Let’s write together
On sharpening our claws and pencils
Hello there...
What a wild week and what a wild world we are living in right now... I hope that wherever you are in the world that you are ok today, that you are can take a moment for yourself and that there are some shards of light in amongst it all.
My heart dropped at 3AM yesterday morning when I read the news, I tried hard to go back to sleep but didn’t. I wept alone at 5AM, messaged some friends in the US, sought comfort in the words of others and let the feelings of rage, grief and fear tumble out onto the page, scribbling poems in protest, trying to hold hope in my pen... Whatever you are feeling right now, please know you are not alone, even though it feels horribly dark and bleak right now, you are not alone.
Now is a time for coming together, a time for sharpening our pencils and writing in the company of one another. So on that note, if you would like to come and write together, please join me tomorrow morning at 9:15AM UK time for my next free co-writing session (full details below).
In other news, there's a special offer for Solo Retreats booked on select dates in January and February. And a little note about when applications for the next Nest Residency will open...
Thanks so much for reading.
Autumn co-writing sessions
It’s been such a privilege and a joy to hold these sessions and I’m delighted to add a few more dates in the run up to Christmas.
The sessions 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.
Dates
These sessions will be free and will take place at the following times and dates on zoom, please use the links below:
November
Fri 8 Nov | 9.15 – 10.30 UK time
Mon 11th Nov | 13.00 – 14.15 UK time
Mon 18th Nov | 13.00 – 14.15 UK time
Fri 22nd Nov | 9.15 – 10.30 UK time
Solo Retreat Special Offers
A Room of Her Own is a solo writing retreat in Cornwall for women. 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 and are individually tailored with curated resources and treats.
Fancy spending some time in the New Year with your writing?
Book now to get three nights for the price of two for stays booked on select dates in January or February 2025.
About the Retreat
- Comfy and spacious accommodation in a self-contained one-bedroom annex at 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.
*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.
The Nest Residency
The Nest Residency is the opportunity to apply for a subsidised spot to experience a two night solo writing retreat at our annexe in Cornwall for just £50 on selected dates.
The residency is open to anyone who would otherwise be unable to access a retreat.
I am acutely aware that there is so much gatekeeping that goes on in the industry and that there are so many barriers to creative opportunities for writing, especially for women. So, I want to help others and open up the space to those who would otherwise be unable to access it. In the future, I really hope to offer fully funded places.
Applications for the next round of The Nest Residency will open towards the end of November. Please do spread the word if you know of anyone who may be interested.
Thank you so much for reading.