One of the greatest signs you’re a writer is you have a great argument for why you’re not a real, proper writer.
If you’re unpublished, the example you might point to of a real writer might be publication.
Once you’re published, the example might be someone writing in a different genre. Or for a different age group. Or the person who encouraged you to write in the first place and what they did/didn’t do/could have done themselves.
If I could roll up all the time and energy every single one of us has ever put into assessing our own reality, and re-channel it into time in our own curiosity, we’d be too busy writing to prove to ourselves we’re writers. That’s why I opened the Writers’ Gym, where everyone can access prompts, support and self-knowledge to build creative confidence and make work-in-progress a regular habit. It’s also why I make a space in every week for Coffee & Creativity, networking and creative co-working.
Bring any work, any questions about moving forward with work-in-progress and wider life: find space to explore your questions; support to think freely and connect with your own ideas. The result? Options, clarity, confidence, creative thinking about what the next steps look like on the page and in life.
This week, I’m very, very happy I’m bringing all my favourite things about sharing the writing space into the ‘real’ world:
Whether you’re utterly new to what I do, or to writing or co-working, or whether this is all familiar territory, I’d love to see you. This is your space to grow connections, build motivation, unlock inspiration and gain confidence through turning curiosity into creativity – whether you’re here for your word-count, or for writing a new chapter in your professional and personal life story.
Congratulations Shravya and Sharanya! | Rachel Knightley Coaching
I am enormously proud to report my LAMDA students Sharanya and Shravya achieved distinction and merit (respectively) for well-researched, passionate speeches on slime and Queen Victoria (not at the same time).
I do love the LAMDA Exams Public Speaking syllabus. It encourages you to celebrate what you truly love and so connect authentically with the audience you want. Writing and speaking in a very accurate, life-affirming nutshell.
Join me this week:
Here are this week’s events, including Coffee & Creativity. You’re very welcome at any or all of them:
If you’re not working to UK time, find your timezone here.
The Writing Room | 11-1pm Monday 2 December UK time UK time
FREE for everyone on my mailing list (if you’re reading this, that’s you!). No expectations, no readings, just an open chat box and ten minutes’ (totally optional) chat together at the end. Click here.
The Writers’ Gym Podcast | Wednesday 4 November
The current series of The Writers’ Gym airs every Wednesday with me, Emily Inkpen and Chris Gregory. Find us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or any other podcast platform.
Coffee & Creativity | 1-2.30pm Wednesday 4 November
Quality writing time and quality company! Grab a coffee and have a mid-week chat, a write and then another chat with your fellow creatives. Free for members: type your discount code where indicated. Click here
Coffee & Creativity at Olympic Studios, Barnes | 10-11:30am Friday 6 December
Grow your connections, build motivation and unlock inspiration in this creative networking event with a difference. Whether you’re building creative and professional writing skills, or writing a new chapter in your professional and personal life story. Click here
Endings and Beginnings: Christmas Writing Workout | 12-1pm Friday 6 December
This December, the Writers’ Gym is offering a two-part workshop exploring beginnings and endings in our writing, and our writing lives. Whether you’re an experienced writer or just beginning, enjoy exercises, discussion, tips and techniques to build your strength, knowledge and creativity. Click here
You don’t have to be a member to join a Writers’ Gym session. But if you’d like to access our weekly programme for free, and receive 30% off all our other events, email thewritersgym@rachelknightley.com or download a brochure at writersgym.com
For personal training and creative confidence for life, work and art, email info@rachelknightley.com or visit rachelknightley.com