Writer-in-Residence

The Spring's Writer in Residence, Claire Collison, will be running a variety of events around Havant over the coming months, including creative writing workshops, pop-up sessions, one-to-one writing surgeries, and a series of bespoke, Havant-shaped writing safaris.

An experienced writing tutor, Claire's published writing includes prize-winning short stories, poetry and a novel, 'Treading Water'.

There’ll be opportunities for all levels of writer - so whether you're an absolute beginner or advanced writer, do please get involved.

Click on the link to download a recent Q&A session with Claire (PDF file).

Click here to download the Writer-in-Residence event flyer.

AND claire would love to include examples of writing derived from this residency by workshop participants.  If you are happy to have your writing considered for inclusion on her blog - http://writinghavant.wordpress.com - then please email her at: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Attach your writing as a word.doc, including how you'd like to be credited (your name) and ensuring that your writing is spellchecked!

Sending Claire your work is taken as consent that you are happy to have it included in the blog.

Friday 7 October, 7.30pm, £3.50
Meet the Writer in Residence
You are invited to an informal evening of words and conversation with Claire Collison. Come along and discover what makes Claire tick, and why she's so excited to be in Havant. Learn more about what's planned during the residency, and what Claire can offer the writer in you.
Claire will be reading a selection of extracts from her poetry and fiction, answering your questions, and signing books.
Entry fee includes £1 off the cover price of Claire’s novel ‘Treading Water’ (available in the bookshop).

Writing The Town
Various Saturdays ,*11am - 5pm (except where stated), £17.50 (£12.50 conc.)
Treat yourself to a mind-spa of creative stimulation during four writing safari Saturdays. Following an initial session, where you'll be provided with prompts to inspire you, you'll be out and about and writing something brand new. Back indoors you'll be invited to share your writing for friendly, constructive feedback. By the end of the day, you'll leave with full notebooks, a renewed passion for writing and boosted confidence in your ability to tell a tale.  Whether poet, blogger or fiction writer - from first timers to the experienced - all with a love of words are welcome.  Bring a notebook and pens, a packed lunch, and come prepared to walk as well as write.  Complimentary afternoon tea and cake will be served.  
Each writing safari will be unique, so come to all four if you can:
Saturday 8 October - Writing The Town#1 - Meeting at 11am at The Spring
Saturday 22 October: Writing the Beach - Meeting at 11am at the ‘Inn on the Beach’, Hayling Island
Saturday 12 November: Writing the Park – Meeting at 10am at Staunton Country Park reception
Saturday 3 December: Writing The Town#2 - Meeting at 11am at The Spring

Friday 21 October 7 – 9pm, £3.50
Writing Workshop
Portraits: The Frozen Moment
Taking inspiration from Shirley Chubb's haunting installation One Hour, you'll be given hands-on writing exercises to help you build vivid word portraits of characters both real and invented. Bring along a photo of your own to work from, if you like.

Friday 28 October 2 – 4pm, £3.50
Writing Workshop
Museum Mischief or Write What You Know, What You Don't Know, and What You Didn't Know You Knew
Come along and mix up the true and the imagined to make something brand new and wholly your own. We'll be using objects from the museum as triggers for your imagination as well as your memory.

Writing Surgeries: one-to-one consultations
Friday 21 October, 3.30 – 4.00, 4.15 – 4.45, 5.00 – 5.30pm
Friday 28 October, 6.00 – 6.30, 6.45 – 7.15, 7.30 – 8.00pm
An opportunity for fiction writers to receive a valuable one-off feedback session from experienced tutor, Claire Collison - for free!  These half hour sessions must be booked in advance with This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it   Email, stating which day you would prefer, then, once your booking has been confirmed you'll send a maximum of 1,000 words at least one week before your appointment.  You might want to include some brief additional information about genre, context etc.