Feedback from Thoughttree courses in York

Here's a sample of feedback from writers following our latest York writing course:

'I am so happy I have found this... even it being at night I find it to be so inspiring.'
'I have learned so much in such a short time and long to continue.'
'Really enjoyable course. Great practical exercises. I've learnt a lot.'
'I enjoyed the course as it broadened by imagination and I felt encouraged and it gave me more ways of writing differently.'
'I felt supported and that my ideas were helped and had positive feedback.'

We'll do some more then!

More Thoughttree Courses on the way!

At Thoughttree, we're delighted to report that our York based course looks set to run on until Christmas - and our monthly 'coffee and cake' workshops are oversubscribed! We're pleased that so many writers are now sharing in our stimulating writing sessions; watch this space for forthcoming workshops!

Just an aside... currently exploring the novel Jane Eyre.. the way the descriptive narrative shifts from idealised pastoral to magic/fairytale... becomes suffused with eldritch qualities... in other words, having fun!

All best, Ali and Deb

Thoughttree - now in York!

Deb and Ali from Thoughttree are delighted to announce that we are currently running courses for York Adult Education!
'From Fact to Fiction' has been a great success; we have explored fascinating ways to generate 'raw' writing material; memoir writing; writing powerful description - now moving on to learning how to create some tension!

Our 'Let's Journey On' course, for writers of all abilities, is due to start early in November. Interested? Booking details below:

 www.yortime.org.uk

or phone 01904 552806 or email york.learning@york.gov.uk

Character Workshop - coming soon!

Greetings from Thoughttree!

Back from holidays and raring to go! Hope you can join us for the next inspiring Writing Workshop: 

                                          How to Create Convincing Characters

In this session we will explore the essence of believable fictional characters (with a glimpse at how the experts do it) and, step-by-step, develop your own character's personality - one that leaps off the page into the mind of your reader.

Date: Friday 21st October 2016, 10-12.30

Place: Village Paintpot Café, 55 Main Street, Elloughton, HU15 1JP

Cost: £18 (including excellent coffee and cake!)

Please book asap, as places are limited.

See you there!

Best wishes

Deb and Ali

Feedback from our latest 'coffee and cake' workshop:

Thoughttree

Setting: An upstairs room above a village teashop, furnished with an eclectic mix of vintage furniture and decorator’s paraphernalia.

Characters: Six men and women of disparate ages and appearance, among them two or three familiar faces but also some strangers, drawn together by an email invitation.

Plot: Starting from zero, an idea is introduced, individuals start to respond - recognising something familiar, draw into the conversation and gaining in confidence as others acknowledge their contributions. Within minutes the group are scribbling away, developing their own take on the theme and comfortable when it comes to sharing their writing. The creative work accelerates and the group marvel at how, in such a short space of time, everyone is enthused and inspired. The group reluctantly leave the little room, but each of them now eager and able to continue their unique texts alone. Until another Thoughttree email drops into their inbox.

Good to know our punters appreciate us - many thanks!

Greetings from Thoughttree!

It's September already - time for new beginnings and fresh challenges...so, come and join our next inspiring Writing Workshop: The Craft of Plotting Fiction

Consider this premise for a story: 'Four siblings go through a magical wardrobe into another world.' Intriguing, admittedly - but there's no plot. Add: 'They must defeat an evil queen who is enslaving the land.' This is the story's motivation. With it comes the possibility of choices, obstacles and unpredictable outcomes. In other words, a plot! How might you develop your idea for a story into a series of events and actions?

We'll dip into some great novels for inspiration and try out some step by step techniques for developing plot. As always, there'll be time to write and to share ideas in a friendly and supportive atmosphere.

Date: Saturday 10th September 2016

Time: 10am -12.30

Place: The Village Paintpot Café, 55,Main Street, Elloughton, Brough HU15 1JP

Cost: £18 (including excellent coffee and cake!)

All levels welcome. Please book asap as spaces are limited.

Hope to see you there.

Best wishes

Deb and Ali

Of Steinbeck and GCSE Grades...

Today's text: Steinbeck's To a God Unknown. Bring on the environmental theory! Landscape defined in terms of sensory detail as per Of Mice and Men (which came later, of course). Love the shift from benign to capricious - nay, omnipotent! - natural world. Actually, love the shift from Of Mice and Men to different Steinbeck text altogether as have seen M and M soooo many times when tutoring for GCSE Eng.

On the subject of which... congratulations to GCSE students. Star of the moment: Nick - shifted from C in lang and lit to A grades in both (with the help of a little tutoring). Fantastic achievement, Nick!

Ali x