Thanks to everyone who has emailed and messaged to ask for more information about the workshops. I so appreciate the support, and can’t wait to get creative with you. In case you missed it, you can follow along for more information about the workshops on my Substack, here.
Our July theme is character. More about that, here.
But for an overview, here’s what happens in a workshop and how you can sign up. Each week I’ll be answering FAQs on my Substack.
What happens in a workshop.
I’m not exaggerating when I say that what happens in a writing workshop is a special kind of magic. Being in a room with people who have shown up, sat down, and picked up a pen does something that’s not explicable in terms of the laws of nature. If you were trying to find a simple answer that would please someone science-y, you might say something like energy is created, and that energy has to go somewhere. So, it goes on your page, and you will be surprised by what you find there.
But what happens practically, you might be asking. Ah you stickler for detail, you!
The format may vary slightly but will be something like:
- Make a warm beverage, get a glass of water, sit down.
- Short welcome and intro of the theme of that workshop. I’ll share what I think are a few good examples of writing along that path.
- A few warm up writing exercises.
- A few longer writing exercises.
- An opportunity to share your writing in a smaller group, if you choose to.
- A lovely tea and bathroom break. A chance to introvertedly watch everyone else, while eating something yummy and sipping a warm beverage and / or extrovertedly chatting with others while doing the same. You do you.
- A few long writing exercises.
- Sharing in small groups.
- Writing cool down and prompt suggestions for the month ahead.
- You leave feeling brave, and having done some writing that day.
My guarantee to you is that you will get some writing done, every single workshop.
You can come to one, or all. That’s totally up to you!
In person workshops: The details
In person workshops will be held at Erin Hall in Rondebosch, Cape Town, on selected Saturdays between July and November.
The cost will be R500 per workshop. If you sign up and pay for all five before the end of May 2025, I’ll give you a discount of R250!
The dates and times are as follows:
- 5 July: 11am – 3pm
- 2 August: 11am – 3pm
- 13 September: 1pm – 5pm
- 25 October: 11am – 3pm
- 22 November: 11am – 3pm
You need to bring a notebook and some pens — or if you really must, a laptop. Trust me, the handwriting works better. You might also like to bring some slippers, something snuggly to wear, and whatever writing totems you’d like (if you have any).
Spots are limited to 20 people per workshop, so if you’re keen, please sign up soon!
Nervous to come alone, or have a friend or family member that might be interested – they’re welcome too!
Online workshops, the details.
Online workshops will be held once a month between July and November 2025. The cost will be R400 per workshop, and they will also be four hours long.
The dates and times for the online workshops are:
- 18 July: 9am – 1pm
- 15 August: 9am – 1pm
- 19 September: 9am – 1pm
- 31 October: 9am – 1pm
- 28 November: 9am – 1pm
You’ll need a good internet connection, a notebook and pens.
Nervous to come alone, or have a friend or family member that might be interested – they’re welcome too!
Ready to sign up?
Great!
Please send me an email with the subject line Writing Workshops 2025, and your preferred dates and options in the body of the email, and I’ll send you an invoice for payment.
It’s easy peasy!
I so look forward to writing with you this year.
Jen Thorpe 