Wishing, waiting, writing...
On waiting, patiently waiting...
Come let me make your most beloved drink, let me keep you topped up with treats and share my favourite prompts, let me help you make the time and space to tend to your words.
Come, let’s write together…
I’ve spent most of this week waiting, patiently, longingly waiting.
Over the years, I’ve become very accustomed to waiting but this week has been long and at times a rather lonely wait… I’m waiting for news on a couple of writing-related things, three writing-related things in fact, and good news on any one of them would make me leap with joy and shout and dance… But I still haven’t heard and it is quite possible, I won’t hear.
It seems that lots of this writing life is spent working on things that may or may not happen…
Alongside the waiting, there seems to be lots of other lessons, lessons in longing, lessons in patience, lessons in listening and above all, lessons in resilience.
As I try to keep the hope and not succumb to self-doubt, the arrival of the sun has been an absolute blessing and joy.
I know that right now, for many, life feels full and heavy and this gift of sunshine disinfectant for the soul is one I can’t take for granted. It is a timely and welcome reminder that there will be longer, lighter days and there will be more time spent outside.
As I pop my head above the ‘waiting-for-news limbo parapet’ and look to the next few months, there is more to look forward to.
My co-writing sessions begin again on Monday and I am so excited! Having had a little break, I can’t wait to write with others again… There is something truly wonderful, when women write together, when we share aloud our otherwise unspoken dreams, when we take the time to sit with our words and wishes, when we claim back some time just for us.
Another amazing thing that is happening soon is a creative writing retreat for women that I’m running with the absolutely incredible as a special guest.
I have long admired Huma’s work, from reading her first book, In Spite of Oceans to devouring her exquisite novel and most recent work, Playing Games. Huma’s poetic and poignant writing speaks so beautifully to the everyday longings, the secret desires and often unsaid that punctuates our day-to-day.
In a world that often does its best to distract us from what is right in front of us, Huma’s work is a beautiful antidote and tonic and a wonderful reminder of the joy, the wonder, the loss, the love and the tender beauty of this wild, wild world.
I am still pinching myself that I am running this retreat with her and can’t wait to welcome a group of women to our home in Cornwall this May. It would be such a joy to host you…
Lastly, I’m running some workshops in May and August at the beautiful Botelet, it is one of my most favourite places in Cornwall and I am so looking forward to running these sessions that are suitable for all ages.
A May writing retreat for women with Lucy Beckley and Huma Qureshi
Friday 9th May - Monday 12th May | near Newquay, Cornwall
Join us for a residential women’s writing retreat in Cornwall in May 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.
- Optional workshops
- Suggestions of artists dates nearby
- Prompts, books and materials to help kindle your imagination
- Evening candle-lit meals
- 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 Huma and one workshop led by Lucy and an evening of readings and a Q&A with Huma.
While there are some set mealtimes and the option to join a workshop, 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.
I’m over the moon to be popping up at Botelet during the school holidays for a series of one-off workshops.
Botelet is a beautiful hidden gem, not far from Fowey, that has been farmed and tended to by the Tamblyn family for 150 years.
With an array of accommodation options and 300 acres of tumbling hills and enchanting woodlands, I am so very excited to run these special workshops in May and August.
Whether you have some experience writing, are interested in stories and storytelling or whether you just want to try something new, each session will be welcoming and encouraging but most of all fun!
Suitable for all ages and open to all, these family-friendly workshops will include exercises for everyone with a craft-based activity for smaller ones as well.
All materials, resources and a drink will be provided.
Thursday 29th May | Pause and Play with Poetry | 9:30 – 11:00
Wednesday 20th August | Open the door | 9:30 – 11:00
Thursday 28th August | Sun Stories | 9:30 – 11:00
Join me in March 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:
Monday 3rd March 13:00 – 14:15
Wednesday 5th March 9:15 – 10:30
Monday 10th March 13:00 – 14:15
Wednesday 12th March 9:15 – 10:30
Monday 17th March 13:00 – 14:15
Wednesday 19th March 9:15 – 10:30
Monday 24th March 13:00 – 14:15
Wednesday 26th March 9:15 – 10:30
Monday 31st March 13:00 – 14:15
Please email me if you want a little nudge to remember on the day and I can send you a reminder.