A small place for words: Urban Writers' Retreats in London

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Too often there are too many excuses pouring from the charming mouths of writers who seem to be experiencing alleged writers block: I’m busy with my other job, I’ve no time this week, I’ve taken up another tai chi class, I have to see my nephew, its Lucy’s birthday, I need to call my dad - you get the drift.

These little yet ongoing avoidances of our art, add to procrastination, self doubt and general avoidance. If only we had time, and a place away from our usual existences, to write, explore ways of writing, meet other writers and generally indulge in the form of creativity that we love so much. If only there was a place for writers living in this concrete jungle known as London, to escape the humdrum, the noise, the minding the gap, the bars, the galleries, the excuses.

Enter Urban Writers Retreat. Brainchild of Londoner Charlie Hynes, Urban Writers Retreat offer one and two day retreats in gorgeous locations throughout Central London.

This fabulously dreary February morning was my chance to go along on a retreat, which are quickly gaining attention in urban writing circles.

Founder of The Urban Writers Retreat, Charlie Haynes, says the idea for the retreats came from her abundance of ‘other things to do’ and ability to continually postpone her passion.

“I began researching boot camp websites on the net, because I’m such a procrastinator I thought that’s what I needed- something with complete structure. But then I got thinking, what I actually need is something like this for writing. I started these retreats to help writers with the problem they seem to suffer from most - not writing.”

After several attempts at organising retreats for herself and her friends, Charlie realised that these sessions were quickly turning into a chit-chat over coffee and not productive in the way she would have liked.

“I thought if I was to put on a retreat for others as well, it would also help me along. Too often retreats are for long periods of time, in faraway places and cost a lot of money. I wanted to offer a space where urban writers can come for a day without having to travel long distances.”

Today’s retreat is being held at the ever lovely Make Lounge, in East London. Magazine journalist Jennifer Pertile created The Make Lounge after finding that there was a lack of easy accessible and affordable craft workshops in central London. The Make Lounge’s motto is perfect in its simplicity- meet people, make stuff. This charming space covers over three superbly crafted rooms in a converted apartment in the back streets of buzzing Islington.

As the rain continues to settle in for the day, a cross section of writers from across the urban spaces of London wonder through the doors of this hidden little gem. Smiles, nervousness, umbrellas and determination in hand.

As the room is filled with laptops and yawns, a brief introduction is initiated. Today’s community of wordsmiths include a graphic novelist who works at a lost dogs home, the CEO of a major arts administration company writing Mills and Boons, a disheartened freelancer, an erotic poet, a play write and a director dabbling in script. We are each asked to discuss our aims for the day and the pieces of work we will be working on for the next seven hours. This polite and unofficial opening, highlights that the fourteen people participating in today’s retreat, although from such different areas of writing, are here for one thing- to take time out from the distractions of everyday life and devote a day to writing.

The retreats are usually divided into two sessions and there are a range of writing activities, books and guides available if you need a little inspiration. Haynes, who has a Masters in English Literature, says she aims to keep the retreats simple in their approach. “We have had many types of writers come along, from poets who are just starting out to published writers. We are not at all genre specific or elitist when it comes to people who want to participate. It’s about offering a space to create and in that, hopefully a writing community can emerge.”

Today’s retreat has definitely established a community feel. The morning seems to fall away quickly, sound tracked by some chilled out tunes and clicking keys and continually supported by cups of tea. Having such a supportive and inventive space really does promote the words to flow freely. By the time one o’clock has hit the small collection of poetry I am working on has taken form and all sense of time has been somewhat demolished.

Perhaps it is the simplicity that evokes such a calming and creative space to spend a dreary London Sunday which are so easily passed by sipping coffee and drudging around in your pyjamas, thinking of the week ahead.

For some, writing can be quite an isolating profession. A lack of interaction can lead to feelings of isolation, acting as a deterrent when it comes to dedicating time to writing. Urban Writers Retreats create an instant community amongst its participants. From the moment the tea is poured and the initial introductions take place, there is a shared sense of determination and interest amongst the group.

As the afternoon session comes to a halt we each begin to pack up our belongings. As email addresses are exchanged and the last of the homemade organic chocolate brownies are demolished, the urban writers set out to the dark and rainy eve- each with a keen sense of achievement and satisfaction.

Visit the Urban writers retreat website for information about upcoming retreats throughout London.

www.themakelounge.com
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