2025 Writing Course with Holly Rigby

* Holly Rigby’s narrative non-fiction writing course in early 2025

* Recommendations from the librarians at the Dolphin School

Following the success of the shop’s first ever writing course this autumn, writer and lecturer Holly Rigby will be returning to the shop in February to teach the popular program again.

The next course will run from Monday 10th February – Monday 7th April (no class 31 March), 6-8pm at our shop Gloucester Road.

Places for this sold-out in less than a week last time so early booking is strongly advised.

Whether you’re a keen novice or an experienced writer, the course is ideal for anyone who seeks to improve their writing across nonfiction genres, including:

💫 Memoir
💫 Personal essays
💫 Literary journalism
💫 Biography
💫 Review writing
💫 Writing for Substack

You will be set writing exercises and will have the unique opportunity to share your writing every week in a small group of just ten participants.

Holly’s work has featured in The Guardian and the Independent, she has appeared as a political commentator on the BBC, Sky News and Channel Four, and her memoir ‘Miss: when a teacher breaks the rules’ will be published by Repeater Books in 2025. She is a Lecturer in Nonfiction writing at City University too.

The course costs £375 and can be booked with Holly via the Eventbrite link here or using the button immediately below.

Payment plans and discounted bursary places are available for writers on a low income. Get in touch with Holly directly at www.hollyrigby.co.uk to access this.

Patrick, by Quentin Blake (recommended by Rumaysa, Year 1)

I love this story because it has fireworks when he plays the violin. You should read it too!

Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, by J.K. Rowling (recommended by Iona, Year 2)

I recommend to try this book called Harry Potter. It is about this magic place and someone that is called Harry. He is a wizard but he did not know because his parents died.. People think it’s a car crash but it is someone called You-Know-Who. You can’t say his name because he will come back and we don’t want that to happen. Harry’s friends are Hagrid, his magic teacher, also Hermione and Ron.

The Lipstick, by Laura Dockrill (recommended by Coco, Year 3)

I recommend The Lipstick because it is brilliantly funny and it represents children’s love for funniness. It is about a kid, a mum, a dad and a sister as well as the lipstick. It gives an outstanding message of always forgiving. It leads in love and kindness and brings freedom to other’s hearts. It says always stand up for cheekiness as well as saying you can not break love.

Dork Diaries, by Rachel Renee Russell (recommended by Tasmeen, Year 4)

I think you should read Dork Diaries. When I read it I just fell in love with it! It is very funny and interesting.

Grimwood, by Nadia Shireen (recommended by Sunnie, Year 5)

My book suggestion is Grimwood because it is a really exciting and funny book. It is great for all ages and very fun to read. I think you’ll enjoy it!

You’re a Bad Man, Mr Gum! By Andy Stanton (recommended by Teyauna, Year 6)

I love this book because it is a funny story and a good storyline with plenty of surprises! When I read it some parts made me laugh and some were emotional. Overall I think it would make a great addition to your display!

Happy book hunting one and all!

xx Tom