WEA courses and learning circles help student become a children's story book writer and illustrator
I would never have believed when I first started with the WEA that I would be writing, illustrating and publishing my own children’s story books. It all started back in 2007, I was a single mum unable to work due to arthritis, money was tight and my social life non existent. My friend Sue told me about the Tai Chi class she attended, which was run by The WEA at Lea Hall in Rugeley. Sue suggested I came along to the sign up day and had a look at what courses were available. I went along to the signing up day and joined the Tai Chi class as well as the Art class. These classes were great for my self-esteem and apart from learning new skills I was making new friends. Over the years I have tried a number of different courses including Crystal Therapy, Digital Camerhelpas, Colour Therapy, Healthy Living and Alternative Therapies to name but a few. Then in 2009 Chris said that she would be putting on a Creative Writing taster course, I have always fancied having a go at writing so went along to give it a try. Later when Chris put on a Creative Writing course I joined it, the tutor taught us a great deal about all aspects of creative writing, from poetry to short stories, even how to go about writing a novel. A number of the class entered poetry competitions and had some of their poems published including me, I also have had a short story published. I continued to attend Tai Chi, Art and the Creative Writing classes. Unfortunately due to a number of reasons the Creative Writing class was discontinued, many of the group did not want the class to finish, so Chris suggested we set up a Learning Circle, we would still be under the umbrella of the WEA and be able to have a room but would no longer have a tutor and would have to run the class ourselves. The group volunteered me to be the Circle's organiser, this involved keeping the register and generally organising the classes. The group has been a success and we have six permanent members who have been there since the beginning and a number of people who have dropped in and out as their needs and time have allowed. WEA Research Unit A better world – equal, democratic and just; through adult education the WEA challenges and inspires individuals, communities and society.
WEA courses and learning circles help student become a children's story book writer and illustrator Whilst I have and do organise lesson plans on occasions, each member of the group are working on their own projects. We read our work to each other and then offer advice and constructive criticism. We help each other to decide and/or find out what to do next. We help each other with research and find out how to go about different projects. The group have become firm friends and help each other not only with their writing, but also with social aspects and have met up for different things outside the circle. In October 2012 whilst volunteering as a storyteller at a local school, I was asked to write a Halloween story with the children, which I did. It was then suggested that I turn it into a book, so with the help of the children and the skills I had learnt in the Art class I illustrated the book. In April 2013 I borrowed some money from my parents and went along to the local printers and my first book Hednesford Park’s Spooky Halloween was published. A few months later I had sold enough books to publish a second book, Mischief and Mayhem. By November 2013 I was able to publish my third book Shaun and the Christmas Elf. All three books are on sale in a number of shops and businesses in Hednesford and Cannock and are also available on Amazon. My next step is to get the books more widely available. Then finish illustrating a number of other stories which I have written, which I will also get published. Thanks to the courses run by the WEA and the Creative Writing Learning Circle, I have been able to put what I have learnt to good use and have made many wonderful friends. I would definitely recommend the WEA courses and Learning Circles to anyone who is looking to learn something new and wanting to make new friends." WEA Student Cindy Faulkner holding the books she has written and illustrated Published 10/01/2014
WEA Research Unit A better world – equal, democratic and just; through adult education the WEA challenges and inspires individuals, communities and society.