This short post is intended for readers who are writers, or who want to write.
I’d like to introduce a new project that I’ve developed, a virtual co-working space for writers.
This zoom based writers’ room provides a structured environment to get things done.
The room is open for anyone who is making a commitment to themselves to write. For those with an ongoing project, or a clear plan of what they want to write, or who just want to create a space for their intention to write and give it a shot.
I’m a professional editor. I’m also attempting to write a screenplay, and constantly adding to my “poems it might be worth doing something with” file, in addition to my regular pieces here.
The reason I became an editor is I love to cultivate talent. I like to be around people who are writing, who are attempting to bring something out of the darkness, into the light.
The creative process, the process from obscurity to clarity, is like the journey of gold from its natural state to a finished piece of jewellery. First the mining, the digging in the depths. Then sifting, differentiating the good stuff from the dross. Then giving form to the material. And finally polishing.
Writing is hard. At least, it is for me. Especially starting. The part when I have to drag my sorry arse down into the dark mine to begin chipping away at a wall of rock. Often, I will seek ways to avoid getting down to it. And yet I can’t drop it. I can smell gold. So, I may as well just accept it is something I need to do, commit myself to it, and create the time and conditions to make it possible to fulfil that commitment.
In common with most other writers, it is easier for me to write when I have a structured space and time in which to get down to it.
It is also easier for me to write when I am aware that other people around me are doing something similar.
So, that’s why I am providing a writers’ room, a place we can gather to get on with our writing.
The aim is not to provide a forum for us to share our creations, and there is no expectation that people will do so, but I am happy if these groups help build networks of support. Whatever else, I do expect that being present together will give encouragement to us in our writing.
This is how it works:
· Weekly scheduled sessions on Zoom. Each session is four hours. This time is divided into periods of 30 minutes, with short breaks of 5-10 minutes between each period.
· Participants can log in and out of the room whenever they want. There are no rules about arriving for the beginning or staying until the end. However, I suggest that people joining the room for the first time arrive early in case there are any technical problems or questions.
· Sessions are silent. Cameras can be on or off according to personal preference. I introduce the start, announce breaks, and close it at the end. I might include an optional soundtrack of instrumental music.
· On a live google sheet we record, in real-time, our aims for the session, and review our progress.
· After the end of the writing time, we can stay and mingle, unmuted.
· Sessions are provided on a donation basis. You donate whatever amount represents the session’s value to you.
Here’s how to enrol:
The first session is Wednesday 3rd August, 09:00 to 13:00 UK time. Then at the same time every subsequent Wednesday.
Send me an email: eudaimonservices@gmail.com Subject: Writers’ Room.
I’ll need your email address (and a name) to send the zoom invite to you, and to include you on the google sheet for the session.
Contact me if you have any questions
David