William Sutton's Blog, page 2

Creative Writing for Young People @Motiv8 Fratton

Thanks to Sophie and Holly of Motiv8 Fratton for your energy and positivity in taking up my suggestion of autumn #writing #workshops for young people.

Brilliant to meet you and see the Youth Hub you have created together. What an amazing place: I absolutely love the books vending machine, and the printing and art projects. I’m hopeful that we will be able to establish creative writing options with you long-term. I also really appreciate those hints and tips on funding strategies, thinking long-term, and planning to deliver trauma-informed workshops — this is exactly where I’m hoping our WiP2 workshops can provide something new and exciting.

We’ve pencilled in dates through the autumn. I’ll be discussing with my team of brilliant local writer-facilitators and see what we can line up for each workshop–most likely a different leader for each session, some more visual, some more performative, to give the young people a taste of writing possibilities we might pursue together.

I’m still working on a catchy name for the workshop:Write Up  – too generic?  Third Tuesday Thinkers  – too specificInking Out Loud – maybe?What do you think? Here’s the draft blurb for now.

Inking Out Loud – Creative Writing for Young People

    Co-produced by Motiv8 & (WiP)² 

Write Up! is a series of fun, informal creative writing sessions for young people. Whether you’ve got a big imagination, strong opinions, or just want a space to express yourself, these workshops are all about your way, your voice, your stories.

We’ll explore:

Identity, emotionsBelonging, and creativityWriting from life—and with styleStories, spoken word, song lyrics & scripts 

No pressure. No teaching. Just support, inspiration, and the freedom to write what matters to you.

Led by experienced local writers in a friendly, safe space. Free to attend, supported by Portsmouth Creates #InOurWords.

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#Writing #Retreats and #Thesis #Bootcamps

I’m enjoying delivering #Writing #Retreats and #Thesis #Bootcamps for University of Portsmouth PGR network and for CCI/HUMSS. These researchers are dedicated retreat participants. And they give articulate feedback:

What were your key take aways?

– Write, write and write. – EVERYTHING! From the free-writing prompts to the individual writing periods, this course stimulated my mind and work beyond my expectations.

Looking forward to CCI/HUMSS session at The Queens Hotel Friday, and another weekend retreat end of August.

I’m frequently humbled by the dedication participants show simply in order to show up and make time for their amazing research, managing somehow to write it up, alongside work, family and other commitments.

The key take aways from this event include: free writing; writing as if no one is going to read it; writing frequently; giving a fellow PGR a draft of my work to read before submitting it to my supervisors; networking with fellow PGRs; and taking breaks from writing. To get words down no matter what the quality. Dispense with perfectionism! Edit later. Write a draft zero, permission to be messy, you Will do it! :0 – Just the opportunity to dedicate some time to write Zero drafts and how they can free your thinking. Also, reinforced the value of working in a group environment. Mostly silent social support! Finally, giving myself permission to write badly – just write

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Writing Events July & ahead

More at https://www.william-sutton.co.uk/events/

11 July: Writing for Performance, with Vin Adams New Theatre Royal https://www.facebook.com/events/627907250074826/

12 July: Write your Novel, Pallant Centre Havant

19 July: Write Your Novel 1/2-day writing workshop, Petersfield Museum and Art Gallery

25 July: Unlock the Strange & Sublime: Experimental Writing Workshop, with Tom sykes New Theatre Royal

A couple of Writing Retreats for University of Portsmouth PGR network.

Ahead:
29 August Portsmouth Writers’ Social New Theatre Royal william-sutton.co.uk/events/portsmouth-writers-social-at-new-theatre-royal-fri-29-aug/
3 Sept Editing Club (online)
12/13 Sept Writing Retreats

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Writing in Hampshire July ’25

Dear Writers,

I’m running Write Your Novel twice this month:

12 July 10 – 12 Write Your Novel, Pallant Centre, Havant

19 July  10 – 1 pm Write Your Novel, Petersfield Museum

Got me thinking in a different wayVery relaxed atmosphereLoved this writing workshop

From previous novel-writing courses have come several books, notably

Chris Blackwater’s Emergency DrillNilima Rao’s A Disappearance in Fiji, andChristine Lawrence’s Don’t Step on the Cracks, while from 2020’s Write Your Novel emergedTom Sykes’ Tangled Saviours (out 9/12/25).

It’s exciting to see writers taking their ideas the whole way, and from our excellent participants in Murder at the Museum: Crime Writing in Petersfield, just finished, I’m betting we’ll see a few books in the not too distance future.

WiP2 writing workshops at NTR  this month are:

11 July Vin Adams, Writing for Performance – Writing and hearing dramatic dialogue, and
25 July Tom Sykes, Experimental Writing: Unlock the Strange & Sublime.

Very engagingI learnt a lotLoved being part of a supportive group

Poet Laureate in Town

14 July New Theatre Royal have the Poet Laureate coming to the theatre or an evening of readings, stories, Q&A and book signing:
An Evening with Poet Laureate Simon Armitage at the New Theatre Royal, Portsmouth

Coming Up

We’ve had an exciting month, with over 140 attending workshops in-person and online, including inspiring retreats at Portsmouth Central Library and with Uni of Portsmouth’s PGR network. I’ve got a couple more retreats with UoP this month. It’s amazing how writing in tandem with like-minded people can shift our thinking back into positive creativity:

As a distance learner this has really helped me to feel part of the community.Got my 2000 words done. Goal was 1500-2000 so chuffed to reach my stretch goal Done far more than I expectedThank you very much Will, this weekend was really great!

Christine Lawrence’s Write what you know/research what you don’t was a real energiser, with participants’ amazing life stories from around the world lighting up the discussion groups; and my Writing for Procrastinators group is off planning their strategies before our Sept session.

I’m working on bringing these workshops to more venues, at more times, with some funded places. Dates and links on my events page and NTR’s ticketlink.
⁃          I came reluctantly with a friend but loved it. Thank you for reminding me who I’ve always been.
⁃          Thought-provoking session
⁃          A new way of exploring writing

Have a good summer’s writing, and see you at:

29 Aug 2 – 4 pm                           Portsmouth Writers ’ Social, New Theatre Royal (£5 optional contribution) 3 Sept 7 pm Weds Editing Club                       online 11/12 Sept Fri/Sat Writing Retreat                                      Portsmouth Central Library 12 Sept 2-4 pm Meeting Your Muse             Alison Habens, novelist, poet

William Sutton
w         william-sutton.co.uk/WiP
i           @wip2writingworkshops
f                   WiP2
TitanBooks/william-suttonw         

Scribblers Salon: first Sat morning of the month, online

for those working on full manuscripts to share and be part of a generous community — ask for info.

NTR WiP2 workshops July to Sept NTR TICKETS:

Tickets: 2nd & 4th Friday of month, New Theatre Royal. Tickets £20/£10 conc  

The workshop at the NTR was incredible – it really spurred me on.you’ve been an inspirationThoroughly enjoyed our introduction to writing.Fri 11 July 2-4 pmWriting for Performance (Playwriting)

Write short scenes to be read aloud and reflect on effective dramatic dialogue. Creating a live performance puts the writer in a different position from the novelist or poet: in the theatre, the storytelling happens in the present tense as the play unfolds before each audience. Storytelling comes through dialogue and actions. Hearing readings is hugely beneficial.

Vincent Adams, playwright, performer, researcherFri 25 July 2-4 pmUnlock the Strange & Sublime: Experimental Writing Workshop

Unlock the untamed realms of language, where rules are bent and reimagined. From surrealist freewriting to Oulipo constraints, this workshop is for linguistic rebels to unearth hidden voices, challenge storytelling conventions, and revel in the absurd.

Dr Tom Sykes, journalist, novelist. His novel Tangled Saviours comes out in December. Coast of Teeth, with artist Louis Netter was described by Will Self as “an enjoyable read”.

 

SUMMER BREAKFri 29 Aug 2-4 pmPortsmouth Writers Hub socialWilliam Sutton et al.Fri 12 Sept 2-4 pmMeeting Your Muse

Tap into Ancient Greek wisdom and connect with the muses. Through guided exercises and mythic exploration, unlock the wellsprings of your creativity. Cultivate your own muse and channel your imaginationg into fresh storytelling or poetry.

Dr Alison Habens, novelist, poet, head of Creative Writing at UoPFri 26 Sept 2-4 pmMore Writing for Procrastinators (3 of 3)

Come back for part 3 and make a realistic plan to keep going on your writing journey.

William Sutton

Write Your Novel, Havant

Sat 12 July 10 -12   Write your Novel, Pallant Centre, Havant (light refreshments)Sat 19 July 10 – 1 Write Your Novel, Petersfield Museum

Writing Group – Lucy Ashton 2nd & 4th Thursday of month

facebook.com/events/2891981290980336/ 6.30-8.30pm, Havelock Centre. £10/discounts for blocks

Portsmouth Authors Collective: Speak Volumes, Hideaway Caf é

7 pm, fourth Weds of month: facebook.com/groups/portsmouthauthorscollective/events

 

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Writing in Portsmouth July ’25

Writing in Portsmouth July ’25 ( Hampshire Version )

Dear Writers,

WiP2 writing workshops at NTR this month are:

11 July Vin Adams, Writing for Performance – Writing and hearing dramatic dialogue, and
25 July Tom Sykes, Experimental Writing: Unlock the Strange & Sublime.

Very engagingI learnt a lotLoved being part of a supportive group

Further afield, I’m running Write Your Novel twice:

12 July 10 – 12 Write Your Novel, Pallant Centre, Havant

19 July  10 – 1 pm Write Your Novel, Petersfield Museum

Recent Successes

From previous novel-writing courses have come several books, notably

Chris Blackwater’s Emergency DrillNilima Rao’s A Disappearance in Fiji, andChristine Lawrence’s Don’t Step on the Cracks, while from 2020’s Write Your Novel emergedTom Sykes’ Tangled Saviours (out 9/12/25).

It’s exciting to see writers taking their ideas the whole way, and from our Murder at the Museum: Crime Writing in Petersfield, just finished, I think we’ll see a few books in the not too distance future.

Got me thinking in a different wayVery relaxed atmosphere Loved this writing workshop

Poet Laureate in Town

14 July New Theatre Royal have the Poet Laureate coming to the theatre or an evening of readings, stories, Q&A and book signing:
An Evening with Poet Laureate Simon Armitage at the New Theatre Royal, Portsmouth

Coming Up

We’ve had an exciting month, with over 140 attending workshops in-person and online, including inspiring retreats at Portsmouth Central Library and with Uni of Portsmouth’s PGR network. I’ve got a couple more retreats with UoP this month. It’s amazing how writing in tandem with like-minded people can shift our thinking back into positive creativity:

As a distance learner this has really helped me to feel part of the community.Got my 2000 words done. Goal was 1500-2000 so chuffed to reach my stretch goal Done far more than I expectedThank you very much Will, this weekend was really great!

Christine Lawrence’s Write what you know/research what you don’t was a real energiser, with participants’ amazing life stories from around the world lighting up the discussion groups; and my Writing for Procrastinators group is off planning their strategies before our Sept session.

I’m working on bringing these workshops to more venues, at more times, with some funded places. Dates and links on my events page and NTR’s ticketlink.
⁃          I came reluctantly with a friend but loved it. Thank you for reminding me who I’ve always been.
⁃          Thought-provoking session
⁃          A new way of exploring writing

Have a good summer’s writing, and look out for:

29 Aug 2 – 4 pm                           Portsmouth Writers ’ Social, New Theatre Royal (£5 optional contribution) 3 Sept 7 pm Weds Editing Club                       online 11/12 Sept Fri/Sat Writing Retreat                                      Portsmouth Central Library 12 Sept 2-4 pm Meeting Your Muse             Alison Habens, novelist, poet

William Sutton
w         william-sutton.co.uk/WiP
i           @wip2writingworkshops
f                   WiP2
TitanBooks/william-sutton         

Scribblers Salon: first Sat morning of the month, online

for those working on full manuscripts to share and be part of a generous community — ask for info.

NTR WiP2 workshops July to Sept NTR TICKETS:

Tickets: 2nd & 4th Friday of month, New Theatre Royal. Tickets £20/£10 conc  

The workshop at the NTR was incredible – it really spurred me on.you’ve been an inspirationThoroughly enjoyed our introduction to writing.Fri 11 July 2-4 pmWriting for Performance (Playwriting)

Write short scenes to be read aloud and reflect on effective dramatic dialogue. Creating a live performance puts the writer in a different position from the novelist or poet: in the theatre, the storytelling happens in the present tense as the play unfolds before each audience. Storytelling comes through dialogue and actions. Hearing readings is hugely beneficial.

Vincent Adams, playwright, performer, researcherFri 25 July 2-4 pmUnlock the Strange & Sublime: Experimental Writing Workshop

Unlock the untamed realms of language, where rules are bent and reimagined. From surrealist freewriting to Oulipo constraints, this workshop is for linguistic rebels to unearth hidden voices, challenge storytelling conventions, and revel in the absurd.

Dr Tom Sykes, journalist, novelist. His novel Tangled Saviours comes out in December. Coast of Teeth, with artist Louis Netter was described by Will Self as “an enjoyable read”.

 

SUMMER BREAKFri 29 Aug 2-4 pmPortsmouth Writers Hub socialWilliam Sutton et al.Fri 12 Sept 2-4 pmMeeting Your Muse

Tap into Ancient Greek wisdom and connect with the muses. Through guided exercises and mythic exploration, unlock the wellsprings of your creativity. Cultivate your own muse and channel your imaginationg into fresh storytelling or poetry.

Dr Alison Habens, novelist, poet, head of Creative Writing at UoPFri 26 Sept 2-4 pmMore Writing for Procrastinators (3 of 3)

Come back for part 3 and make a realistic plan to keep going on your writing journey.

William Sutton

Write Your Novel, Havant & Petersfield

Sat 12 July 10 -12   Write your Novel, Pallant Centre, Havant (light refreshments)Sat 19 July 10 – 1 Write Your Novel, Petersfield Museum

Writing Group – Lucy Ashton 2nd & 4th Thursday of month

facebook.com/events/2891981290980336/ 6.30-8.30pm, Havelock Centre. £10/discounts for blocks

Portsmouth Authors Collective: Speak Volumes, Hideaway Caf é

7 pm, fourth Weds of month: facebook.com/groups/portsmouthauthorscollective/events

 

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Murder at the Museum: Crime Writing, Petersfield Museum

Enjoying our Murder at the Museum: Crime Writing workshops Petersfield Museum and Art Gallery tremendously.

The writers came in with such varying levels of experience (from total beginner to working on fourth book) yet they’ve colluded and collaborating in making murderes, deducing detectives and conjuring damage from photographs and found objects.

Nothing can really take the heavy lifting out of writing a novel; but it’s such a great start to set out in the company of like-minded peers, all working together.

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Feedback from Writing Bootcamps & Retreat 2020-25

Feedback from Writing Bootcamps & Retreat 2020-25

Looking forward to seeing our retreaters for 13-14 June: Writing Retreats – two sessions – William Sutton

Thank you, it’s incredibly helpful to have such a supportive space and I appreciate the welcome.This was such a good time, thank you!Just arrived home, thank you for the retreat @William a very productive 2 days for me personally, and great to meet and talk with others too, a real collaborative collective.Lovely morning. Thank you as always. I continued my first chapter of new project and know what direction it is heading in A great retreat indeedThank you for the two writing retreat sessions Will. It was very motivating and encouraging. Great to meet other writers and spur each other along.Thanks Will. Got quite a bit done. Good two days.An excellent and very productive morning all round! Thank you very much for motivating us allThank you for organising the two excellent writing retreats on 14 and 15 March.  I thought the free-writing exercises were a really good way to start each day. They certainly helped me get going.I have now dictated my handwritten pieces into Word and done a first edit. I have one article of about 2,500 words and a second of 1,500 words. I am pleased with them so far. I would not have reached this stage so efficiently without your retreats. Thank you.I really liked the idea of putting time aside for writing, but also I liked the prospect of seeing writing friends during the day.I’m still feeling inspired and getting ideasReally enjoyed it. Would definitely do it againI really enjoyed it too! Easy and companionable atmosphere even online, and many reminders to take it easy and have fun. The retreat allowed me to commit to writing when I’d constantly felt I should prioritise academic work.Playing the input part by ear was a great call, I think. There were boosters but not overwhelming, and I really appreciated the check in.I was definetely more relaxed on day two so I think the two days are a good comboIt was wonderful. Highly supportive as always and perfect mix of check-ins/time to just write. Thank you for hosting. Definitely would do again.Definitely would do it againThe light organisation was good for me.Enthusiasm and support was exactly what was neededJust to say I really enjoyed the retreat. It was a great combination of focussed work and socialising. I outlined the resolution and ending and then wrote over 5,000 words.I really enjoyed it tooHave enjoyed being part of the group. Have felt no pressure to read out my work which was great. The exercises were useful and I have taken a lot away, not just for writing, but reading as well.Please Feel Free to Share:

Writing Workshops June ’25

Writing Workshops June ’25

Dear writers,

Upcoming writing courses at Petersfield Museum (details below):

Murder at the Museum: Crime Writing 3-week course Tues 3, 17, 24 June (not 10 Jun)Write Your Novel ½-day workshop Sat 19th July 9.30 – 1 pm

It’s a welcoming venue for workshops and we’ve had such committed and determined groups recently that we’re looking into starting a regular writers’ meet-up/sharing salon in the autumn.

Since I first gave this crime-writing course, at Portsmouth’s New Theatre Royal, three of the authors had their novels published, each going on to further publication. Bravo. We can’t guarantee such success, but we can offer guidance, space to write, and the support of a group of like-minded people. From previous Write Your Novel and Procrastinators courses, around a dozen writers are now published. Don’t leave your writing dreams on hold – come and join the writing community.

Also coming up from (WiP)2 workshops:

Editing Club online 7 pm Weds 4 June, 3 Sept, 5 Nov: In these online workshops, we collaborate as a team to improve, cajole and jostle two writers’ work into shape.

 

WiP2: New Theatre Royal: newtheatreroyal.com/performances/writing-workshops/Fri 13 June 2-4 pmWrite what you know v research what you don’tChristine Lawrence, novelist, actorFri 27 June 2-4 pmMore Writing for Procrastinators (2 of 3)William Sutton, novelistFri 11 July 2-4 pmWriting for Performance (Playwriting)Vincent Adams, playwrightFri 25 July 2-4 pmUnlock the Strange & Sublime: Experimental Writing Tom Sykes, journalist, novelist

Also recommending at The Pallant Centre, Havant:

Sat 14 June                   Stirring Emotions – Margaret JenningsSat 12 July                    Write your Novel – William Sutton

Murder at the Museum: Crime Writing Course
Petersfield Museum, 7 – 9 pm Tuesday June 3, 17, 24

Develop your crime writing idea in these friendly, informal workshops, led by author William Sutton. Be part of a group, exploring your own corner of crime: mystery, cosy crime, detective fiction — plus crossover genres. Suitable for all levels — from first sparks to re-plotting a drafted novel.

Workshop 1: Ideas & Characters

Invent vivid, layered characters using prompts, pictures, and questions.Use “What if…?” questions to develop motivations and storylines.Use writing exercises to build the secrets that drive story.

Workshop 2: Story: objects and specifics

Use real objects to create plot, place, and relationships.Generate plot twists and hurt your characters.Build your world through telling detail.

Workshop 3: Structure: planning or pantsing

What’s the shape of your story? Explore tools and story arcs.Read like a writer, and use influences dynamically.Build momentum, from post-its to polished drafts. Seek out your writing tribe.

Course Goals

Turn inspirations into words on the page: characters, events, and setting.Build confidence and a support network — so you can call yourself a writer.Leave with a clearer sense of your project — and how to keep going.

William Sutton
w         william-sutton.co.uk/WiP
i           @wip2writingworkshops

f             WiP2

 

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Writing Retreats mid-June, Sept, Dec

Come to our Writing Retreats Fri & Sat morning, 13-14 June. (And again mid-Sept and mid-Dec.) In-person Lower Ground Floor, Central Library and/or online. Several people mixed and matched — only one ticket needed, lots of writing connections and mentorships forged here.

https://www.william-sutton.co.uk/2025/03/wip-writing-your-life-writing-retreat-write-your-novel/

Bookfest’s concluding Writing Retreat was packed, and I received the best feedback I’ve ever had:

– “Incredibly helpful”
– “it’s reignited something within my soul”
– “such a supportive space”
– “The best three hours of my life”
(Maybe I should quit teaching workshops and just be quiet?) Several writers worked together, plannning to meet up in future and exchange work. This, I think, is the single most useful thing writers can do to help each other: support, accountability, mutual respect.

https://wegottickets.com/f/13782

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Flyweight

Fabulous opening night for Maggie Sawkins’ new poetry show, Flyweight, at the Square Tower last night.

Interweaving personal tales of family life with snapshots of Heart of Portsmouth Boxing Club (great impromptu speech by Q. Shillingford), Maggie creates a playful atmosphere, with her boxing names poem, her I v O vowel knockout head-to-head, and her Keats-Byron reply to Muhammad Ali.

So, when we return to the unsent letters to her brother and anecdotes of childhood confessions, the telling details hit all the harder.

Magnificent ‘visual interventions’ by Matt Parsons (special shout-out for the boxing nuns) give the piece punch, shape and cohesion: ‘Seconds out, ROUND TWO.’

And congratulations to Mark C Hewitt for directing another engaging performance. Far from the raw ache of Zones of Avoidance or the hard-hitting world of Diving into the Wreck, the new show is enlightening, engaging, amusing — and it invites us to imagine ourselves as different people, able to duck and weave, to spar and knockout with the greatest.

Next on at Chichester Festival, 12 June: well worth going along.

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