Creative Writes is run by Nichola Charalambou. Regular workshops are held at the beautiful North Bank in Muswell Hill, London, N10.

Free-flow writing is used as a foundation from which to build writing skills and confidence. Personal stories are often used as a starting point.

The workshops attract beginners and experienced writers.

There are a range of activities including storytelling, language games, short stories and poetry.

Everyone is encouraged to read out their work but there is no pressure.

There is no feedback on the writing, from Nichola or each other. This will all be explained during the workshops!

Weekly workshops last for two hours and the weekend intensive workshops are four hours a day, on a Saturday and Sunday.

Here are some of the benefits of Creative Writes and the features that make these workshops different from other creative writing workshops. They are highlighted by the participants...

North Bank

Supportive:

"I really enjoyed the positive, non-threatening atmosphere. I really felt that this nurtured feelings of mutual trust within the group." Workshop Participant, March 2009

"Nichola is very diligent in creating a nurturing and supportive environment. I was scared to read aloud but very soon felt encouraged and relaxed." Workshop Participant, March 2009

"It was a very safe environment to open up in." Workshop Participant, April - May 2009

"The group dynamics were excellent and propelled me forward to take risks. The non-judgemental ground rules enabled us to develop a deep trust in the group very quickly which allowed us to explore and release deep emotions in our creative journeys." Workshop Participant, Weekend Intensive, June 2009

"I liked that there was no feedback, and that you could choose whether or not to read out your work." Workshop Participant, August 2009

"I realised that whatever work I produce is valuable. This was discovered I think through the 'no feedback' process where only I judged my work, this felt very empowering." Workshop Participant, December 2009

Small:

"I loved the fact that the group was small and it gave us all a chance to participate if we wanted to." Workshop Participant, March 2009

"The size of the group was perfect." Workshop Participant, April-May 2009

Tailor-made:

"I really enjoyed the variety of exercises we were given to do and since the workshop I have used all these methods to help me with my own writing." Workshop Participant, March 2009

 "I really felt she (Nichola) wanted us all to benefit from the workshop and develop our writing skills according to our own expression rather than a 'cookie cutter' way of writing."  Workshop Participant, March 2009

"It was very well facilitated." Workshop Participant, August 2009

Motivational:

"Nichola was very encouraging and motivating." Workshop Participant, March 2009

"The large number of ideas for writing made me aware of how much inspiration lies within and around us. I absolutely loved this workshop, it made me feel more creative and wanting to write again. Thanks so much Nichola!" Workshop Participant, April - May 2009

"It gave me a kick-start to get on with something for myself." Workshop Participant, Weekend Intensive, June 2009