William Sutton's Blog, page 3

Inspiration for Children’s Writers

Such an inspiring #workshop on #Children’s #Writing Friday at New Theatre Royal: Children’s Writing: Planning, Purpose, Audience.

Packed with information, while personal and quirky, I don’t think Gary Fyles could have given a better introduction to the subjects: getting perspective on our own ideas without being too influenced by the industry. He managed to squeeze in enlightening tales from his own journey from teacher, to illustrator, to author, to publisher with ThinkingBigger Ltd. He got us working not only on our own #growthmindset but on how to remember what it was like being a child.

I’m going to bet several people from this workshop will get published — a really dynamic group, and a pleasure to be a part of it. Let’s get Gary back for a course in the autumn or spring.

Roll on, more @wip2writingworkshops. Next up is Writing from Folklore with author Victoria Leslie.

#InOurWords

Portsmouth Creates CIC

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Broadening & diversifying WiP2 #writing #workshops

Thanks to HIVE Portsmouth, and to Portsmouth City Council‘s Libraries, and to Portsmouth Creates CIC for connecting us with so many groups across the city.

WiP2 are looking to broaden and diversify the #writing #workshops we can offer, to reach the parts of the city other workshops don’t reach, and to bring in people who write or want to write but might not sign up for a writing course.

Great meeting with Dr Sandra Walker of #SanPau Creative Wellbeing. We hope to collaborate to bring #writing for #wellbeing workshops to Buckland, and also to help WiP2 facilitators work in a trauma-informed way.  

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Portsmouth Writers Hub meetings on pause

Portsmouth Writers Hub meetings are currently on hold, after many productive meetings, workshops and gatherings.

Thanks to Christine Lawrence for keeping it going so vibrantly these recent years–and to all the others who have taken a turn running the Hub: Alison Habens, Charlotte Comley, Elaine Hamilton, Tessa Ditner Amorosi, Sarah Cheverton, Anna Barzotti, Peter Alex Davison and more I’m forgetting.

We’ve asked Portsmouth Creates for help so that the Hub can strengthen the local literary legacy of #InOurWords — fingers crossed they will step up. It would be great to have a stronger umbrella organisation to celebrate, coordinate and foster all the amazing work in town: not just groups like Open Ya Mouth, T’Articulation Events, The Front Room, @432 Nomads, Tongues&Grooves in the Community, WiP2 writing workshops , Pompey Poetry Party, Portsmyth Darkfest, @Portsmouth Literary Map, Star and Crescent, Portsmouth Authors Collective, Crowbait Club-UK, Havant & District Writers’ Circle, Springwood Writers, but all the writing and reading groups around the city.

Here’s a few comments from Hub members:

– Such a supportive group– Without Portsmouth Writers’ Hub I would never have moved to the city, would not have the friendship group I have today, and would not have helped found T’articulation– I’m quite new to embracing my writing, and I like seeing what other people have to suggest.– I like the fact that the Hub Facebook page keeps me in touch with the writing community even if work/family commitments mean I can’t do much else.– I’m fairly new but read the posts and have posted myself for the first time recently and got a huge amount of help in the comments. I must admit, I’m more of a lurker most if the time– I am finding the posts, tips and threads very useful, especially when it comes to the time where I would like to take my writing further and I will be actively seeking advice about this– The vibrant enthusiasm of the collective has been inspiring. Personally it’s lovely to be part of a writing community as writing is such an isolated activity. The talks are great but I like the social side too– Opportunity to meet other writers, career development opportunities, create projects– the Facebook site is a great resource and I think it’s fine that people dip in and out of it.– I’m very new to writing and self published my first novel in January. It’s good to know there’s a group in the area that I could get info and advice from!

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Writing in Portsmouth May ’25

Dear Writers,

WiP2 writing workshops at NTR getting great feedback, with Lucy Ashton’s Painting with Words and Christine Lawrence’s Creative Journalling (standing in for Maggie Sawkins):

Very relaxed & engaging
Got me thinking in a different wayLoved this writing workshop

 

Next at NTR :

Fri 9 May 2-4 pm Children’s Writing: Planning, Purpose, Audience
with Gary Fyles, educator, children’s author, publisher co.ukFri 23 May 2-4 pm Writing from Folklore, with novelist/researcher Victoria Leslie

Many new writers coming to these events. Welcome. Do chase me for information about workshops, Scribblers’ Salon, and our various writers’ WhatsApps. Next Editing Club online is Weds 4 June; we had a productive session in early April (thanks to Fi and Jane).

great to have time to explore areas in depthextremely usefulenjoyed your energy & knowledge – and meeting others

Portsmouth Creates have offered funding to help WiP2 diversify, seeking broader locations and under-represented groups, to reach those who want to write but might not brave big groups or workshops. I’m meeting with social and creative groups across the city, aimng to offer workshops from Cosham to Copnor and Buckland to Barnsbury.

I came reluctantly with a friend but loved it. Thank you for reminding me who I’ve always been.Thought-provoking sessionA new way of exploring writing

Dates for NTR & wider workshops below and on my events page and NTR’s ticketlink. Well done to the Crowbait/Showbait writers and performers — sounds an amazing show. And thanks to those who came to see my band at the Festing, a lovely night’s music for Jamie & the Jets alongside Janet Ayers & Matt Parsons’ Les Kazoos d’Amour.

William Sutton

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

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.

WiP2 Writing Workshops 2025-26

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 9 May 2-4 pm Children’s Writing: Planning, Purpose, Audience

Children’s publisher and author, Gary Fyles, will guide writers through the process of creating ideas that children will love. Using his twenty years experience in education, and a decade in the publishing industry, Gary will cover the breadth of styles, genres and audiences found both in modern trends in children’s literature – and that will be a hit with the readers.

Gary Fyles, experienced educator, children’s author, publisher

thinkingbiggerltd.co.uk

Fri 23 May 2-4 pm Writing from Folklore

Draw out the mystical threads of old tales to explore the magic of writing your own folk tale.

Victoria Leslie is a writer, researcher and artist. Her book of short stories, Skein and Bone, was called “a gorgeously unsettling collection” while her novel, Bodies of Water, interweaves history, fable and mythology in an engrossing read.

Victoria Leslie, novelist, researcher

Poetry show 14 May: Flyweight

Flyweight! Coming to the Square Tower on 14th May, performed by Maggie Sawkins
“Writing is like shadow boxing. Editing is when the shadows fight back.” Adam Copeland

VICTORY RADIO 50th Short Story & Poetry Competition

https://victoryonline.co.uk/competition  The short-listed stories and poems will be professionally recorded and broadcast on Victory Online and the winners are awarded extra prizes. Submissions open THIS THURSDAY 1st May for a month. In partnership with the Portsmouth Authors Collective. Get…writing!

The Pallant Centre, Havant – Christine Lawrence

Tickets: workshops start at 10am and finish at 12 noon. They cost £10 each and include light refreshments.

Sat 10 May                   It’s not just chat! – Jackie GreenSat 14 June                   Stirring Emotions – Margaret JenningsSat 12 July                    Write your Novel – William Sutton

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

6.30-8.30pm, Havelock Centre. £10/discounts for blocks

Portsmouth Authors Collective: Speak Volumes, Hideaway Café

7 pm, fourth Weds of month

Herstory online workshop series: FREE memoir workshops, May 13 2 pm

Petersfield Museum

Tues 3, 10, 17  June 7-9 pm      Murder at the Museum: Crime Writing 3-week courseSat 19th July 9.30 – 1 pm          Write Your Novel ½-day workshopFrom September                      Further workshops & monthly Writers’ Sharing Salon

Editing Club:  Editing Club online 7 pm Weds 4 June, 3 Sept

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thought-provokingencouraging, authoritativevery relaxed a...

thought-provokingencouraging, authoritativevery relaxed and engaging

Congrats to Lucy Ashton and her writers for a great Painting with Words #workshop at New Theatre Royal.

This Friday Christine Lawrence offers Creative Journalling.

 

 

 

 

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Thanks to Writing for Procrastinators participants

Terrific group of writers for #Writing for #Procrastinators workshop @newtheatreroyal today—thanks for your creativity & mutual encouragement. Words on the page, a great atmosphere, terrific venue.

More workshops every 2nd & 4th Friday of the month.

#InOurWords @portsmouthcreates

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Writing in Portsmouth/Work in Progress April

Our WiP2 writing workshops have kicked off with a bang: full house for Write Your Novel at NTR, Christine Lawrence’s brilliant Writing Your Life session – and the Writing Retreat feedback was so glorious, I wonder if I should stop banging on with writing workshops and just give you all time to write.

“such a good time, thank you!”“very productive”“real collaborative collective”“I would not have reached this stage so efficiently without your retreats”

We’ve been on Radio Solent, Express FM, topped the council’s Flagship email and chatted on Petersfield Shine Radio.

Many new writers rolling up to Bookfest events. Great to meet you. I’m sorting out my mailouts by area and interest, so you may receive an opt-in/choices email next time. Chase me for any further information, for example about our Scribblers’ Salon or our various writers’ WhatsApp forums.

Dates for my New Theatre Royal & wider workshops below (also on my events page and NTR’s ticketlink. Today I start Writing for Procrastinators, next Weds Editing Club online; coming up at NTR, great workshops on visual writing, journalling and children’s writing.

Plus links for workshops by other writer-facilitators.

I’ll see some of you for my band’s album launch: Jamie & the Jets, with Les Kazoos D’Amour (Janet Ayers & Matt Parsons): 7.30 pm Fri 25 April, The Birdcage, Upstairs at the Festing, PO4 0NG.

William Sutton
e             wip2workhops@gmail.com
w         william-sutton.co.uk/WiP
i           @wip2writingworkshops

Questions: would you be interested in

regular writers’ social catch-ups (with option of sharing work) – daytime?regular social catch-ups – evening?regular writing retreats at Central Library? (eg mid-June, Sept, Dec, March)What else?Editing Club:  Editing Club online 7 pm Weds 2 April:

Working as a team to improve, cajole and jostle two writers’ work into shape.

Scribblers Salon: first Saturday morning of the month, online – ask for info

for those working on full manuscripts to share, explore and be part of a generous community.

WiP2 Writing Workshops 2025-26

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

 11 AprPainting with words: Ekphrasis & the art of writingLucy Ashton, writer, artist 25 AprCreative Journalling for Occasional JottersMaggie Sawkins, poet 9 MayChildren’s Writing: Planning, Purpose, AudienceGary Fyles, author, publisher 23 MayWriting from FolkloreVictoria Leslie, novelist 13 JuneWrite what you know /research what you don’tChristine Lawrence, novelistPetersfield Museum (ticket links through their website)

Tues 3, 10, 17  June 7-9 pm      Murder at the Museum: Crime Writing course

Sat 19th July 9.30 – 1 pm          Write Your Novel ½-day

From September                      Further workshops & monthly writers’ sharing Salon

The Pallant Centre, Havant – run by Christine Lawrence

Tickets for workshops 10am – 12 noon, £10 (light refreshments)

Sat 12 April                  Putting your characters into a story arc – Christine Lawrence

Sat 10 May                   It’s not just chat! – Jackie Green

Sat 14 June                   Stirring Emotions – Margaret Jennings

Sat 12 July                    Write your Novel – William Sutton

Writing Group – run by Lucy Ashton/Creative Inklings 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 Café

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

Amanda Garrie’s online workshop series:

Herstory Portsmouth: FREE memoir workshops, May 13 2 pm

Jamie & the Jets launch our album COPING MECHANISM upstairs at the Festing 7 pm Friday April 25, supported by Les Kazoos d ’Amour (Janet Ayers & Matt Parsons)

 

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WiP – Writing Your Life, Writing Retreat, Write Your Novel

We couldn’t have had a better start to our WiP2: Writing in Portsmouth/Work in Progress workshop series.

Christine Lawrence’s ‘I Come From’ – Writing Your Life session was wonderful. I got several scenes written, and drew on parts of my own childhood that I’d forgotten to flesh out the details of my characters’ worlds. Such a satisfying process, and a great group of writers at differing stages of their writing journey.

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.

My Write Your Novel session was sold out, focused and constructive. Many of the writers hadn’t yet found our #Portsmouth #Writing #Community, and that in itself is hugely exciting. Writing for Procrastinators in-person and online were both full, and I hope to see many of you again over the coming months, as you move forward with your writing practice.

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i  @wip2writingworkshops

f  / WiP2

w  william-sutton.co.uk/WiP

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Writing for Procrastinators (March 28, June 27, Sept 26)

Tickets: Events for 28/03/2025

– Do I have to read out my work?
– No.

– Do I have to show anyone my writing?
– No. (One day, yes, but not yet.)

– Do I have to confront the years of doubt, anxiety, indecision and procrastination that have prevented me fulfilling my dreams?
– Not really.

– Do I have to write?
– Yes. Something [image error] [image error]

Places for Writing for Procrastinators (part 1 of 3) New Theatre Royal filling up:
https://lnkd.in/ehRS8ce8
More info: https://lnkd.in/e_A4iD99

Don’t delay. Don’t leave your longings unattended (Austin Kleon‘s dictum).

– Do I have to attend all three sessions (March 28, June 27, & Sept 26)?
– No but there is continuity to the three sessions, making a longer lasting impact on your hashtag#writing practice. hashtag#InOurWords

.

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Writing Retreat, Portsmouth Bookfest

Terrific #Writing #Retreat Friday-Saturday at Portsmouth City Council Central Library, with thanks to HIVE Portsmouth, to conclude #Bookfest 2025 and launch #WiP2 writing workshops

Twenty-five of us yesterday, mostly in person, plus a handful online, writing
heads-down for three hours, sharing goals, struggles, successes, and dreams. Feels like the beginning of something.

I received probably the nicest feedback I’ve ever had:
* “This has been the best three hours of my life”
* “It’s awoken something in my soul again.”

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So many new writers, and writers new to us. We knew you were there. Happy to have you on board. I will aim for another retreat in June and try and do them quarterly. I enjoy these seasons; it’s a challenge to juggle in-person, online, silent workers and collaborators, but the sense of camaraderie is palpable.

 

I hope #PortsmouthWritersHub will be able to absorb and coordinate more events like this, but it needs help from the powers-that-be to sustain it. I also hope that Portsmouth Creates may help us to bring workshops to corners of the city that less often get attention—with 100+ events promised in the #InOurWords literary year.

Why this year are we seeing more people discovering our writing community with the excitement and the camaraderie it brings to such a solitary calling? I’m not sure – but it certainly helps that we’ve been featured in Flagship magazine, Southsea Lifestyle Ltd, Chris Jarvis @BBC Radio Solent, Portsmouth’s Express FM, Petersfield’s Shine Radio and The News, Portsmouth, plus New Theatre Royal mail-out; so thanks to everyone for spreading word and showing that Portsmouth is a city of literature — not just Victorian men, but alive and multifaceted and writing right now, today—together.

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