This is a one day workshop designed to equip you with everything you need to start writing for newspapers, magazines and online publications, taught by Sarfraz Manzoor who will condense his three decades of experience as a journalist into one day. In the morning we will look at the key skills you need to write for newspapers, magazines and online publications. Sarfraz will guide you through all the basics so you’ll understand how to use your unique writing voice and how to come up with ideas. You’ll also look at how to interview people and how to craft opinion and feature articles using your own passions and personal obsessions as the starting point. In the afternoon we’ll use what we’ve learned in the morning by writing, using our own passions and personal obsessions as the starting point. We will also discuss some contemporary features and opinion pieces and Sarfraz will walk you through the best way to pitch to commissioning editors. The day will end with a Q&A with Sarfraz about his career as a journalist. Schedule This course takes place over a full Saturday, at The Common Room in Newcastle city centre. 10.00–12.30 Introduction to writing for the media In the morning session, Sarfraz will talk through what you need to write for newspapers, magazines and online media, how to come up with ideas, how to structure feature and opinion pieces and, most crucially, how to develop your writing voice 12.30–13.30 Lunch 13:30–16.00 Get writing In the afternoon, you’ll put what you’ve discussed in the morning session into practice with writing exercises, close reading of key texts and a ‘how to pitch’ guide. The day will end with a Q&A with Sarfraz on writing for newspapers and online publications.

Description supplied by the event organiser.