A monthly creative writing workshop for beginners. Plenty of fun writing prompts, games and activities to get your creative juices flowing.
Make time for yourself with this workshop, which is aimed at generating ideas as well as an introduction to taking some initial steps towards making creative writing or journalling part of your life. Whether you want to use your life experiences to write or completely make things up, if you have a love of words you’ll be on the right path!
Writing is brilliant for making sense of your life experiences or simply having creative fun. This workshop will focus on enjoying the process of writing and putting words on the page.
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.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Yes, there is plenty of parking opposite Chequer Mead Theatre in East Grinstead and it is free every evening after 6pm.
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The café is open for cold drinks, snacks and tea (the coffee machine will be closed) until 7.30pm so you can get a drink on the way into the workshop but it will be closed in the break.
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Something to write on - no fancy journals needed, though if you have one on your shelf that has been waiting for the perfect moment to be written in, please bring. Otherwise a few sheets of paper or old exercise book will be fine!
Something to write with - pen, pencil - anything.
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If you'd like more considered feedback on your writing (other than a general, initial response during the workshop), do let me know and we can arrange this in advance.
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I decide on whether to give a refund or not depending on the circumstances. If you give me more than three days' notice, this is usually fine. If you've booked for a series in advance and miss one, then I have the lessons online you can catch up with. I also offer Zoom instead.
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Yes, if I cancel the workshop for any reason and you have paid in advance, I will offer you a refund or a booking on a future date.
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The groups are small with usually 6 to 8 people.
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I encourage sharing by either reading out all of what you've written, a line or two, or by saying something about the process. One of the reasons people love coming to workshops is to hear the stories and words from others as they are all so different. It also helps you develop confidence in your unique voice. But you can opt out at any time.