Endings and Beginnings is the theme of our Christmas workshops this year; how winter stories focus on these and, for similar reasons, on darkness and light. One example, and the first many of us think of, is A Christmas Carol. Its mix of the spooky and the sparkly reflects winter as a time of grieving what’s going and gone – in order to (not instead of) truly realise we have power to use the next chapter for good, even when (especially when) it’s not as long as we’d like.
Whether you’re a Dickens fan or not, celebrate a winter festival or don’t, you probably have personal stories and symbols, personal rituals that matter to you. That’s what inspired one of the exercises in Part 1 of our Christmas workshops, which I’ll be expanding on in our second Christmas workshop next Saturday. It’s called Trusting the Image. It’s something I try to do off the page as well as on, particularly at this time of year: what is important in this story? What is extraneous detail and what is the image at the heart?
Knowing the difference on the page is a way of trusting the reader. In our winter diary, it’s also a way of not overspending our time (or money) and being truly present in the key scenes. Like writing a first novel, Christmas can bring temptations to pack in everything it could possibly contain. But the truth is the reader (and writer) will enjoy the results more with focus, and saving what doesn’t fit to have its own space in the next new book, the next new year.
A delightful beginning this week was bringing Coffee and Creativity to its new monthly ‘home’ at Olympic Studios. This is a monthly space to turn curiosity into creativity, whether you’re building creative and professional writing skills, or writing a new chapter in your professional and personal life story. It was such a pleasure to be part of taking dreams for life, work and art and turning them into realisable goals, through specific habits. Every person in that room left with clarity on how to take something they wanted and create the reality. I’m so looking forward to returning on 10 January. But first, there’s lots of December to come…
Join me this week:
Here are this week’s events. I’d love to see you at any or all of them:
If you’re not working to UK time, find your timezone here.
The Writing Room | 11-1pm Mon 9 December
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 Monthly Workout | 6.30-7.30pm Tue 10 December
A guaranteed boost to your knowledge, enthusiasm, confidence and your word-count. Creative exercises, supportive discussion, specific tips and techniques for the unique writer you are. Free for members: type your discount code where indicated. Click here
The Writers’ Gym Podcast | Wed 11 December
The current series of The Writers’ Gym airs every Wednesday with me, Emily Inkpen and Chris Gregory. Find us on Spotify, Apple or wherever you get your podcasts.
Coffee & Creativity | 1-2.30pm Wed 11 December
Quality writing time and quality company! Grab a coffee and have your creativity recharged with your fellow creatives. Free for members: type your discount code where indicated. Click here
Writing Room EXTRA | 3-5pm Thur 12 December
Members only: link in Voxer messages.
Endings and Beginnings: Christmas Writing Workshop | 2-3.30pm Sat 14 December
Part two of our Christmas workshops, exploring beginnings and endings. Whether you’re an experienced writer or just beginning, enjoy exercises, discussion, tips and techniques to build your strength, knowledge and creativity 30% off for Writers’ Gym members: type your discount code where indicated. Click here
Writing Feedback Soiree at the Writers’ Gym | 6.30-8pm Monday 16 December
Our end-of-year Writing Feedback Soirée is a chance for Writers’ Gym members and new faces alike to share work, set goals for the new year and celebrate their writing. We’ll start with an opening exercise, a writing chat and then those who have submitted their work will receive feedback in a friendly and supportive environment. Free for members: type your discount code where indicated. Click here
You don’t have to be a member to join a Writers’ Gym session. Just sign up for any 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