Slow your pace, centre your mind and let your writing realign with your inner voice.
Writing can feel like a solo pursuit which leaves us craving connections. Rest and reset practices offer a way to feel more upbeat about your writing and to network informally (even if you’re an introvert).
This workshop gives you the chance to pause and set goals for your writing, and to connect with other writers in a friendly, reflective space, so you can slow down and reconnect with yourself.
You will be guided through centering and meditative practices and structured discussion. With a focus on grounding and intention setting, the session includes simple breath work, visualisation and writing exercises. You will:
- Explore your intentions for your writing
- Consider what you wish to let go of or carry forward
- Take part in a way that feels comfortable to you
You’ll leave the session with a clearer understanding of your next steps and a renewed sense of connection to your creative practice. You’ll get some time to chat with other writers, so hopefully you’ll also leave with a renewed sense of community.
Louise is also teaching a second workshop on the same day. Find out more about Opening Chapters with Louise Tondeur here.
Louise Tondeur
Louise Tondeur lived in Norwich for four years (and commuted for two!) but her connection to East Anglia started with visits to her grandparents, who lived in Wingfield on the Norfolk/Suffolk border for over forty years. She was one of the first ten writers to be awarded an Escalator Fellowship, which she used to write her second novel. Having previously worked for Roehampton and the University of Brighton, Lou now teaches part-time for the Open University and the Creative Writing Programme, works as a freelance editor and mentor, and runs her own writing courses.
Lou has a PhD from Reading and an MA in Creative Writing plus a BA in Drama, both from the University of East Anglia. Lou has published essays and poetry, plus several books, including a series of short, friendly guides for writers. Her second short story collection, Invisible, is out soon, and she is currently writing a book on mindfulness for Bloomsbury Academic. Visit Lou’s website and substack for writing advice.
NCW Academy Bursary Programme
There is one bursary space available for this workshop.
You are eligible to apply for an NCW bursary if:
- You are a full-time student or pensioner
- You are in receipt of Jobseekers’ Allowance, Disability Benefits, Income Support, Universal Credit or Working Tax Credits
- You have an income of less than £18,000 per year
- If none of these apply but you feel you are still eligible, you may be asked to submit a signed declaration outlining your circumstances.
To apply for the bursary placement, email [email protected] with the name of the course/workshop you would like to attend. Please also attach one of the following proofs of low income listed here.
Explore more workshops
The Spirit of Place with Laurence Mitchell
Whether you write fiction or non-fiction, this workshop with Laurence Mitchell reveals how to weave culture, folklore, and personal memory into the heart of place and landscape.
Saturday 27 June
Everything is Material: Writing from Lived Experience with Uju Asika
Draw from your lived experiences to craft rich and compelling stories from both the ordinary and extraordinary moments.
Saturday 1 August
Opening Chapters with Louise Tondeur
Learn how to create intriguing, ‘hookful’ opening chapters through crafting and redrafting and how to use pacing to draw your readers into your story.
Saturday 12 September