Okay, so looks like “summer” isn’t happening anytime soon. That’s okay. (No, it’s not!) But we’re all in this together, trying to get dressed for four seasons every day, sweating/freezing/looking hideous, so at least there’s that. And there’s lots of cool things to do this month that are not weather dependent, that I hand-picked for you.
5 things to do when July gives early autumn vibes:
Since the weather is not on our side, why not get a bit crafty and try one of the wonderful printing workshops with Typewronger this month. From risograph printing, badge-making, poster design and recycled monotype printing, it’s an afternoon well spend and you come away with something to hang on your wall. Win-win.
Last month I was invited to read some prose at the lovely Lost in Leith bar and discovered that they also host a monthly writing workshop called the Chicken Coop Writing Group, which meets on the last Tuesday of the month. Founded by Naomi Head, Edinburgh-based freelance writer and poet, it is for writers of all levels and genres to hatch new ideas and get words on paper.
But if you rather want to sit back and enjoy literature passively, Lighthouse Bookshop is hosting the STEWED RHUBARB: SUMMER POETRY PARTY which sounds like a most pleasant afternoon in their garden.
If the weather isn’t the only thing that is clouding your mind this month, author Briana Pegado and spiritual mindset coach Marina Oswald are hosting a very special two day workshop around the theme of “clarity”. “Our values help us unearth the core of who we are. When we have clarity around our values, we understand ourselves at our deepest level and by putting those values into practice, we can bring our lives into alignment in magical ways. This inner clarity supports an inner peace that helps us live in magical alignment with our purpose.” You can book tickets here.
Lastly after all it is summer and dancing is mandatory, this one is for sure one of my favourite club nights in Edinburgh. Former residents at Sneaky Pete’s Miss World is now presenting in a brand new setting at Summerhall. This month’s line-up is as eclectic as they come (think breaks to hardcore, donk and hyperpop) but if dancing is your goal, Miss World never misses.
Special mention:
You may not know this about me but besides curating The Edinburgh Muse every month, I do actually write literary essays/ memoir / short prose over on The Muse Letter. And since last year I have also been teaching creative writing classes online.
In September I am opening up my “How to Write an Essay Collection in 6 Months” class again. If you’re interested in spending autumn/winter working on a book project within a supportive community and finally get that idea on paper, then click here for more information.
This is what former students have said:
“Sophia's class is a breath of fresh air. The sessions are inspiring, nurturing and informative, and her advice is broad (and highly knowledgable) yet tailored to the individual and their specific writing goals. Her enthusiasm for her craft is infectious, and she genuinely wants to see us succeed with our writing. I highly recommend it!”
(Lucy Siddall, currently enrolled in the English autumn/winter class)
“This writing class not only provides a great structure, but also accompanies you in a step-by-step approach through the process of writing. Above all, it helps you to take your ideas and writing plans seriously.”
(Fabian Hartje, currently enrolled in the German autumn/winter class)
“The essay class is a great way to motivate yourself, find a sense of community and get some invaluable insights into the writing process and how others deal with its challenges. I'm glad I am a part of it. Getting to know so many other inspiring writers, each with their own stories to tell, is probably the best bit. I can't wait to read the end result of everyone's labour.”
(Tun de Jong, currently enrolled in the English autumn/winter class)
“I came to Sophia's workshop by way of Instagram and her memoir "Things I have loved", which was a thing I loved! So, I jumped at the chance to join her workshop. I found the first session super informative and generative, particularly the breakdown of different essay structures and ideas for prompts. The second session was amazing; hearing the submissions from the other participants and giving and receiving feedback - was pretty inspiring. I enjoyed the experience so much that I signed up for the June Session: "Writing Our Hearts Out", and June cannot come fast enough. I'd recommend Sophia's workshops to anyone curious about starting a writing practice or to more established writers looking for a welcoming place to exchange ideas.”
(Becky Cawley-Hassall, former student)
I hope you got something out of this month’s list.
And if you did, why not click on the heart to let others know or forward this to a friend?
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