Getting to the Heart of It

Monday 1st June 2026

“Pay attention to the story and the story pays attention to you.”

Adrian Reynolds - writer and storyteller - 2026

Writer and storyteller Adrian Reynolds

We paid attention. We listened, we shared our ideas and we took them for a walk…. yeah, literally.

Not all of the methods applied to get us to the heart of storytelling were strictly orthodox, but then what about storytelling really is? Sure, you can adopt a familiar structure, employ a tried and tested formula - and that has its place - but ultimately there is nothing predictable about an interesting story.

You might think you know where it’s going when you start writing it, but it is very likely to end up somewhere else entirely!

Our final in-person workshop for May was refreshing, to say the least. Especially the bit where we were challenged to ‘write about place as a person’, and then ‘a person as a place’, which was infinitely harder. In a week where the heat made our brains fill with treacle, Adrian certainly loosened up those sticky cogs and got us back into gear.

Ideas in full flow

“Plump cushions sit atop a shapely chaise longue that teeters on tall legs in the corner near the bar. There’s a cloud of cigarette smoke and the scent of heady perfume, applied far too liberally to be classy. The opulent decor in rich ruby and animal prints is looking tired and tawdry. The chandelier has bits of glass missing on one side, but the glitter is just the same. There’s comfort in the brassiness, a genuine warmth at the heart of it all.”

Workshop participant - 2026

If you guessed that piece was designed to personify a public house as the legendary Bet Lynch then you are surely worthy of a prize - ok, now it’s your turn…

Did you manage it?

A good writing workshop conveys its teaching point well and the participants leave with what they expected. An exceptional one sees them left with more that they could have imagined. And that’s what we are aiming to deliver when we put together our schedule of NWS workshops. We spend time talking to our members and finding out what they really want.

And when you look around the room, at the level of engagement and hear ideas launched out into the arena with confidence, you know what was planned is hitting all the right notes. And that matters. Adrian is someone the studio has worked with before, who has become a friend over the years, and of course we already think he is amazing. It was validating to hear the same from Wednesday’s work-shoppers too!

“It was a really insightful session. One that encouraged you to delve deep into your thoughts and memories, to find new ways to describe and narrate. Adrian is an excellent storyteller and teacher, and his expertise combined with the peaceful, creative atmosphere of the venue provided a nurturing space where thoughts were given voice and words room to grow.”

Heather Ivatt - writer and editor - 2026

Heather sharing her inspired face!

We are always grateful for feedback, as it helps us to refine content and tailor workshops to our members requirements. We are not going to get it right all the time, but we certainly do our best and it’s great when members let us know when we do.

There is also a wealth of expertise within our membership that we would hope to be able to share with others, as this is another way we can support them with their own development, both as workshop facilitators and participants. Bearing in mind that some of our members have published several books, and at least one has run their own publishing company, we certainly feel we can learn from their extensive experience.

Which leads me neatly into our next scheduled workshop on 22nd June. Following the interest sparked by her introduction to publishing, back in February of this year, Teika Marija Smits has put together a follow-on workshop which focuses on the indie market and how to publish successfully in that arena.

We know we have a handful of members who are on the cusp of publishing their first novel, so this might just be the path they choose.

Come and join our creative community!

Deb

The Write Stuff

Friday 1st May 2026

What do you do, when the words just won’t come?

You’ve now finally committed to calling yourself a writer, but aren’t actually, well…writing!

Even experienced writers and well-published authorities on writing can become lost at the puzzling conundrum of what to do when the word well runs dry.

Staring into my coffee…

My favourite piece of advice about how to free yourself from creative stagnation will always be,

“If you can’t write, read. And if you can’t read, go for a walk.”

I can’t quite remember where I found this simple wisdom, but it works for me. Another great motivator for getting words on the page is to write with other writers. When I first took on the community support role with NWS, it was the desire to create opportunities to work together that was at the forefront of my mind as an important resource for members.

Sure, it’s fantastic to have a quiet writing space tucked away at home somewhere where you can’t be disturbed while the words flow. But that can be a lonely place to be when the dreaded ‘writers’ block’ decides to move in with you, taunts you mercilessly and won’t leave! The cycle of negativity and self-sabotage can soon set in.

Writing in coffee shops

One of the easiest ways I find I can get out of my own head, is to pack up my laptop, notebook and a good pair of earbuds and take myself off to my favourite coffee shop. It’s familiar enough that I can relax as soon as I arrive, but also people are often busily absorbed in their own occupations to notice or want to distract me. Though there are occasions when someone I know will also be there, they are generally aware of my purpose and leave me to focus after a few friendly words, that human contact can often be most welcome and much needed. Oh, and then there are also sweet treats…mmm.

Another space I find incredibly beneficial for my productivity and well-being is the co-writing space we have created at Nottingham Central Library. Now, this often moves a round the building a little bit more that we would like, due to us renting rooms that are very much in demand by all who choose to use the library’s superb facilities, but once we are there, we make ourselves at home.

For two hours, writers can sit in a comfortable, bright airy space and just get on and write! Beyond a few supportive smiles and cheery hellos, there is little conversation, though first-timers are welcomed and the more seasoned members are happy to answer their questions. Due to a house move, and all the logistical gymnastics that and down-sizing takes, I haven’t managed to get along to one of our popular co-writing sessions for a while. When I do, I am always glad that I did.

Co-writing in Room 2

Apart from the warmth I feel at reconnecting with people I have got to know through NWS - one regular describes arriving as “being back with her writing family” - the laid-back industrious environment does wonders for my concentration. Glancing around the room, it seems to have a positive impact on others too.

Members tell us,

“I love the space at the library as I know when I can motivate myself to get there I will make really good progress with my writing. I am aware of the other people writing around me and that spurs me on.”

“Writing at home is fine most of the time, but when procrastination hits I can find literally anything to do around the house to distract me from what I am actually supposed to be doing. Coming to ‘SPACE TO WRITE’ definitely stops me from doing that.”

“With a houseful of noisy people at the weekends, having a space to escape to is essential. I like writing in coffee shops but I can still get distracted and can spend a fortune! With the co-writing sessions, I can bring my own drink and a snack, and just crack on for two hours.”

Words flowing on the page

‘SPACE TO WRITE’ co-writing sessions run on Saturday mornings and are usually in Room 2 or Room 4. They are free to members, but non-members are welcome for a small contribution, which is payable via Eventbrite. The library staff are accommodating to our need for a quiet well-organised space to meet and write, and are more than happy to direct you to the room if you are having trouble finding it, for whatever reason.

We generally prefer a morning slot, but will swap to the afternoon at busy times to retain the consistency we writers need to keep the momentum going.

Where will you be writing this weekend…?

Come and join our creative community!

Deb

All That Sparkles…

Wednesday 1st April 2026

Back in the summer of 2024, something beautiful was forming.

Our Invoke Poetry leader Oli was leaving Nottingham and Hannah Norris was ready to step into his shoes with fresh ideas for a dynamic monthly poetry event - Diamonds and Rust. Oli’s followers were delighted their already close community could continue to meet and grow. And so it has! One year on, Diamonds and Rust Poetry celebrated a hugely successful year at a sparkling event where poets honoured their work, and each other. It was a privilege to have attended, so we are delighted to be returning to Nottingham Playhouse for the two-year anniversary this July.

For this month’s post, we handed our blog space over to Chloé Rose Whitmore, to hear first-hand why Diamonds and Rust is such a special event on the NWS calendar and how Hannah nurtures and inspires her creative community.

Hannah introducing the line-up at the one year celebrations

So Chloé… what did bring you along to your first Diamonds and Rust workshop in August 2024, and what were your first impressions?

“I’d recently joined Nottingham Writer’s Studio, and I’d been meaning to go to their poetry workshops for a few months. When I saw it was relaunching as Diamonds and Rust, I took my opportunity – not realising that my first session as an attendee was also Hannah’s first session as a workshop leader. It felt like such an immediately welcoming and creative environment; despite most people already knowing each other, Hannah’s prompts and introductions made it easy to start talking to people – and, more importantly, to start writing. I ended the evening in the pub with the other attendees, before sprinting to my car in the pouring rain. It was magic.”

Chloé Rose Whitmore (Pic 2)

Could you tell us how your writing has evolved since attending the first workshop? Are there any prompts, exercises or moments that particularly stayed with you?

“The most important change in my writing has been in regularity; by carving the space out for poetry and poetic conversations every month, it helps me keep the tap running, which makes it easier to slip into writing on a more regular basis. But the prompts and exercises have been amazing too – in encouraging me to loosen the restraints, to take things lightly, engage in play, consider things from a different angle. Last month’s ‘inspiration buffet’, with prompts flying at us from every direction, is something I’m still feasting on.”

And what role does being part of a writing community play in your creative life?

“It’s hard to overstate how wonderful it is to be part of a writing community, even if it’s on a monthly basis. That feeling of kinship, of kindred spirits being able to talk about things like sestinas and pantoums with genuine ardour – it makes everything feel possible. Writing, life, standing on a stage and reading your poems into a mic. The community makes these things feel valuable, worthwhile, even essential. And, of course, it’s a source of constant inspiration – whether it’s from other attendees’ poems, or the sparkling conversation.”

When you sit down to write a poem, what usually sparks it - an image, a line, a feeling or something else?

“For me, it’s a mixture. Sometimes, an image presents itself that’s so obviously a poem – like a bird devouring a blackberry the size of its head, from a bush I didn’t even notice in my garden. Other times, a certain word or phrase catches my attention, and I’ll note it down and let it marinate to see if something interesting sparks. Or a chewy, complicated feeling will arise that I’ll try to put words to, even if it’s just to make sense of it to myself. Reading poetry on a regular basis helps me notice these moments when they come, so I’m ready to snatch them – and not lose them to the infinite scroll.”

So, what would you say to someone who is thinking about coming to a poetry workshop but feels nervous about getting started?

“Walking into a room of strangers is always daunting – even more so when you’re there to create, which requires a certain level of vulnerability. But if you love writing, poetry, language – or even if you just want to try something new – there’s no better place to be.”

This is where your people are. You won’t regret it.

Diamonds celebrating together at the one year event - July 31st 2025

And it’s all about finding your community, right?

A huge thanks to Chloé for sharing her thoughts with us here, and of course to Hannah who devotes her time, care and energy to creating her workshop sessions. We hear you both have grand plans for the rest of the year!

Diamonds and Rust Poetry sessions are moving from the city library to Broadway this April, and we are all excited to see this new venue become part of the D&R story.

Come and join our creative community!

Deb