HYSTERICAL: 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 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:

'HYSTERICAL: writing that explores the experience of illness and interrogates the patient/doctor dynamic.' Led by Kirstie Millar (writer, Ache founding editor)

Texts extracts will include:

- Woman on the Edge of Time by Marge Piercy
- The Yellow Wallpaper by Charlotte Perkins Gilman
- Down Below by Leonora Carrington
- Blackfishing the IUD by Caren Beilin
- The Ha-Ha by Jennifer Dawson
- Giving up the Ghost by Hilary Mantel
- Selected poetry/writing by Anne Sexton and Audre Lorde

Please note: some of the readings are subject to change.

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: Tues 4 Nov
(Rest week)
Week 2: Tues 18 Nov
(Rest week)
Week 3: Tues 2 Dec

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 access support or if you have any questions please 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:

Kirstie Millar is a writer and the founding editor of Ache. She completed her MA in Creative Writing at UEA and was a recipient of the Ink, Sweat and Tears Scholarship. Her poetry book The Strange Egg was published by The Emma Press and won the Michael Marks Award for Illustration.

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!