The Writer’s Block
With innovation and creativity at its heart, The Writers’ Block is both a place to write and a unique approach to developing confidence and skills in writing for everyone.
Our public programme includes writing for wellbeing, masterclasses, teacher CPD, young writers’ workshops and mentoring, a monthly Speakeasy and writer podcasts. Our in-house schools programme inspires reluctant writers and those more able, and working with other heritage and cultural partners, we create bespoke, place-based schools & community projects. Real life experiences are a growing part of our work, developed from our Y7 Young Reporters project which covered the G7 in June 2021. We have strong early years storytelling strands supporting oracy and an early love of books, which tour schools, pre-schools and voluntary sector groups working with families.
Developing new talent is integral to our work. We support emerging writers through mentored Writers’ Rooms as well workshop skills. The Story Republic is our ensemble of performers to be found at festivals and special events weaving their blend of spoken word stories and poems with beguiling folk harmonies.
Since the pandemic we have embraced the digital opportunities by producing short story films and audio, and delivering online courses and book launches. And we have brought some of these digital experiences to isolated communities by delivering hundreds of story postcards and creating pop up performances.
In 2022 we are relocating to the Former Library in Redruth where a new adventure in story begins. To launch our new home and get to know our local community, we have 2 new projects:
Pens Paper Envelopes (PPE) is a cross generational letter writing project encouraging correspondence with elderly people and school children, involving writers, illustrators and performers. At a time when lives have been characterised by isolation, uncertainty, and loneliness through the pandemic, the project enables participants to have a positive focus and to gain a sense of belonging.
Stories of Stuff: The People’s Collection Project Redruth’ aims to link The Writers’ Block to its community through their treasured objects and their stories. These will then be showcased in splendid cabinets alongside performances, photography and audio recordings created by the owners and writers.
The Writers’ Block core team of Amanda Harris, Helen Reynolds and Annamaria Murphy have been collaborating together over many years and are behind many cultural innovations in Cornwall. Alongside them is an inspiring team of writers, visual & digital artists, performers and teachers.
Image Credit: Steve Tanner
