Workshop: The Novel

Neil Griffin, a participant in the workshop (pictured, below, on the right of the group) reports:

John Murray used his two-hour slot to maximum effect, subjecting his shivering co-conspirators to two intense and challenging writing exercises, the first collaborative, the second solo. His purposeful, yet unassuming, manner set the tone for what was a thorough inspiring evening. Left to break the ice ourselves in small groups, we were tasked with the production of detailed notes on the plot, setting and 3 characters for a 5000-word short story incorporating two thematic signposts. A box of cigars and Istanbul for example provided the prompt for a thriller. Despite the time pressure, the results were very entertaining and provoked a batch of promising ideas, plot lines and a lot of laughs. John's feedback was brief but very specific and useful.

After his brief, self-conscious, obligatory publisher's plug and a much needed cup of coffee to thaw us all out, John urged us on to the much more stressful solo task. From a list of more juxtaposed thematic signposts ( a syringe / a Land Rover, hot bread / cold water, being two examples) we were asked to plan and write the first chapter of a novel using the focussed techniques of the group exercise. After what seemed like no time at all we were rushed into pairs to litcrit and encourage each other in our work. The two hours flew over and while they were very stimulating and enjoyable, it was bloody hard work!

John seems to have a knack of achieving maximum output for his participants with minimal input from himself, a great gift. I came away feeling that I'd had a real experience of the demands that serious writing brings in an enjoyable, cordial and journeyman atmosphere. The next one can't come soon enough!