Multi-award winning author hosts free writing workshop
Bestselling children’s author A.M.Dassu is hosting a free two-hour writing workshop for under-represented writers at Cradley Library in Dudley on Tuesday 10 December from 1130am to 1.30pm.
A.M.Dassu’s first book, ‘Boy, Everywhere’, was published in 2021 and tells the story of a privileged thirteen year old boy from Syria who is forced to leave everything he owns and knows behind when he becomes a refugee.
The novel went on to be chosen as ‘Best Children’s Book of the Year’ in six annual award competitions – including The Guardian, Booklist and Book Trust. A.M.Dassu’s second novel, ‘Fight Back’, has been listed for 23 awards, including the 2023 Carnegie Medal.
‘All Stories’ workshops are designed to take would-be children’s authors on the next stage of their writing journey. Specifically aimed at participants who are of colour, disabled, neurodivergent, LGBTQ+, working class or socio-economically marginalised, the session will cover readership, concept, plot development and characterisation.
Operating under the Better brand, GLL is the not-for-profit social enterprise that runs Cradley Library on behalf of Dudley Council.
“We are delighted to be hosting this workshop and welcoming A.M.Dassu,” said Sandra Francis, GLL Library Manager at Cradley.
“She’s an internationally acclaimed author and this is a wonderful opportunity for underrepresented participants to learn from the very best.”
GLL has just launched the GLL Literary Foundation which will offer 20 author bursary placements valued at up to £4,000 each. Submissions are being sought from publishers representing authors across all genres of children’s literature, including picture books, early readers, chapter books, poetry, non-fiction, novels, graphic and verse novels.
“Who knows, our ‘All Stories’ workshop at Cradley might lead to someone ultimately winning one of those valuable bursaries,” said Stephanie Rhoden, GLL Partnership Manager for Dudley Libraries and Archives. “It’s certainly a great place to start a children’s writing career.”
For more information and to book a place, go to allstories.org.uk/writing-workshops
For more information about the GLL Literary Foundation, go to https://www.better.org.uk/library/gll-literary-foundation