Where I am – and how we can be together
I have started this newsletter many times, eager to be in touch with my sprawling web of writing friends across the globe. But half way through compiling each new draft, something new invariably arises to throw our lives into disarray again.
For some it is an incredibly difficult time. On my part, I am still planning to sell my London flat and move to Seville for an Andalucian adventure before I decide where to settle, but in the current situation, and with Brexit lurking, when that will be (and if it will be possible at all) no one knows.
Luckily, some positive signs are appearing. Airlines have announced plans to resume flights from the UK to Spain in June and estate agents have opened – and golf clubs and garden centres... the lack of compost and spring bedding has been particularly worrying, I must admit! But I am lucky, I have balconies that catch the sun (see pic), supportive children and wonderful neighbours, and I'm running workshops for a wider audience than ever before.
Writing & Meditation Workshops now on Zoom
Photo thanks to Annie Manson. Annie runs highly recommended Spanish food and wine tours in Andalucia Find more info here: https://www.anniebspain.com/
For years, people all over the world have been asking me if I could run my writing workshops online, but, admittedly, the fear of technology (and having to look at myself while teaching!) had stopped me. Now, my hand forced by quarantine, I am so glad I have! Although it's costing me a fortune in Bobbi Brown foundation and Touche Eclat.
What has delighted me most is that the workshops still have the same therapeutic impact online. Keeping a notebook or a diary, and using pen and paper to write down our lives is something we all should be doing right now… to aid our own mental health and for future generations to understand how it is for us all, living in the now. Hosting the workshops has also encouraged me to put on proper clothes and not just live in ‘daytime pyjamas’!
Email me at elaine@write-it-down.co.uk for details.
Here are a couple of responses from people who have joined recently
'I wrestled through the class then that last question came in like a curve ball and truths appeared before my eyes that were profound! What journeys we take in the corners of our spare rooms, wedged where there is WiFi!'
'I really enjoyed the workshop this past week. I surprised myself by how much I was able to write! You are an excellent facilitator.'
Private Groups
As well as public sessions, I am also running two-hour workshops for private groups of up to 6–8 participants. Currently this includes people in Australia, Spain, France, New Zealand and the UK – both those who have been on my retreats, some old friends who were once part of my very first Mums & Babies group, and new attendees. This arrangement allows more time to share your writing in a mutually supportive and non-critical environment. Do get in touch if you would like to arrange a private class.
In other news…
In April, I was thrilled to be be invited back by the long-established British clothing and homeware brand TOAST to run mindful creative writing workshops for a third year. This year, more than 150 writers from all over the world joined me for three Zoom workshops as part of TOAST's 'Living Lines' concept, the philosophy behind their SS20 collection.
It was a rewarding opportunity to meet so many new faces and spread the word about the empowerment benefits of writing, especially in this fast-changing and sometimes frightening world. I so am grateful for the many comments of thanks and appreciation that I received.
This poem felt apt to include in those workshops, as it does to share it again here.
The Way It Is
There’s a thread you follow. It goes among
things that change. But it doesn’t change.
People wonder about what you are pursuing.
You have to explain about the thread.
But it is hard for others to see.
While you hold it you can’t get lost.
Tragedies happen; people get hurt
or die; and you suffer and get old.
Nothing you do can stop time’s unfolding.
You don’t ever let go of the thread.
William Stafford