‘Our Mingled Selves
Writing our way into biodiversity on our doorstep.’

The Writers’ Block has been developing a programme of specialist Writers’ Rooms around specific genres. They are focussed on emerging writers working with experienced professional writers developing writing with a direct route to audiences. The Writers’ Block specialises in playfulness and collaborations across the art forms, with writing at its heart.

This Writers’ Room is focussed on environmental writing with John Wedgewood Clarke looking at different approaches to writing prose and poetry that recognises the indivisible relationship between ourselves and the local and global biodiversity that sustains us. Thinking about hybridity, porosity, entanglement and other eco-critical concepts alongside great examples of contemporary writing. Both serious and frivolous as we recognise what we’ve lost, what threatens us, but also what we still have close by that may lead us to a renewed sense of wonder.

The Writers’ Block is seeking 3 emerging writers who are interested in creating new work around this theme. There will be an opportunity to share the work through readings, recordings or printed matter.

Where: The Writers’ Block at The Ladder, 2-4 Clinton Road, Redruth TR15 2QE but also going out and about.

When: 1st, 2nd and 14th April from 10-4pm – some sessions may be shorter to allow writing time.

The Writer: John Wedgwood Clarke is an Associate Professor in Creative Writing. He regularly collaborates on cross-disciplinary projects, most recently Red River: Listening to a Polluted River. His publications include Ghost Pot (2013), Landfill (2017) and Boy Thing (forthcoming, 2023).

Fee: You will receive £400 to attend the workshops, write new work and attend the sharing session. There is no extra funding for travel or accommodation, thus this a call for writers resident in Cornwall & Devon.

How To Apply: Send an expression of interest saying why you want to be part of this Writers’ Room and a sample of your work to [email protected] by 9am on 6 March.

We would also be grateful if you would complete this entirely optional Diversity Monitoring Form which will help us continue to track and improve our engagement with under represented groups  https://forms.office.com/r/j3zQbF0vWe

Access: The Writers’ Block actively encourages new and under represented writers. Our venue is fully accessible. There is no designated disabled parking, but we can arrange to cone an area on the street for Blue Badge parking. Due to the nature of the topic, some of the work led by John Clarke will take place outdoors. If you are successful in obtaining a place on this course and have barriers to physical access, we will discuss your needs prior to the event.

To find out more about The Writers’ Block visit www.thewritersblock.org.uk . If you have any queries please call Amanda Harris on 07712331421.