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Find fluency in the language of matrescence.
The New Mothers’ Writing Circle brings together groups of new mothers, with the aim of encouraging and empowering them to reflect on their personal journeys during the transformational first years of motherhood. Each of the eight weekly workshops has been rigorously researched and planned, drawing on universal themes within modern motherhood; from Sleep, Rest & Productivity to Identity & Our Bodies; from Rage & Regret to Love & Wonder.
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In 2024 the first online workshops will be £369.00. These have now sold out. Please email newmumswriting@gmail.com to be added to the waitlist, and sign up to the newsletter to find out about other online events.
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The online workshops will take place via Zoom on Tuesday mornings 10am - 11.30am.
23rd April - 14th May & 28th May - 18th June 2024.
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You do not need have any experience in creative writing. You already have a unique voice and this 8-week programme will help you connect with and use it. Women from all walks of life are transformed by The New Mothers' Writing Circle. Read about their experiences here and watch films made about the programme here.
Given that participation is both personal and professional development, you can ask your employer to pay for you to take part. Use this template letter to support you.
The New Mothers' Writing Circle:
ONLINE
This course is about YOU, re-centring you as a mother and woman going through an unprecedented time of change. The programme will guide through 8 themed weeks taking in writing on a variety of topics, from Community to Sleep, Identity to Rage.
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An overview of the canon motherhood; a chance to read excepts from over 25 books of poetry, prose and memoir, plus podcasts, talks, imagery and articles.
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A nuanced look at the myriad experienced of motherhood through the lens of some of the best writers and thinkers on this huge life-changing topic.
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Together we will look at something which has been deemed banal and boring as fascinating and nuanced.
This is an opportunity to meet mothers in a similar stage of life, to have honest and open discussions about the reality of motherhood whilst being held within a safe, closed space.
This is not therapy or coaching. You could think of it as pelvic floor rehabilitation for your mind and soul: 90 minutes each week to remind yourself of who you are within and behind your new identity as a mother. A chance to document how life really is, unfiltered, and to begin a mentally and emotionally beneficial writing practice. This will sustain you in the coming months and years of your matrescence.
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You will be encouraged and supported by an award-winning facilitator who has been there; Catrin Kemp is a mother of 2 and has worked with nearly 100 mothers whilst building The New Mothers' Writing Circle since 2020. This programme is also a chance to hear from mothers who have been through this project and now co-lead, bringing their voice, perspective and writing to the programme.
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Watch BBC's 9-minute film to learn about Catrin's perinatal mental health struggles and how the ideas behind the project began.
Watch Creative Scotland's 6-minute film which features the voices of participants from autumn 2023.
What you'll get:
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A place to be seen and see your experience reflected back at you.
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An experimental space to fail and be vulnerable, a space to read, comment, cheer on and share your #shittyfirstdrafts.
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Creative writing exercises which pull you our of your real life: escapist, fantasy, sci-fi prompts as well as those which will help you look unflinchingly at your new reality.
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Reminders and prompts sent during the days between workshops via a closed WhatsApp group.
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A chance to share your drafts via a closed Facebook group.
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The workshops are non-judgemental, non advice-giving, experimental and anti-perfectionist: Show up however you are on that day - covered in sick, milk, sweat, snot, tears; in pyjamas and having had no sleep, or elated having had a full night. Change nappies, feed your baby, respond as you need to. Drink tea in bed or join us on your phone while the baby naps on your chest.
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Explore the spaces between the bliss and the nightmare of motherhood.
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You will need access to Zoom and a pen and notebook. That's it!
If you have any questions feel free to contact us via our contact page or email us at newmumswriting@gmail.com
CONFIDENCE
RESILIENCE
COMMUNITY
FRIENDSHIP
A VILLAGE
WHAT MOTHERS SAY
The writing exercises were really helpful for breaking down the anxiety I had about writing and let me just relax into it. I absolutely loved all the readings and the discussions we had off the back of them - they're absolutely the most interesting, vulnerable and honest conversations I've had since becoming a mum.
I signed up on a whim not really believing that I had much to say but by god you opened the floodgates. You have given me my words back.
I hope you know that the power you give to us all with this course is life changing at a time when words are harder to find. I know that I am changing and my relationship with [Baby G] will be built on the foundations you have helped me to begin.
I will be forever grateful.
I found a wonderful sense of connection to the other mothers, and also to myself. I came to the writing circle with no experience of creative writing, and feel I've really found my voice. It's shown me that writing is such a powerful tool for expressing myself and processing my emotions. Through our discussions and readings, I feel validated in my experiences of new motherhood so far, with all of its beautiful and challenging facets. Being part of something where talking honestly about motherhood has been so refreshing. I've heard others use the word "transformative" and I really do think it is.