Remember that voice in your head that tells you,
”You’ve been following the same way for years”?
If you’ve been writing long enough, you’ll quickly realize that your sentence structure, vocabulary and metaphors have become drier than sandpaper. If you’re not a writer, then recognize the benefits of writing and sign up for these workshops.
There’s no downside to being able to express your thoughts eloquently.
One way to water the potentially fertile paper is by reading – but there’s only so much reading you can do.
So, we tirelessly scouted worthy creative writing workshops in UAE so you can have a productive summer. Here are four you’ll love:
1. Creative Writing Studio at DUCTAC, Mall of the Emirates
If you’re still doodling in your journal, and have been contemplating writing a book/story for a few years now, then this course is perfect for you.
The course promises to explore all genres: fiction, non-fiction, flash fiction, poetry, prose poetry, poetry comics, plays.
It takes place four times a week over a course of 2 weeks. You have the option to choose between the morning and afternoon according to your work schedule. All you need to bring are your questions, imagination and the will to create.
The Tutor: Dina Hardy, recipient of a Stegner Fellowship from Stanford University, Iowa Writers’ Workshop MFA, Pushcart Prize nomination and the author of Selections from The World Book.
Where: Dubai Community Theatre and Arts Centre, Mall of the Emirates
How much: AED 1800
Get in touch: artsreception@ductac.org; +971 (0) 4 341 4777
Why: Easy to squeeze into your week after working hours, you don’t have to sacrifice your weekends.
2. Build Your World: A story-writing course
This 9-week course will launch you into a hardcore novel-writing course, complete with principal and secondary characters, narrative structure and publishing platforms at your disposal.
Developed by Nicolas Forzy, a successful screenwriter and novelist, the course accommodates only 9 people, giving you the focus you need. The course has been tailored to equip your book with the right plot, characters and story to keep your readers engaged.
The Tutor: Nicolas Forzy
Where: Dubai International Writers’ Centre, Al Shindagha district
How much: AED 3500
Get in touch: 04 355 9844
Why: A rigorous course, if you’re on the fast track to publish a book. Find out more- http://www.elfdubai.org/en/events/event/build-your-world#details
3. The Dubai Writers Group
If you’re not interested in doing a hardcore creative writing course, you could always hang out with creative like-minded people at the Dubai Writers group.
The group meets once every month and conducts critiques, exchanges feedback on any particular issues, and even holds book swaps.
Where: The Pavilion, Downtown Dubai
How much: Free
Why: If you’re afraid of commitment, this is for you.
Find out more about dates and timings: http://www.meetup.com/dubaiwriters/
4. DIWC Writing Group
Guided by the Emirates Airlines Literature Festival Programme Administrator, Annabelle Corton, the writing group meets once every month to discuss variety, freedom and inspiration in writing.
The members of the group are occasionally visited by resident authors who are part of the Emirates Literature Foundation community. This is a great opportunity to make silly mistakes and learn from fellow amateur writers.
Your guide: Annabelle Corton
Where: Dubai International Writers’ Centre, Al Shindagha district
How much: Free
Get in touch: events@elfdubai.org
Why: Heated group discussions, debates about different writing styles, and inspiration from published authors…what more could you ask for?
Find out more: http://www.elfdubai.org/en/events/event/diwc-writing-group#details
Have you been to any of these creative writing workshops in UAE? Tell us about your experience in the comments below.
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