- Write.
- Put one word after another. Find the right word, put it down.
Neil Gaiman in Write edited by Claire Armistead.
A writing club needs just a slim structure: some prompts; some reminders; maybe, some tempting resources. These might include a poem, a book, a folded blank book, a square of paper or a set of stamps or stencils. There is no need to overwhelm everyone with lots of stuff. Essentially, you need to create a space where writing is possible.
Begin with words [see yesterday’s blog]. Maybe play a small wordy game –ideas for these coming up. Then introduce a single idea. The time is quite short so you need to find something that young writers can hook into and, at the same time feel the freedom to make the idea their own. Many of our blogs will suggest ideas like this.
Make sure that most of the time is free for writers to write, to help each other and to seek your support.
Aim for some time for reading aloud and some feedback. There are different ways of doing this and there need be no compulsion to read your writing out. Equally, it is lovely to hear what others have written. We grow as writers by reading and listening.
Remind yourself and fellow writers that when a writer reads their work to you it is like being given a gift. Appreciate that gift. The first response is always, ‘Thank you’.
Writing Box 