Journal-Writing Workshop with Frances Bingham

Join biographer Frances Bingham and your fellow journal-keepers to be inspired by the great journal-writers of the past, and discover ways to create your own ‘treasury of moments’.

During this immersive workshop we’ll explore journal writing both as a creative process which helps develop a unique voice and sensibility, and as a way of looking which hones the skills of observation and contemplation. By the end of the sessionyou will be equipped with the skills to create unique journal entries and develop your own individual voice and vision.

We'll start with tea, and a chance to talk about whether we write journals - or don’t. For creative inspiration, we'll read some great London diarists - like Virginia Woolf 'street-haunting' - and discover what makes their journals so evocative.

After exploring the power and magic of words, I'll demonstrate professional techniques to make your own journal entries vivid, conjure up the spirit of place, create atmosphere and 'catch the moment'. And we’ll use one of my special introductory exercises to begin the writing process easily and effectively.

Then there'll be time to write a full journal entry and hear work-in-progress within our small friendly group. I will give individual feedback and look at ways to develop what you've written (with more tea to support the creative process!).

You'll leave with your journal containing today's completed entry, and with inspiration, future tasks and a blueprint to continue writing - as well as the skills to continue journal-writing whenever you like.

You will need to bring:

A notebook and pen or pencil - I recommend an A5 journal notebook, but an exercise book works fine.

About me:

I'm a professional award-winning London-based writer who's published biography, fiction, plays and poetry, and given journal-writing masterclasses at the British Library and other literary venues.

As part of my writing process I keep a JOURNAL - whether I'm at home in London or travelling - as a project to improve observation, collect raw material and write freely. This is a pleasure and skill I enjoy sharing with others who are inspired by this strange and wonderful city, by travelling and returning, and by the great writers of the past.

As well as my journal courses I've given readings/ talks about writers and life-writing at the V&A (Friday Lates), the British Library, the Southbank Centre (Literature and Spoken Word Programmes), the Edinburgh International Book Festival, Bristol Ideas Festival, the TUC (Tolpuddle Radical History School) and Socialist History Society, and on BBC Radio 4.

http://francesbingham.pottersyard.co.uk/