Writing Workshops
Qualifications
Jo has the following qualifications:
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PTTLS (Preparing To Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector, City and Guilds)
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CELTA (Cambridge Certificate in English Language Teaching for Adults)
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BA (Hons) in Drama and Theatre Arts including playwriting and comedy writing
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MA in Creative Writing including poetry, fiction and travel memoir.
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Jo has taught ESOL and EFL classes to adults, and led creative writing workshops (both face-to-face and online).
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Experience
Beginners' travel writing workshop (2 hr)
Maggie's Centre, Nottingham
(Face-to-face session, 8 participants)
June 2019
A workshop exploring the key components of travel writing and the tools of fiction which are used to write creative non-fiction. Using aural and physical prompts as inspiration, participants escape into the world of travel writing through an exploration of their own previous journeys and the tools they have addressed in the workshop.
Feedback:
"The session was lively and enjoyable. It was pitched just right in terms of content and exercises, and produced some powerful pieces of writing. I'd definitely recommend Jo as a workshop leader!"
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- Clare Stevens, Creative Writing Group Tutor at the Maggie's Centre, Nottingham.
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"Congratulations on an excellent travel writing session at Maggie's, top marks!!
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- Bridget Swinden, Participant
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"I was fortunate enough to attend Jo's travel writing workshop at Maggie's. It was thoroughly enjoyable and informative."
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- Vince Sharpe, Participant
A taste of travel writing workshop (1 hr)
Shine Connect Conference 2020
(Online session, 18 participants)
November 2020
An interactive, online version of the beginners' workshop facilitated for Maggie's (as detailed above).
Feedback:
"Jo hosted a hugely enjoyable travel writing session for us at our annual conference. We were amazed by how much you could get done in the space of an hour and the participants produced some great pieces!"
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- Ceinwen Giles, Director, Shine Cancer Support
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"(I) liked the breaking down of writing so it didn't feel so overwhelming. (Jo) gives encouragement and ideas of how how to start which is the bit I find most difficult!"
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- participant
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"(The best part of the session was) having space to react to prompts and really let your creative juices flow. I was pleasantly surprised by what I came up with."
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- participant
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"This session did give me a lot to think about and Jo was brilliant."
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- participant
All the fun of the fair poetry workshop
(1 hr)
Shine Connect Conference 2021
(Online session, 15 participants)
November 2021
A poetry workshop for people of all levels of experience, using poems about fairgrounds to address how we can both explore and escape from complex emotions and events. Included audio and video clips as well as images for inspiration, discussion and writing time, and a sharing of the work created.
Feedback from client:
"We've worked with Jo a couple of times and each time she's created a fun and creative session which gets our participants working on their own poetry in next to no time. We are always amazed by what she can achieve in a very short time and would love to work with her again".
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- Ceinwen Giles, Director, Shine Cancer Support
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Time and place writing workshop (2 hr)
Maggie's Centre, Nottingham
(Face-to-face session, 6 participants)
August 2023
WORKSHOP CONTENT: TO BE COMPLETED.
Feedback from participants:
"I love and appreciate Jo's responsible, loving and professional facilitating of [the] Creative Writing [workshop]."
- Prince Elijah Israel
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"Jo's sessions are thoughtfully planned, engaging and enjoyed by all!"
- Mary C.
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"Jo conducted the class in a creative, positive and patient manner."
- Peter