INHERITANCE: Feminist Reading, Writing and Discussion Workshops

Ache is delighted to offer a new series of Feminist Reading, Writing and Discussion Workshops, exploring writing on illness, health, bodies and pain.

Open to self-identifying women, trans and non-binary writers, these online workshops will offer participants a chance to read and explore texts and informally share their writing in a slow-paced, creative and supportive community.

WHAT TO EXPECT:

Elspeth Walker (writer, artist, facilitator) explores the theme 'Inheritance: writing on inheriting sickness and negotiating with family – from caring to needing care.'

Text extracts will include:

- Ill Feelings by Alice Hattrick
- Sanatorium by Abi Palmer
- my left leg by Emily Rapp Black
- Hot Milk by Deborah Levy
- What The Water Gave Me by Pascale Petit
- and visual art by Frida Kahlo

Each week we will also have in-session guided writing exercises, creative prompts and an opportunity for participants to informally share and discuss their own writing.

Readings will be shared at least a week before the session, and there will be opportunities for texts to be read aloud during the workshop. This is a supportive, slow paced and creative community and we are respectful of fluctuating energy levels, so even if you can't always read the texts we think you'll enjoy being part of what is sure to be interesting, inspiring and creative discussions.

LOCATION: Online, held via Zoom (you will receive your meeting link via email)

TIME: 19:00-21:00 (with breaks)

DATES:

Week 1: Mon Oct 27
(Rest week)
Week 2: Mon Nov 10
(Rest week)
Week 3: Mon Nov 24

TICKETS: £60 for 3 sessions (£20 per session)

LOW-COST TICKETS: we have allocated a number of £30 tickets for those on low income, please email us by Wed 22 Oct to request: [email protected]

OTHER INFORMATION:

This workshop is ideal for people with a writing practice who are comfortable taking part in discussions and sharing their work with other writers. We do ask participants to generally have their cameras and microphones on whenever possible so we can create connection and community during the time we spend together.

If we can offer any additional support or if you have any questions get in touch: [email protected]

Please note: some of the readings may be subject to change. In the event we do not receive enough bookings, this course will not go ahead and your order will be refunded immediately.

MEET THE FACILITATORS:

Elspeth Walker is a writer and visual artist, with an MA in Writing from the RCA, currently based in London. Her practice explores the relationship between writing, materials and space, class, memory and feminist themes. She has had various written works published, and participated in arts residencies internationally, whilst exhibiting artworks across the UK. Her pamphlet Dedications was published by If a Leaf Falls Press (2024). She was recently published in Ache's anthology Fit Notes (2025) with the essay 'Victorian Time-Piece'. Her written work has been published in various journals such as Culturala, Descover Artists Publications, and online for Clot Magazine, alongside other publications. Her pamphlets and zines are stocked across the UK and have been featured in exhibitions, such as Whitechapel Gallery's 'It starts with a thread' 2023-24.

YOUR FEEDBACK:

This new workshop series was created in response to a survey shared with Ache readers. We have endeavoured to incorporate the feedback we received to offer an inclusive, slow-paced and creatively fulfilling workshop series.

We hope to expand this series in the near future, but currently this is a new, unfunded project working with very small budgets. As an intersectional feminist publishing project, we believe in transparency and appreciate any feedback that will help improve our future events and publications — thank you!