AN AUTHOR is to host a series of writing workshops to inspire budding authors.

The writer-in-residence for the Crossing the Tees Book Festival, Tracey Iceton, is to host the workshops.

The sessions have been organised to help people who might want to take part in the annual event’s first ever short story competition.

Budding authors and creative writers are encouraged to take part and be in with a chance of having their work appear in a published anthology – and even possibly claim a cash prize.

The competition is free to enter, open to anyone aged 16 or over and the story should be on the theme of ‘Crossing the Tees’. Prizes are £100 for first, £75 for second and £50 for third.

  • Writing workshops with Tracey Iceton are £3 per session and in Middlesbrough will take place at Hemlington Community Hub from 10am-noon on Tuesdays, June 27, July 4 and 11.
  • For more information or to reserve a place call 01642-591918.
  • The workshops will cover creating characters, plotting stories, establishing narrative, structure, dialogue and developing descriptions.
  • Crossing the Tees Book Festival is organised by the local authorities across the Tees Valley, including Darlington.
  • The closing date for entries is midnight on September 30. Entry forms can be downloaded from www.crossingthetees.org.