❤️‍🔥 'What a fascinating bunch of safe strangers to listen to and deep dive around' sums up why I wanted to run 'Writing from Life' as an in-person event, despite being an online coach for nonfiction writers. Feeling safe with strangers is the kind of connection that only really comes from getting groups of people together in an inspiring space to do meaningful work. And it worked!

🎨 I'd wanted to hold a workshop at Fisherton Mill Gallery Shop from the very first time I visited back in 2024. It's such an inspiring place, filled with local art, makers and serving delicious food. We began the day by introducing ourselves through objects and photographs we'd brought from home (you can see Beatriz Acevedo with her two headed serpent made from a pair of tights to the right) and right from the off the conversation went deep. Stories of family, trauma, travel, lives unravelling, secrets and stories needing to be told graciously and generously shared.

📝 The day went so fast - a blend of guided exercises, quiet writing time, sharing and discussion and key takeaway for those who came seemed to be that you can write Big Things by starting with the small details. Like Jane who told the story of a classmate's red velvet dress she coveted as a child, Lis who caught grasshoppers in the Welsh countryside and Ann who designed fire stations for a living!

More information on the next event can be found here