Saturday 6 March, 10.30 – 4.00

This year’s Spring Writers’ Day focused on four key areas at the cultural heart of the nation: the arts, the media, politics and education.

Rachel Ward is a former political journalist, now working for the Bible Society. She explained how the Bible Society is working to help the nation engage with the Bible. Her session included advice on writing a political diary piece (she accompanied Tony Blair on his first trip to meet George Bush); how to lobby your MP effectively; and how to tackle writing that campaigns for a charity or other cause.

Stewart Henderson is a well-known poet, songwriter and broadcaster.  In his first session, Words Worth Much, he illustrated how he fulfils his vocation as an observer and commentator in the market place.

In his second session, Telling the New Story, he spoke about his work in schools and at children’s literary festivals, and about having his poetry selected for use at Key Stages 2 and 3. He covered practical issues and offered creative suggestions to help those wanting to work in this field.

Steve Klein’s session was Christian Tabloid Journalist: a Contradiction in Terms? He explained how he balances the need to supply editors with ‘good stories’ against the needs of a vulnerable celebrity. He gave tips on writing for the press and showed how newspaper articles can fuel ideas for pieces in local newspapers, church magazines or talks.

One-to-ones

Ten-minute one-to-one interviews were available with Sue Doggett, commissioning editor for children’s books and resources at The Bible Reading Fellowship, and Fay Sampson, one of ACW’s most experienced and successful writers.