The Nest Residency and summer co-writing

Some free summer co-writing sessions and apply now for The Nest Residency

Jun 13, 2024

Thank you so much for joining me here. This week has been my first proper week back at work since I had my surgery, it’s been so lovely to catch up with the clients I work for and to begin emerge. It’s been a time of quiet, one filled with small acts of attention and one that I am immensely grateful for in the context of a world that feels fraught and uncertain.

I mentioned a while ago that it is a softly spoken wish of mine to open a place and space here in Cornwall for those who face obstacles when it comes to writing. A place where you can linger in the thought ribbons and immerse yourself in cloud gaps, a place where you feel held and where your creativity can thrive, a place where rest is a given and where the shelves are filled with the words of others. I’m still very much working on how to make this an actual reality and full time occupation but today, I’m pleased to share two things that I am really looking forward to offering…

The Nest Residency

It has always been my intention to make the Solo Writing Retreats accessible and affordable. I am acutely aware that there is so much gatekeeping that goes on in the publishing industry and that there are so many barriers to creative opportunities for writing, especially for women. So, I want to help others and open up the space to those who would otherwise be unable to access it.

In the future, I really hope to offer fully funded places. Whilst I work on making this a reality, The Nest Residency is the opportunity to apply for a subsidised spot to experience a two night solo writing retreat at our annexe in Cornwall for just £50 on selected dates.

Eligibility

The residency is open to anyone who would otherwise be unable to access a retreat.

To be eligible, you must reside in the UK and not yet have had any writing published by a professional publishing company (if you have self-published you can still apply).

Deadline

Applications will close at 9AM on Tuesday 30th July and successful applications will be informed by 12th August.

Successful applicants will have a choice of attending a residency on either:

Tuesday 8th – Thursday 10th October 2024 OR Tuesday 5th – Thursday 7th November 2024

The residency details

The residency is the opportunity to experience a two night solo writing retreat for just £50 on either 8th – 10th October or 5th – 7th November 2024. You can find out more about the space and see what it looks like here.

Please note, you will need to cover the cost of travel to and from the retreat and the retreat itself self-catered (there are some kitchen basics and some welcome snacks but meals will not be provided).

Please make sure you read all the retreat terms and conditions before applying and the Things to Note section on my website.

Apply now

Summer co-writing sessions

There’s something so very special about being in the company of others when writing.

Having spent most of last year and the first half of this year running co-writing sessions for Calliope’s Writers, I find myself longing for the company of others when I write and for the alchemy that happens when you do it together.

So, I’ve decided to run a few weekly sessions starting from next week that will take place over the coming six weeks before the summer holidays begin.

The sessions will last one hour 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 come with anything specific, 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 be free and will take place at the following times and dates: