Creativity and community go hand-in-hand. For writers, having a community is invaluable; a place to share, receive the gift of feedback and be inspired. It is often our communities that we write to and about, across genres and form.
At Commonword we’re proud of the creative community that flourishes at our workshops, events and conferences. The digital space has broadened our community, allowing us to reach artists in India, Trinidad and Tobago and Lebanon, to name a few.
In this month’s newsletter we’re sharing resources and opportunities for all writers to learn from and get involved with. Every one of you make up our community & we’re so glad to have you.
In Conversation with Jennifer Makumbi now on Youtube!
The #BWC21 headline event was an inspiring and mind-broadening conversation with former Cultureword writer Jennifer Nansubuga Makumbi, winner of the 2021 Jhalak Prize.
Persistent in resisting the demands to cater to a Western readership, Jennifer shared how she garnered confidence in her singular storytelling. An essential watch for emerging writers & discerning readers alike!
Tonight! Digital Storytelling with Commonword & The American University of Beirut
In 2021 Commonword partnered with the American University of Beirut on an innovative storytelling project which saw 7 writers compose interactive stories set in the dystopian civil-war world of ‘The Bloods’. The final stories were transposed to the open-source fiction tool Twine, giving the reader the power to determine how each story ends.
Tonight, 10th February, at 6.30pm join us for the Digital Storytelling Launch where you will be faced with nail-biting decisions to protect yourself and the resistance movement. Hear unique stories exploring the tyranny of language, surveillance and religion & meet the writers and illustrators involved in this project.
Digital Resources: Meet the Artists & Learn New Skills
Learn about the creative backgrounds and processes of the Digital Storytelling writers and illustrators on our Meet the Artists webpage.
Craft a story for Twine with our 'How To' videos by Dr Pete Kalu
Publication of 'So: Collected Poems' by John Siddique
It was wonderful to have so many in attendance at the launch of ‘SO: Collected Poems’ by John Siddique. A relaxed evening of readings and discussion served as the perfect introduction to John’s contemplative writing. Watch the event on our Youtube channel now.
This month we have interviews with two Manchester-based writers.
Jacqueline Roy's 'The Gosling Girl' was recently published by Simon & Schuster. It is a tour de force of engaged storytelling, which tells, with heart-wrenching pathos, of the bleak aftermath for all concerned when one child kills another.
Our second interview is with former Councillor for Ancoats & Beswick Marcia Hutchinson MBE who is currently working on 3 novels! Marcia is a member of Commonword’s Identity writers’ group as well as our Novel Writing Group.
Marcia talked to us about the connection between her work in local politics & creativity, how writers’ groups helped her throughout lockdown & shares a writing tip for those starting out.
Read an extract of Marcia’s political novel-in-progress 'The Count' here
Workshops
Update from Commonword's Novel Writing Group
from facilitator Mickela Sonola
The Commonword Novel Writers’ group meet twice a month. Each session two writers submit an extract of their novel (up to 2000 words) a few days before and the group gives constructive feedback on the work.
This is a group for people from the global majority and while the level of critique and support has been no different from any other group I have facilitated, it has been inspiring to hold a space where it is safe to explore issues of race, gender, and sexuality in a supportive and understanding environment. Writers have not had to leave their difference at the door, and this only enriches the writing and empowers the writer.
DaDaFest is looking for 6 artists to join their 'Strollers' project, an exciting new piece of street theatre in partnership with Black Gold Arts. They are searching for 4 performers or dancers & 2 spoken word artists based in the North West.
Manchester-based writer Okechukwu Nzelu's new book HERE AGAIN NOW will be launching on March 10th at Blackwell's Manchester. Nzelu will be in conversation with Andrew McMillan.
Z-arts Manchester have 2 exciting job openings: Digital Content & Communications Assistant + Programme Assistant. Both are opportunities to take on a pivotal role in a growing and exciting arts organisation.
