Across four free online sessions, we’ll explore the poetry of the elements: Earth, Water, Fire and Air. You’ll hear classic elemental poems: the ‘foam and glitter’ of Heaney’s coastline and Robert Frost’s snowy woods. We’ll also hear contemporary poems which are solid, flowing, passionate and gutsy in their gustiness! We encourage you to bring along…

Quay Words is joined by Exeter City Supporters Trust and sports writer David Goldblatt to discuss the importance of Exeter City FC being a supporter owned football club. Join us for a discussion on the importance of democratic ownership in sport, how communities can be involved with their club and how football supports the wellbeing…

Emerging writers read from their first few pages of their work-in-progress, hosted by Quay Words Autumn writer-in-residence, Patrick Gale. This event will take place online via Crowdcast, live streamed from Exeter Custom House.

Readings and conversations about writing, mental health and creativity from two well-known and much-loved novelists.  A treat for writers, readers and anyone with an interest in the workings of our creative mind. You can purchase a copy of Salley Vickers’ latest novel, Grandmothers here and Patrick Gale’s latest novel, Take Nothing With You, here. This event will…

Quay Words Autumn writer-in-residence Patrick Gale will read from his work and talk about depictions of mental illness in his novels. He will discuss the challenge of conveying extremes of depression, mania and Alzheimer’s disease in fiction. You can purchase a copy of Patrick Gale’s latest novel, Take Nothing With You, here. This event will take place…

This five-week short course offers guidance in crafting poems that really connect with readers alongside advice and insight into the poetry sector and how to get published. Led by the experienced poet Jonathan Davidson, who has spent many years advising writers on sustaining their creative careers, there will be opportunities to sharpen-up existing poems, write…

In this masterclass participants will be given advice on some of the best ways to have their poetry read and seen. This will include thinking about magazine submissions, live readings (including open mics), as well as competitions and prizes. Anthony will also discuss things to consider when approaching a publishing house, the pros and cons…

Well-known bibliotherapist and writer, Ella Berthoud, in conversation with Quay Words Autumn writer-in-residence, Patrick Gale about our reading lives and why reading is good for us.  Expect tips, examples and sheer reading bliss. You can purchase a copy of 30 Second Literature; The 50 most important forms, genres and styles, each explained in half a minute by…

In September, we are offering  four surgeries for promising emerging writers of  life writing with historian and memoirist, Colin Grant during the week of 7th- 13th September 2020. Colin will offer one-to-one feedback which will help you hone your craft, discuss your work-in-progress and consider possible next steps for your writing journey. To apply for…

This online course with novelist and memoirist Lily Dunn for 12 writers will focus on writing from our own life and how to tell our personal stories. The course will be available online throughout the month of September, giving you the flexibility to sign in and take part at times that suit you.  Many people…