As a writer sometimes I find it easy to come up with ideas, sometimes I prefer to edit and revise, and sometimes I can’t be bothered to do anything. Why is it that some weeks I find it easy to focus and other times I can’t settle to a single project?
After years of writing and teaching I’ve come to realise creative energy varies and if we work with its natural rhythms, rather than pushing ourselves to constantly achieve, we can be more balanced and hence more productive.
I started writing The Writers’ Yearbook in January 2020, based on this idea of working creatively with the energies of the natural seasons. When the coronavirus hit, and my classes had to end, I decided to run the course on-line. We’ve now completed three terms – spring, summer and autumn – there are quotes below from current students on how they’ve found it.
How the course works: The course runs in thirteen-week cycles, working with the natural energies of each season.
WINTER: The winter season course starts on Sunday 21st December and focuses on reflection and the groundwork of writing.
There is a Check-In every week to ensure you stay on track. Each week, on the Sunday evening, you will receive emailed a handout with the week’s topic – designed to help you nurture your inner writer and learn more about the craft of writing itself. The notes include practical exercises.
Working with others: You can choose to join a Facebook group, or an email group, where you will meet other writers on the same course. The groups are private and a great source of friendship and support, a place to discuss the week’s topic and your responses to it.
The cost is £25 per 13 weeks (i.e. per season) for unwaged/self-employed and £45 for waged.
The course is designed to help you discover, uncover or recover your creative side. You are always free to interpret the tasks in your own way.
If you’re interested in joining please email: retreat_retreat@aol.com
What previous students said about the course:
