Ruth Symes

The BBC Writers Room has lots writing tips, opportunities, links and scripts to download - they will even accept unsolicited screenplays and radio scripts.


There are also links to UK local and regional arts and writing organizations. Often these agencies will offer practical or financial help with training, so it is worth contacting your local organization to see how they can help you.

The publishers of the Writers and Artists yearbook have lots of useful information and links - it's even possible to search for agents, companies etc who are listed in the printed book.

The BBC new talent website has lots of information and opportunities for writers (and other types of performing art too) - there is even a special section for children.

is an independent network promoting independent filmmaking and is an essential resource for anyone interested in writing or making feature films.

is a free screenplay writing package that has lots of useful features - and it's free.

Literature and Latte are publishers of Scrivener, an extremely useful program for anyone with a Mac interested in writing. You can download a free trial from their website; even if you don't have a Mac, the website is still worth looking at for details of Windows alternatives.

Wikipedia is a very useful source for research.

The Society of Authors has lots of useful information on getting published, agents, copyright etc

The Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustratiors is a useful organization for anyone interested in writing for children. Their website has some good information for people just getting started

arvon run residential writing courses throughout the UK - they offer courses in writing almost all types of subject matter.

The Swanwick Writers' Summer School is a residential writing week which runs each year. This year I was teaching the Adaptation for Film, TV and Radio module.

Drews Script-o-Rama is a good resource for finding screenplays on the internet. If you're not sure how to format a screenplay, this is a good place to look.

Another resource for finding screenplays on the internet.