As the white Christmas lights shine from the elegant lamp posts outside my window, I reflect on this year, a year which seems to have flown by like no other!
Aside from moving house and returning to the heart of my community in Muswell Hill, I am grateful for the dependable, loving and engaging friends and family I am surrounded with.
I am also grateful for the varied work I have had the opportunity to develop this year. I have been working regularly in four care homes and a day centre for C&C Housing Trust (Central & Cecil) this year and the majority of workshop participants have dementia. I have learnt so much from the staff and the participants themselves. On some days, I walk into a care home and the residents seem very subdued or agitated. I am often amazed however, in the shift in someone when I joke with them, hold their hand or look directly at them – to connect in some way. The ‘Read Aloud’ sessions I facilitate in the homes and day centre, are often focused on poetry and I don’t think there has been one session where I haven’t written down an enlightening insight on the poems from one of the residents. This has reminded me, if we are at ease and engaged – emotional responses, memories and creativity can flourish. It applies to all of us, doesn’t it? I have also embarked on a new project in the C&C sheltered housing scheme, inspired by the Bloomsbury Set and our visit to Charleston House. The wonderful writing that the group are already producing, will result in a Newspaper – created in collaboration with an art group at another C&C Sheltered Housing Scheme.
I have continued to deliver my regular Creative Writes Workshops in Muswell Hill, which has included the first block of five Wednesday workshops in a long time. This went really well. The group built up a fantastic relationship and we covered a range of work, including; personal story, poetry, tweets, flash fiction and descriptive writing based on a collection of unusual objects! The Themed Workshops and Masterclasses have also continued this year and have been very enjoyable.
I am often asked what ‘type’ of person attends my workshops. My answer? Somebody who is interested in writing, whether it be as a beginner or to beat writers block and somebody who has an open mind. Together, we then embark on an exciting journey of discovery through words.
Looking ahead, the Creative Writes workshops will continue in Muswell Hil during 2016, with three week & five week blocks and the Themed Workshops (which includes the new ‘What I Really Want To Say Is…’). These will all be on Wednesday evenings.
Following the success of the September Taster Workshop at Muswell Hill Library in association with the Friends of Muswell Hill Library, I will return for three monthly Creative Writes workshops in 2016, to get you motivated; Saturdays 9th January, 6th February & 5th March, 2-3pm.
I am excited about my new partnership project with BonaFide Studio in April 2016, who are also based in Muswell Hill, where you will have the opportunity to record your work in a real life recording studio! http://www.bonafidestudio.co.uk/
Booking for all of these workshops, including the partnership with BonaFide Studio is via PayPal on our Booking Page, including Masterclasses & Skype workshops. Here’s the list…!
THREE WEEK BLOCK:
Three Motivational Wednesdays; 20th Jan, 27th Jan & 3rd February, 7.30-9.30pm
Kick start your writing routine for 2016 with these three motivational workshops, covering a range of content including life writing and fiction. You will be guided through a series of free flow exercises.
THEMED WEDNESDAY WORKSHOPS, FEBRUARY 2016, 7.30-9.30pm:
– NEW! WHAT I REALLY WANT TO SAY IS…
– CREATING CHARACTER
– WINTER
The Season of Winter is a powerful trigger for memories, images, poetry and stories. We will spend the two hours covering a range of material and you will be guided through fast paced exercises.
– FIVE WEEK BLOCK:
Five Wednesdays; 9th, 16th, 23rd, 30th March & 6th April 2016, 7.30-9.30pm. This five week block will enable you to build your writing practice and ideas, while getting to know your fellow writers. You will be guided through a series of fast paced creative writing exercises, covering a range of content. Content will be adapted to suit the needs and interests of the group.
– NEW PARTNERSHIP PROJECT WITH BONAFIDE STUDIO, MUSWELL HILL:
There will be two Taster Workshops with Creative Writes & BonaFide Studio, who are also based in central Muswell Hill. The first workshop will be held at the regular venue for Creative Writes, where we will generate written material that can be used for your song lyrics/audio book/children’s story. This work will then be taken into BonaFide Studio the following week, to develop and produce your piece, so that you have a final recording – complete with sound effects!
Saturday 2nd April 2016, 3-5pm Creative Writes Workshop
Saturday 9th April 2016, 2-5pm Workshop/Recording at BonaFide Studio
It’s not too late for Creative Writes Gift Vouchers, just email me and I can arrange it for you! info@creativewrites.co.uk
More News!
I will also be working for the first time next year with Chalk the Sun, delivering a series of creative writing workshops for women in Battersea: http://chalkthesun.co.uk/
Creative Writes is now a proud member of Muswell Hill & Fortis Green Association, who are looking for a new Editor for their Newsletter. If you are interested or know anyone who may be, please email their Membership Secretary Alex Vinenti; membership@mhfga.org
Finally, wishing you all a wonderful, creative and love filled Holiday and hope to see you soon! Thanks for reading.
Nichola x