In the UK we have a roadmap for returning to normality, the hope being that this lockdown will be the last. On Monday, the ‘stay at home’ edict will lift, allowing travel and some outdoor socialising. Soon we’ll be able … Read More
After a last blast of summer, autumn is upon us. With its natural beauty, its distinct scents, its crisp air as temperatures drop, and all its associated emotions, it’s a season that has inspired writers throughout time. Today we are … Read More
Lockdown is lifting here in the UK (unless you’re in Leicester) – and with it comes a bewildering array of opinions on whether it’s the right thing or not. Some say we locked down too late, we’re opening up … Read More
I had a week off work recently and was lucky enough to go up to Whitby again. Although we only stayed for a day, it felt good to breathe the sea air and walk on the sand. There were little … Read More
Maggie’s Creative Writing Group: – Virtual Workshop 2 While the group I run at Maggie’s isn’t meeting, we are having virtual sessions instead, and I’m posting the exercises here for others to join in. Here’s today’s session. Exercise 1: A … Read More
Something momentous happened in the UK last week – and I’m not talking about Boris being foisted on the nation. We had a thing called summer. In fact temperatures soared to ridiculous levels of up to 35 degrees and we … Read More
Where do you go to in your mind, or in real life, when you want respite? Is it a busy, bustling place, or a calm, tranquil setting? Is it urban or rural? Real or imagined? What is it about this … Read More
How do you feel about new year? Do you find it exciting and full of promise, or do you mourn the passing of the old year? For some, it’s a cause for celebration and hope, or a chance to wipe … Read More
Fellow IQ writer Anne Goodwin has brought out a collection of short stories called Becoming Someone– all themed around the topic of identity. I went to her book launch last week which gave me me the idea for this week’s writing … Read More
As children we are naturally creative, but the disciplines we face as we progress through school, college and career often put constraints on that creativity. I get people coming to my groups who haven’t written since school and are surprised, … Read More