During these shorter, darker days of November, when perhaps we’re outdoors and in the world a little less, I’ve been thinking a great deal about how we find the stories and poems we want to write. What draws us to some subjects, and away from others?

The poet Camille Dungy talks about the ways in which her writing opens her up to a ‘conversation with people who have often been hungry to share that conversation.’ I love that idea. Finding a subject that matters to you, is likely to matter to someone else too.

When I write, I keep going until I feel something. A spark. A click. A prickle of tears. A laugh. In my body, my heart, my mind. If I feel something, my theory is that a reader is likely to as well.

So, this month, I wish you many sparks and clicks! To help you on your journey, here’s an audio workshop I created called ‘On the Road.’ It’s about road trips, maps and navigating by car, and also how to capture a sense of freedom in our writing.

I hope you enjoy it!

Writing with the Seasons is brought to you by Write & Shine, a programme of morning writing events and online courses.

Mid-autumn. Mars is red and bright in the sky, the moon is low on the horizon at sunset. The rich palette of the leaves, firework displays that light up the sky.

Recently at Write & Shine, poet Karen McCarthy Woolf talked about her New Year’s resolution to see a bonfire each season. A way to connect with the vital element of fire, she said, as well as to take a trip to explore different places. So perhaps it’s apt that our latest audio course is called ‘Ticket to Ride,’ all about travel, writing and journeys by train, inspired by a brilliant range of writers and poets.

I hope you enjoy it!

Writing with the Seasons is brought to you by Write & Shine, a programme of morning writing events and online courses.

I'm pleased to share with you a 30-minute audio course called ‘Wanderlust,’ which considers how walking feeds creativity and stimulates new ideas. It kicks off a series of three courses about journeys and travelling, observing and exploring. Happy writing!

Writing with the Seasons is brought to you by Write & Shine, a programme of morning writing events and online courses.

As summer’s heat rises around us, the cooler mornings are proving to be the very best time to think and to write!

In my last dispatch, I reflected on how different artists captured these moments of high summer in their work. How they depicted travels, experiences and emotions using colour and light, contrast and movement. 

This time, I wanted to share ‘Ignite.’ It’s a 30-minute audio course that invites you to wake early and consider what excites and intrigues you—and how to use those things to ignite bold, brilliant new creative ideas. Enjoy!

Writing with the Seasons is brought to you by Write & Shine, a programme of morning writing events and online courses.

In my last dispatch, I reflected on the joy and wonder of May, when true spring arrives. It’s a perfect time to explore, notice and create. Longer, lighter days also offer the chance to reflect on our writing lives. What has gone well this spring? What do you hope summer will bring? What do you need to support and inspire your creative ideas?

This month, I’m glad to offer you a 30-minute audio course called ‘Organise.’ The second in a series of three sessions, supporting you on your writing path. ‘Organise’ is about managing time, planning ahead and creating space for your writing. Enjoy!

Writing with the Seasons is brought to you by Write & Shine, a programme of morning writing events and online courses.

For my last dispatch, I wrote about what we can learn from spring's unsettled weather: its false starts and unpredictability. How observing the role of change, chance and possibility in nature can offer so much creative inspiration.

I'm now delighted to share with you all a 30-minute audio course called ‘Observe.’ It’s the first in a series of three sessions, each offering a mix of advice, ideas and writing prompts. ‘Observe’ is about noticing, focusing and documenting the details of our lives. Hope you enjoy it!

Writing with the Seasons is brought to you by Write & Shine, a programme of morning writing events and online courses.

In our February dispatch we explored how weather can inspire creativity. “We live inside the weather” says novelist Diana Evans, “it’s our conversation with the universe.”

Diana weaves the texture, sensation and colour of weather into her writing so beautifully, using it to chart the lives of characters and the passing of time.

We’re welcoming all our subscribers to cosy up and listen to my full interview with her recorded in May last year. Enjoy!

Writing with the Seasons is brought to you by Write & Shine, a programme of morning writing events and online courses.