"Somewhere between the continuing COVID dramas [...] my writing hasn't really happened." I wrote this on my Facebook page in January 2021. Depressingly, I could have written exactly the same thing in January 2022. Between lockdowns, school closures and self-isolations, plus all of the other dramas and illnesses involved in normal family life (which included … Continue reading 2021: Review of the year
Lockerbie Writers: Reflections on the last six years (2015 – 2021)
By Kerrie McKinnel, Events Manager This year, Lockerbie Writers is going through something of a shift of membership. As I prepare to take my own step back, it seems like the perfect opportunity to reflect on my time with the group. First, let me ask you a question. Have you ever said these words? “I’ve … Continue reading Lockerbie Writers: Reflections on the last six years (2015 – 2021)
2020: A Year of Writing (Or trying to!)
"2020 unwritten … will this be the year you write your story?" This quote came from one of my Facebook posts back in January 2020. Before the world began to use the words "lockdown" and "socially distanced" on a daily basis, I was ready for the new year - and ready to make it a … Continue reading 2020: A Year of Writing (Or trying to!)
Story Factory at Shambellie: Writer’s block, multi-writing and generating new ideas, July 2019
Do you suffer from writer's block? Need some help coming up with new ideas? And what on earth is multi-writing?! Participants at our sell-out workshop were about to find out ... It had been a sunny week to say the least, with the year's hottest temperatures so far recorded only a couple of days earlier. … Continue reading Story Factory at Shambellie: Writer’s block, multi-writing and generating new ideas, July 2019
How to Write a Short Story in One Day: Short Story Factory at Shambellie House, June 2019
Could you write a short story in one day? Participants at our sell-out writing workshop were ready to give it a go! Read on to find out how they got on ... After a week of mixed weather, Saturday 1st June dawned bright and calm, ready for the first ever Short Story Factory workshop. Shambellie … Continue reading How to Write a Short Story in One Day: Short Story Factory at Shambellie House, June 2019
How to Write a Short Story: 5 top tips from published writers
Want to write a short story but not sure where to start? What is the best way to find inspiration? And are there any short cuts? In this special blog post, published and established writers share their top tips for writing a short story. Read on for their five top tips! You know the feeling. … Continue reading How to Write a Short Story: 5 top tips from published writers
Writing Place at Shambellie House (March 2019)
If I had to pick one venue to inspire me to write, Shambellie House would be on the list! Situated near New Abbey and an easy drive from Dumfries, this atmospheric country house was originally a family home. In more recent years it became the National Museum for Costume, before they closed their doors in … Continue reading Writing Place at Shambellie House (March 2019)
Wee Writers at Moat Brae (Spring 2019)
March 2019 saw another brand new venture for me - creative writing groups for little ones and their grown-ups! Over the course of three weeks, I was lucky enough to have the chance to try out a mixture of workshops in the Garden Room at Moat Brae (Peter Pan House, Dumfries). Although the room is … Continue reading Wee Writers at Moat Brae (Spring 2019)
New Writing (March 2019)
Theme: Strong Women In the second of our New Writing workshops, we visited the Devil's Porridge in Eastriggs (27th March 2019). What a fantastic venue - warm, comfortable and spacious - everything you need to produce a great story! The theme of the morning was 'Strong Women', with a mixture of writing games and exercises … Continue reading New Writing (March 2019)
New Writing (January 2019)
Theme: New Year, New Writing I do love a new writing workshop - and this literally WAS a "new writing" workshop! Despite the grey January weather, six enthusiastic writers (plus one busy, happy toddler!) came along on Saturday 19th January 2019 to Lockerbie Library/DG Customer Services Lockerbie - ready for tea, coffee, biscuits, and to … Continue reading New Writing (January 2019)
Kerrie McKinnel 