Looking forward to running my fifth Wildlife Writing Workshop for the RSPB Scotland Loch Leven on 19th November 2017. Last week the pink-footed geese started to return in their hundreds and it’s sure to say that most of the swallows have now left to make their journey to Africa. In November we have the return of the White-Tailed Eagle to look forward to.

This workshop is open to all level of writers. Usually we begin the day with writing exercises and then take a tour of the reserve for inspiration. There’s a chance to write up your ideas before and after lunch, again with the help of writing exercises, and we usually finish with a sharing session – although this is not compulsory!

Previous sightings in November have included red squirrels, gold-crest, kingfishers, mallard, golden-eye, swans and geese, and, of course the elusive white-tailed eagle!

It should be fun! All you need is paper and pen and a willingness to be inspired by the wildlife and landscape of Loch Leven.

Brief details are: November 19th, 10am – 2pm, Cost £10.00 members/£15.00 non members.  Tea/coffee provided. For more details see here: Writing Workshop Poster Nov

I was delighted to be selected to the Playwrights’ Studio, Scotland Borders Mentoring Scheme in July 2017 (see here). Ten of us are now working with Associate Playwright Jules Horne to develop our first 45-minute theatre piece for two to three actors. It’s proving an inspiring but challenging task!!

So far we’ve explored issues such as the journey and transformation, characters and conflict and the big question, which seems to drive all narratives: what does your character want? Easier asked than answered!!

We were privileged in August to meet Frances Poet, the author of Adam which won a Fringe First during the Edinburgh Festival this year and which you can see a trailer of here. Frances gave us a run-down on how her journey into theatre began and how she came to write Adam. It made the play all the more poignant when we saw it.

Looking forward to September’s workshop which will be all about dialogue and voice. “I cannae wait!”