ONLINE WRITING WORKSHOPS
"Jen's workshops have been invaluable in helping me find my voice, and never fail to inspire me to write — I can't recommend them highly enough."
— Fee (workshop participant)
— Fee (workshop participant)
WHO I AM
Hi, I'm Jen Campbell; I'm a bestselling author, award-winning poet and short story writer. I've run writing workshops with The Poetry School, at book festivals, in bookshops and in schools, and these online workshops are a way for you to take a workshop with me wherever you happen to be in the world. Each workshop examines a particular theme; participants are sent a discussion on this theme before being asked to complete two writing tasks which later receive detailed feedback. The workshops are for those who are new to writing, as well as those with some experience who wish to get feedback on their work, learn new techniques and hone their craft.
If you require editorial feedback on something you have already written, please see this page here, instead. If you wish to discuss writing workshops for your writing group, school or book festival, please email me.
WORKSHOPS
Workshops are available for poetry, short stories and creative nonfiction. I run group workshops several times a year, and individual workshops via email all year round.
The benefit of a group workshop is that you read what everyone else writes, too. Seeing feedback given to other people can help you improve your own writing. The benefit of taking an individual workshop is that we arrange it at a time to suit you, and you are not tied down to a Skype session, as all feedback is given via email. Please find further details below. Feedback from previous participants on these workshops can also be found at the bottom of this page.
Once you've read through, if you have any questions, please don't hesitate to drop me an email.
GROUP WORKSHOPS
How They Work
The workshops span a two week period.
Cost
Poetry Workshops: £35
Short Story Workshops: £45
Creative Nonfiction Workshops: £50
More group workshops will be available in the future; keep checking back!
In the meantime, one-on-one workshops are available all year round; scroll down to find out more!
--
INDIVIDUAL WORKSHOPS
Available All Year Round
How They Work
Individual workshops take a similar format to the group workshops described above but I run them one-on-one and, rather than a Skype session, you receive feedback via email, instead. The price of the workshop remains the same (£35 for poetry, £45 for short stories, £50 for creative nonfiction), and the workshop takes place over a two week period. We can discuss dates that work for both of us, and if you would rather spread the workshop over a period longer than two weeks, I'm happy to chat about that, too; just let me know when you get in touch.
Simply drop me an email if you are interested, letting me know which workshop you would like to take (they are listed below; I generally recommend that participants begin with the Poetry and Structure workshop, or the Set Your Pace workshop, but I'm happy to chat about that via email), I'll then send you some date options and a Paypal request.
These are the workshops I offer:
POETRY WORKSHOPS
POETRY AND STRUCTURE
This is a workshop where we examine how to structure free verse poetry, how to shape poems to suit their subject matter, how to create double meanings with line breaks, and other techniques. Once you have read through the workshop, you will be asked to complete two tasks, one of which is to write a poem of your own. I will give detailed feedback on your work.
POETRY AND SILENCE
In this workshop we examine gaps in poems and the power of pauses. We look at how poets have used blank spaces to show something the narrator has forgotten, or to illustrate a form of censorship. Once you have read through the workshop, complete with discussion and examples, you will be asked to write your own poem using gaps. I will give detailed feedback on your work.
POETRY OUT OF THE BOX
A workshop where we look at prose poetry, what it is and how to write it. There are two tasks: one where you will look critically at a poem presented both as a free verse poem (ie with line breaks) and as a prose poem (without line breaks), to see how this changes its tone, and a second task where you will be asked to write your own prose poem based on the workshop you have read. I will give detailed feedback on your work.
POETRY AND NARRATIVE VOICE
This workshop looks at instances where poets have created personas or 'other selves' to force themselves to write outside of their comfort zones. Once you have read through the workshop, complete with examples and discussion, you will be asked to create a character yourself, and then write about them. This should be helpful both to those who are looking to step outside of their usual writing styles, and those who are new to poetry and would like a structured way to create a writing voice. I will give detailed feedback on your work.
POETRY AND FAIRY TALE
In this workshop we will look at how we can use fairy tale and folklore in poetry. This might be to give voice to a character we know, or to knit old tales with personal stories. Once you have read through the workshop, complete with discussion and examples, you will be asked to complete two tasks, one of which is to write your own poem inspired by fairy tale. I will give detailed feedback on your work.
THE RESPONSE POEM
In this workshop we will examine response poems; these are poems written as a reply to, or inspired by, a poem written by someone else. We will look at how one piece of text can kickstart another and how we can create conversations through poetry. Once you have read through the workshop, complete with discussion and examples, you will be asked to write your own response poem. I will give detailed feedback on your work.
EXPANDING WORLDS
In this workshop we will look at how we can turn the everyday into the extraordinary. We'll discuss poems that focus on one moment and then zoom out, showing linking thought patterns. For instance: grief can strike us when we're out walking; we can recall a childhood memory when we're doing the laundry. This workshop is particularly useful for those moments when we fear we have 'nothing to say.' We all have things to say; it's just a case of digging. Once you have read through the workshop, complete with discussion and examples, you will be asked to write your own poem. I will give detailed feedback on your work.
POETRY AND BODY
This is a workshop where we examine how bodies are talked about in poetry, and how we can shape poems to reflect what we would like to say about bodies, too. We'll talk about magical bodies, misremembered bodies, and we'll touch on disability and disfigurement. Once you have read through the workshop, you will be asked to complete two tasks, one of which is to write a poem of your own. I will give detailed feedback on your work.
SHORT STORY WORKSHOPS
SET YOUR PACE
In this workshop we will look at the best way to tell a short story — how to structure it, whether it should be in first, second or third person, and how to communicate with the reader depending on the sort of story you're trying to tell. Once you have read through the workshop, complete with discussion and examples, you will be asked to write your own short story (approx 1500 words). I will give detailed feedback on your work.
FAIRY TALE RETELLINGS
A workshop where we look at how certain fairy tales have been changed and altered over time, why fairy tale retellings resonate with us, and how we can create our own. There will be two exercises to complete: one where you will be asked to outline three tales (after reading over examples), and a second task where you will take one of those outlines and write a short story (approx 1500 words). I will give detailed feedback on your work.
THE ART OF THE SHORT STORY
A workshop where we use art and photographs as inspiration for stories. We'll be looking at instances where writers have used a piece of art as a plot point, researched its history or used a painting as a jumping off point for a narrative or setting for a story. Once you have read through the workshop, complete with discussion and examples, you will be asked to write your own story (approx 1500 words). I will give detailed feedback on your work.
MAGICAL REALISM
In this workshop we will look at magical realism in short stories, and how extended metaphors can be used to reflect aspects of our own world. Once you have read through the workshop, complete with discussion and examples, you will be asked to write your own short story using magical realism (approx 1500 words). I will give detailed feedback on your work.
OUT OF THIS WORLD
In this workshop we will look at science fiction in short stories, and how technology and/or social science can be used to reflect aspects of our own world. Once you have read through the workshop, complete with discussion and examples, you will be asked to write your own science fiction short story (approx 1500 words). I will give detailed feedback on your work.
BODIES OF TEXT
In this workshop we will look at the how bodies are framed in short stories, with specific emphasis on disfigurement and disability. Once you have read through the workshop, complete with discussion and examples, you will be asked to write your own short story (approx 1500 words). I will give detailed feedback on your work.
CREATIVE NONFICTION WORKSHOPS
YOU COULDN'T MAKE THIS UP
There are many different ways to craft creative nonfiction. In this workshop we'll be looking at how you can tell a personal story whilst linking it with a larger narrative. We'll be discussing structure, linking imagery and applying storytelling techniques to facts. Once you have read through the workshop, complete with discussion and examples, you will be asked to write your own piece (approx 2000 words). I will give detailed feedback on your work.
--
FEEDBACK FROM PREVIOUS PARTICIPANTS
'Jen's workshop was so well structured. She gave enough but not too much reading around the subject to open up your imagination and her feedback was so thorough. I would recommend to anyone who wants a writing boost!' – Olivia Thomas
'Participating in ‘Poetry and Structure' was a really fun and interesting experience. The workshop itself was really well structured and informative; it was great to get feedback from Jen as well as exchange work with others and hear about different people’s experience of the writing process! (The preparation tasks were enough that I felt I was learning and challenging myself, but not so overwhelming that you wouldn’t be able to fit it into a work week!)' —Rachael Wilson
"With her sharp eye, Jen was able to carve out a poem within my poem that allowed me to see my work in a whole new light." — Jordan Gray
'I took part in Jen's Magical Realism short story writing workshop, which has helped me better understand the genre, as well as improving my general writing skills. The exercises we were asked to do helped me to really focus in on what magical realism is and to understand how other writers have used this in their work, while I found the insights and advice given by Jen in the subsequent group feedback session immensely useful. She delivered line edits on everyone's story and impartial, quality feedback on our work, helping us to see where and how it could be improved and explaining different writing techniques, all of which I think is invaluable feedback for any writer. It was great to get such specific feedback on my own work but, also, to read everyone else's stories and to hear what Jen had to say about these, as well. She is a very skilled writer and I would definitely recommend taking part in any of her workshops if you want to learn how to develop and improve your writing.' — Claire Savage
"I have completed four of Jen's individual online workshops for both poetry and short story. For each one, Jen provides a workbook that provides concrete examples of the points illustrated. You then complete a writing task. It can be daunting sharing your writing and being critiqued, but Jen is a wonderful teacher. She gives detailed feedback in a very positive manner. What I most like is the way she asks questions about an aspect of your story or poem. Her questions get you thinking and help take your writing to the next level. One of the poems I worked on was accepted for publication in a US journal. I doubt this would have happened without doing Jen’s very enjoyable workshops." — Kim Martins
"From the beginning, the whole idea of writing poetry and understanding the assignment was skilfully planned so that you never felt clueless about what to do. Afterwards all questions and queries were answered by Jen in detail. It was a thoroughly fun and enjoyable experience for me." — Salima Yakoob
"It was wonderful to share work in such a supportive and friendly environment. The feedback I received was completely on point, deftly delivered and has already proven immensely helpful. As someone who was sharing her writing for the first time, I was never made to feel out of place. I would encourage everyone to sign up in the future - it is more than worth it!"-- Ellen Taggart
"Jumping into poetry after a long time of only writing tiny notebook fragments has been such a pleasure, and I enjoyed myself hugely. Thank you for helping me work out what I'm doing!" — Sarah Butler
'Jen was able to see the meaning and heart of my story. Through her educational materials, including notes on what makes a story great, she was able to inspire me to write one of my favorite stories I've ever written. Through her individualized feedback, she was able to help me polish my piece to a bright shine. I look forward to taking more of her classes in the future.' — Jordan Gray
"Writing can seem mysterious and nebulous and a great teacher makes all the difference. I have taken three (soon to be four) online creative writing workshops with Jen. What impresses me the most about these classes is how she distills the topic into wonderfully comprehensible tasks. She uses rich examples as clarification and always offers on-point book recommendations to enrich her explanations. Her feedback is precise yet gentle and the workshops are safe spaces to try new things. I’ve been able to focus and develop my writing through these workshops and have transformed from someone who wants to be a writer into someone who actually writes and I love it!" -- Kate George-Melson
The links to sign up to the group workshops take you to Paypal. You do not need to have a Paypal account to pay this way: at the link there will an option to pay by card.
If you have any payment issues, or if you are based in the UK and wish to pay by direct bank transfer instead, please just drop me an email.
Please be aware that payments are non-refundable. If you can no longer take part in a group workshop, I will complete the workshop individually with you via email instead, at a time that suits both of us. If you can no longer take part in an individual workshop, we can reschedule for a later date.
Hi, I'm Jen Campbell; I'm a bestselling author, award-winning poet and short story writer. I've run writing workshops with The Poetry School, at book festivals, in bookshops and in schools, and these online workshops are a way for you to take a workshop with me wherever you happen to be in the world. Each workshop examines a particular theme; participants are sent a discussion on this theme before being asked to complete two writing tasks which later receive detailed feedback. The workshops are for those who are new to writing, as well as those with some experience who wish to get feedback on their work, learn new techniques and hone their craft.
If you require editorial feedback on something you have already written, please see this page here, instead. If you wish to discuss writing workshops for your writing group, school or book festival, please email me.
WORKSHOPS
Workshops are available for poetry, short stories and creative nonfiction. I run group workshops several times a year, and individual workshops via email all year round.
The benefit of a group workshop is that you read what everyone else writes, too. Seeing feedback given to other people can help you improve your own writing. The benefit of taking an individual workshop is that we arrange it at a time to suit you, and you are not tied down to a Skype session, as all feedback is given via email. Please find further details below. Feedback from previous participants on these workshops can also be found at the bottom of this page.
Once you've read through, if you have any questions, please don't hesitate to drop me an email.
GROUP WORKSHOPS
How They Work
The workshops span a two week period.
- At the beginning of the two weeks, I email you with a pdf containing a discussion and a set of tasks.
- You have one week to complete the tasks and email your work to me.
- At this point, I email everyone's work to the group (6-8 people per poetry workshop, 4-5 people per short story and creative nonfiction workshop)
- You have a week to read everyone's work.
- Some of these workshops then have a Skype session, others are feedback via email only. See specific workshops listed below for details. If there is a Skype session (text only), during this session I will give feedback, everyone can chip in with their thoughts, I will make suggestions for improvement and any further reading I think you may benefit from. If the workshop does not have a Skype session, I will email everyone's feedback to the group with suggestions for improvement and further reading. Whilst you will see everyone's feedback, in this instance you will not be asked to comment on each other's work yourselves.
- The sign up fee also allows you to send your edited work to me one more time for further feedback if you wish to do so. There is no time limit on this.
Cost
Poetry Workshops: £35
Short Story Workshops: £45
Creative Nonfiction Workshops: £50
More group workshops will be available in the future; keep checking back!
In the meantime, one-on-one workshops are available all year round; scroll down to find out more!
--
INDIVIDUAL WORKSHOPS
Available All Year Round
How They Work
Individual workshops take a similar format to the group workshops described above but I run them one-on-one and, rather than a Skype session, you receive feedback via email, instead. The price of the workshop remains the same (£35 for poetry, £45 for short stories, £50 for creative nonfiction), and the workshop takes place over a two week period. We can discuss dates that work for both of us, and if you would rather spread the workshop over a period longer than two weeks, I'm happy to chat about that, too; just let me know when you get in touch.
- At the beginning of the two weeks, I will email you with a pdf containing a discussion and a set of tasks.
- You will have one week to complete the tasks and send them to me.
- I will then send you feedback within one week.
- The payment also allows you to edit your work one more time for further feedback. There is no time limit on sending this to me.
Simply drop me an email if you are interested, letting me know which workshop you would like to take (they are listed below; I generally recommend that participants begin with the Poetry and Structure workshop, or the Set Your Pace workshop, but I'm happy to chat about that via email), I'll then send you some date options and a Paypal request.
These are the workshops I offer:
POETRY WORKSHOPS
POETRY AND STRUCTURE
This is a workshop where we examine how to structure free verse poetry, how to shape poems to suit their subject matter, how to create double meanings with line breaks, and other techniques. Once you have read through the workshop, you will be asked to complete two tasks, one of which is to write a poem of your own. I will give detailed feedback on your work.
POETRY AND SILENCE
In this workshop we examine gaps in poems and the power of pauses. We look at how poets have used blank spaces to show something the narrator has forgotten, or to illustrate a form of censorship. Once you have read through the workshop, complete with discussion and examples, you will be asked to write your own poem using gaps. I will give detailed feedback on your work.
POETRY OUT OF THE BOX
A workshop where we look at prose poetry, what it is and how to write it. There are two tasks: one where you will look critically at a poem presented both as a free verse poem (ie with line breaks) and as a prose poem (without line breaks), to see how this changes its tone, and a second task where you will be asked to write your own prose poem based on the workshop you have read. I will give detailed feedback on your work.
POETRY AND NARRATIVE VOICE
This workshop looks at instances where poets have created personas or 'other selves' to force themselves to write outside of their comfort zones. Once you have read through the workshop, complete with examples and discussion, you will be asked to create a character yourself, and then write about them. This should be helpful both to those who are looking to step outside of their usual writing styles, and those who are new to poetry and would like a structured way to create a writing voice. I will give detailed feedback on your work.
POETRY AND FAIRY TALE
In this workshop we will look at how we can use fairy tale and folklore in poetry. This might be to give voice to a character we know, or to knit old tales with personal stories. Once you have read through the workshop, complete with discussion and examples, you will be asked to complete two tasks, one of which is to write your own poem inspired by fairy tale. I will give detailed feedback on your work.
THE RESPONSE POEM
In this workshop we will examine response poems; these are poems written as a reply to, or inspired by, a poem written by someone else. We will look at how one piece of text can kickstart another and how we can create conversations through poetry. Once you have read through the workshop, complete with discussion and examples, you will be asked to write your own response poem. I will give detailed feedback on your work.
EXPANDING WORLDS
In this workshop we will look at how we can turn the everyday into the extraordinary. We'll discuss poems that focus on one moment and then zoom out, showing linking thought patterns. For instance: grief can strike us when we're out walking; we can recall a childhood memory when we're doing the laundry. This workshop is particularly useful for those moments when we fear we have 'nothing to say.' We all have things to say; it's just a case of digging. Once you have read through the workshop, complete with discussion and examples, you will be asked to write your own poem. I will give detailed feedback on your work.
POETRY AND BODY
This is a workshop where we examine how bodies are talked about in poetry, and how we can shape poems to reflect what we would like to say about bodies, too. We'll talk about magical bodies, misremembered bodies, and we'll touch on disability and disfigurement. Once you have read through the workshop, you will be asked to complete two tasks, one of which is to write a poem of your own. I will give detailed feedback on your work.
SHORT STORY WORKSHOPS
SET YOUR PACE
In this workshop we will look at the best way to tell a short story — how to structure it, whether it should be in first, second or third person, and how to communicate with the reader depending on the sort of story you're trying to tell. Once you have read through the workshop, complete with discussion and examples, you will be asked to write your own short story (approx 1500 words). I will give detailed feedback on your work.
FAIRY TALE RETELLINGS
A workshop where we look at how certain fairy tales have been changed and altered over time, why fairy tale retellings resonate with us, and how we can create our own. There will be two exercises to complete: one where you will be asked to outline three tales (after reading over examples), and a second task where you will take one of those outlines and write a short story (approx 1500 words). I will give detailed feedback on your work.
THE ART OF THE SHORT STORY
A workshop where we use art and photographs as inspiration for stories. We'll be looking at instances where writers have used a piece of art as a plot point, researched its history or used a painting as a jumping off point for a narrative or setting for a story. Once you have read through the workshop, complete with discussion and examples, you will be asked to write your own story (approx 1500 words). I will give detailed feedback on your work.
MAGICAL REALISM
In this workshop we will look at magical realism in short stories, and how extended metaphors can be used to reflect aspects of our own world. Once you have read through the workshop, complete with discussion and examples, you will be asked to write your own short story using magical realism (approx 1500 words). I will give detailed feedback on your work.
OUT OF THIS WORLD
In this workshop we will look at science fiction in short stories, and how technology and/or social science can be used to reflect aspects of our own world. Once you have read through the workshop, complete with discussion and examples, you will be asked to write your own science fiction short story (approx 1500 words). I will give detailed feedback on your work.
BODIES OF TEXT
In this workshop we will look at the how bodies are framed in short stories, with specific emphasis on disfigurement and disability. Once you have read through the workshop, complete with discussion and examples, you will be asked to write your own short story (approx 1500 words). I will give detailed feedback on your work.
CREATIVE NONFICTION WORKSHOPS
YOU COULDN'T MAKE THIS UP
There are many different ways to craft creative nonfiction. In this workshop we'll be looking at how you can tell a personal story whilst linking it with a larger narrative. We'll be discussing structure, linking imagery and applying storytelling techniques to facts. Once you have read through the workshop, complete with discussion and examples, you will be asked to write your own piece (approx 2000 words). I will give detailed feedback on your work.
--
FEEDBACK FROM PREVIOUS PARTICIPANTS
'Jen's workshop was so well structured. She gave enough but not too much reading around the subject to open up your imagination and her feedback was so thorough. I would recommend to anyone who wants a writing boost!' – Olivia Thomas
'Participating in ‘Poetry and Structure' was a really fun and interesting experience. The workshop itself was really well structured and informative; it was great to get feedback from Jen as well as exchange work with others and hear about different people’s experience of the writing process! (The preparation tasks were enough that I felt I was learning and challenging myself, but not so overwhelming that you wouldn’t be able to fit it into a work week!)' —Rachael Wilson
"With her sharp eye, Jen was able to carve out a poem within my poem that allowed me to see my work in a whole new light." — Jordan Gray
'I took part in Jen's Magical Realism short story writing workshop, which has helped me better understand the genre, as well as improving my general writing skills. The exercises we were asked to do helped me to really focus in on what magical realism is and to understand how other writers have used this in their work, while I found the insights and advice given by Jen in the subsequent group feedback session immensely useful. She delivered line edits on everyone's story and impartial, quality feedback on our work, helping us to see where and how it could be improved and explaining different writing techniques, all of which I think is invaluable feedback for any writer. It was great to get such specific feedback on my own work but, also, to read everyone else's stories and to hear what Jen had to say about these, as well. She is a very skilled writer and I would definitely recommend taking part in any of her workshops if you want to learn how to develop and improve your writing.' — Claire Savage
"I have completed four of Jen's individual online workshops for both poetry and short story. For each one, Jen provides a workbook that provides concrete examples of the points illustrated. You then complete a writing task. It can be daunting sharing your writing and being critiqued, but Jen is a wonderful teacher. She gives detailed feedback in a very positive manner. What I most like is the way she asks questions about an aspect of your story or poem. Her questions get you thinking and help take your writing to the next level. One of the poems I worked on was accepted for publication in a US journal. I doubt this would have happened without doing Jen’s very enjoyable workshops." — Kim Martins
"From the beginning, the whole idea of writing poetry and understanding the assignment was skilfully planned so that you never felt clueless about what to do. Afterwards all questions and queries were answered by Jen in detail. It was a thoroughly fun and enjoyable experience for me." — Salima Yakoob
"It was wonderful to share work in such a supportive and friendly environment. The feedback I received was completely on point, deftly delivered and has already proven immensely helpful. As someone who was sharing her writing for the first time, I was never made to feel out of place. I would encourage everyone to sign up in the future - it is more than worth it!"-- Ellen Taggart
"Jumping into poetry after a long time of only writing tiny notebook fragments has been such a pleasure, and I enjoyed myself hugely. Thank you for helping me work out what I'm doing!" — Sarah Butler
'Jen was able to see the meaning and heart of my story. Through her educational materials, including notes on what makes a story great, she was able to inspire me to write one of my favorite stories I've ever written. Through her individualized feedback, she was able to help me polish my piece to a bright shine. I look forward to taking more of her classes in the future.' — Jordan Gray
"Writing can seem mysterious and nebulous and a great teacher makes all the difference. I have taken three (soon to be four) online creative writing workshops with Jen. What impresses me the most about these classes is how she distills the topic into wonderfully comprehensible tasks. She uses rich examples as clarification and always offers on-point book recommendations to enrich her explanations. Her feedback is precise yet gentle and the workshops are safe spaces to try new things. I’ve been able to focus and develop my writing through these workshops and have transformed from someone who wants to be a writer into someone who actually writes and I love it!" -- Kate George-Melson
The links to sign up to the group workshops take you to Paypal. You do not need to have a Paypal account to pay this way: at the link there will an option to pay by card.
If you have any payment issues, or if you are based in the UK and wish to pay by direct bank transfer instead, please just drop me an email.
Please be aware that payments are non-refundable. If you can no longer take part in a group workshop, I will complete the workshop individually with you via email instead, at a time that suits both of us. If you can no longer take part in an individual workshop, we can reschedule for a later date.