I can offer the set workshops listed below, and am equally happy to develop bespoke writing workshops, so please do contact me if you have any suggestions or to negotiate a fee (my email is rachel@createdtoread.com).
- Creative Writing: Inspiration from Art (2 hours)
- An Introduction to Blogging (2 or 3 hours)
- An Introduction to Book Blogging (2 or 3 hours)
- How to Create a Writer’s Website (2 or 3 hours)
- Creative Writing Inspired by the Poetry of Edward Thomas (2 hours)
I have several years’ experience of planning and delivering learning activities for adults, and for children of all ages, including special interest or community groups. I have developed workshops on a wide range of topics, including creative writing, storytelling, local history and literacy.
I’m now a part time tutor at Cardiff University, teaching creative writing to undergraduate students. From 2017 to 2020 I delivered a monthly community writing workshop (From Paint to Page: An Ekphrastic Writing Group) at The Gate Arts Centre.
I completed an MA in Creative Writing in 2019 (at Manchester Met) which included an elective module on teaching creative writing. I studied English Literature and Creative Writing at the University of Wales, Aberystwyth, where I gained a First-class honours degree in 2006. Since then I have also completed a short, accredited course in teaching adults (Preparing to Teach in Post Compulsory Education and Training), and I am now studying for a PhD in Creative Writing.
Recent Workshops
- Art & Words – 2021 – In partnership with National Museum Cardiff (as part of my PhD research) I delivered ten online creative writing workshops for a group of people living in Rhondda Cynon Taf, writing poems in response to works of art from the museum’s collection.
- My Creative Time – November 2020 – I was commissioned by Voluntary Arts Wales (now called ‘Creative Lives’) to run a workshop with a local community group. The resulting poems were published in an anthology. Scroll down to read feedback from the participants…
- An Introduction to Blogging – January 2021 – I ran a workshop for fellow SWWDTP funded PhD students
- Virtual Poet in Residence – 27th June 2020 – As part of a virtual poet in residence project at the Cynon Valley Museum I delivered a free online workshop, encouraging people to seek inspiration from their online art exhibitions.
- 8th September 2018 – An Introduction to Blogging – part of Cardiff Book Festival
- 16th October 2018 – A Charles Byrd Story Trail workshop – part of the Made in Roath festival, working with artist Sharon Magill
- 14th-21st October 2018 – Crossing Points – An exhibition of photographs and poems – part of the Made in Roath festival
Testimonials from the ‘My Creative Time’ project, where I ran an introductory poetry workshop for members of a local drawing group:
“Rachel introduced us to a style of poetry that was completely new to me in a very clear and interactive way. Examples of other poets’ work were shown to help us understand the concepts she was talking about.”
“I have never given poetry much thought in the past so I wasn’t too sure what to expect. I found the session so interesting and was quite surprised as to what appeared on the page after writing continuously for a few minutes without stopping to work out what to say next. Thanks for an enjoyable new experience.”
“It was interesting to interpret how I felt about this painting, and its place in my life experience, into written words. Rachel was so helpful in guiding me to hone it down to its final version. I enjoyed the process enormously.”
“Rachel Carney used effective techniques as ways to start the poetry writing experience”
Testimonials from members of the monthly writing group:
“I like the structure of the session… We get a lot in but it doesn’t seem like a rush. I like reading the poems and discussing them – gradually seeing more in both the poem and the picture. I have enjoyed discovering new poets, or ones I have vaguely heard of but not read much of, and I follow them up after the session”
“The atmosphere is welcoming and the format, of discussing a poem/related imagery at the start before seeking inspiration from the walls of The Gate gently shifts the mindset to being ready to be inspired. By the time we are writing to whatever art has caught our eye, the exchanges about the sample pieces has opened the mental flow to receive ideas. And the extent to which the individual writers ‘lose themselves’ in the picture they are inspired by, or express their customary personal inclinations/style through the filter of the chosen prompt image is always intriguing. I have my own ‘drive’ as a writer but attend workshops to see what comes of it. And what comes is writing that would not/could not exist without the spark the sessions provide.”
“I’m always impressed with the research done before the session- I learn about poets and artists as well as improve my writing.”
Testimonials from attendees of a recent workshop ‘Creative Writing: Inspiration from Art’:
“I enjoyed the use of art to act as a stimulus to writing, and the use of questions to springboard work as it took me in unexpected directions. Really enjoyed it, thank you!”
“Really good session, great to learn new techniques I can use personally and professionally. The questions method in a limited time got me thinking very differently.”
Testimonials from attendees of ‘An Introduction to Blogging’:
“Rachel was super lovely and engaging, the session felt friendly whilst still being very informative”
“All of it was very useful, especially the examples shown.”
“I have learned a lot about the technical aspects of setting up a blog, but also about the importance of tailoring (writing) style to your audiences etc. – I was a complete novice before!”
“I hadn’t really thought about the more practical benefits of a blog… so it was very encouraging to learn about how blogging can help to foster connections and open up new opportunities! I found the practical tips on how to start a blog… very helpful as well.”
