A two-hour Creative Writing workshop designed with neurodivergent folks in mind. This one will take place in New Mills.

Firstly, a note: This workshop will take place twice, but you only need to attend one because both workshops will be the same. I'm offering it twice so that people who prefer the day-time can attend in Buxton, and those who prefer the evening can attend in New Mills. This Eventbrite page is for the New Mills event. To find the Buxton event, click here.

The Workshop:

Are you neurodivergent and interested in creative writing? Are there worlds and words inside your head that need to find their way to the page? Whether you’re a seasoned writer or a complete newcomer, this playful, low-pressure workshop is designed for you.

This 2-hour workshop will give you the time and headspace to write flash fictions and/or poetry inspired by neurodivergent ways of thinking and being. We'll read examples written by published neurodivergent writers, and creatively explore ideas like sensory sensitivity, stimming, intense interests, and patterns.

Low key & low pressure

Led by a tutor well-trained in neurodivergence

Celebratory & positive

Safe & supportive environment

For diagnosed & self-diagnosed

A choice of venues & times: Buxton (day-time weekend) or New Mills (weekday evening)

Support Details:

A carer, parent and/or support worker are welcome to attend as part of your ticket (they don't have to buy their own ticket). However, if there is someone additional attending, please contact me to let me know, as I need to make sure I have enough room for everyone at the venue. To contact me, send me an email on davidhartleywriter@gmail.com.

You do not have to have a formal diagnosis to attend this workshop: self-diagnosed & neuro-curious folks are also very welcome.

The workshop will consist of discussions, readings, and quiet time for writing. The writing exercises will have simple instructions which will be given verbally and in written format. No-one will be placed under any pressure to read out their work.

A support document will be sent to all participants a week in advance detailing exactly what to expect during the workshop.

You are welcome to bring stim toys & comfortable clothing, and whatever else you may need to make your time at the workshop as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.

The Venue:

MakeSpace is an arts studio designed with creativity in mind. It is a peaceful room with ambient lighting, and a kitchenette with tea & coffee making facilities. It has a toilet and a separate quiet space for anyone who needs some time out. It has heating in case of cold, as well as a selection of fluffy hot water bottles (which are very nice to feel!) in case it is extra cold.

MakeSpace is located just up the road from the heart of New Mills, and ten minutes walk from New Mills Newtown train station. NB: there is no parking at MakeSpace itself, but there are roads nearby with free parking, and parking at New Mills Newtown only costs £2 for the whole day.

The Tutor:

Dr David Hartley (PhD, Creative Writing, University of Manchester) is a short fiction author and professional creative writing tutor who lives in New Mills. His work includes the short story collection Fauna (Fly on the Wall Press), and the immersive storytelling production 'The Forest of Ink & Skin' (Tartu Prima Vista Festival, 2024).

He has many years experience teaching innovative and dynamic creative writing classes. He was 'Lead Writer' for the autism-focused Beyond the Spectrum creative writing workshops with Writing East Midlands. His PhD focused on the representation of autism in science-fiction literature & film.

His favourite genres include science-fiction, fantasy, horror, and weird fiction, and his favourite authors are Alan Garner, Ursula K. Le Guin, China Mieville, and Shirley Jackson. He specialises in the craft of dark and strange short stories. He is the founder of 'The Dark Art of Storytelling', a workshop and mentoring collective dedicated to the craft of fiction in our unstable age.

Description supplied by the event organiser.