An in person course to explore various forms of life writing, offering a range of ways to use personal stories and experience.

Calling all writers and aspiring writers who want to explore their own lived experience through creative writing in a supportive group.

Do you want to write about your life?

Are there personal stories you want to tell?

Are you looking for new ways to transform personal material through writing?

Do you need help to get started?

This six week in person course will explore various forms of life writing, offering a range of ways to use personal stories and experience in your writing.

Whether you want to write memoir, poetry or fiction, this course encourages you to find new and original ways to transform memories and capture unconscious imagery on the page.

The Writing Space will help you develop your writing skills and sustain your writing practice.

What to expect:

Weekly workshops from 8th September to 13th October 2026.

Reading and discussion of a variety of work by published writers.

Techniques to help free your creative imagination.

A choice of enjoyable writing prompts to spark spontaneity and increase confidence.

Opportunity to share your writing in a safe, supportive group.

Connection with fellow writers.

Guidance from trauma-informed writing coach.

Join Judi Sissons in The Writing Space to prioritise your writing.

No experience of creative writing necessary and there's no pressure to share your personal writing.

Course Details:

10.30am - 12.30pm on Tuesday mornings.

There are 6 sessions on the following dates:

8th, 15th, 22nd and 29th September, 6th and 13th October 2026.

Ticket price: £180 for the full course.

Please note: These workshops are for adults 18+ and numbers are limited.

Requirements:

Bring your favourite writing materials and a willingness to participate in the moment.

About the course leader:

Writer, poet, art maker, writing for wellbeing practitioner, survivor and thriver, Judi’s work encompasses creative and therapeutic writing practices. She holds an MA with Distinction in Creative Writing and Personal Development (Sussex University).

Judi is a member of the National Association for Writers in Education and Lapidus, the international words for wellbeing organisation. She is a Relational Dynamics coach (ILM Level 7 equivalent) and holds public liability insurance.

After teaching Creative Writing at the University of Hertfordshire, Judi established The Writing Space in 2012 to offer writing workshops and creative coaching for groups and individuals.

Judi has co-edited two anthologies of poetry and short stories. Her work is published in anthologies.

More information at www.thewritingspace.co.uk

Some comments from previous participants:

'Writing with Judi and everyone else has been an absolute joy and I feel very lucky to have been part of such a supportive, nurturing group.’

'Judi is a master at bringing people together, setting minds free to explore new perspectives, making it feel safe to dig into feelings and observations, and giving solid starting blocks that help the words and rhythm of writing flow into order.'

‘Judi’s writing ideas are quirky, charming and challenging, and above all there’s a feeling of quiet, empathetic support throughout.’

‘Judi is expert at encouraging experimentation and creative exploration. Her long experience of writing and coaching means the group dynamic feels personally customised. I felt Judi’s intuitive facilitation of each session created rare and effective workshops.’

Description supplied by the event organiser.