From Scrooge and the ghost of Christmas Past, to Christmas Guardian Angels, stories with a supernatural or super-spiritual theme are always popular at this time of year. Join us for this new creative writing workshop where we will consider a traditional and then a contemporary ghost/supernatural short story, consider why we like them, then set … Read more ►

Many magazines and newspapers offer cash or gifts for letters, jokes, personal anecdotes and household tips they publish. It’s a great way to develop your writing skills, and get published. We’ll enjoy looking at the different types of letters, styles and subjects preferred by various publications and start writing. Once you begin sending off your … Read more ►

Thank you to all ten enthusiastic and talented students who were writing their life stories / memoirs on this Suffolk East Federation course. We had lots of fun and a happy productive time together and a ballet lesson! That’s definitely a first on a Life Story writing course and special thanks to our charming ballerina … Read more ►

Chrissie is judging Erewash Writers 2015 Memoir Writing Competition – having some lovely afternoons sitting in the sunshine enjoying reading and writing critiques for these 1000 words memoir pieces, some spanning many years, others capturing something which lasted for only one memorable evening. The variety of styles and memories is amazing. Lots of smiles, some … Read more ►

In the summer of 2014 shoppers on Bath Street dropped in to the rEvive shop (former Burton’s outfitters on Bath Street Ilkeston and shared their ‘life stories’. In the Autumn we formed a happy collaboration with local artist/maker Julie Genner (juliegenner@googlemail.com) and used our stories to create a lasting legacy for ourselves and the wider … Read more ►

Thank you to all twelve of the lively and talented students who began writing their life stories on this course. We had a wonderful time, sharing lots of laughter and a few tears too. It was a very special few days – we wanted to ‘stowaway’ and stay in that inspirational creative ‘Denman bubble’. — … Read more ►

We shared a wealth of great stories – lovely talented fun-loving and enthusiastic group of W.I. members. Whether you’ve been a member for a month or half a century, there’s a wealth of tales and special memories waiting to be written about your life and times within the WI. The meetings, the trips, the events, … Read more ►

Well done Tupton Hall School creative Y9’s – lots of talent. Thanks for your enthusiasm. Thanks to library staff for hosting this event and Tupton Hall School school staff for their support. “I liked how we did the fast drawing tasks which tested your creativity and imagination.” “The workshop showed me that I do want … Read more ►

In the summer of 2014 shoppers on Bath Street dropped in to the rEvive shop and shared their ‘life stories’. In the Autumn we formed a happy collaboration with local artist/maker Julie Genner (juliegenner@googlemail.com) and used our stories to create a lasting legacy for ourselves and the wider community. Now you can stop off while … Read more ►

Life Story Writing will be working with Erewash Writers’ Group members and others, at a workshop, date to be confirmed. For more information contact chrissie@lifestorywriting.co.uk Erewash Writers’ Group

It’s Halloween. Time for flickering pumpkin lamps and spine chilling spooky stories. Whether you believe in ghosts or not join us for a light-hearted approach to the ever popular genre of ghost story writing and we’ll begin to write (and read) our own scary tales. From the menacing and macabre, to encounters with delightfully mischievous … Read more ►

We’re bringing the BUZZ back to Bath Street this summer with FREE drop-in sessions, sharing and writing our local stories! WHERE? Former Burton’s Menswear, Albion Centre, Bath Street, ILKESTON DE7 8AG WHEN? Thursdays 10 a.m. – 12 noon 19th June, 3rd July, 10th July and 17th July Fridays 2 pm – 4 p.m. 20th June, … Read more ►

Participants worked with artists in group session, residential homes, independent living schemes and one to one sessions in their own homes. Research shows that being involved in arts projects:- • Enhances feelings of well-being • Increases interest in other people • Boosts confidence • Improves social interaction • Teaches new skills • Re-ignites interest in … Read more ►

If you’ve ever thought about writing your life story or memoirs this course is a great place to begin. Come and join us and enjoy learning how to plan, organise and write about your life with support from an experienced life story writing tutor. Sharing tales of childhood, school days, work, friends and family with … Read more ►

Chrissie is delighted to be part of the team involved in this innovate ongoing Heritage Lottery funded project. On 22nd June 2014 we will be filming at a number of locations in Ockbrook and Borrowash. Key team members will be talking about ‘Unexamined Lives’ and re-telling the stories of those people whose lives have featured … Read more ►

Chrissie is delighted to be a member of the team working on this innovative research project, funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council in partnership with the University of Staffordshire and Keele University. During the summer 2013 participants took part in ‘creative meets medical’ workshops in community, health and academic locations reflecting creatively on … Read more ►

‘Speaking Out’ is a collaborative project and exhibition between Embrace Arts, the University of Leicester’s Art Centre, the School of Modern Languages and ‘Life Story Writing’. The project will promote awareness of the processes of healing from the trauma of violence against women and girls; communicate women’s experiences through contemporary art and from their testimonies; … Read more ►

Escape to Denman and join us for this friendly and informal Spring time weekend reunion for life story writers. Bring your ‘work in progress’ to share with other life writers and get re-energised by being part of a supportive group of like-minded people. Our timetable is flexible to meet writers’ requirements, and will include readback … Read more ►