Quiet words and soft sighs
On scratchy pens and a special offer on solo retreats
“Poetry is a way of living in the world […] The mistake teachers sometimes make is that they think art and poetry, they think that’s about answers and it’s not about that, it’s about questions. So you come to poetry not out of what you know but out of what you wonder.” Lucille Clifton, on What Poetry is
Last week, I had the privilege of running a number of in person writing workshops.
Nervousness and anticipation is always at the door of any workshop space. I was acutely aware of it last week and of my responsibility to make sure that those clouds of anxiety would clear. Equally, as a facilitator, I am also very aware of making mistakes, of trying too hard, cramming too much in and also of balancing what I want to share whilst ensuring there is space and time for all to share their own story.
Each session brought together a beautiful group of people from all ages and backgrounds, many hadn’t written creatively since school. As we found our place in our seats, soft sighs and faces that danced with thoughts filled the room.
Yet at the same time, last week was a stark reminder of how lonely and solitary writing can often be and how much conditioning and resistance there can be when it comes to writing. Last Tuesday, I went to a parents’ evening and sat reading my child’s workbook, I was saddened by the presence of a worksheet with instructions on how to write a story. It had a list of ‘things I must include in my work’ which ranged from compound adjectives to fronted adverbials, both child and teacher had to tick off to show that they had included them all.
Listening as well to the stories of those who attended my workshops and how they have been scared of writing or have been told that their writing isn’t good enough made me simmer with rage. As I sat there reading the worksheet, it made me so angry to see how creative writing had been reduced to a checklist and made me wonder…
What happens to a person’s lens when those wonderful wisps of wonder and awe that come so naturally to them are contorted and conditioned?
How many stories are left untold because they don’t look or sound a certain way?
But it’s also made me think…
How can I create the spaces to help those who otherwise write off their own writing?
What can I do in my own small quiet way to show the power in writing stories and to make it more accessible?
Out of the fog of the many false starts of this year and the multiple rejections for my own writing, sitting in the company of others to write and hear their words come alive has brought in some much needed chinks of light.
The sound of pens scratching on paper and the soft gentle hum of words finding their way onto the page was a moment of quiet magic that has carried me through an otherwise wonky and wild time. With each workshop I ran, the whole idea was on making a start and finding a way on to the page. It didn’t have to be perfect, the intention was to just gather and collect some words and see where they go.
The many gifts included…
Listening to a poem written by a woman who hadn’t written creatively since school.
Hearing a child make connections and bring to life the electric images in their head in to words on a page.
Watching a man smile for the first time in an hour, as he shared his story and a passage of prose that he had just written.
For all the things that haven’t happened yet in my writing career, for all those things on my own ‘writing success’ checklist that I haven’t yet ticked off, for all those times when I wonder what is the point of it all, I will cherish last week and those joyful moments of hearing the stories of others come to life.
Thank you so much for reading.
Solo Retreats £50 off for a limited time only
It’s been such a privilege and a pleasure to host some writers and solo retreat testers recently. For a limited time only, I’m offering £50 off for any stays booked by 30th March.
About the Retreat
Take your pick of two or three nights accommodation in a completely self-contained one-bedroom annex at our home near Mitchell, Cornwall
Peace and quiet to focus on your craft
Beautiful surroundings
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 and curated resources and materials for your stay
Local recommendations, suggestions for artists dates and access to lots of books and prompts
*Available for stays taken between 17th March and 20th April and 9th September until 15th November, subject to availability. To book a non-refundable deposit of £50 will be required, the remaining balance will be due six (6) weeks prior to the start of the retreat. If you wish to spread the cost, you can do so by paying in two (2) installments, the first installment will be due two weeks (2) after booking and the balance will be due six (6) weeks prior to the start of the retreat.
If the cost is a barrier and you would be interested in a retreat, please get in touch with me.
Really enjoyed reading this, Lucy. A good reminder to follow your own heart when writing x
I hate that kind of “art reduced to a checklist” thing. Or the idea that there’s a right and a wrong way to create.