Gifts from Spring
Come co-write tomorrow and get 10% off all Solo Retreat Stays in April and May
This week, the sun appeared in Cornwall and the lighter days have brought smiles and some much needed disinfectant for the soul. There’s nothing quite like the blue sky and the promise of Spring to remind us to look up and out again.
I feel the hinge of the equinox deep in my bones this year. That threshold space, where we can hold both the light and the dark at the same time. I find myself wanting to linger as my gaze alters and the cloak of winter begins to fall. In fact, the arrival of the sun has made me realise just how much I have missed it and how much of a hermit I have been. It’s made me determined to spend more time outside listening to the birds, soaking up the light and noticing again…
It’s also made me think about how much of this writing life takes place behind closed doors, how much takes place out of view and how much of my own writing takes place in the dark or in the margins of my days. Right now, I’m in the throes of working on something that I can’t stop writing but it is something that feels deeply uncomfortable and yet the words just keep coming. As I’ve been writing I’ve been dipping back into using my Small Acts of Attention cards more regularly and the word Invite keeps appearing (three times in a row last week!)… It feels like a little wayfinder right now, the perfect invitation to explore what this hard thing is and what I want to welcome in, over the coming months.
As my weeks ahead fill with work, I’m also holding on to the precious time and space that I had during my recent residency at The Charles Causley Trust. I’m still trying to find the right words to adequately describe what a gift it was and how deeply grateful I am for the opportunity. Whilst I gather my thoughts, here are some favourite fragments and magical moments taken from my notebook….
Early mornings listening to the birds, drinking coffee and delving back into the chorus of poems that Charles left behind.
Writing at his desk, watching the sun emerge and tracing the patina and imprint of all those who’ve sat there before me.
Staying up late, brain fizzling and sizzling as thoughts collide, connections are formed and the start of a poem arrives.
Falling asleep as the owl came out buoyed by a deep appreciation and gratitude.
Thank you so much to each and every one of you who joined in with my invitations to write, it was such a pleasure to see so many at the co-writing sessions and I’ve been amazed by the response to my callout for the Collective Poem… More residency reflections soon.
Before I head off to pack school bags and retrieve uniforms, I wanted to share a one-off Monday lunchtime co-writing session tomorrow, some last minute Spring dates and a special offer for Solo Retreats.
Also, don’t miss three extra special sessions coming up at The Writers’ Block.
Come and stay this Spring!
A Room of Your Own is a solo writing retreat in Cornwall for women and non-binary people. Aimed at anyone who needs some time and space to concentrate on their writing or creative project, the retreats are intended to provide a pocket of space to write and are individually tailored with curated resources and treats.
About the Retreat
- Comfy and spacious accommodation in a self-contained one-bedroom annex attached to our home near Mitchell, Cornwall
- Space to focus on your craft
- Beautiful surroundings and ideally located to reach both the north and south coasts
- Inspiring writing places, from a bright and light well room to a comfy lounge with wood burner, to a dining area with views across the garden
- Ample space to relax and unwind
- Tea, coffee and some snacks provided
- Handpicked writing resources and materials for your stay
- Local recommendations, suggestions for artists dates and access to lots of books and prompts
The Accommodation
The annex is a hidden gem nestled at the bottom of a private lane, surrounded by fields. Attached to our family home but with its own separate entrance, the annex is large and spacious with one super comfy bedroom with king-size bed, a well-equipped kitchen, a bright dining area, cosy lounge with woodburner, bathroom and a well room!
The Location
We are set in the middle of beautiful countryside, surrounded by fields and trees. Ideally located to reach both the north and south coasts, with lots of hidden sights to see nearby. We are just a short drive from both Newquay and Truro and only 20 minutes from Newquay airport. We’re around 25 minutes from Bodmin Parkway station. There is a fantastic local pub within a short distance serving great food. The closest beach is around a five mile drive but you are spoilt for choice as both coasts are easily accessible.
SPRING AVAILABILITY
Mon 20th – Fri 24th April
Sun 26th – Wed 29th April
Wed 6th – Sat 9th May
Mon 11th – Fri 15th May
Mon 18th – Fri 22nd May
10% off all stays in April and May
*A non-refundable deposit of £50 will be required to secure your dates, the remaining balance will be due six (6) weeks prior to the start of your solo retreat. There is an option to spread the cost in two payments. If the your booking is made under six weeks before the retreat commences, the full balance is due upon booking. Your booking will only be confirmed once the deposit has been received.
Please note, you will need to cover the cost of travel to and from the retreat and we recommend that you take out travel insurance. Please make sure you read all the terms and conditions before booking and the Things to Note section on my website.
Come Co-Slow-Write with me tomorrow!
Let’s gather together for a moment of slow writing.
A moment to let yourself empty your pockets and have some space to just be.
Come as you are and take a moment to tend to yourself in a slow co-writing session.
NEXT SESSION
Monday 23rd March | 13:00 – 14:15 UK Time
What to expect
The session will last approximately one hour and fifteen minutes with a moment to pause and ground ourselves at the beginning and time at the end to have a little catch up (should you wish).
You don’t have to talk, you don’t have to bring anything specific to work on (I’ll share a prompt in the chat), you don’t have to have your camera on, the whole idea is just showing up and spending some time with your words in the company of others.
Please email me if you want a little nudge to remember on the day and I can send you a reminder.
These sessions are free to join but should you wish to make a donation, you are so welcome to. Any donations are so gratefully received and will go towards supporting my work and helping me make these sessions sustainable and accessible to all.
Coming up the Writers’ Block there are some lovely events including a workshop I’m facilitating on Permission to Play: Building creative resilience and finding joy that takes place this Wednesday !
Noreen Masud, author of A Flat Flat, will be facilitating a workshop on Writing Our Lives on Friday 27th March, followed by an evening reading with a Q&A hosted by me.
And don’t miss the next Online Speakeasy with Laurie Bolger in April!