An intimate winter writing session by the woodburner, in the Earl of Macclesfield Boathouse.

All poems tell us something about the poet, no matter what the subject seems to be - but too often we put ourselves centre stage. In his book On Poetry, Glyn Maxwell says, "Imagine any first line as a photographic frame. How much of the frame is taken up by the face of the poet?" Keeping the poem tightly focused on YOU can make it trite, nostalgic or simply dull. Sometimes the urge to be accurate gets in the way of a larger truth.

Today we aim to free up your writing, so that you can share your experience in a way that casts light on the reader's. Removing yourself from the poem gives you a clearer sense of purpose, and opens up a larger poetry toolbox. You can write about the fantastical, the possible, the hoped-for in new ways.

We use exercises, published poems and conversation to bring out ideas and approaches that might refresh your writing.

****** THINGS TO NOTE: *****

We start at 10.30 and finish at 4.00. Lunch is not provided but the cafe (open from 10am) provides drinks, sandwiches and cake - or bring your own.

Use the postcode ST13 8RN for your satnav - or follow signs for the Rudyard Hotel to get you on the right road. Parking at the lake costs £3 for the day.

There is a two-minute walk from the car park to the boathouse on the opposite side of the lake, which includes a few steps. The toilet is in the car park, not in the boat house itself.

NB there is NO MAINS ELECTRICITY in the boat house so you won't be able to plug a laptop in, and we can't have a kettle! The space is a magical, contemplative one which makes this minor inconvenience worthwhile - but you might want to bring a flask or insulated mug if you don't fancy buying coffee from the cafe all day.