The Character of Voice workshop with Nii Ayikwei Parkes

Enhance your fiction by diving deeper into the exploration of character and voice, key elements that enrich storytelling, in this workshop with novelist and poet Nii Ayikwei Parkes.

The title Deptford Literature Festival in chunky black lettering outlined in bright yellow, sits on a background in blue and pale blue. It’s an illustration that includes an image of a hand with a pen, a closed fist, and the words ‘whose stories are told?’, ‘resistance’, ‘community’, and ‘history’.

Free to attend. BOOK VIA EVENTBRITE HERE. 

A strong narrative voice is the foundation of compelling storytelling, shaping everything from structure and character development to dialogue and dramatic tension. But what defines a narrative voice? How do elements like cultural and social history, cadence, and context influence its character?

In this session, led by novelist and poet Nii Ayikwei Parkes, we’ll delve into the intricacies of crafting an authentic and resonant voice. Discover how writing with this perspective can lead to richer, more layered fiction that captivates readers and brings stories to life.

Access information:

  • All of our in-person events Friday-Sunday, including this one, will be BSL Interpreted for audiences that require it. For workshops, you will be asked when booking your free ticket if you require the services of a BSL interpreter. For all workshops where one or more attendees require BSL interpretation, we will arrange for an interpreter to be there.
  • This event is wheelchair accessible, with accessible toilets.
  • Deptford Lounge has Changing Place facilities, an induction loop and assistance dogs are welcome. For more information: deptfordlounge.org.uk/access
  • A quiet space is available during the day at Deptford Lounge, in the Music Room, on the first floor.
  • If you require additional access provision in order to attend or take part in the Festival, for example, larger print handouts at workshops, or a scribe, please get in touch before the Festival day at: [email protected]
  • If you require assistance on the Festival day itself, please come to the Festival Hub in the foyer of Deptford Lounge where we will be happy to help you.

For more information about the access provision available, please visit: spreadtheword.org.uk/access-at-deptford-literature-festival

MORE INFORMATION AND BOOK TICKETS VIA EVENTBRITE

Featured artist

Nii Ayikwei Parkes

Festival Artist


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Nii Ayikwei Parkes is a Ghanaian-British writer, editor and producer, primarily known for the acclaimed hybrid novel, Tail of the Blue Bird. Translated in multiple languages, he has written for National Geographic, Financial Times, The Guardian, and Lonely Planet, and his freelance research work explores the praeter-colonialism survivals of African philosophy, skills and ways of being in Africa and the African diaspora. Nii Ayikwei’s works include The Makings of You (poetry), The Geez (poetry), and the recent Azúcar.