Aspiring Writers Invited to Join Intergenerational Workshops in Warkworth

Creative writing workshops tailored for aspiring writers are set to take place at the Warkworth Library in March 2024. Known for their successful intergenerational classes, Johanna Emeney, a poet from Coatesville, and Ros Ali, head of the writing programme at St Cuthbert’s College, will offer three sessions aimed at fostering connections between two age groups: participants aged 14 to 25 and those over 60.

The workshops, scheduled for March 14, 21, and 28, 2024, will run from 10:00 to 12:30 each day. Emeney expressed excitement about the potential for meaningful exchanges, stating, “We hope that by inviting two distinct age groups to come along, we’ll encourage not only a lively and interesting exchange of life experiences and viewpoints, but that the group will form some lasting bonds in the community.”

Previously, Emeney and Ali have facilitated similar workshops on the North Shore, achieving notable success. Their last session at the East Coast Bays Library attracted a diverse range of participants, from those in their early 20s to individuals in their early 80s. “We only did one workshop, which had a waiting list of 20,” Emeney noted, highlighting the strong demand for such initiatives.

The upcoming workshops will cover various genres, including memoir, auto-fiction, poetry, prose, and creative nonfiction. Emeney emphasized that the sessions provide an opportunity for attendees to expand their writing skills while also forming new friendships. “So where are all the Rodney writers? The North Shore is teeming with them,” she added, encouraging local writers to take part.

The funding for these workshops comes from the Creative Rodney – Making Art Work initiative, supported by the Rodney Local Board, which aims to promote community-led artistic activities.

Individuals interested in participating can now register for the workshops. With only 20 spots available, those wishing to attend are urged to act quickly. Interested parties should email [email protected] with their name, contact number, address, and confirmation of their commitment to attend all three sessions.

These workshops represent a significant opportunity for aspiring writers in the region, combining the wisdom of experience with the fresh perspectives of youth.