THE Writing Studio is preparing to present its first weekend retreat for screenwriters in Prince Albert, running from August 31 to September 2.
The motivational and inspirational workshop is specifically designed for storytellers who would like to escape to the serene tranquillity of the Karoo where they can master the craft of writing and conquer the creative process.
During the last 20 years, The Writing Studio has shaped the successful careers of many of South Africa’s leading filmmakers and storytellers, and is now honing the skills of future writers in the art and craft of storytelling.
The workshop is presented by Daniel Dercksen, a published film and theatre journalist with 35 years’ experience, who has been teaching workshops in creative writing, playwriting and screenwriting throughout South Africa for the past 20 years and been the driving force behind the successful independent training initiative, The Writing Studio.
Since he launched The Writing Studio 19 years ago, Dercksen has been actively involved in teaching storytellers and the development of screenplays, novels and plays, working passionately with emerging writers and storymakers on their respective stories.
He relocated to Prince Albert in the Karoo in May 2016.
Although the workshop is aimed at screenwriters, it is ideal for authors of fiction and non-fiction, filmmakers, and playwrights who would like to adapt their stories into a visual medium, and master the art of visual narrative.
It is also perfect for first-time writers who would like to define their writing skills and seasoned writers who are trapped in the web of rewrites and unfinished projects or lost in the maze of the daunting writing process.
“The workshop is an insightful and inspirational journey into what it takes to be a writer and explores what it takes to craft a story from inspiration to final draft, examining all the building blocks that build a story that is ready for producing and publishing,” Dercksen said.
“It is about you and your story, the whole story, and nothing but that.”
The workshop is limited to nine writers and includes accommodation and a light breakfast, movies at The Showroom Theatre and leisurely sundowner walks.
In addition to the weekend workshop, writers will have the opportunity for one-on-one sessions on September 3.
For more info go to www.writingstudio.co.za.
