Victoria Garden Writes

The Open University in Scotland and Victoria Gardens are hosting a unique three-part short story writing workshop that will inspire creativity, connect you with your local community, and celebrate the beauty of the natural world. 

Spanning seven days throughout the summer and hosted in the Victoria Community Garden on the Blackness Road in Dundee, this workshop connects the art of storytelling with the importance of sustainability and the vital role urban green spaces play in our well-being. The programme will be set in the outdoors, allowing you to relax and connect with nature as you uncover your short story.

This workshop is open to all. Throughout the entire process, participants will be guided in developing a short story, and will receive help in honing form, genre, structure, characterisation, and imagery. Whether you're just starting out or a seasoned pro, you'll find a supportive space to grow your craft.

The outcome of the programme will be a published anthology containing the stories created during the workshops. Therefore, all participants have the option to be published upon completion.

Open University creative writing Associate Lecturer, Dr Rachel Marsh will be leading the sessions.

Book your free place and find out more information on accessibility, transport and restrictions via the Eventbrite page.

Please note that you must be able to attend all three sessions. Since the outcome of the workshop is a published piece, full commitment to the program is essential.

Programme Schedule:

This is short, story writing-workshop, will consist of three sections. Those on the workshop will be asked to join all three sessions (all 7 dates).

22 June 10.30-3.30pm (Sunday) and 23 June 5-8.30pm (Monday)

The first two days will focus on instruction and writing practice, with sessions on plotting, character, setting and imagery. This first section will be a mixture of lecture, group interactions, and writing. Short talks on the plants and wildlife of the garden will be provided for inspiration.

28 and 29 June 10.30am-3.30pm (Saturday and Sunday)

The next two days will be a writing residency, where students work on a specific short story, drawing inspiration from the garden, teamwork, and collaboration. These writing days will be guided, while also allowing the participant room to experiment.

5, 6, & 7 August 6-8pm (online)

The final phase includes three online evening workshops, where students will discuss and edit their work, getting it ready for publication.