Last post before Easter blog break

Okay guys, this will be my last blog post for a fortnight as I am taking a blogging, twitter and facebook break.  Please find below details of some events I have been forwarded from New Writing North:

With a guaranteed full production on the professional London stage at one of London’s most acclaimed new writing venues as well as publication by one of the UK’s leading theatre publishers for the winner, the fifth Papatango New Writing Prize is now open to submissions. The winner will receive a full four-week run at the multi-award-winning Finborough Theatre in November 2013, and the script of the play will be published by Nick Hern Books. Deadline for submissions: 31 May. Entrance criteria, submissions guidelines and literary policy are at www.papatango.co.uk.

Harrogate Festival Fringe asking for literature events details

Harrogate International Festivals has announced that the 2013 Festival Fringe will be taking place between 27 May-16 June and submissions are now open. The Festival Fringe is part of a year-round portfolio of work creating distinctive cultural experiences in the north of England and provides an opportunity for artists and organisations in and around Harrogate to come together and celebrate the wealth of local artistic talent. If you have a literature event taking place in Harrogate or the surrounding area between 27 May-16 June, you can submit the details online for consideration at www.surveygizmo.com/s3/1139141/Harrogate-International-Festival-Fringe-2013-Submission. Closing date for submissions: 31 March.

Writing workshop with Rachel Cochrane

Berwick Library: Thursday 11 April, 9.45am-12noon & Alnwick Library: Friday 12 April, 9.45am-12noon
A special workshop to mark the 100th anniversary of the death of suffragette Emily Wilding Davison. This is a free workshop with tea and coffee provided. To book your place at Berwick Library, call 01289 334051 or email berwicklibrary@northumberland.gov.uk. To book your place at Alnwick Library, call 01668 602689 or email alnwicklibrary@northumberland.gov.uk.

Colpitts Northern Poetry Workshop

Alington House, Durham: Friday 12 April, 8pm
The Colpitts poets will be focusing on their own collections following the autumn celebration of the anthology In Your Own Time. With Alistair Elliot, Helen Farish, Joan Johnston, Michael McCarthy and Tony Williams. Admission £5/£3. For more details, call 0191 384 9406

Colette Bryce: Poetry Surgery

Brunswick Methodist Church, Newcastle: Saturday 13 April, 10am-3pm
This is a wonderful opportunity to discuss your poetry on a one-to-one basis with poet and tutor Colette Bryce. Each session takes place on a Saturday and lasts one hour. Colette is holding sessions at 10am, 11.15am, 12.45pm and 2pm. £70 for Poetry Society members, £80 for non-members. To book, go to www.poetrysociety.org.uk/shop/product/475.

Linda France: Being Here writing workshop

Shepherd’s Dene retreat, Riding Mill: Sunday 14 April, 10am-4pm
A workshop responding to the environment of Shepherd’s Dene. The group will explore the poetic possibilities of paying attention, direct observation, and deepening our connection to the natural world. The emphasis will be on authentic experimentation and refreshing our relationship with language so this day of writing is open to all, beginners and more experienced alike. Cost of workshop is £45 per person (£35 concs), including coffee, tea and lunch. To book, contact Julie Oliver on 01434 682212 or julie@shepherdsdene.co.uk.

I will be back blogging in a fortnight.