Creative writing – Alan Parkinson

Tweets, Beasts and Writing Treats (The story of the Sunderland Creative Writing Festival 2018)

March 31, 2018

One month, nine venues, eighteen events and nearly five hundred attendees, I think it’s fair to say that the Sunderland Creative Writing Festival has been a bit of a success. I’m not sure when Iain Rowan first asked me if I wanted to be involved, it was probably in a dream or something. I’d run … More Tweets, Beasts and Writing Treats (The story of the Sunderland Creative Writing Festival 2018)

Festival Fever (Sunderland Creative Writing Festival 2018)

February 14, 2018

Sunderland Creative Writing Festival 2018 It’s been non stop in Parkinson Palace this week. I had a couple of freelance blogs to finish, I’d committed to doing my Winter Olympics blogs and I’ve finally begun to get my half marathon training back on track. Most exciting of all, the tickets went live for the Sunderland … More Festival Fever (Sunderland Creative Writing Festival 2018)

Happy 4th birthday to Holmeside Writers.

February 4, 2018

When you think of a writer’s group, how do you picture it? I’d always assumed it would be a bunch of lonely old women wanting to be Catherine Cookson or something resembling table nine from The Wedding Singer. With this in mind, when I stepped through the door of Holmeside Coffee, home of Holmeside Writers, … More Happy 4th birthday to Holmeside Writers.

My top ten editing tips.

October 23, 2017

Editing workshop. Last week I was asked to do a last-minute editing workshop for Year Nines (13-14). With little time to prepare and not much information on what they wanted or expected from me, I had to come up with something quick and adaptable. I’m currently eighty hours into the editing process of my latest … More My top ten editing tips.

Bingo, Jazz Bands and pigeons. (What does a writer do all day? Part 2)

October 27, 2016

In my last blog I tried to explain a little bit about what I get up to when I am being a writer. I only got as far as Wednesday in the first week so I’m going to carry on from where I left off and see where I end up. Working alone has its … More Bingo, Jazz Bands and pigeons. (What does a writer do all day? Part 2)

Getting my face in the paper.

September 14, 2016

I mentioned a couple of days ago that I will be appearing at the Sunderland Literature and Creative Writing Festival. Today I was lucky enough to get invited along to the official launch photoshoot alongside fellow authors Sheila Quigley, Holly Sterling and Iain Rowan. As all of my previous ‘official’ photos were taken either in … More Getting my face in the paper.

Sunderland Literature and Creative Writing Festival 2016

September 12, 2016

Very pleased to officially announce my involvement in the Sunderland Literature and Creative Writing Festival 2016. I shall be making three appearances. The first two are talks about my books and where I get my inspiration. Monday 3rd October 3-4pm National Glass Centre. Monday 17th October 2-3pm Shiney Row Library. The final appearance will be … More Sunderland Literature and Creative Writing Festival 2016