Mayhem in Trumpton!

YouTube I love you! So many beautiful Trumpton stories now available to view... indeed a revival! Has anybody written the one yet where Captain Flack wants Windy Miller to be Ambassador? Unthinkable! Mayhem would ensue! Too many pints, Windy Miller! Didn't you know that drinking on the job makes you sleepy?

Love, Thoughttree

Control - or Resistance?

This week we've learned that it is (apparently) possible to control everything in our homes through a smart phone: I guess that's heating, washing machine, toaster, the dog... (only joking about that last one). And now we have Alexa arriving... actionable smartwear for the home. What's for tea, Alexa? Will I need an umbrella today? Are my knickers in a twist?

They are, a bit. This reminds me of writing. It's possible - and at times, necessary in the crafting process - to focus on manipulating the reader; controlling the pace, or mood.

But isn't it better, sometimes, to live a little? I think I'd rather find out if it's raining by - you know what? - going OUTSIDE to see. I might decide what to eat when I look in the fridge - and not a moment before. Are we really ready to disconnect so completely from the turning world that we need telling what to wear and what to eat? Can't we live with spontaneity any more?

I'm all for resistance, rather than control. And so it goes for writing. Yes, lets keep our awareness of what the pen is doing - but just occasionally, lets go wild and dangerous, and write outside the box! Might just find that we write something strong, powerful.

Might just find that we feel more ALIVE when we let our hair get wet. Better that than looking through the window at the rain... and asking Alexa to close the curtains.

Writing from the Self

Do you remember... a moment from your past, when something happened, and from that point, you realised that everything had changed? Could have been something momentous - or something quite small. Whatever it was, it was a turning point for you... and these kind of pivotal moments in story have been the focus for our latest Thoughttree 'coffee morning' writing workshop which Deb led this week.

Thoughttree Writing Courses are also underway through @yorklearning; ali is currently teaching 'Let's Journey On' - a course that supports writers of all abilities in developing their fiction writing skills.

And this Saturday Nov 12th in Explore York Library Ali will be leading our latest thoughttree workshop: Writing from the Self. Look forward to seeing you at @YorklibrariesUK

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