Using the best examples of poetry, fiction, and plays written by disabled and Deaf writers, our online group workshops will invite you to consider how we can be more inclusive and representative in the creation of characters, perspectives, narratives, and fictional worlds. Through discussions, writing exercises and prompts, you will be encouraged to look at your writing anew. We will challenge the stereotypes, and consider new narratives, reinvented protagonists, surprising endings, and a refreshed language for our work.
Course Content
2024
Session 1 (6 November 2024)
In this session we will introduce ourselves and get to know the group of writers.
The content of the session will explore representation of Deaf, Disabled and Neurodivergent people in literature. We will read extracts from accomplished or subversive poetry, fiction, and plays written by Disabled and Deaf writers and discuss how we can implement some of the good techniques and ideas we will have read and discussed into our own work.
In this initial session, we will set out the groundwork for reinventing our protagonists, exploring models of disability, and setting ourselves the challenge to change stereotypes, consider new narratives, and using refreshed language in our work.
Session 2 (13 November 2024)
This session will focus on monologues. Even if your writing in progress is not a monologue or a script, this workshop will help you develop your craft in writing from your own – or from another first person’s – perspective.
Session 3 (20 November 2024)
This session will focus on fiction. Depending on the group’s work in progress, we might decide to focus on writing for children and young people, fiction, or creative non-fiction. We will touch on storylines, characters and dialogue.
Session 4 (27 November 2024)
This session will focus on poetry. Even if your writing in progress is not poetry, the workshop . will be useful for efficient and precise writing.. Through the sample poems we will analyse imagery and how poetry can be a powerful tool to make your readers empathise and understand. We will be joined by a special guest reader, who will co-host the session.
2025
Session 5 (Week of 13 January, 2025. Specific times will be agreed upon by the participants and tutor at the beginning of the course)
Following a six week break for you to develop your work in progress, each writer will receive a one-to-one session with Kaite to discuss your individual projects. You can expect detailed feedback and tailored encouragement during these sessions, as well as specific advice about opportunities which may be of interest to you.
Session 6 (March 2025)
The final session will be a celebration, and an opportunity for each writer to perform a short piece of their own written work to the rest of the group.
Below is a BSL Flyer outlining some of the key course information.