Breakfast
Tour: Luxor Temple & Karnak Temple

Afternoon:
Lunch
Writing class (3 to 6 pm includes afternoon tea break)

Free time
Dinner

*Optional trip to Karnak sound and light show – enquire if interested.



Monday 11th May 2015
Morning:
Breakfast
Tour: Hatshepsut Temple, the Colossi of Memnon, Valley of the Kings

Afternoon:
Lunch

Check out at 3pm

Depart back to Cairo
Look at departing flights from Luxor airport at 6pm




Notes
*Meal time guidelines: Breakfast time depends on visits, Lunch generally at 1 pm and Dinner 7 pm.
*The writing course is 10 hrs in total and will be given as 2 and ½ hours of tuition each day within the 3 hr class time.
*Your Writers' Cruise payment of 2550 LE is based on per person with Egyptian ID sharing a twin room with ensuite bathroom (including full board basis (meals), writing course, visits, guide and transfers to and from the boat to airport ) and excluding airfares, beverages, tips.
*For non Egyptians there is a small increase of price due to the temple admission prices which are government controlled fees and set higher than for Egyptians. Please email to get the prices for those without Egyptian ID.
*Single room fee involves a higher nightly amount for any ID holder and is subject to availability – please email me to enquire.
*The boat is the Nile Smart: http://www.memnontours.com/English/PagesNileSmart/  and the boat manager and tour guide are responsible for all aspects of the running of the trip other than the writing classes which are my responsibility.
*Your travel to Aswan and back from Luxor is your own responsibility. Please ensure whatever transport option you get arrives at Aswan in time to reach the boat by 8am at the latest. (Your intake of breakfast on the boat on Day 1 may be compromised depending on the time you arrive to the boat). Your transport option back to Cairo must be from Luxor.
---------------------------------------------



Short Biography of the Tutor
Linda Cleary is a poet - writer – performer, originally from UK with a theatre background and Diploma in LAMDA Speech and Drama, a Diploma in Recreational Studies from Manchester Metropolitan (specialisation Creative Writing) and a HND in Theatre Studies.

She has been delivering workshops in Creative Writing, Theatre and related Arts, to a wide demographic of age and ability and in many varied settings, since 1991; working in UK, Holland, Czech Republic, Australia and Egypt – latterly providing courses at Diwan Bookstores, Egypt http://www.diwanegypt.com/ As well as online courses, weekly live classes, workshops and masterclasses, she offers Creative Writing Retreats in inspiring locations across the world. Linda has initiated and is responsible for many literary events including open mics and writers' salons and she set up and runs The Writers' Centre: www.writerscentre.blogspot.com