Creative writing after loss workshops

Writing can be a powerful tool for processing and expressing complex emotions and we are delighted to be hosting a series of workshops for anyone who is interesting in exploring the benefits of creative writing for those experiencing grief and loss.

There are many ways we might choose to write about people we have lost. These sessions will explore how we might use any form of text or writing to remember and celebrate our loved ones.

We talk about writing after loss in more detail in this blog about creative writing after bereavement. You may also have read about our community postbox which collects letters people have written to those who are no longer physically with them but are still very much in their lives and thoughts.

Writing workshops in Knaresborough

We are running a series of writing workshops in Knaresborough over the next 6 months, facilitated by Stephen Mckenzie, writer, educator and celebrant. Stephen was a secondary school teacher of English, Literature and Drama for over 30 years and has also done a great deal of work teaching adults how to be teachers, writers and sometimes both.

The sessions will be split into two separate ‘Creative Writing Circles’ over 6 month, at Gracious Street in Knaresborough, to follow on from the previous five workshops that Stephen ran there. To book a free place, please follow the links below.

Writing circle 2

Understanding tragedy as a literary form and what it means to human life Tickets, Wed 1 Nov 2023 at 10:30 | Eventbrite

Theories of grief and writing Tickets, Wed 15 Nov 2023 at 10:30 | Eventbrite

Writing in different styles and genres Tickets, Wed 29 Nov 2023 at 10:30 | Eventbrite

Grief as expressed in film Tickets, Wed 3 Jan 2024 at 10:30 | Eventbrite

Dramatic Monologue/Dialogue Tickets, Wed 17 Jan 2024 at 10:30 | Eventbrite

Writing circle 3

Famous case studies of grief and writing Tickets, Wed 14 Feb 2024 at 10:30 | Eventbrite

Grief and song Tickets, Wed 28 Feb 2024 at 10:30 | Eventbrite

Grief, age, and circumstances Tickets, Wed 13 Mar 2024 at 10:30 | Eventbrite

More poetic forms suitable for elegies/tributes Tickets, Wed 27 Mar 2024 at 10:30 | Eventbrite

Presenting Life Stories with art and authenticity Tickets, Wed 10 Apr 2024 at 10:30 | Eventbrite   

Writing workshop in Pudsey, Leeds

On Wednesday 29^th November Mark Gregory will run a special one hour creative writing workshop, Recover With Writing. In this one-hour creative writing workshop, participants will explore the theme of death and how to deal with it through writing.Through writing prompts and guided exercises, participants will gain ideas and inspiration for creating their own written works on the theme of death.  

This session is a continuation of the West Leeds Dying Matters Week collective, and it is aimed at those who enjoying being creative with writing and would like to use this medium to explore the subject of bereavement, grief and loss in a gentle and artistic way.

Pudsey Wellbeing Centre have very kindly allowed us to use their premises to hold this event, which is free to attend although places are limited to 10 people and must be booked in advance.

If you would like to book on any of our workshops but have a few questions first, please feel free to contact [email protected]