Tag Archives: Gladstone’s Library

May 14 2018
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Events, Residencies

Residency at Gladstone’s Library

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I’ve loved my time so far as writer in residence at Gladstone’s Library in Hawarden, north Wales. While here I’ve been working on new writing, and also held an evening book event in the chapel on the evening of 6 May which was well attended – thanks all who came. I have one more event to come – a creative non-fiction masterclass on 26 May, which is now sold out.

I’m finding it a great place to write. Being surrounded by likeminded people all hard at work on their own projects is very conducive to sustained periods of concentration. It being very beautiful – and the food being excellent – and the weather being glorious – doesn’t hurt either. I’m very lucky to be here.

If you’re interested in visiting the library, you can sign up as a day reader, or book yourself in for a stay. Rooms start from £66/night B&B (link), and there are a number of scholarships and bursaries available. The writers in residence selection process runs annually, with an April deadline. It’s for authors whose work ‘engages with liberal values.’ More information and details on how to apply here.

 

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Dec 21 2017
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Events

Non-fiction masterclass at Gladstone’s Library

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I’m really looking forward to my month-long residency at Gladstone’s Library in Hawarden, Flintshire: the UK’s only prime ministerial library. It describes itself as

…a residential library and meeting place which is dedicated to dialogue, debate and learning for open-minded individuals and groups, who are looking to explore pressing questions and to pursue study and research in an age of distraction and easy solutions… It was founded by the great Victorian statesman himself and, following his death in 1898, became the national memorial to his life and work.

I’ll be there throughout the month of May, drifting in and out of the library and grounds, with my nose in a book. Come and join me!

I’m running two public events during my time there: an evening session on the 8 May during which I’ll discuss ‘making the personal political’ (£15, which also includes a copy of Thicker Than Water), and a day-long masterclass in the techniques of creative non-fiction on 26 May (£35, including lunch). There are rooms available on a B&B basis and a bistro on site.

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