Sheltering from the storm
On finding time to write again and new solo retreat dates
As I lay awake last Thursday night, listening to storm Goretti batter the land around us, I held my youngest tight. They had snuck into bed with me, unable to sleep without holding my hand. The wind whistled and roared outside and my mind started to tumble and toss, rehearsing every worst case scenario of what would happen and what we would encounter in the morning.
When we finally went outside the following day, it was eerily quiet. Miraculously our house and garden emerged relatively unscathed, save for a few tiles, strewn branches, stray flowerpots and some wonky drainpipes. (Unfortunately for many others across Cornwall, it is a completely different story.)
As I turned to log on to co-writing on Friday morning, sleep deprived, storm-worn and weary, I hesitated… The temptation to reschedule was strong, I felt reluctant to hold others when I felt so ill-equipped to tend to my own creativity let alone encourage others to nurture theirs.
Yet as the call started and people began to join, I was reminded of the absolute magic and joy of sitting in community with others and of the power of connection.
As the call ended and we said our goodbyes, it made me think about what it means to build a shelter for your creative work. And how being able to ‘hold your own hand’ in the process is just as important as the work itself.
Yet, I must admit, it has taken me years to realise how powerful this is.
Many moons ago, a dear friend and fellow poet told me to ‘defend your writing time’… At the time, his comment made me seethe. Who was he (a man with older children, fewer responsibilities and relative financial stability) to tell me to defend my time? How on earth was I supposed to do that when I needed to earn, to parent, to care for others and to juggle many other, often competing responsibilities before I could even think about writing? I remember getting so cross that his words had the opposite effect on me and made me wallow in a sense of fury and self-pity.
With hindsight, I see what he was trying to say and that it was more out of a sense of care and protection for me than anything else (he is a lovely man, really). Yet at the time, my reality felt so different to his that I couldn’t imagine an alternative.
Fast forward to last Friday and as I sat with the others on the co-writing call, I took a moment to watch us all as we tended to our own creativity and it made me smile.
Here we were, protecting our time and making space for the magic, in spite of it all.
Of course, I’m not saying that it’s easy to build a shelter, especially in stormy turbulent times such as these. If anything, I find that my time is even more thinly stretched these days, paid-writing opportunities are few and far between (if non-existent!) and the road to publication is even more foggy and uncertain than ever before… But there is something to be said about extending a hand to yourself sometimes and how magical it is when we commit to doing that together.
If you’re in need of your own little creative shelter this coming week, I’ll be back co-writing again on Friday morning. In other news, I’m delighted to share dates of a couple other sessions coming up as well as some new Solo Retreat availability.
Thank you to all those who accompanied me last Friday, your presence truly meant the world to me.
Ease into the New Year
Thursday 15th January | 19:00 – 20:30 UK time | Online
Join me this coming week for an evening of intention and attention setting to help you ease your way into the year.
This gentle and encouraging session will provide a space to reflect on what has passed, let go of that which no longer serves you and will give you the space to explore how you want to be in the present and moving forward into the new year.
All are welcome!
Bring a notebook and your drink of choice.
A recording and resources will be sent to all participants after the workshop, so fif you can’t attend on the day, you can watch back,
Pay what you can (suggested price of £14 but you can adjust according to your means)
CKA Mixer: The Power of a Pause
Wed 21 Jan 2026 18:30 – 20:30 | ALMA Art Space, Newquay
Pebbles, pockets and patchwork poems | A Creative Writing Workshop
Sometimes, in order to switch on, we have to switch off. In a world that is caught up in productivity and ticking things off our to-do list, this in person creative writing workshop will offer you a cloud gap of time and space where you can turn your attention to what it means to slow down.
Using a variety of creative writing exercises and prompts from pockets to poetry, from pebbles to patchworks, we’ll spend some time exploring what a pause means, what it can look like and how we can bring more pauses into our everyday life. We will also write some poetry together.
Free for CKA members, £5 for non-members.
What[areyour]3words Online Speakeasy through The Writers’ Block
Thursday 22nd January | 18:30 – 20:30 | Online on zoom
Can you think of three words to describe yourself? Or three words to sum up how you feel today? How about three words of hope or three words of friendship? Perhaps you want to find out the three words for a special location?
I’m delighted to be hosting this special What[areyour]3words-themed online Speakeasy to start the new year at The Writers’ Block!
Come share your work, discover new voices and meet like-minded creatives in a welcoming, supportive space. If you’ve got a story, a poem or a piece of spoken word to share, The Writers’ Block Cornwall love to hear it.
Or if you’re just keen to listen, join us online and discover fresh perspectives and get your ears tickled with some amazing new work.
If you would like to share your work, please make sure you book a ticket and email Lucy at lucy@thewritersblock.org.uk to secure a speaker spot.
Sessions are free and this event will take place online, but please do book a ticket.
Next co-writing date | 16th January
Join me this coming Friday for co-writing!
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.
These sessions will take place at the following times and dates on zoom using the links below:
Fridays until 13th Feburary 9:15 - 10:30 UK Time
Please email me if you want a little nudge to remember on the day and I can send you a reminder. These sessions are free to join but should you wish to make a donation, you are so welcome to. Any donations are so gratefully received and will go towards supporting my work and helping me make these sessions sustainable and accessible to all.
Solo Retreats
I’m delighted to offer some new dates for Solo Retreats!
A Room of Your Own is a solo writing retreat in Cornwall for women and non-binary people. Aimed at anyone who needs some time and space to concentrate on their writing or creative project, the retreats are intended to provide a pocket of space to write and are individually tailored with curated resources and treats.
About the Retreat
Comfy and spacious accommodation in a self-contained one-bedroom annex attached to our home near Mitchell, Cornwall
Space to focus on your craft
Beautiful surroundings and ideally located to reach both the north and south coasts
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 writing resources and materials for your stay
Local recommendations, suggestions for artists dates and access to lots of books and prompts
The Accommodation
The annex is a hidden gem nestled at the bottom of a private lane, surrounded by fields. Attached to our family home but with its own entrance, the annex is large and spacious with one super comfy bedroom with king-size bed, a well-equipped kitchen, a bright dining area, cosy lounge with woodburner, a downstairs bathroom and a well room.
The Location
We are set in the middle of beautiful countryside, surrounded by fields and trees. Ideally located to reach both the north and south coasts, with lots of hidden sights to see nearby. We are just a short drive from both Newquay and Truro and only 20 minutes from Newquay airport. We’re around 25 minutes from Bodmin Parkway station. There is a fantastic local pub within a short distance serving great food. The closest beach is around a five mile drive but you are spoilt for choice as both coasts are easily accessible.
Lucy, I love the idea of joining one of your co-writing session, and the time slot could work for me (sometimes!). I'll drop you an email. Thank you and I look forward to joining :-)