Tindal Street Masterclasses
Monday, 28th November 2011
We are thrilled to announce the launch of a programme of creative writing classes that will give writers in the region access to some of the UK’s best authors and writing tuition – Tindal Street Masterclasses.
Publishing Director Alan Mahar explains the thinking behind the project: ‘We’re really excited to be launching this new initiative, which will see regional writers benefiting from the care and expertise that has launched the careers of our highly successful star authors, many of whom will be making guest appearances during the year’s courses.’
Tindal Street has a reputation for finding and nurturing new writers who go on to prize success, including three Man Booker prize listings, two Orange and Commonwealth Writers’ Prize nominations and two Costa First Novel wins. As Francesca Segal at the Observer has commented, ‘Tindal’s hit rate is impressive. There are aspiring authors all over the country, but only in Birmingham it seems does anyone pay attention.’
Prize-listed novelist Josie Barnard has been appointed to run the ten-week courses at beginner and advanced levels. Josie is also an experienced teacher who has worked for Faber’s acclaimed writing academy, and who is published by Virago this month with her Book of Friendship. ‘I’m thrilled to be a part of the Tindal Street Masterclasses,’ Josie says. ‘They will offer so many writers the opportunity to move their writing forward in a relaxed but engaging environment. Apart from the focused workshops and one-on-one feedback the writers will enjoy guest speaker slots from experienced authors.’
Courses will take place over two evenings each week in the stylish Fazeley Studios on Fazeley Street, Digbeth, in Birmingham’s creative Eastside, starting in January 2012. The dedicated Masterclasses website launches on 1 December but prospectuses are already available and can be downloaded from the link at the top right of the page.
To find out more in person, why not come along to our open evening where Josie Barnard, Tindal Street staff and a few of our guest authors will be available tell you more about the courses. It’s at Fazeley Studios in Fazeley Street, Digbeth, on Tuesday 6 December from 6–8pm.
Please contact Zeena Lemon 01299 832116 / 0750 423 4044 or Alan Mahar on 0121 773 8157 for more, immediate information.
