Top 5 Writing Workshops

As well as avid devourers of books, the EIBF pulls crowds of writers through its gates, not least because of the particularly dense concentration of literary agents in and around Charlotte Square. With several workshops targeted at aspiring authors and poets, why not use the opportunity to learn some secrets of the trade?

1) Short Story Writing; Saturday 12 August, 2pm – Writers’ Retreat
Even the very best cut their literary teeth on the shortened form; Orange and Whitbread prize nominee Laura Hird leads this workshop on how brevity can set you on the path to being the next Ali Smith.

2) Writing Crime Fiction; Wednesday 13 August, 2pm – Writers’ Retreat
Scottish crime writer Aline Templeton offers her tips and warns of the potential pitfalls in crafting works in one of literature’s most popular genres.

3) Novel Writing; Saturday 23 August, 2pm – Writers’ Retreat
This is the one for those who have a novel in them straining to get out. Learn the nuts and bolts of the fundamental literary form with novelist Laura Marney.

4) Writing for Video Games; Friday 22 August, 2pm – Writers’ Retreat
There’s gold in them there hills – that is, children shaped like hills, because they’re spending all their time playing video games. Brian Baglow teaches the basics of one of the fastest-growing and most lucrative areas of publishing.

5) Contracts: the Fine Print; Friday 15 August, 11am – Writers’ Retreat
Not an edge-of-your seat thriller, granted; but this workshop promises to offer access to an audience of budding writing talent nervously chewing over reams of legalese. An opportunity for intellectual banter and hilarious highjinx in equal parts, chaired by Elizabeth Haylett Clark and Anna Ganley.