Norfolk Reads and Writes 08, Human:Nature

“As if they were family, flowers surround you.
As if they were a story-book, they speak.”

Mimi Khalvati

Reads and Writes takes reading and writing opportunities out to the people of Norfolk. This year’s theme is the connection between nature and writing, and we are working with libraries, the RSPB and three of the best writers around to offer our Meet the Author and Creative Writing sessions.

Featuring:

Mimi Khalvati, The Meanest Flower

“The poems are quick and touching, joyfully and sorrowfully open to the phenomena of the real world, they say what it feels like being human, the good and the ill of it, with passion, tact and lightness.” David Constantine

Mark Cocker, Crow Country

“Cocker is a magician with words, and he evokes beautiful images of even the most ordinary living things.” New Statesman

Susan Fletcher, Oystercatchers

“Oystercatchers is the work of a seriously talented young author in possession of one of the most poetic and original voices working now.” The Guardian

Meet the Author

Read a quality piece of writing, then meet the author at a library near you. The free sessions are open to book groups or any interested individual. Order your book through your local library, then prepare some meaty questions for when you meet your author... Whether it’s through the haunting nature poems of Mimi Khalvati, or the affecting world of birds opened up by Mark Cocker, you’re bound to find yourself inspired and invigorated.

Creative Writing Workshops

Designed for all, and led by our three experienced writers, these unique sessions will take place on RSPB nature reserves, and will allow you to draw your inspiration from nature. Booking essential.

DATES

MEET THE AUTHOR: For advance booking and enquiries please call the library concerned.

Friday May 30th: The Meanest Flower with Mimi Khalvati, Diss Library, (01379 642609), 7pm. Part of the Diss Book Fair. FREE

Discuss this beautifully crafted collection which touches on nature, childhood and family relationships displaying ‘feeling sharpened by love and grief’. Shortlisted for the 2007 T.S. Eliot Prize.

Saturday May 31st: The Meanest Flower with Mimi Khalvati, Poringland Library, (Eileen Brock 01603 439981), 4pm. FREE

Thursday 5th June: Crow Country with Mark Cocker, Acle Library, (01493 750693), Booking essential, 7.30pm. FREE

Discuss this engaging account of Mark’s discovery and ongoing romance with the crow and rook population, sparked when he moved into the heart of the Norfolk Broads.

Friday June 13th: Oystercatchers with Susan Fletcher, Hunstanton Library, (01485 532280), 7pm. FREE

Discuss this story of a young girl’s journey into loneliness and her ultimate redemption, set across Norfolk, displaying fine prose full of the poetry of place.

CREATIVE WRITING WORKSHOPS: Please book in advance on 01603 877177. Concessions are included in the fixed price. For more info on the RSPB nature reserves follow the links below.

Saturday May 31st: The Poet’s Eye Creative Writing Workshop with Mimi Khalvati, RSPB Rockland Marshes nature reserve and Poringland Library, 10am-1pm. £10

For those new to reading and writing poetry and those who would like to enrich their descriptive powers of expression. Finding inspiration in how the poet’s eye can illumine the natural world. Including a guided walk.

Extra info: Meet in Rockland Marshes car park at 9.45am. The programme will include a guided walk through Rockland Marshes so please wear suitable clothing and footwear. Participants will also need their own transport between Rockland Marshes and Poringland Library. Please note there are no toilets or visitor facilities at Rockland Marshes. Visitors are welcome to bring their own refreshments. For more information about the reserve visit their website or call 01603 715191.

Friday 6th June: The Naturalist's Eye Creative Writing Workshop with Mark Cocker, RSPB Strumpshaw Fen nature reserve and Brundall Library, 9am-1.30pm. £10

For those interested in thinking and writing about landscape and wildlife and moving beyond the obvious or the clichéd to express what really moves us about the natural world. Meet at Brundall library. Own transport needed.

Extra info: Meet outside Brundall Library at 8.45am. This workshop will include a guided walk around Strumpshaw Reserve so please wear suitable clothing a footwear and bring a picnic lunch. Participants will also need their own transport to travel between Strumpshaw and Brundall Library. More info on Strumpshaw Fen: call 01603 715191 or visit the website. Brundall Library: 01603 714576.

Friday June 13: The Storyteller’s Eye Creative Writing Workshop with Susan Fletcher, RSPB Titchwell Marsh nature reserve, 9am-12pm. £10

Looking at how we can use landscape and the natural world in storytelling, to set the scene, enhance the mood, or even as a character in its own right. For fiction writers of all levels. Including walk.

More info: Meet outside Titchwell Marsh visitors’ centre at 8.45am. This workshop will include a guided walk around the reserve so please wear suitable clothing and footwear. Refreshments can be purchased on site or at local cafes, or you are welcome to bring a picnic. More info on Titchwell Marsh: call 01485 210779 or visit the website.

Early booking is recommended for all creative writing workshops. Please remember to bring a notepad and pen! DO NOT book through the reserves, but at New Writing Partnership on 01603 877177.