Do you want to develop a regular writing practice? 

In 2015, I was diagnosed with C-PTSD. Back then, my symptoms were so severe that they really impacted my ability to live a full life. Over the last few years, I’ve developed some tools for managing my diagnosis. I’m not ‘cured’ - I never will be - but I have the ability to manage my condition. Looking back, I can see that writing and journaling was an essential part of my recovery. 

This workshop is about writing as a tool for self-expression and wellbeing. It isn’t a cure or a ‘New Year, New You’ gimmick. I believe (& research concurs) that a regular writing practice can be helpful and empowering for pretty much everyone. Some people feel more at home in other formats - music, art, cooking - but the beauty of writing is that it is free, requires minimal equipment and can adapt to fit into our lives. 

This workshop is guided by the principles of inclusivity, creativity and self-expression. There won’t be any deadlines or criticism of people’s work. Our bodies' ability to create ebbs and flows. For me, there are times that I can’t write. When my concentration is shot or I’m too over-stimulated or I’m just exhausted by the world, I don’t force myself to get on the page. But when I have some capacity, carving out a little time to meet myself on the page is incredibly helpful. 

The workshop runs over 4 weeks. Each session will include a short presentation, a structured opportunity to write followed by participant discussion. This will be a generative class, focused on creating work rather than polishing it to perfection. The primary goal of the workshop is to encourage participants to build a writing practice of their own, in whatever way works best for them. 

This was the very first time I was participating in a writing class and it was a really comfortable space. Clare was lovely and welcoming, so it was a great first experience.
— Astrid
I signed up to finally kick start a sustainable writing practice. I was genuinely impressed with how well Clare managed a bunch of ill and neurodiverse people, it was just lovely and warm and safe and helpful.
— Audrey