Summer Workshops in Creative Writing

The Cave Hill Summer Workshops in Creative Writing in Prose Fiction and Poetry, held annually at the Cave Hill campus of the University of the West Indies in Barbados, offer an unrivalled opportunity to work with a celebrated Caribbean writer in the Caribbean itself.  The intensive format of two four-hour sessions per week for five weeks from the end of June to the end of July, with a maximum of twelve participants, is designed to allow for individual attention and 'workshopping' of pieces produced.  In 2002, a practical workshop in digital video was held instead, led by Trinidadian film-maker, Yao Ramesar.  (This is not offered this year, but will be in future depending on demand.)  In 2003, for the first time, we offer a practical drama workshop, 'Text and performance', led by Guyanese playwright and film-maker, Michael Gilkes.  The poetry workshop will be led by Stewart Brown, and the fiction by Patricia Powell.  Past workshop leaders include:

Poetry:

• Lorna Goodison, Jamaican poet and short story writer, author of seven poetry collections, including I Am Becoming My Mother, Heartease and Travelling Mercies
• Grace Nichols: Guyanese poet and novelist, author of poetry collections: i is a long-memoried woman, The Fat Black Woman's Poems, Lazy Thoughts of a Lazy Woman and the novel: Whole of a Morning Sky
• Kendel Hippolyte: St Lucian poet, playwright and director, author of the collection: Birthright

Fiction:

• Olive Senior: Jamaican poet and short story writer, author of fiction collections: Summer Lightning, Arrival of the Snake-woman and Discerner of Hearts.
• Erna Brodber: Jamaican novelist, author of Jane and Louisa Will Soon Come Home and Louisiana
• Merle Collins: Grenadian writer, author of novels: Angel and The Colour of Forgetting, short story collection: Rain Darling, and poetry collection: Rotten Pomerac

Please click on the links below to access the following information:

Current Information:

• Summer 2004 Workshops (poetry, painting, fiction, film)

• On-Line Registration Form (please use Microsoft Internet Explorer [latest version] as your browser when filling this out)

Archived Information:

• Summer 2003 Workshops

• Summer 2002 Workshops

• Summer 2001 Workshops

• Comments from Past Participants

Please note that:

• whether any  workshop will be offered depends upon the response received to this advertisement;
• only twelve places are available for each  workshop.  Accordingly, please reserve your space early; and
• registration for this programme must be done and fees paid in the office of the Department of Language, Linguistics and Literature.

APPLICATION INFORMATION

• Application Deadline: May 16, 2003

• Writing Sample: any application received without the required piece of creative writing will NOT be considered

• Tuition Fee: US$550.00 (this includes the registration fee of US$50.00)

• Application Fee: US$5 (no cash please) must accompany your application form

  • For Further Details and Application Forms: please contact Miss Joyce Harris 
    • by e-mail at joyce.harris@uwichill.edu.bb or
    • by telephone at (246) 417-4404 or 417-4405 or 
    • by fax at (246) 424-0634
    • by regular mail c/o:

    Summer Workshops in Creative Writing,
    The Department of Language, Linguistics and Literature,
    University of the West Indies,
    Cave Hill Campus, P. O. Box 64,
    Bridgetown, Barbados, West Indies.

ACCOMMODATION INFORMATION

This year, no accommodation is available for overseas participants in halls of residence on campus.  The department will make alternative arrangements for participants.  

For further information, please contact Miss Joyce Harris at joyce.harris@uwichill.edu.bb. 

Comments from Past participants

• 'I have emerged a better writer.'

• 'My knowledge, oral expression and confidence have benefited.'

• 'The structured exercises helped discipline me and generate ideas.'

• 'Organised, timely, constructively critical.'

• 'I came to the realization I can write about almost anything.'