This is a new, short course created and led by Ben Jackson about cultivating the practice of writing and honouring yourself as a writer.
Two of the most important things you learn as a writer are:
Keep writing
Keep calling yourself a writer
If you manage those two things, congratulations - job done!
This is an invitation to dedicate just a little bit of time to come together with other writers to nurture your practice and reinforce your creative identity. It is comprised of 4 x 2-hour, led sessions at Kith Homestead for those aged 10 - 16 who have an interest, passion and/or enthusiasm for writing. (If you have little interest in writing, it’s probably not for you.)
At Kith, we are incredibly lucky to have a gorgeous natural space that has been designed in collaboration with young imaginations. Kith is brimming with creativity, we just need to soak it up. That means small rituals of nature-based learning. Whether you know Kith well or you're a first-timer, you'll find the land welcomes new connections and deeper ones too. Everyone will find a personal spot outside to sit and write, we'll make a fire every session and we'll go on a walk during our first meeting as we get to know each other.
Being together will be a crucial part of these sessions. The solitary aspect of writing is tough. The solidarity of working alongside those who share your creative drive is glorious.
If you have specific goals or projects, we can absolutely incorporate them into our sessions, but the course is generalised - it’s about any and all writing you are interested in doing. Whatever form that takes, from poetry to journalism to stand-up comedy, you are invited to bring your interests and/or your current writing. We will play games in which we generate stories, we will discuss how writing works and what drives us. We will set ourselves short writing challenges, plan how to develop our writing and we will hold space for sharing.
This course is about empowering you and strengthening your relationship with your own creativity. If you care about writing, we are here to celebrate you and to encourage you to keep going!
Key information
Dates
Thursday 5th June 12:30 - 14:30
Thursday 12th June 12:30 - 14:30
Thursday 19th June 12:30 - 14:30
Thursday 26th June 12:30 - 14:30
Please try to arrive 10 minutes early to settle in, explore the space and get ready to begin.
Total cost £80
What you will need
A means of writing
There is a gentle encouragement to choose ‘analogue writing’ - i.e. pen or pencil on paper - but if this is difficult for you and there feels a need to use some technology, that’s OK too.
Just remember that we’ll be sitting outside and writing for short periods, so make sure whatever you bring is comfortable for you. (And that it won’t run out of battery!)
Please also be aware of the weather and dress appropriately.
We will send out emails each week ahead of each session to make sure everyone is prepared.
Who this course is for
Ages 10 - 16
Up to 6 places (minimum of 3)
An interest in writing, a willingness and an ability to write.
If there is anything about this course that excludes you but you would otherwise be keen, please get in touch so that we can consider what other courses we might be able to offer.
Course leader
Ben Jackson has been at Kith since the start of 2024. They work with the Learning Community, as well as on the Pathways course and at holiday camps, and can usually be found surrounded by eager kids as they play some creative writing games.
Ben is a writer and performer of poetry and comedy. They have created theatre, including a production that ran at the Edinburgh Fringe. They write prose and media criticism. They make podcasts and would probably write songs if they were any good at singing.
Ready to book a spot?
Fill in the form below and Ben will get in touch with booking and payment details.