Writing Workshop with Author Kirsty Capes - Free Loaves on Fridays

Following the launch of Free Loaves on Fridays, an anthology of stories, letters and poems by people who have been in the care-system at some point of their lives, we are delighted to invite interested contributors to this writing workshop with special guest Kirsty Capes - author of CARELESS and LOVE ME, LOVE ME NOT.

We’re fed up with care-experienced voices only existing on the bottom of feedback forms no one ever reads. Together, we’d love to help get your words - which matter - into Waterstones where they belong :)

Find out more about Free Loaves on Fridays here: Proceeds go to Article 39 and Together Trust: https://unbound.com/books/free-loaves-on-fridays/

Session Outline

The session will last for 1 hour. The first 40 minutes will consist of an interactive writing workshop, and the final 20 minutes an open Q&A session.

Kirsty will take you through the process of starting your writing journey with a view to submit to Free Loaves on Fridays. The workshop will cover brainstorming ideas, getting warmed up using automatic writing exercises, writing from personal experience, and using different devices and techniques to elevate your writing.

Your Facilitator

Kirsty Capes

Kirsty Capes works in publishing and is an advocate for better representation for care-experienced people in the media. She holds a PhD from Brunel University London; her thesis investigates representations of the care experience in contemporary British fiction, and was completed under the supervision of 2019 Booker prize-winner, Bernardine Evaristo. Her first novel, Careless, was longlisted for the Women’s Prize 2022. Love Me, Love Me Not is her second novel. She lives in Slough with her golden retriever, Doug.

Who can attend?

This event is open to care-experienced people of all ages & diverse backgrounds who are interested in contributing to Free Loaves on Fridays. It is also open to trusted adults (that can be friends, loved ones, or professionals) who may want to support you and learn more.

You don't need any special writing qualifications to take part. In fact, you don’t need any formal education at all. If you don't consider yourself a writer, or if you have been silenced or unheard for as long as you remember, know that there is a space for you here.

What do I bring?

Just bring yourself and something to write with.

Safe space

We hope to create as safe a space as possible for those who attend. We want to be really clear about what that might look like, including safeguarding points which should be taken on board before the event:

- Reflecting on care-experience can be difficult. Whilst we won't be able to provide emotional support to attendees, we will signpost to a host of fantastic services who can provide this support after the event

- We strongly advise attendees to register using initials to preserve anonymity

- It is down to attendees whether or not their camera is used. There is no expectation either way

- We would ask that attendees do not record/screenshot any part of the event. We will only record the 40 minute writing presentation, but the 20 minute Q&A section (including any information shared in the chat) will not be recorded. If you would like to reflect on the event on social media, that is fine so long as no screenshots or personal information about others is shared

- We kindly ask participants not to disclose information which might identify others

- Attendees can opt in or out of the session if they need to take a break at any time

What if I have additional needs?

Please email hello@thecareleaders.com to let us know in advance if you may need any additional support, and we will adapt the session to ensure we are as inclusive as possible :)

What if I’m under 18?

If you’re under 18, that’s totally cool and you’re welcome here. If you’d like to let a trusted adult know you’re attending, just so you have some support, that’d be great - but there is no pressure if that’s not possible.