First Rung by Rope Ladder Fiction

Rope Ladder Fiction First Rung brings you the opportunity to experience the beautiful minds of fifteen storytellers, each of whom are taking their first step into the realm of creative writing. Narratives take shape in dynamic forms thanks to these exciting voices and their accompanying biographies, which are stories in themselves. Also documented are the exercises designed by playwright, screenwriter and poet Cathy Crabb, which were used to guide these writers, and so that you can take your first step too – with a handy section for your creative notes. We urge everyone encouraged about the joyful world of storytelling to embrace this provocation as an inclusive and accessible safe space to limitlessly explore. Includes new writing by Serena Lukes, Marcus Garland, Libby Hall, Tracy Scott, Dr Sumaira K. Naseem, Christopher Egan, Erykah Blackburn, Louise Croombs, Josh Dixon, Ada Eravarma, Jessica Fay and Umara Khan, plus screenwriter Kat Rose-Martin recommended tales from Noah Conway, Amelia Davies and Krishna Jenson. "Not only is the quality of writing outstanding and the stories insightful, moving or funny, reading the authors’ notes adds an extra layer. It feels like such an important book, one which has given opportunity to unheard voices that deserve to be listened to. I love it!" Angela Griffin "It's always great to hear new voices, and there are great new voices here. Electric, eclectic and essential." Tony Walsh "By giving space to these dazzling new writers, Rope Ladder Fiction show us proof that there really is talent all around us." Sufiyaan Salam "What's so exciting is the quality and individuality of these stories." Cherylee Houston MBE Rope Ladder Fiction is a Manchester-based drama production company with a focus on social inclusion and innovation. Creatively led by Cameron Roach, previously Director of Drama at SKY TV, it is committed to nurturing next generation talent whilst developing bold character-led narratives. The first commission for Rope Ladder Fiction was Waterloo Road, a co-production with Wall to Wall for BBC One. Working in conjunction with Screen Manchester, Rope Ladder is committed to an ambitious training and development programme for new entrants to the industry, with a pilot writing and outreach programme for schools underway in Greater Manchester.