I’m really looking forward to Monday 4th December, and our salon at the Tea House Theatre, Poetry for Prose Writers with Maura Dooley - it’s going to be a lovely way to finish the year as we gallop toward Christmas and 2018. Before we part ways for the festive season, I wanted to cast a glance back over the last month with a mini-roundup of what’s been happening - if only to figure out where on earth the last few weeks have gone.

I need more time! Where can I get some please? Apart from trying to finish a short story or two to submit for competitions, a quick look at the diary shows a fair bit of book flavoured gadding about this November. I’ve seen Philip Pullman chatting about his writing at Alleyn’s school in association with Village Books Dulwich and had a laugh hearing Nanna Stibbe talk about An Almost Perfect Christmas, at The Bookseller Crow at Crystal Palace. I attended a poignant evening of talks on Citizenship by the Word Factory, part of their weekend of discussions about who we are & where we belong. The opening talk, Listening: a focus on Grenfell, was heartbreaking and provocative. Alexei Sayle (who I will forever associate with his appearances on The Young Ones) & journalist Christina Lamb read their compelling stories before we all trooped upstairs for a much appreciated drinks reception.

The Word Factory's Cathy Galvin with Alexei Sayle & Christina Lamb

However, if I had to choose the highlight of my month it would be our very first Words Away creative writing workshop led by Andrew Wille held a few weeks ago: Everyday Magic: The Four Elements of Creativity workshop. Here's just a few reasons why...

Everyday Magic Workshop with Andrew Wille (standing)

We sold out before the event which was scary but exciting.

Andrew devised an inspired workshop, focusing on creativity, play, experimentation, listening and fun. The day was full of surprises. I especially loved his handouts to take away including the bookmarks and the wonderful A Miscellany booklet. Lots of food for thought.

A lovely bunch of creative, generous people took part and gave the day their all.

The space, The Hive at London Bridge, was newly renovated, bright and light. The surrounding area was fun to explore and charged with energy - especially Borough Market and Bermondsey Street.

I made some cakes (and didn’t burn them). People ate them (and liked them).

The day worked so well we're hoping to run the Four Elements workshop again next year in addition to some new workshops. Andrew’s written a fab blog about the day (link below). If you’re interested in future workshops or being added to the mailing list - please drop me an email via the website.

Brownies & Lemon & Poppy seed drizzle cake, in case you're wondering.

Hope to see you on the 4th December at the Tea House for our Christmas salon. Emma’s written a super blog about how thinking like a poet can enrich your prose. Our guest Maura Dooley is not only an award winning poet but also a Professor of Creative Writing at Goldsmiths. Come along and be inspired! The Tea House will be in full Christmas mode, with a fire blazing and twinkling lights. We’ll be adding to the festivities with some book bundle giveaways - kindly donated by previous salon guests. And don’t forget to have a look at our 2018 lineup with salons featuring super agent Jo Unwin, authors Louise Doughty, Blake Morrison and Michèle Roberts.

Kellie

PS: In other totally unrelated news, earlier this month I became the delighted owner of a brand new puppy, a golden retriever, who once he’s old enough, will be coming to live with my family and me in the new year. Finding a name for him has become my latest preoccupation. Suggestions welcome!

Links: Andrew Wille's blog about our Everyday Magic Workshop & here's some pictures from the day, Philip Pullman: Village Books Dulwich, The Bookseller Crow, The Word Factory