Writer's News
Benjamin Zephaniah: Writer, poet and Peaky Blinders actor dies aged 65
BBC
Writer and poet Benjamin Zephaniah has been remembered as a "titan of British literature" after his death aged 65.
He died early on Thursday with his wife by his side after being diagnosed with a brain tumour eight weeks ago, a statement on his Instagram said.
"We shared him with the world and we know many will be shocked and saddened by this news," it added.
Tributes poured in for the "beautiful human being" and "proud Brummie" who "had a lot more to give".
Zephaniah was born and raised in Handsworth, Birmingham, the son of a Barbadian postman and a Jamaican nurse. He was dyslexic and left school aged 13, unable to read or write.
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Writer's Diary
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Mountbatten Hospice Wing Walk 2024
Emily Jones
In 2024, I am taking to the skies and taking part in the first charity Wing Walk on the Isle of Wight in aid of the wonderful Mountbatten Hospice on the island who looked after my lovely Dad and our whole family in his final weeks.
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Give While You Shop
Raise free funds for Hothouse Theatre and Oh MyNottz by shopping online with Give as you Live, over 4200 retailers to choose from, shop & raise a donation at no cost to you!
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Open Mic
Let’s celebrate self-expression! Join us for our free and regular Open Mic to have some fun and hear the local talent Notts has!
10th, 17th, 31st Dec
Hopkinson's, Station Street, Nottingham
We welcome you, whether you’re an observer or a performer, to get stuck in to our Open Mic! Station Street Kitchen is a safe space for everyone, and we LOVE creativity, community and GOOD VIBES!
Share your talent through three songs, acts or performances, and we’ll gift you a cheeky bev to say well done
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'You Better Not Cry'
The Connection between Christmas and Horror
11th Dec
Online
In this two day course, which includes creative writing tasks throughout, we will examine the connection between horror and Christmas: from isolated settings, bad weather, large gatherings and familial unease, what better holiday to start writing a horror?
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The Gift
A Christmas Ghost Story
by Guy Jones
On the top floor of an old Victorian house, that should be empty, there is a light on. A low light. A candle light.
And next to the light, just visible ... or was it my ... a figure ... and was it ... was she looking straight at me?
She? Yes, it was a girl.
All proceeds go toward HotHouse Theatre's Edinburgh Fund
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Real Talk
December
12th Dec
Bunk (Derby)
Real Talk is back for the last time in 2023
An entertaining evening of some of the most talented people locally. Poets and musicians.
Open mic and live DJ.
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Worldbuilding in Fantasy Fiction
Alex Davis
Writers Workshop
12th Dec
Online
So much successful fantasy fiction depends on the depth, complexity and intrigue of its setting – and this is where worldbuilding comes in! But developing a new realm fro scratch can be a challenge, so this workshop is here to help!
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Free your mind
Poetry open mic
13th Dec
King Billy, Nottingham
Free minds is a poetry night open to all forms of poetry and for all stories to be told, we want to foster a safe and comfortable environment where people can share the thoughts that rattle around in their heads! Come down to perform, listen and enjoy some incredible poetry!
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Paths into Poetry
Five exciting contemporary poets offer invaluable industry insight
14th Dec
Online
How do I find and establish my personal poetic style? How do I effectively construct a poetry collection? How should I approach publishers and sell my work? How do I navigate the publishing landscape?
If you have ever asked these questions, this is the perfect workshop for you. With the help of some exciting contemporary poets, Fly on the Wall presents 'Paths into Poetry: polish your craft and boost your publishing potential.'
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antechamber
prose and poetry from the University of Nottingham
15th Dec
Five Leaves Bookshop
14a Long Row, Nottingham,
Join us for the launch of antechamber, an anthology of prose and poetry by postgraduate students of the University of Nottingham (2023). There will be readings and q&a by several of the anthology’s contributors.
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The Mermaid and the King
and other folktales
Hothouse Theatre
Tues 19th Dec @ The Robin Hood, Sherwood, Nottingham
Wed 20th Dec 2023 @ Bakersfield Community Cent, Sneinton Dale, Nottingham
An evening of folktales in a very grown-up style.
The Mermaid and the King is a weaving together of 3 classic folk tales into a new tale with a very modern theme.
There will be other invited storytellers plus a few 5-minute open mic slots available on each night.
Tickets are 'pay what you can'. All proceeds go towards Hothouse Theatre projects.
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Advanced tickets 19th Dec @ The Robin Hood, Sherwood, Nottingham
Advanced tickets 20th Dec @ Bakersfield Community Centre, Nottingham
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