Bringing Place to Life In Your Narrative with Dan Richards
Join Dan Richards for an inspiring workshop exploring how to bring personality, atmosphere and authenticity to your writing about place.
How do you get under the skin of a place and communicate its nature, history and stories?
Acclaimed writer Dan Richards has travelled the world and chronicled his experiences in newspapers, books and radio programmes. He has walked alone across wild places and journeyed in the company of friends and strangers – from the Arctic to Australia, the Utah Desert to the mountains of Switzerland and Japan.
Whether in a busy city like Copenhagen, or a vast hinterland like the interior of Iceland, Dan has always been fascinated by the personality of place: the combination and collision of colours, sounds, language, incident, wildlife and atmosphere which make locations unique.
What to expect
This workshop will explore the art of observing, interpreting and capturing the spirit of a place, helping you create vivid, immersive narratives that transport readers and deepen their connection to the world you describe. Whether you write fiction or non-fiction, and whatever form your project takes, a strong sense of setting can shape atmosphere, reveal character and give greater depth to your story.
You’ll think about what it is that defines a place, and how to communicate that to your reader; to distil and convey essential elements of a location, real or imagined.
Drawing on his experience as a writer, reporter and broadcaster, Dan will share insights into his creative process, including practical techniques borrowed from reportage and broadcast journalism that can sharpen your writing. He’ll also unpack the work of writers who have influenced him, offering exercises, tools and approaches he uses himself to inspire fresh thinking, develop confidence and breathe new life into your work.
Next steps
This is a standalone workshop but for anyone interested in exploring the topic in more detail, look out for Dan’s new eight-week online course coming next Spring.
Dan Richards
Dan Richards is a writer and journalist who specialises in travel, memoir, and culture. His first book, Holloway, co-authored with Robert Macfarlane & Stanley Donwood, was a Sunday Times Bestseller. Overnight – an exploration of nocturnal operations which replenish, repair and protect the world whilst most of us are asleep – was published in 2024. He has written for newspapers and magazines including the Guardian, Economist, Monocle, and Telegraph.
Dan has taught at Bristol University, and currently tutors at NCW Academy, Moniack Mhor, and Arvon Foundation. He is an established chair and speaker at Edinburgh International Book Festival, Hay-on-Wye, and many others around the UK. Image © Owen Richards
Listen to Dan discuss the process of researching and writing creative non-fiction on our podcast →
NCW Academy Bursary Programme
There is one bursary space available for this workshop.
You are eligible to apply for an NCW bursary if:
- You are a full-time student or pensioner
- You are in receipt of Jobseekers’ Allowance, Disability Benefits, Income Support, Universal Credit or Working Tax Credits
- You have an income of less than £18,000 per year
- If none of these apply but you feel you are still eligible, you may be asked to submit a signed declaration outlining your circumstances.
To apply for the bursary placement, email academy@nationalcentreforwriting.org.uk with the name of the course/workshop you would like to attend. Please also attach one of the following proofs of low income listed here.
Plan your visit
National Centre for Writing is located in the heart of Norwich city centre by the river, and is easily accessible by foot and by public transport. Plan your visit with our guide to the local area, including transport and nearby attractions, as well as full details on accessibility on site.
Accessibility
We want to ensure that Dragon Hall is open and accessible for all. It is largely wheelchair accessible and is equipped with two raising platform lifts, disabled access toilets, hearing loop facilities and some dimmable lighting. Click below for details on parking, access into the building, a breakdown of terrain, facilities, and more.
Box office & shop
Our box office and shop is located within the entrance space of Dragon Hall. Visit us between 10am–3pm on Sundays & Mondays. Payment by card only. Outside of these hours, book online via the website or call us at 01603 877177.
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