A monthly creative writing workshop to fill the well for beginners and people who’ve been writing for a while. It will create a brilliant resource for whatever you want to write - poems, stories, memoir, blog posts or all or none of those things. You will create your own notebook filled to the brim with character and story ideas, descriptions, fragments of poems and memories; whatever comes to mind from the exercises I lead.
There will be ideas and suggestions for topics to write on at home and writing techniques to practice. There will also be time for sharing your writing (if you want to) and a chance for gentle, encouraging feedback on your work.
There will be space for a maximum of 12 people.
To book, either select a class from the list below. OR book all three spring workshops (February, March and April) for £60 by clicking this link.
We will write together in response to prompts and exercises I bring to the group. These could be objects, pictures, or poems. Sometimes we will try to write a form of poetry or learn more about stories and how they are made or enjoy inventing characters. Sometimes we will do freewriting and write memories that come up. And sometimes we will play games together such as versions of consequences or collaborative poetry or use more creative methods such as found poetry, mapping or drawing. I will gently guide you step by step and give you plenty of encouragement. You will always be able to choose what to write about.
This is a general guide to what happens in a session. If it would make the experience easier for you if you know exactly what I have planned, feel free to [email me](mailto:
aGVsbG8gfCBob25leWxlYWZ3cml0aW5nICEgY29t?).
**Welcome, Introductions and 5 mins Freewriting**
7-7:15
I usually welcome everyone to the session and begin by saying a few things such as: we'll take a break halfway through; it may feel therapeutic but it's not a therapy group; you can choose what to write; we assume what you've written is fiction unless you tell us otherwise; and when I invite you to share what you've written, you can read it all out, say something about the process, say a few words or not say anything. This is followed by introductions if we don't all know each other and then 5 minutes freewriting. This can be writing anything, I often provide a prompt and we don't read this part out at all, it's just to get you used to writing in the group.
**Warm up Exercise or Game: 7:15 – 8pm**
This exercise will be to generate ideas and to get you thinking or laughing. I might ask questions while you write to guide you through it. Or I'll say words for you to include. I might bring a picture or object from nature to inspire you. Write down as many ideas as you can think of, then you'll have more to work with for the next part. Once you've had a chance to write (approx 15 minutes), then there will be time for sharing what you've written if you would like to. People often enjoy this part most!
**Break: 8pm – 8:10pm**
A good time to take a breather, stretch, relax, have a drink or snack. The café at Chequer Mead will be closed at this time, though you can buy something before the workshop starts.
**8:10 – 8: 50 Develop your writing a little or write something new**
I will introduce another writing exercise. This is often something inspired by published writing such as a poem or an extract from a story. You can develop your writing from earlier in the session or write something new. I may invite you to work with a particular form of writing or share a technique, but there will always be a choice for you to write more freely or whatever comes up for you. I will invite you to share what you've written if you would like to.
**8:50 – 9pm Closing words**
Depending on how much time we have left, I will say some closing words and invite you to as well.
These workshops are for you if you:
— have always wanted to write but don’t know where to start
— want to practice different writing techniques
— want to explore ideas for writing
— could do with some help bringing your writing alive.
I will share techniques, tools and tips to help:
— your writing flow
— bring your writing alive
— create a writing habit
— you understand what works well in a piece of writing
— experiment with language
— you feel part of a writing community.
There will be plenty of:
— fun exercises, writing together and reading out (if you feel comfortable)
— suggestions of things to try in-between the weekly sessions
— a toolkit of ideas, resources and exercises you can return to at home on a password protected web page
— gentle guidance as you gain confidence in your writing.
What to bring:
Paper, pens and a willingness to try new things
Old copy - but still on Eventbrite:
I aim to create the nurturing, warm atmosphere of a campfire where we share stories of our days, of our lives, before returning home. Where we laugh about small things, about brave things and trying something new. Where we come together to make sense of life, to eke out creative time for ourselves in amongst busy commitments of work and family, or with other limitations. I create this atmosphere on a bedrock of wellbeing principles while also sharing creative writing techniques to help you express what is waiting to be said and develop confidence in your own unique voice.
If it's important that you know what I have planned in advance, do let me know and I'll provide as much information as I can. Also, if there's something in particular you'd like to work on, I'll see if I can incorporate it.
**Other benefits**
I have an area on my website for people who attend my workshops where I post handouts, exercises and other resources, so that you can see what's been done before and you can catch up if you miss anything.
I also send out a weekly newsletter which is free for everyone to read and share. You can sign up or read it here:
https://awen.substack.com/. Paid members (£8 per month or £80 per year) can join in with my weekly guided creative writing hour on Zoom.
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Workshops in Turners Hill,
Arts events in Turners Hill,
Literary Art events in Turners Hill.
