A NEW course is being launched in York, aimed squarely at people who want to make money from writing.

Budding writers will be given advice on “how to get that first break and keep body and soul together while working on major projects for film, TV or radio”, said course organiser James Richards, an award-winning screenwriter who works as a visiting lecturer at York College.

He said: “The course will cover sitcoms, TV serials, one-off TV drama, corporate, radio, adaptation of stories and marketing scripts. Later sessions will focus on all aspects of writing – ideas, structure, dialogue – and move on to short and feature films.”

He said the first session would be held on Sunday at the Black Swan in Peasholme Green.

The sessions begin at 7 pm and last until 10pm, and cost £2.50 each, with participants able to pick and choose which sessions they attend. Supporting materials will be provided by email on or on CD- Rom.

Mr Richards said the course was being run under the umbrella of the York Media Training Partnership, which works in association with York College and is part of an initiative to bring low-cost film and media training out into the community.

People wishing to attend should email j1mmyrichards@hotmail.co.uk, phone 07840 796788, or simply turn up on the night.