Pause, rest, restore
News of a very special retreat, some more co-writing sessions and an orbit of possibility
Hello there...
I hope that this last week of November is treating you gently?
I've been waking up early recently, my head fizzing with threads of a story—urgent, somewhat tangled threads that want to be written down. Some days, I wake up alert enough to recall them and head downstairs in search of my notebook. On other days, my morning begins with my foot firmly on the accelerator and the wispy, misty trails swirl above my head, threatening to depart...
This is a stage in writing that excites, delights and yet frightens me... When the threads and wisps are caught overhead in an orbit of possibility… And yet for this week, I can only stargaze in snatched glimpses at that orbit as other more urgent things must be finished and the needs of others must be met first… It’s a very familiar place, one that I should be accustomed to by now.
Against this backdrop, I've also had a flurry of rejections again (one just this afternoon—it never rains but pours, it seems) and then in amongst it all, a little glimmer of absolute joy... Last week, I found out that one of my poems has been shortlisted in the Benjamin Zephaniah's Future Writers competition, a kind and gentle reminder to keep on keeping on and to not give up yet... A reminder of light in spite of it all.
Speaking of light in the dark, there is still time to book on to my next online workshop this coming Thursday. And I look towards the end of the year and my calendar fills with nativity plays, school coffee mornings and freelance deadlines, I'm pleased to share a couple more co-writing dates.
Last but by no means least, I am writing to share news of a very exciting writing retreat for women that I'm running with Kerri ní Dochartaigh in February. I am absolutely over the moon to be doing this again with Kerri.
Read on to find more…
Pause, rest and restore
A winter writing retreat for women with Kerri ní Dochartaigh and Lucy Beckley
Friday 7th February - Monday 10th February | near Newquay, Cornwall
Join us for a residential women’s writing retreat in Cornwall in February 2025.
- Three nights accommodation in beautiful surroundings
- Peace and quiet to focus on your craft
- Inspiring spaces to write (private or shared)
- A supportive and nurturing environment
- A safe space to share your work (if you want to)
- Optional workshops
- Suggestions of artists dates nearby
- Prompts, books and materials to help kindle your imagination
- Evening candle-lit feasts
- Delicious food, drink and snacks throughout
What to expect
The space to write, a place to sit and take a moment.
Lots of books, access to prompts and space to be.
Time to concentrate on your craft.
A chance to join in with one workshop led by Kerri and one workshop led by Lucy and an evening of readings and a Q&A with Kerri.
While there are some set mealtimes and the option to join a workshop with both Lucy and Kerri, we want you to use the time in whichever way you wish. There is no obligation to join any of the activities, if you fancy breakfast in bed one day (or everyday for that matter) we can make that happen, we just want you to feel comfortable and at home.
“Where to begin? Everything about the retreat was perfect. I stayed in the annex, which was a great space for rest and writing, with a really comfortable bed. We were so well looked after, with more delicious food than one could ever hope for, and so much care was taken to see that we had everything we needed. The materials, classes and circles provided by Lucy and Kerri were so inspiring and I came away with such a lot to think about and renewed determination to finish my project. Thank you for such a wonderful stay, I really think it has changed me for the better.”
Review from a recent retreat guest
Hope in times of darkness | An online creative writing workshop
Thursday 28th November | 19:00 – 20:30 UK time | Online
Join me this Thursday for an evening of reflection, readings and writing. This gentle and engaging session will provide a space to reflect and an opportunity to welcome hope and light into your writing. You will have the chance to experiment and play with different forms and techniques.
All are welcome!
Bring a notebook, your drink of choice and a candle if you have one.
The workshop will be recorded if you can’t make the time and an activity sheet will be sent to all participants.
Pay what you can (suggested price of £14 but you can adjust according to your means). If you are struggling right now and would like to attend, please message me for a link.
50% of the proceeds of the evening will go towards supporting a Nest Residency place next year.
December co-writing sessions
Join me this December for some free online co-writing sessions!
What to expect
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 using the links below:
December
Mon 9th Dec | 13.00 - 14.15 UK time
Mon 16th Dec | 13.00 - 14.15 UK time - - On this final session, I'll share some guided reflections and then we'll take a little time to share and reflect on the year and to CELEBRATE each other.
Please email me if you want a little nudge to remember on the day and I can send you a reminder.