This writing workshop will explore how to write intimacy authentically. Hosted by two sex worker writers and artists, Annabelle and Bella, for whom intimacy represents the primary tool of their trades, both in the sex and creative industries. Intimacy isn’t one specific thought or action, it is the feeling of knowing and being known, and a lot of the best writing situates this experience in surprising places. In this workshop, we will use writing to explore experiences of intimacy. Some may be sexual, but they can also be as subtle as revealing just a tiny detail of your inner world, such as a small habit or ritual.
Whether you are a writer, enjoy writing, or would just enjoy the opportunity to flex your creativity, this workshop is for you.
The workshop will include:
● A grounding exercise
● Discussion of writing examples
● Writing exercises and activities
By the end of the workshop, you will have created a draft version of a 'mini memoir', i.e. a short form piece of intimate writing.
Writing Intimacy will be a safe, supportive and trauma-informed workshop, recognising that intimacy is a complex topic which looks and feels different for everyone. The group will be run in such a way as to allow people to take regular (as well as ad-hoc) breaks, and there will be content warnings used for any sensitive subjects.
What to bring:
● One personal object that represents intimacy to you. This can range from something of special significance to something completely everyday. This object will be used as a prompt in one of the exercises. We will have spares available for anyone who forgets or doesn't know what to bring.
● Anything you need to feel comfortable
Pens and paper will be provided, but please feel free to bring anything which you prefer to use to write.
"The best moments in reading are when you come across something – a thought, a feeling, a way of looking at things – which you had thought special and particular to you. Now here it is, set down by someone else, a person you have never met, someone even who is long dead. And it is as if a hand has come out and taken yours."
- Alan Bennett
