This June, Metal Southend will become a house for writers to read, to write overlooking the Thames Estuary, to get help and feedback on work or to have lively, meandering conversations with other writers. This is the seventh edition of Essex Writers House, in partnership with Essex Book Festival and we’re always amazed by the connections made and the ideas that come up when writers take over this special building.
See our full programme for Essex Writers House 2024 below and find out more about the wider festival at www.essexbookfestival.org
Essex Writers House 2024 Programme
Artist commission call out: A beacon for writers
Closing date: Tuesday 28 May
As part of our work to encourage, celebrate and connect writers across Essex, we’re commissioning an artwork or creative outcome which acts as a beacon for writers. We welcome proposals from artists and creatives of any kind, from any discipline.
Find out more and apply here.
Writers Hot Desks
Every weekday in June, 10am – 5pm
Take some time in our Attic Studio to focus on your work. Whether you’re on the east or west side of the building, you are guaranteed a changing view across the Estuary, along with some space to think. If you miss out on booking one, please check back regularly on Eventbrite for cancellations.
Book a free writing desk here
Open Advice Sessions
Thursday 6, 13, 20 and 27 June, hourly slots.
These free sessions are available for Essex writers of all genres and experience levels. Book an hour-long slot, with a panel of the Metal team and our associate writers, to discuss your writing practice, talk through ideas, find signposting to references and opportunities or simply get feedback on your works in progress.
Book a free Open Advice Session here
Stand Up For Diversity with Essex Cultural Diversity Project
Wednesday 12 June, 7pm
All are invited to an evening of mini-talks and short soap-box shout-outs that put a spotlight on diversity, writing, words and storytelling. Hosted in partnership with our friends at Essex Cultural Diversity Project, this event aims to bring together people who want to champion and celebrate diversity in the arts and in our communities, share the work they do with others, and collectively celebrate strong diverse voices.
Book a free ticket to the event here
Part of Metal’s Hosted At programme:
Essex: A County Of Contrasts with Essex Hundred Books
Friday 14 June, 7pm
An evening at Chalkwell Hall with Essex Hundred Books. An opportunity for locally based writers to chat, connect, be interviewed and showcase their books, whilst also finding the space to discuss the ups and downs of writing. There will also be short readings from books and screenings of selected video shorts which share Essex stories.
Find out more about the event and Essex Hundred Books here
How to Start Your Novel and How to Keep Going with Louise Doughty
Saturday 15 June, 11am – 2pm
How do you open a book in a compulsive way, and how do you carry on from there? What makes good storytelling in a full-length work of fiction? In this lively workshop, bestselling author Louise Doughty will take you through the basics of novel construction and give you some top tips on how to get started and, crucially, keep going. Whether you’ve already attempted it or are a complete beginner, bring pen and paper and have a go at writing in this supportive environment.
Book your workshop ticket here
Blood and Belonging
Saturday 15 June, 3pm – 5pm
Raine Geoghegan, Richard O’Neill and Damian Le Bas: three different writers from a variety of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller (GRT) backgrounds come together for a reading and discussion hosted by Louise Doughty. Blood and Belonging is the title of Louise’s guest edition of writing magazine Writers Mosaic. Raine, Richard and Damian will speak about the importance of their GRT ancestry to explore questions such as “How does a blood lineage give you a sense of belonging?” “Is there such thing as a GRT community when so much of it is so diverse?” Join this discussion and celebration of what we have in common.
Book your ticket for Blood and Belonging here
EXTRACTS: An evening to write, read and share at Essex Writers House
Wednesday 19 June, 7pm
Keen to share your own written work with an audience? EXTRACTS invites you to find kinship and confidence through writing and creative community. Our host for the evening is colourful author and content creator, Ellen Rosemarie Harvey. Ellen joined us at Essex Writers House several years ago, when she braved the stage and shared her work aloud for the first time. Now, it’s time to play host! We’re excited to welcome her back to share some short, fun writing exercises before welcoming new readers to the stage. Whether you are a new writer wanting to get their work out there, a seasoned writer looking for audience feedback on your work in progress, or you just fancy meeting some Essex wordsmiths this summer, this is your chance!
This event will be BSL interpretated.
Book a free ticket for EXTRACTS here
Part of Metal’s Hosted At programme:
Words In Chalk
Saturday 22 June, 6.30pm
A spoken word event that brings out of town award winning poetic guests, live music and an open mic opportunities for local poetry performers. With guest host Hollie Dee (3rd place, National Slam Poetry), headliner Jake Nathan (Genesis Grand Slam Champion) and a set of live experimental music from Daryl Tattoo. Also featuring visiting artists Annaliese Broughton (McLellan Poetry Prize winner) and Anna Sinski (Co-Founder of Mind Over Matter & Published poet). Attendees will have the chance to perform too, with Hollie drawing 6 names from a hat.
Book your Words In Chalk ticket here
Part of Metal’s Hosted At programme:
Six Degrees of Separation
Friday 28 June, 7pm
Community celebrates the launch of it’s first printed zine edition with an event at Chalkwell Hall. Editor and founder Ben Reggione invites you to come along and celebrate this new publication, pick up your own copy of Summer At The Skatepark and find out what’s coming in the next issue. This zine is built for all, designed to document street culture and celebrate local creatives & independent businesses.
Find out more about the event and Community here
We look forward to seeing you at Chalkwell Hall as it transforms to a writers house!
