Letters from the Archives: Creative Writing Workshop

Join us for a creative writing workshop, inspired by the many different types of letters held in the University of Exeter's Special Collections.
In this workshop, we'll explore several letters from the archives from a variety of authors on a wide range of subjects. From a letter home written by a nun in 1756 to William Golding's Postal Chess game in 1983, each letter has their own unique style.

Our facilitator will use prompts to inspire you to imagine the life of the letter-writer, consider how the style of the letter adds or takes away from its message, and have a go at your own writing.
No previous experience with writing or archives is necessary, but you will need a pencil (no pens please!) and paper. Transcripts of the letters will be available, as some handwriting can be tricky to read.

Facilitator
The session will be facilitated by Malcolm Hebron, MA, DPhil, a guest tutor for Raw Writing.
Author of: The Medieval Siege (OUP), Mastering the Language of Literature, Key Concepts in Renaissance Literature (Palgrave), How to Read a Poem (Connell Guides).

The session is FREE, but ticketed. A waitlist is available.

Suitable for Age 12+

Please note: as the session will involve original archival material we will ask you to leave your bags and coats to one side of the room and to only use pencils. No food or drink will be allowed at the tables.

Timings & Tours

Friday 06 September:

14:30-16:00

Location & directions

Old Library, Prince of Wales Road, Exeter, Devon, EX4 4SB

Directions:

On the day please enter the old library through the main entrance (off the cobbled area in front of the Mary Harris Chapel). Signs will be inside the building to direct you to Seminar Room A/B. Please email [email protected] if you have questions, or difficulties finding the building.

Contact on day:

Caroline Walter

Telephone number:

+441392722097

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:

Pre-booking required

Booking conditions:

Book your ticket through Eventbrite

Booking website:

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/letters-from-the-archives-creative-writing-workshop-tickets-976172768027?aff=oddtdtcreator&_gl=1%2A1626sye%2A_up%2AMQ..%2A_ga%2AMzA0MTExNjYwLjE3MjI5NTU1Njc.%2A_ga_TQVES5V6SH%2AMTcyMjk1NTU2Ny4xLjAuMTcyMjk1NTU2Ny4wLjAuMA..

Booking opens:

08 Aug 2024 09:00 AM

Booking closes:

06 Sep 2024 10:00 AM

Accessibility details

There are a few disabled spaces outside the building, though these are in a cobbled area. The main door is automatic but is followed by a manual double door. The room the session will be held in is on the ground floor not far from the main entrance & there is a disabled toilet on this floor. Council parking is available along Prince of Wales Road.

Additional information

Why no pens? We will be using original archival material, including an item from the 1700's. Using pencils means that any accidental markings can be removed from the documents without damaging them. Does no food or drink include water? Yes. Food and drink, including water, can damage archive material. To prevent accidents, we will ask you to pop all your belongings, other than laptops or note-taking materials, to one side in the room. If you need to take a drink at any time you can go to this area.

Max no of people per tour:

25

Est. tour duration:

1 hour(s) 30 minute(s)

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