Three small things
A special one off workshop, co-writing is on tomorrow and a nest residency review
It’s Sunday evening and I’ve just finished making my Grannie’s soup and some pear muffins ready for the week ahead. Earlier, I picked the last of the dahlias from our garden in readiness for the arrival of a lovely guest who’s coming to stay for a solo writing retreat.
I’m sitting in our dining room listening to an owl in our garden and am reminding myself of what quiet and tender contentment there is to be found in the smallest of things.
While the world feels very dark, finding joy again in amongst it all, feels like a tiny act of rebellion.
Over the past year, my view has been misted by fear and I have not stopped enough to look at what is right in front of me. Consumed instead by worry that I haven’t got enough work on, consumed by the weight of the world and what lies ahead and how much terror and violence there is and how powerless I am to change it…
Yet this weekend has been a tonic.
An uneventful and everyday one that has been bracketed by clubs and extra curricular commitments for our children, a warm evening spent in the company of dear friends and a snatched and unexpected moment with my dear sister as our children played…
Otherwise ordinary and yet so unbelievable uplifting and soul warming.
A timely reminder that we are not meant to be alone, that sitting in the company of each other and holding a space for each other is so sorely needed right now.
On that note, I would love to invite you to write with me tomorrow lunchtime at 13:00 UK time.
Also below is news of a very special workshop I’m running soon and some lovely words from one of the first Nest Residency guests.
Thank you so much for reading.
Hope in times of darkness
Thursday 28th November | 19:00 – 20:30 | Online
Join me 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)
50% of the proceeds of the evening will go towards supporting a Nest Residency place next year.
It has always been my intention to make the Solo Writing Retreats accessible and inclusive. From my own experience, I know how difficult it can be to make the time, space and financial commitment that it takes to write.
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. Through the Nest Residency, I want to help others and open up the space to those who would otherwise be unable to access it.
The Nest Residency is the opportunity to apply for a subsidised spot to experience a two night retreat for just £50 on selected dates.
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.
Some nice words
The Nest Residency was exactly the tonic I needed! From the moment I knew I was going on the retreat to the moment I said goodbye to Cornwall, Lucy made me feel welcome, safe and - really importantly - like my need for time to write was completely legitimate.
The space is beautiful - it's cosy, warm and gave me the real sense of being held. Lucy provided wonderful resources, including poetry, writing magazines, prompts and novels that helped get bring my creativity to the forefront.
The snack selection was also incredible! I would recommend The Nest so, so highly for anyone who needs a bit of breathing room to get down to writing and be looked after by the most generous host.