Blitz over Birmingham for aspiring writers

Acclaimed authors and creatives set to inspire BAME writers through Birmingham workshop series.

This September DESIblitz.com, the multi-award-winning British Asian online magazine will be presenting a programme of creative writing workshops delivered by a series of experts from across the creative industries.

Professional writers and performers set to deliver workshops across Birmingham include celebrated young fiction author Bali Rai, internationally acclaimed performance poet Amerah Saleh, broadcaster Tommy Sandhu, crime writer A.A. Dhand, writer of the Harry Virdee crime novels and currently in talks for TV serialization, Saurabh Kakkar, Head of Comedy Development at Big Talk, and Usman Mullan from BBC Three’s Writers Room.

The workshops will give new and aspiring writers the opportunity to learn from those who have already made successful careers in their chosen field. Crime fiction, stand-up comedy, written and performance poetry, writing novels, and writing for television are just some of the topics the workshops will explore.

Taking place over two days, Saturday 22nd September, and Saturday 29th September, and working in partnership with Birmingham City University, BBC Three, the University of

Birmingham, and the Library of Birmingham, the workshops aim to inspire would-be writers, particularly from the BAME community, keen to know how they too can develop a career and access to contacts in such a competitive industry.

For Indi Deol, Managing Director of Innovation Birmingham-based DESIblitz, this programme of workshops has been inspired by a need he has identified whilst working with new young writers since the launch of DESIblitz.com in 2008.

“Growing up, it was difficult to find role models who looked like me and who worked in the creative sector, and the past decade has shown me that in many areas, not a lot haschanged.

“These workshops will be kept intimate enough to provide an opportunity for those who have questions to ask them and for others who would like a real hands-on workshop to gain knowledge from people who have excellent experience and guidance to offer. I hope these practical sessions will help to forge a real route to address some of the creative career challenges for today’s BAME community. We are passionate about providing opportunities for old or new, emerging talent, especially for those who feel this kind of career is simply out of reach.”

This programme is funded by Arts Council England. The full programme of workshops and booking information can be found here.