How to Write Unapologetically
Write without shame

Giving ourselves permission to write can be hard enough. Then we have to tackle what we’re willing to say on the page. Join us in this interactive workshop to explore what might be holding you back, and what you’d like to write, in a world with few constraints. This question of permission will be a focus throughout the workshop, with exercises helping you to reflect whether you self-censor, and why you think that is. Taking inspiration from writers of fiction, poetry and memoir we will read texts that are defiant and daring, crafted with courage. Lean gently into what potentially feels tricky or tough for you, and imagine writing in this complex terrain.

You will end with a ‘manifesto’ writing exercise on what feels important to you about writing, where you will map your writing possibilities. Audre Lorde wrote famously that her “silences had not protected” her. For those of us keen to write, this workshop suggests, our silences won’t protect us. Join us in this safe and supportive space and take confidence, so you feel empowered to write only as you can, in your boldest voice.

Materials: Please bring writing materials.

Accessibility: This session will be hosted as a Zoom Webinar. A stable internet connection is recommended. You will not be visible to others during this session but are encouraged to use the Chat to participate. Automated captions will be provided and a watch-back recording will be sent to you after the session.

About Your Speaker

Andrew Kauffmann is a coach and a tutor of expressive and therapeutic writing. He delivers writing for wellbeing workshops for members of brainstrust, a UK charity, and has recently run courses and events on writing challenging material for London Lit Lab, Carers UK, and Renal Arts Group. He was Centre for Mental Health’s Writer in Residence, and writes extensively on health and care topics. Andrew is currently undertaking an MA in Creative Writing and Wellbeing at Teesside University.

Booking

Tickets are free but registration is essential. Please register to attend using the button below. Please book one ticket per person and enter your full name and email address. By booking, you are agreeing to be added to TLC’s ‘TLC Events’ list so that we can email you about this event. We do not share your details with any third parties. You can access our privacy policy here.