Write the Night: A Poetry Workshop with Alan Parry

Alan Parry is bringing his successful poetry workshop Write the Night back this Christmas!

Date: Sunday, 29th December
Time: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM GMT
Location: Online (Zoom)

We won’t sell you success—but we will help you find your dark side. The grit that might just become your pearl. If you find yourself with downtime over Christmas, caught in that strange, liminal space between the festivities and the new year, this is your chance to take time for yourself. Step away from the noise, step into the shadows, and write something honest, raw, and unapologetic.

This workshop isn’t for dreamers or romantics—it’s for anyone ready to wrestle with the tension of night. Whether you’re drawn to the glow of streetlights or the stillness of moonlit skies, Alan Parry will guide you in crafting poetry that confronts the beauty, chaos, and darkness of night-time.

• Natural Night: Discuss the representations of the natural world after dark—the weight of the sky, the breath of frost on the air, the hush of spaces that come alive when the sun disappears.
• The Electrification of Night: Explore the city as it transforms under artificial light. Write about the hum of power lines, the flicker of neon, the moments of humanity that shine brightest in the shadows.
• Vice and Temptation: Let your words push boundaries. Write the unsaid, the unclean, the confessions that thrive in the midnight hours. This is where poetry sheds its prettiness and finds its power.

Whether you’re a seasoned poet or a curious beginner, this workshop is for those who want to write without restraint, to turn downtime into something meaningful, and to face the night head-on.

Alan Parry, editor of The Broken Spine, is a poet whose work captures the grittiness and allure of nocturnal life. Blending classical influences with modern grit, Alan’s poetry thrives on tension and truth. As a teacher and editor, he offers clear, sharp feedback to help you unlock the potential in your writing.

• When: Sunday, 29th December, 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM GMT
• Where: Online via Zoom (Link provided upon registration)
• Cost: £15 (concessions), £25 (regular price)

If you need a moment to breathe, to focus on yourself, and to create something that matters, we’re here for you. Step into the shadows, claim your space, and join us for this unapologetic exploration of the night.

A Safe Space to Grow and Share – Outstanding
'A safe space where I felt able to share what I had written. The final writing session was particularly rewarding—I managed to write something that I am pleased with!'
— Louise Longson, Workshop Participant

A Thoughtfully Structured Session – 4 Stars
'Three full hours enabled us to really delve into poetry and ideas, before moving into our own writing. That preparatory time and then extended writing time complemented each other well. It pushed me out of my comfort zone and I explored aspects I would not have thought of. The content was excellent and very well prepared.'
— Philippa Ramsden, Workshop Participant

Engaging and Thoroughly Enjoyable – Outstanding
'Discussion and detailed spoken prompts with time to do them were incredibly valuable. The examples of the facilitator's use of the prompts and points he was making added depth to the workshop. Having three hours meant it was less rushed than other workshops, with an excellent range of poems used.'
— Gillian Scholey, Workshop Participant

Practical Inspiration for My Poetry – 5 Stars
'The discussion gave me a deeper understanding and ideas on how I could weave this throughout my writing. Alan did a great job with this workshop. It has helped me immensely in my writing.'
— Paul Short, Workshop Participant

Room for Exploration and New Perspectives – 4 Stars
'The prompt words were the most valuable part of the workshop for me. Discussing poetry and seeing the examples shared was very inspiring. Overall, this was a very supportive and inclusive space.'
— Donna M Day, Workshop Participant

Intense and Challenging – Outstanding
'Not your usual workshop; intense and challenging. A provocative introduction to reading and writing the grit and gold of darkness, senses, and human urges. A bold yet ultimately productive session. 👏👏👏👏👏'
— Glenn Barker, Workshop Participant

Host or Publisher Broken Spine Arts