JCDC to Host Creative Writing Workshops

Budding and established writers, and lovers of literature are being invited to participate in the Jamaica Creative Writing Competition and Exhibition Workshops.

The six-day virtual workshops, organised by the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC), are slated for February 21, 23, 24 and 28, and March 2 and 3.

Topics to be discussed include poetry, novel and short story writing, as well as playwriting.

Among the scheduled presenters are Lecturer in Literary and Cultural Studies, Institute of Caribbean Studies, University of the West Indies (UWI) Mona, Dr. Lisa Tomlinson; Senior Lecturer in Language and Literature Education, UWI, Dr. Aisha Spencer, and Educator and Director, Eugene Williams.

Speech and Literary Arts Specialist at the JCDC, Damion Radcliffe, told JIS News that persons interested in literature or who enjoy writing stand to benefit significantly from the workshops.

“So the prospective writer, the seasoned writer and the up-and-coming writer can benefit,” he stated.

Mr. Radcliffe further indicated that the workshops are open to interested persons from around the world.

“We have had persons from the United States, from Africa, Barbados and other parts of the Caribbean [previously participating]. [So] we are open to the globe,” he said.

Mr. Radcliffe pointed out that previous workshops attracted close to approximately 1,000 persons.

He noted that more persons have been participating in the workshops online, by virtue of the convenience afforded by this format.

“We do believe that, as we improve, we will have targeted workshops, budget permitting. We can do a workshop regionally and bring other people from the respective regions,” he said.

Persons can participate in the sessions via the Zoom platform, the link for which is available on the JCDC’s website, www.jcdc.gov.jm, and YouTube.

The workshops are free to the public and will run from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. each day

For more information, persons can log onto the website, contact the JCDC’s parish offices, or email info@jcdc.gov.jm.