It’s creeping towards the time of year I figure it’s wise to put the calendar at the top of the newsletter. November can feel like a rehearsal for December: getting done all the things we might not get done otherwise, before we have the same but bigger jigsaw to do next month. If you’re looking for permission to show up for your writing (no matter what that is), to take and hold your time, to carve it in digital stone and let life fit around it instead of fitting it around life, here’s that permission:
The Writing Room | 11-1pm Monday 18 November
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 20 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 20 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
Cocktails & Creativity | 5-6.30pm Thursday 21 November
Grab a drink, pen or keyboard and join us at the virtual pub! Bella is hosting tonight’s chat, writing time and another chat at the end. Free for members: type your discount code where indicated. Click here
Writing Room EXTRA | 11am-1pm Friday 22 November
Members only: please check your Voxer messages for this link.
Your Fear: Your Creative Superpower | 1.30-3pm Saturday 23 November
Turning the things that haunt us into equally haunting, unique stories is a great way of building creative confidence – and of connecting with your audience. Explore the stories you’re already telling yourself, and how they might just show the direct route from fear of the blank page to the curiosity that fills it. In association with Carrion Events and Hell Tor Festival. Click here.
The power of looking for permission never stops amazing me. The double-bluff of catching myself doing something because I think I have to, or not doing something because I think I’m not allowed to. Time is the biggie – isn’t it always? – and, in this case, the things that are “supposed” to be done first and perfectly. First, at least, exists. Perfect has the virtue of being impossible, so we can let perfect merge with not-quite-ready in our minds and never take that step beyond the comfort zone, never let an idea become a reality. Sometimes I notice it on the page. Other times, I’m looking at examples in my own life: when to call a task finished, in favour of more time in my own head or connecting with others. My promise to to November: be present. Even if it means finishing what needs to be finished in favour of what deserves to be started.
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 creative workouts, email thewritersgym@rachelknightley.com or
download a brochure at writersgym.com
For PT sessions and creative confidence for life, work and art, email info@rachelknightley.com or visit rachelknightley.com