We are going through difficult times. It is very easy to get drawn into a spiral of panic, especially when faced with social isolation, empty supermarket shelves and conflicting news reports.
Try to look on this as a time for achieving something different with your creative work.
Aim to do three of the following each day:
Step away from social media and news reports for a couple of hours. Switch off your phone.
Devise a short exercise routine – particularly if you are spending more time on the computer.
Read a poem a day.
Contact a friend by phone or email.
Meditate or do a short visualisation.
Write! Release frustrations onto the page. Take a small step with a new project.
Give yourself a small treat every day.
Think of three things you’re grateful for.
Spend a few minutes outside. Focus on the clouds, a flower or a bird. Breathe deeply.
Our meetings usually take place on the first Wednesday of the month at Jellypicklejam Cafe in Vine Mews, Evesham. The meeting is for anyone who is interested in anything creative – and we also welcome readers. (Every writer needs readers!) We start at 10.30 and stay until about midday. The aim is to give people a chance to network, discuss ideas and promote anything they may be doing. Please bring any leaflets, business cards, books – and come and enjoy great company, good coffee and lovely cake. For more information, please contact me on 01386 446477.
THESE MEETINGS ARE CURRENTLY SUSPENDED DUE TO THE CORONAVIRUS OUTBREAK.
This is now available as an audio book! If you would like a free promo code to download this – then please get in touch via the contact page of this website.
You can listen to a free sample on my Amazon page – https://www.amazon.co.uk/e/B0034PZG70
Buy yourself a notebook (if you don’t already carry one). Use it to jot down ideas for stories, brief descriptions of people and places and fragments of overheard conversation.
Use the information to create short, experimental pieces. Aim to finish one every day. Aim for 100 words. (This can be developed and expanded into a longer story).
Treat the stories and information you gather like money in the bank or a harvest of fruit or vegetables.
Joy Thomas and I are now running Creative Writing workshops at Tewkesbury Library. They take place on the second Tuesday of the month from 10.30 – 12.30 and the cost per workshop is £8.00.
The workshops include short exercises aimed at stimulating ideas. No previous writing experience is necessary. The workshops are suitable for all types of writer. Just come and have fun exploring new creative pathways.
THESE ARE CURRENTLY SUSPENDED DUE TO THE CORONAVIRUS OUTBREAK.
Local singer-songwriter Colin Pitts, Evesham poet Bob Woodroofe and I have united to produce a CD of poems and songs called ‘A Town Like Evesham.’
The CD is available from Jellypicklejam café and by getting in touch with Colin at www.colinpitts.co.uk or Bob at www.greenwoodpress.co.uk or email me at sue.r.johnson@outlook.com
Evesham Festival of Words photographer, Angela Fitch, and I have joined forces to produce a book of poems, recipes and images featuring some of the beautiful cafes in Evesham.
The work has involved visits to the various cafes (and drinking coffee and eating loads of cake), meeting the lovely owners and – in my case – being inspired to write a poem about the experience.
We unfortunately couldn’t fit everyone into this book – but if this one sells there will be scope to do another one next year. Copies are on sale at The Almonry Tourist Information Centre, Evesham, Jellypicklejam café, Brew Bear café and other featured cafes. You can also order a copy from me by emailing sue.r.johnson@outlook.com
Evesham Festival of Words photographer, Angela Fitch, and I have joined forces to produce a book of poems, recipes and images featuring some of the beautiful cafes in Evesham.