Writer’s Bloc was launched in June 2024 as part of the Write to Work programme and was designed to run alongside the creative writing courses. Since then, we have held 15 sessions and over 230 people have applied! Based in Toxteth Library, Writer’s Bloc offers sessions both with professional writers and ‘Time to Write’ sessions in which you can come along to work on your writing with a community of other aspiring writers.
The Writer’s Bloc launched on 7th June 2024 with acclaimed Liverpool screenwriter Tony Schumacher, creator and writer of the award-winning BBC drama series The Responder.
Since then, we have been joined by more professional writers including Ashleigh Nugent, Roy, Blue Saint, Helen Jeffery, Ginni Manning and David Jackson. Our writers always have a relatable backstory, fantastic experience, and the willingness to help you follow in their footsteps!
Once a month a professional writer will come along to deliver a session in their area of expertise. We have poets, novelists, screenwriters, content writers and more. Some will teach you how to spot or overcome common obstacles and pitfalls, and give you advice on best practices, motivational tips and inspiration. Some will impart knowledge on practical matters such as performing or getting published.
Each session will be different in terms of presentation and format, as some will be more like workshops and others talks or presentations. Our sessions are always interactive, and we allow plenty of time for Q&A and social networking.
Every other fortnight on the Writer’s Bloc we offer a ‘Time to Write’ session. You can come into Toxteth Library as part of the local writing community and spend some time on your writing. This might be anything you are currently interested in or working toward: flash fiction, poetry, a novel – anything goes! The aim is to motivate you to commit to a specific time to concentrate on your writing, after which the group will reconvene and, if you wish, you can share your work. This is an opportunity to get valuable feedback, gain more confidence in your work and spend time with likeminded people.
As the Writer’s Bloc falls under the Write to Work programme, these sessions are aimed at further development of your skills and prospects and, as such, are also used to highlight any career, training, volunteering or writing opportunities that participants may be interested in. Sometimes we are joined by representatives from other organisations to present their opportunities.
Unlike the Write to Work creative writing courses, the Writer’s Bloc sessions are open to our wider community of participants regardless of your employment status. However, you will need to apply. Once you have done so, we will send invitations to upcoming sessions directly to your inbox and you will not need to apply again. Signing up does not mean you are expected to attend all sessions – you can attend whichever you are interested in. However, you must let us know by replying to the invitation. We will then confirm your spot or let you know if it is full.
If you have applied and haven’t heard from us, please check your spam folder first. Otherwise, you can email us at write2work@writingonthewall.org.uk to let us know.
2025 session schedule coming soon!
IMPORTANT: Please do not turn up to a Writer’s Bloc session without registering and being invited. Numbers are limited and session attendance is by invite only.
Friday 17th January: Time to Write
Friday 31st January: Poetry & Activism with Amina Atiq
Friday 14th February: Time to Write with Tom Mclennan
Friday 7th March: Copy & Content Writing with Paddy Clarke
Friday 14th March: Time to Write
Friday 28th March: TBC
Are you economically inactive* and interested in joining a creative community where you can further your skills as a writer, develop your confidence, and have your stories heard? Then a FREE creative writing course could be perfect for you. Most courses will be in person in the Liverpool area, and a small number will be scheduled online for those with access issues.
Our courses are for all levels of writing ability, so no experience is necessary. They offer a chance to work with professional writers, and everyone who attends will be able to submit their work for publication in a printed anthology available to buy online and in bookshops across the city.
Our courses have had a major impact on participants and led to much career success. They have also led to success for Writing on the Wall, with the Write to Work programme recently winning the Preparing For Work Award at the LCR Culture and Creativity Awards in March 2024. If you are interested in participating in our new course, please apply below.
“10 Steps to Becoming a Better Writer:
Write.
Write more.
Write even more.
Write even more than that.
Write when you don’t want to.
Write when you do.
Write when you have something to say.
Write when you don’t.
Write every day.
Keep writing.”
Write to Work is part funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF)
