ARTFULSCRIBE C.I.C.

Two free two-hour workshops for mothers with babies to express their stories through creative writing. Part of Jane Austen 250 celebrations.

There is a moment, somewhere between the night feeds and the endless lists when you realise your own voice has gone quiet. Balancing our needs as a woman with the demands of being a mother can be challenging, but that voice isn’t gone, it’s just waiting.

Together, we’ll explore quick, expressive ways to write — from creating typography portraits and found poetry to responding to images and moments from everyday life. You’ll find inspiration in the small, beautiful mundanities that fill our days, transforming them into honest, resonant poetry — like the work of Hollie McNish and Tanya Markul.

There are two sessions which take place as follows, and we encourage you to attend both if you can:

Tuesday 6 January, 11am-1pm

Tuesday 27 January, 11am-1pm

Both at Lordshill Library.

These sessions are for mothers with babies aged 0-12 months who would like to connect with like-minded people and tell their own stories on their own terms about living and working in Southampton today. You are welcome to attend with or without your baby. You don't need to have read Jane Austen's books, nor do you need experience in creative writing. Anyone who identifies as a woman and a mother is welcome.

These workshops will be led by Adeola Sheehey, assisted by Liz Garland.

These creative writing workshops are two of a series taking place across Southampton as part of the Jane Austen 250 celebrations. The project is supported by Southampton Forward, National Lottery Heritage Fund and Foyle Foundation as part of Jane Austen 250.