Workshops
Friday 03 October
Friday 03 October
4PM-6PM
Workshops
The Blogging Session
Whether you’re a complete novice or looking to sharpen your blogging skills, join writer and marketer Lindsay Woodward for this relaxed, after work session. With a drink in hand, you’ll learn how to come up with blog ideas, how to structure your content, where to post it, and how to promote it. It’s the perfect mix of practical tips, creative inspiration, and a sociable start to your weekend. Please bring a pen and paper along to take part in this practical session.
Venue
The Seven Stars
Friday 03 October
7:30PM-9:30PM
Workshops
Lost the plot? Make it up!
Great stories demand great plots. We have all heard of the three act structure, but how to actually go about making it? This creative writing workshop will help you look at writing each of the three beats of a story plot, which could be a for a play, a musical, or a book. Questions and discussions welcomed as we delve into how to construct engaging plots which you can flesh out in your own time. Please bring pens / pencils and paper. Age 18+.
Venue
Rugby Theatre Tea Bar
Saturday 04 October
Saturday 04 October
10:30AM – 12:30PM
Workshops
Flash Fiction Workshop
Have a go at writing very short fiction. This is a popular form and fun to write. We will explore some contemporary flash fiction and you will have the opportunity to develop your own writing skills. The workshop is open to new writers and those who’d like to widen their writing skills.
Venue
The Percival Guildhouse
Saturday 04 October
10:30AM – 12PM
Workshops
Creating Poetry: A Poetry Workshop for Young People with Warwickshire’s Young Poet Laureate
Join this special poetry workshop designed and hosted by Warwickshire’s Young Poet Laureate 2024/25, Ananditha Venkatramanan, suitable for those aged 8-17. This workshop offers a unique opportunity to delve into the art of poetry, where participants will engage in crafting their own verses, igniting their imagination and practicing their writing skills. Come along and immerse yourself in the world of words, surrounded by fellow poetry enthusiasts in a supportive and encouraging environment.
Venue
Rugby Library
Saturday 04 October
11AM – 1:30PM
Workshops
Make it up as you go along – an improv taster workshop
An improv taster workshop showing a little about how to go about being more spontaneous, creative, and able to listen. Children are natural improvisors, but this is a habit we grow out when we start learning social rules. Creativity abounds when you let yourself be freer. This workshop will cover some of the fundamentals of improv and maybe whet your appetite to get up on stage in a future improv or scripted show.
Venue
Rugby Theatre Tea Bar
Workshops
Pixie Dust and Picture Books - story writing with Little Pixie Publishing
Saturday 04 October
12PM - 1:30PM
A creative, practical workshop designed for adults who dream of writing for children. Whether you're a complete beginner or have a story idea waiting to take flight, this session will guide you through the process of crafting a magical picture book. Led by Rosie from Little Pixie Publishing, the workshop blends inspiration with industry insight. You’ll explore the fundamentals of storytelling—character, structure, voice, and theme—while developing ideas for your own picture book manuscript. With exercises to spark creativity and expert tips on writing for young readers, you'll gain the confidence to take your ideas from concept to page. By the end of the session, you’ll have the beginnings of a story, a clearer sense of your writing voice, and practical knowledge about what publishers look for. Bring your imagination—we’ll provide the pixie dust.
Venue
The Percival Guildhouse
Workshops
How to Write for Young Adults
Saturday 04 October
2PM - 3PM
Writing for young adults is about more than just choosing a teenage protagonist. It’s about capturing the heart, struggles, and spirit of a generation. In this talk, YA author Shelley Wilson explores what makes YA fiction unique, how to create authentic characters, and the themes that resonate most with younger readers. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your YA voice, you’ll leave with practical tips, fresh inspiration, and a deeper understanding of what it takes to connect with young audiences and write unforgettable coming-of-age stories.
Venue
The Percival Guildhouse
Saturday 04 October
3PM – 4PM
Workshops
Telling the truth: how to write about your life, for you and for others.
Everyone has a story. But before we tell it to others, we must tell it to ourselves. This session explores how we can begin to write the truth about our lives, where to start, and how to take care of yourself as you do. Whether you’re documenting everyday moments, processing difficult life events, or capturing family stories, we’ll discuss how to create a rich archive of thoughts, feelings, and memories. We’ll also look at how to begin to share your story, through blogs, Substacks or social media. The session is ideal for those curious about memoir, and a welcome space for writers at any stage. Come with your pen and your notebook.
Venue
The Percival Guildhouse
Saturday 04 October
3:30PM – 5:30PM
Workshops
This Town Workshop
This Town is a modern-day epic narrative poem, performed and written by exciting new talent Rory Aaron (BBC New Creatives, Southbank Poetry Collective). An ode to home, This Town uses powerful spoken word to transport us to a post-industrialised landscape, weaving together stories of loss, PTSD, and friendship. There is also a Performance from This Town taking place before this Workshop at 2PM. Tickets for the performance and workshop are priced at £9. Performance only tickets are £7.
Venue
Macready Theatre
Saturday 04 October
4:30PM – 5:30PM
Workshops
The Art of Emphasis
Learn some tips on how to put meaningful emotion, sadness, or humour in the way you read your words aloud. Rugby based poet, blogger, and writer, ‘BusyMrFizzy’, hosts a discussion designed to help you perform your work, read aloud, or even do better public speaking. When do you pause, and for how long? When should you raise your voice, and when should you whisper? Should you ever shout? This short, informal, class, will attempt to teach you how to emphasise what the words mean to you, so that your audience can fully engage with the subject.
Venue
The Aviary Bar
Sunday 05 October
Sunday 05 October
10AM - 11AM
Workshops
An Introduction to Self-Publishing
Are you ready to get your book out into the world, but you’re not sure where to start with self-publishing? In this session, discover the essential steps to take control of your book’s publishing journey. You’ll learn everything you need to know to confidently navigate the self-publishing world, from getting your manuscript ready to launching your book successfully. We will be looking at how to know when your book is ready, what the options are for independent authors and top tips for success.
Venue
Art at the Alex
For Children & Families
Alice in Wonderland workshops day
Sunday 05 October
10AM - 11AM (Workshop 1)
12PM - 1PM (Workshop 2)
1.15PM - 2:15PM (Workshop 3)
2:30PM - 3.30PM (Workshop 4)
Fall down the rabbit hole and join Funstar Education for a magical day of Alice in Wonderland-themed workshops. Perfect for children aged 5–11, this bookable event offers a creative journey through one of the most beloved story worlds of all time. Across four fun-filled workshops, children will explore Wonderland through:
Arts & Crafts – Create Wonderland- inspired pieces
Drama – Step into the shoes of iconic characters through fun role-play and interactive storytelling.
Dance & Sing– Learn group dances and songs inspired by the magic and madness of Wonderland.
Games & Activities – Play imaginative, themed games that bring the story to life while encouraging teamwork and creativity.
Cost: £1 (to be reimbursed)
In association with:
Venue
Confirmed on Booking
Sunday 05 October
12PM - 1:30PM
Workshops
Writing from the Heart, the Soul, and the Funny Bone.
A workshop for anyone who wants to write about themselves, without writing about themselves. Connecting your emotional experiences with the words in front of you. Rugby based poet, blogger, and writer, ‘BusyMrFizzy’, hosts a workshop which may help you write about your own experiences, from the tragic to the tragically funny. Whether it’s a poem, a short story, or a children’s book, metaphors are a staple of creative writing and by using them and word play, rather than names and dates, we can tell our stories creatively. Beginning with a reading by the host, and followed by an examination of some other, well known, pieces, at the end of this workshop attendees will have the opportunity to produce a short piece of their own.
Venue
The Aviary Bar
For Children & Families
Books with Pockets Children’s Workshop
Sunday 05 October
1PM - 3PM
Create a fantasy mini picture book with local artist Jessica Hartshorn (Jessi Illustrates) with envelope pockets to hide the story in. Is it a pocket containing a treasure map, recipe, love letter or train ticket? You decide in this fun illustration workshop.
Suitable for ages 7 - 14 ( adults must stay).
In association with:
Venue
Confirmed on Booking
What’s On
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