Source: City of Portsmouth
Writers with a taste for Dickensian thrills can join Blue Peter Award-winning children’s author Ali Sparkes at the Charles Dickens’ Birthplace Museum this Halloween.
Three intimate sessions, suitable for adult writers or accompanied teenagers aged over 14, will run after dark in the atmospheric Victorian terrace in Old Commercial Road, where writers will create frightening flash fiction inspired by objects around the house.
Ali Sparkes, who is well known to local schools for her many visits through Portsmouth Schools Library Service, said:
“I can’t wait to see what stories emerge from these sessions. As well as choosing authentic objects from Charles Dickens’ life to trigger ideas, the writers will be pre-chilled with excerpts from The Signalman. This short story is regarded as one of Dickens most spooky – and the true backstory behind it is even darker.
“We will also be tapping into any true ghostly experiences of the writers.”
The Halloween workshops – running on 29, 30 and 31 October between 6 and 8pm – will see the rooms dressed up for Halloween, and there will be hot sweet drinks and cake – Victorian-style – for the writers taking part.
The workshops herald a winter season of Dickensian experiences at the museum, including a festive trail celebrating the classic Victorian Christmas setting of A Christmas Carol.
Cllr Steve Pitt, the Leader of Portsmouth City Council with responsibility for culture, said:
“This is a brilliant opportunity for local writers to come together creatively in Charles Dickens’ Birthplace – it seems so fitting.”
Each of the Halloween writing workshops will accommodate no more than ten, so please book as soon as possible to secure your place. Tickets are £25. To book call 023 9283 4779.