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Inspired by solstice cultural traditions from across the globe, this generative one-day writing workshop invites participants to draw upon creative ideas from an international array of practices, poems, texts, songs, and images based on the longest night of the year and the return to lengthening days.

Participants will receive creative writing prompts and exercises that encourage them to contemplate the magic of darkness, to be energised by the creativity that hides within it, and to consider intentional personal rituals.

As communities worldwide revel in wintery traditions and the commodification of the holiday seasons continues at full speed, this workshop is a celebration of stillness, regrowth, and self-reflection. It is suitable for beginner and seasoned writers, for those who adore or feel divorced from Christmas traditions, and for those wishing to write a story as a handmade gift for a loved one.

Online 8:30 am -11:30 pm Morning Workshop (with optional 1-hour extra of readings and discussion):

This 3-hour Zoom-based workshop is open to those who wish to cosy up in their home as they write. It starts at 8.30 am Berlin time so participants may write into the coming light. (That’s 7:30 am for UK/GMT participants.) Finish with optional readings and a toast with whatever drink is beside one’s laptop!

“And don’t think the garden loses its ecstasy in winter. It’s quiet, but the roots are down there, riotous.” Rumi

DIVYA GHELANI holds an MA in Creative Writing from the University of East Anglia and an MPhil in Literary Studies from the University of Hong Kong. Her novel-in-progress has been longlisted and shortlisted for four literary awards. She lives between the UK and Berlin and was a Programme Associate for the UK’s leading literary salon, the Word Factory. She has published short stories and judged story and flash fiction competitions. Divya is currently an AHRC CHASE-funded PhD scholar in Literature and Creative Writing at The University of East Anglia. She is represented by Abi Fellows at DHH Literary Agency.