What's It All About?

Word Market...join us
Word Market was launched in 2002 as a project to celebrate writing and reading in south Cumbria and to establish a long term framework for the development of writers and new writing in the area. It is managed by South Cumbria Playwrights in partnership with other writers’ and readers’ groups in the region.
 
The project involves a comprehensive programme of events and activities designed, produced, managed and supported by local people. Activities include training workshops, masterclasses, residencies, commissions and special events, with an annual festival in February.

How To Get Involved
There are a number of ways to get involved in Word Market.
 
Community groups/ organisations – Are you involved with a community group or other organisation in the South Lakes area? Would your group be interested in a workshop or reading by an established writer? Word Market has a limited amount of funds available to support literary events and activities and any organisation in south Cumbria can apply, including organisations which do not normally organise literary events.
 
Aspiring writers – Are you a spare-time scribbler? Would you benefit from some positive feedback from professional writers in a friendly and supportive environment? Word Market organises a wide range of events aimed at encouraging the development of aspiring writers in the region. These events cover all genres of writing, from screenplays to songwriting, and are open to all.
 
Professional/ Amateur writers – Are you struggling to find a platform to perform your work? Have you given readings or taught workshops in other areas and are keen to do so in the South Lakes? Word Market is committed to increasing employment opportunities for local writers, professional or amateur.
 
Venues/ promoters – Unlimited amounts of advice and guidance are available to venues, organisers and promoters of literary events, as well as joint marketing opportunities and access to information.
 
Literary Organisations - Word Market is keen to explore collaborations, share best practice, network and exchange ideas with other literary organisations in and around the area.
Word Market - Projects in progress...
 
"Word Market has definitely done great things" Local Writer
 
Pub Scripts reaching the parts other writing projects cannot reach;
 
Schools' Poetry Project - find out how your school can get involved;
 
E Short Story and Poetry Contest - in conjunction with The Westmorland Gazette web site www.thisisthelakedistrict.co.uk Lifestyle - Readers and Writers section.
 
Master Classes and Workshops - topics include writing for radio and stage, poetry, short stories and novels, writing for different media and how to get published;
 
Song Furnace Part 2 - more opportunities to develop your song writing skills;
 
Munching Magic Mangoes - food and storytelling from around the world for families with young children;
 
Poetry, Printmaking and Photography - cross artform working and how to get the most out of collaborations;
 
Training and Professional Development - a series of training days open to individuals and community groups covering marketing your organisation, fundraising and managing budgets;
 
Developing Literary Projects - Do you need financial and practical help to deliver a writing project with your community group? Come along to find out how we may be able to help.
 
"All this has built up my confidence so that I feel ready to join other groups and keep writing – and more importantly for me – to show my writing to other people" Pub Scripts participant