I’m very much looking forward to running a series of FREE writing workshops for Reading the South, a major Arts Council project run in collaboration with East and West Sussex libraries encouraging people to explore what the south means to them. Twelve authors who live and work in the South have been chosen to take part in various events in libraries across East and West Sussex. You can read all about the project and the authors inovlved on the Reading the South website where the events are listed.

In my workshops, we’ll be thinking about ‘sense of place’ – one of my favourite preoccupations – and how we are shaped by the landscapes we love. Drawing on our experiences of living and working in the south; we’ll talk, write, exercise our imaginations and discover ‘the astonishments on our doorsteps’ (Robert Macfarlane).

Wittering beach/ Photo credit Natalie Miller

My sessions are for writers of all levels and readers with a sense of adventure. They will be loosely themed as follows:

1: Friday 13th November, 1-3pm:        ‘Sussex by the Sea’ – flotsam & jetsam; memories, emotion & place

2: Friday 20th November, 3-5pm:        ‘Forests, Fields & Footpaths’ – magic, myths & legends

3: Friday 27th November, 1-3pm:        ‘Fire & Stories’ – historical, local or personal?

Do join us! You can book by phoning Midhurst library on 01730 716671 or email      midhurst.library@westsussex.gov.uk