Writing with Courage: a creative, restorative workshop

Write, reflect and connect in this warm workshop exploring courage. Open to all, no writing experience needed.

How might we welcome in, and honour courage in our lives? After hosting ‘Writing with Courage’ in January, Katie is still thinking about courage (maybe, even more than before) - about how it’s not a state to reach but something to be practiced. See below for more details.

What is the workshop about?

Writing with Courage is a creative writing workshop designed and hosted by Katie Dunstan, in collaboration with The Poetry Pharmacy. Over 90 minutes we’ll be warming ourselves up to get writing, sharing our own experiences of courage and responding to some creative writing prompts.

How will it work?

• 90 minute in-person workshop led by Katie
• A blend of conversation prompts and creative writing exercises to bring courage to life in new ways
• A welcoming, supportive environment to meet and connect with others

*Please note that no prior writing experience is needed, and you don’t have to share anything you have written. Whether you’re completely new to writing, or have notebooks filled with scribbles, everyone is welcome. All you need to bring is your favourite notebook and pen, and an open heart and mind.

What inspired the workshop? (From Katie)

Since working at The Poetry Pharmacy I’ve become really curious about what it could mean to create a space for people to come together to connect around and write from a particular “remedy”. As a Poetry Pharmacist I have the immense privilege of connecting with, and listening to so many people around the “remedies” they are drawn to. More and more I found myself wondering…what might happen if we came together collectively to explore a “remedy?” What conversations might we have? And how might each “remedy” inspire our own writing?

Some kind words about Writing with Courage:

• Something that’s really stayed with me from the session is that the act of connecting, fully being present and engaging with ourselves and others in the present can be one of the most courageous things we do. Thank you.
• A real highlight of the session was how you wove together the poems and created prompts; it’s inspired me to do something similar to inspire my own writing. You have a real gift for group facilitation - gentleness, respect, playfulness and kindness.
• Thank you for facilitating the workshop in such a friendly, relaxed, enabling way. It was such a nice group, easy to share thoughts with & very interesting/warming to hear them.