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| A room with a view – Alexandra Palace |
I have been thinking this week about block busting – I like to think of myself as a Block Buster! That’s what it is all about isn’t it? During the filming of the new Creative Writes video, one of the participants said that what we do during the workshops is ‘unblock blocks.’ This reminded me of why I set up Creative Writes in 2009.
A Story Shared …
I have also been thinking about sharing stories. Creative writing is essentially about sharing stories isn’t it? The tradition of storytelling is one of the most simple, memorable and powerful ways of engaging with somebody. I am very privileged in the work that I do, it allows me to hear so many stories. Remember to take inspiration from the stories around you.
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| Alexandra Palace courtyard |
Go with the flow…
I had and still have the conviction that free flow writing is the way ‘in’ and also the way to develop your work. When you are staring at the blank page and wondering what to write, or reading through your work and it feels flat, free flow exercises are your secret weapon. Free flow is about thinking as little as possible, about moving the pen across the page and allowing your words to go on their own journey. This is a technique. A technique which can be applied to all forms of writing.
AN IDEA FOR A FREE FLOW…
Write down the first line from a story that you have heard or overheard and continue to write. Set your clock for ten minutes. Make the story your own. Allow your writing to unfold. You are generating new stories to be shared.
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| Looking out over London, Alexandra Palace |
Coming soon to a screen near you…
The majority of filming for the new Creative Writes video has now been done. The photo below shows Andy Andrews setting up for an interview with a Creative Writes participant in the wonderful Oak Room at North Bank/Muswell Hill Methodist Church, where we hold regular workshops. I have stayed out the of the way, allowing the participants to speak their truth to camera!
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