If you’re feeling the urge to write but don’t know where to begin, don’t worry. It’s completely normal! Many people feel that initial uncertainty. The first step is to let go of any pressure to write perfectly. Instead, focus on the fun and freedom that comes with creative writing. The key is to start small ..read more

Christmas is a time filled with joy, magic, and nostalgia. It’s an ideal setting for storytelling. Whether you’re writing a cosy holiday romance, a heartwarming family tale, or a magical adventure, crafting a Christmas-themed story can help unleash our creativity. But how can we capture the essence of the festive season while also telling a captivating story?    ..read more

At Derbyshire Writing School, we believe that your life is a treasure trove of stories waiting to be told. That’s why we created the Write About Your Life workbook. Packed with tips and prompts, we’re here to help you explore your memories and how to express your thoughts and feelings on paper ..read more

Have you ever read a book and felt like you were right there in the middle of the action seeing everything the characters do? That’s the magic of show, don’t tell. At its core, this concept means describing scenes, actions, and emotions in a way that paints a vivid picture for the reader instead of just stating facts. We are ‘showing’ the reader what it feels like, instead of ‘telling’ them ..read more

Imagine a place where you can share your writing triumphs, tackle your struggles, and find the motivation to keep going. Welcome to the world of writing groups. These groups are a supportive space that can help your creativity thrive and writers grow together. Whether you're an experienced author or just starting your creative writing journey, a writing group could be just what you need to take your work to the next level. Let's delve into what writing groups are all about and how they can empower us on our writing journeys.  What Are Writing Groups? A writing group is a community of wri ..read more

Today, we're delving into a crucial aspect of creative writing: structure. Whether you're an experienced author or just starting your literary adventure, mastering the art of structuring your writing can help elevate your work, give you confidence and make your story stand out. Here at Derbyshire Writing School, we believe having a solid framework for your words can be helpful in so many ways. That’s why we’ve put together some tips for adding structure to your writing. We hope they help bring your stories to life! Why Working On Structure Is So Valuable The art of structuring our writing is ..read more

I remember the first time I shared my writing. My hands were shaking, my heart was racing. I desperately wanted to hear what my peers had to say about my work, but at the same time, I was terrified. What if they hated it? What if my story was awful? What if they loved it? Receiving feedback is a key part of honing our craft as writers. However, it can often feel daunting or overwhelming. Whether you're an experienced author or just starting out, it can take a lot of creative courage to share your work. However, learning how to effectively deal with feedback is a powerful tool for growth and i ..read more

It’s that magical time of year again. Christmas trees, amazing arrays of lights on houses and festive songs making their way onto the radio. Whether you’re cooking Christmas dinner for friends and family or spending the festive season in the sun, there is plenty of inspiration to be found for our writing when it comes to Christmas. But where can we find that sprinkle of inspiration for our writing? What makes Christmas such a wonderful canvas for our writing and our creativity? We will explore these questions in this blog! 1.     Christmas Films And Music One of the most p ..read more

Have you ever had a day where you don’t feel like writing? Of course you have! It’s normal. We get it too. But we bet you also have this nagging voice inside you that wants to write. Even though you don’t feel like it. It’s good to listen to this voice. Nevertheless, writing can still feel hard. And this is where list writing comes in. You see writing a list feels easy. It feels achievable. It’s quick. And that’s why it’s magic. Here at Derbyshire Writing School we often use list writing as a warm-up for our writing workshops or courses. We love a list! It’s not only fun and easy. It’s got a ..read more

 As writers, ideas can come to us from anywhere: a photo, a conversation we overhear on the bus, a film. These fleeting moments can provide incredible sparks of creativity. Ideas are born when we sit on a train or go on a walk, as we move through our days our thoughts are working on our stories but be careful, these strikes of genius can be easily forgotten – unless you write them down – and that’s where the power of a writer’s journal comes in. But what exactly is a writer’s journal and what can we gain from keeping one? What benefits can it have for our writing? Let’s dive in and explo ..read more