Monday 22 May 2017

Pocklington Arts Centre - Great Venue!

The first Carrotsmash @carrotSMASH2 Writing Workshop took place on Saturday at Pocklington Arts Centre @PocklingtonArts - great venue and great group to work with. Look out for more Carrotsmash workshops this autumn - full details will be in Pocklington Arts Centre brochure, or visit www.carrotsmash.co.uk. In the meantime, what did workshoppers think of Saturday's session?

'Good venue. Good group. Enthusiastic and supportive.'
'A thoroughly enjoyable morning. I have learned a huge amount in 3 hours and feel confident that I could continue on my own. I will definitely be attending future workshops.'
'The venue used was 'cosy' and clean and quiet. Ali was a great presenter who was very supportive and knows what she is doing.'
'I feel inspired to write!'




Friday 19 May 2017

Night Garden, by Charlotte

Currently working with Charlotte year 7, and she has produced some stunning descriptive writing. This, her latest, was inspired after sharing that moment from Angela Carter's The Magic Toyshop where Melanie, wearing her mother's wedding dress, goes out into the garden, at night, alone. Charlotte shows great control when working with atmosphere - well done, Charlotte!

Night Garden


A harvest moon glowed, silvering in the midnight spread. Stars dotted the endless sky with not a cloud in sight. The railings felt fragile against the bold surroundings and looked like the tiniest breath would knock them over. By the garden path I stood, grey stones jabbing my bare feet as I walked – until the garden stalled me. Trees loomed like fey spirits, willowy and elegant. Beneath their clustered livery, shoots reached for dew drops falling from their glittered canopy. Flowers: once the pride of summer, they now had retreated to rule the earth in the beginning of winter. Snowdrops swayed in the humid breeze, catching moonbeams in their wake. Early honey suckle climbed the aged brick wall, filling the air with its sweet nectar scent. I drifted, moon-dazed.