As part of our course we have one to one mentoring with either David or Sam.   This is another difference from other creative writing courses and after only one session I can see the value of such a provision.  We are even allowed to send up to 5,000 words at a time prior to a session if we want more robust and in-depth editing/mentoring. Obviously at this early stage there is not much for me to say about my mentoring, however I can tell you that Sam’s office on the ground floor is lovely and bright with two big windows, … Continue reading Mentoring and Nurturing

Yesterdays life writing class exercise was unsettling to say the least.  We are still looking at memoirs, autobiographies et al, and I was quite intrigued when David Bishop produced a sheet of ‘fringed’ paper.  You know these home made adverts that have tear off phone number strips at the bottom?  Well like that.  He then proceeded to go round the room and hand us one each.  This is what mine said: Christina S    5.7.88    ‘I owe you nothing’ by Bros Yep turns out Bros were number 1 on my 18th birthday!  I cannot describe  just how immediately I was transported … Continue reading 18 ’til I die? Do me a favour Bryan!!!

I am a simple person.  I don’t like umbrellas in my drinks.  My wardrobe contains almost no frills, fringes, frippery or fun.  I am function and classic lines all the way.  I have a few costume bracelets and earrings, and wear no other adornment.   My lipstick is almost the same colour as my lips and my bedroom ceiling is the same colour as all four of my bedroom walls.    I almost never ‘get’ the hype of anything.  I am not an -ist or interested in any -ism of any kind, and I have never seen the point of movements … Continue reading Creative Writing Week Three: Theory and Innovation – Lyotard and the Oulipo