In this workshop, you will discover how visual art techniques can inform and expand your writing practice. You will learn drawing techniques to help free your mind before sitting down to write or to generate fresh ideas. You will learn how to apply these exercises to help you when you’ve got writer’s block or are feeling stuck. 

What will you do in the workshop?

The workshop will be a mix of drawing and writing exercises with time for short discussions.  

 You should bring a short poem or up to a page of prose you are working on that you feel stuck with or that you would like to delve into from a different perspective. If you do not have something you’d like to bring, don’t worry, Megan will be providing alternative prompts.  

You will also need 6 sheets of sketch paper or a sketchbook (A4 size) with pencils and pens of any kind, whatever takes your fancy. 

What can you expect?

You’ll free up your mind with short, guided automated drawing exercises with writing tasks in response. We will first look at some examples of automatic drawing from Surrealists such as Hilma af Klint, André Masson and Joan Miró. Megan will also share some of her own automatic drawings.  

Responding either to your own work in progress or to one of Megan’s prompts, you will be led through a longer drawing exercise to help you flesh out your scene or move through writer’s block. 

Who is this workshop for?

This workshop is for any writer who is interested in alternative ways to expand and support their work. It would also suit visual artists exploring writing for the first time. No drawing experience necessary!  

This workshop is part of our Developing Tutors series. 

What is Developing Tutors?

Developing Tutors is a series of free workshops delivered by London Writers Awards writers who are talented writers looking to grow their workshop delivery experience. We ask that you only book for one workshop in this season.  

A note about this being free

This workshop has a limited capacity and is free to you. We ask that you only book a space if you are committed to attending. By doing this, you are supporting Spread the Word to continue to offer free workshops.

Access Notice 

• If you require BSL interpretation to take part, please email us at [email protected] by Monday 17 October and we’ll try to secure BSL interpretation for you. Spread the Word will cover this cost.

• We’ll send through any reading seven days in advance. We can create adapted handouts to writers attending our workshops and events by request.

• If you have additional access needs or questions, please email us on [email protected]