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inkpots.org Helping young people feel good about themselves through a shared love of books, reading and storytelling

Helping young people feel good about themselves through a shared love of books, reading and storytelling – call Gill Pawley on 07771 231563

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2016-03-20-0001

By Gill Pawley on March 20, 2016 in

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Avatar Finbar Hawkins @finbar_hawkins·

Next week sees the launch of this cracking Wallace & Gromit adventure I've been honoured to be part of. 👇👇 https://twitter.com/thebigfixup/status/1350129520800620545

Wallace & Gromit: The Big Fix Up@thebigfixup

@thebigfixup will be available for download on Monday. Prepare for launch by listening to this cracking podcast by @bbcworldservice - featuring @aardman's Nick Park, @ernyberny, @finbar_hawkins and more! https://bbc.in/3nQpsqy

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Avatar Inkpots @Inkpots1·

So lovely to see blue skies and some winter sunshine today. It’s been a hard week for lots of us - we’ve faced some challenges with lack of motivation here at Inkpots and lots of chat about that with our young people. Hope we all have a peaceful weekend.

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Avatar Inkpots @Inkpots1·

We have a free handy download available on our website for any young writers who are looking for inspiration to keep stories flowing. Top tips from our favourite authors included. https://buff.ly/38daoih

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Retweet on Twitter Inkpots Retweeted

Avatar Frank Cottrell-Boyce @frankcottrell_b·

If I did this a week today (Thursday 21st) on Youtube at 1.30 would you all come. You could send in questions before hand. I could do shout-outs. what do you reckon? https://twitter.com/frankcottrell_b/status/1349639862576685056

Frank Cottrell-Boyce@frankcottrell_b

Teachers / Homeschoolers - Cosmic seems to be having a moment. I'm getting many requests to film myself reading a chapter etc. Happy to do so.
Is there a platform where I could do something more fun - like a big live session? I know many schools can't access Insta

Reply on Twitter 1349761096090071047 Retweet on Twitter 134976109609007104767 Like on Twitter 1349761096090071047228 Twitter 1349761096090071047

Retweet on Twitter Inkpots Retweeted

Avatar Sarah Philp @sarahphilpcoach·

Tough week? I’ve heard that a lot from all directions this week. The first of 4 weekly guided relaxations goes out tomorrow. Time to reset your nervous system & head into the weekend feeling calmer, centred and present.
sign up below👇🏼

https://mailchi.mp/e5debd4f584f/guided-relaxation-series

Reply on Twitter 1349787193036963840 Retweet on Twitter 134978719303696384019 Like on Twitter 134978719303696384039 Twitter 1349787193036963840

Follow us on Instagram

This quote from @brenebrown really resonates with

This quote from @brenebrown really resonates with us. Especially as we go deeper into Lockdown 3. More than ever, we believe that young people's voices should be heard. But that will only happen when they feel secure in the support around them. ⁠
.⁠
We all need connection. We all need to feel valued and safe.⁠
.⁠
It's what we aim for at Inkpots. And it's why we now have three weekly online groups for different ages from 9 - 15 years.⁠
.⁠
There's more information on our website (and the link is in our bio. And you can also book in a free no obligation call with Gill to find out even more.

Here we go again - another week in a lockdown whic

Here we go again - another week in a lockdown which is affecting our young people so much. It feels so different this time around and we’re all having to dig a bit deeper into our reserves of energy and resilience.
.
Last year, creativity and creative projects helped us through. This time around, we’re encouraging young people to write things down to help process their emotions. This may be in the form of keeping a diary, losing themselves in creating their own story worlds, writing poetry and making comics. This is all vital for good mental health - and it’s really good fun too!
.
We have a free download available which is packed full of tips for young writers from us, and also from authors who have visited our online groups recently. The link is in our bio and here too: https://inkpots.org/creative-writing-tips/

We are starting two new online Inkpots groups for

We are starting two new online Inkpots groups for 2021. These will run weekly during terms time - Wednesdays for children in school year 5 and Thursdays for those in school years 6 and 7.⁠
.⁠
Like all our workshops and programmes, these groups will have kindness at their hearts and will provide a safe, creative space for young writers. We also have lots of fun!⁠
.⁠
More information is on our website - if you are interested in finding out more you can also book a free no obligation chat with Gill too. Both links are in our bio.

Happy new year! . Wishing you small pockets of joy

Happy new year!
.
Wishing you small pockets of joy every day. 🤎

Back on the Gram after our Christmas break. All th

Back on the Gram after our Christmas break. All the chocolate has almost gone (just the bountys left?) and sleep has been caught up on. There’s also a new planner in the house, just waiting to be filled up.
.
Hope you have had a lovely time in these different circumstances and navigating your way through Twixtmas. If you are looking for creative inspiration for young writers just now, do pop over to our bio where we have a free download for this very thing.
.
Link here too: https://inkpots.org/christmas-holiday-activities/

Signing off for a few days - wishing you all a pea

Signing off for a few days - wishing you all a peaceful and happy few days too. Thank you for being here in 2020 and for all the support.
.
Here’s to a much better (and creative) 2021! ❤️

It is always wonderful to receive feedback like th

It is always wonderful to receive feedback like this from extremely supportive families. But I am very lucky to work with the most wonderful young people.
.
They have been amazing this year. Full of resilience and determination but also bringing lots of fun and joy to Inkpots.
.
Wishing all our members - past and present - the happiest possible Christmas. And a much better 2021! ❤️

As the school Christmas holidays start properly, w

As the school Christmas holidays start properly, we are delighted to be sharing a free booklet of creative writing tips for young writers.
.
We’ve been honoured by some wonderful visits from authors and artists in the past few months, who have shared some fabulous creative advice with us.
.
So we’ve taken our notes from those sessions, sprinkled a few ideas of our own in there and created a handy booklet.
.
Grab your copy now by visiting the link in our bio or going to our website: https://inkpots.org/christmas-holiday-activities/

This is the first Christmas for many years that I’ll be at home as I’m usually away visiting family. I love seeing how other countries celebrate the season but this year, I’ll be appreciating the local area. In particular, the chance to catch up safely with lovely friends.
.
Hope that you find silver linings this weekend too.

Me age about 8. I loved that dress. The haircut wh

Me age about 8. I loved that dress. The haircut which was to stay with for years, less so. But I also loved books and reading and had recently been introduced to the joys of the local library by a friend’s mum. For Christmas, I would be hoping for book tokens to be spent in the strange bit between Christmas and New Year. I was an introvert within a big extended family of extroverts and books were my refuge.
.
Little did I know that all that reading would lead me into a future career and a love of books which has seldom failed me.
.
Reading far and wide is one of the foundations of good writing. As part of our Creative Christmas tips, we’re sharing some of our favourite books of 2020. Check our stories today for the details.

I’m currently working away on some creative good

I’m currently working away on some creative goodies for everyone for over the Christmas holidays. While I’ve been writing, I’ve been coming up with all kinds of ideas to share this week too. These will all be for teen and tween writers and creatives and will be good for activities during the holidays.
.
First up tomorrow I’ll be sharing the tricks of the editorial trade - quick ideas to help stories (and school work for that matter) flow that bit better.

Someone recently referred to me as a creative chee

Someone recently referred to me as a creative cheerleader and it’s title I rather like! Are you one too?
.
Not everyone finds it easy to share their writing or other creative projects. It makes us feel very vulnerable and therefore it’s easier (and safer) to stay quiet.
.
But this year especially it’s so important that we hear from young people. Their voices and stories need to shared so that we can move into 2021 with clarity and positivity.
.
At Inkpots, we have a safe space for young people and their work. I also know that many of my colleagues in this area of work are doing amazing projects for young people too.
.
So let’s do some cheerleading for the wonderful young people in our lives whose creativity should be celebrated and nurtured!

Last week of Inkpots groups this week before Chris

Last week of Inkpots groups this week before Christmas so we’re breaking out another favourite from our archives.
.
This photo is particularly pertinent as so many of our members love baking and are really proficient. Watch out Bake Off!
.
When we get visitors to our groups we ask them two things - if they can recommend a book for everyone to read, and what their favourite cake is. Important details!
.
Have a happy Monday.

We talk a lot about the shifting of the seasons, a

We talk a lot about the shifting of the seasons, and cycles of creativity at Inkpots.
.
Observing nature, understanding the way that things shift and change and are never really constant helps with writing and understanding storytelling.
.
But knowing our own creative cycles also helps us ease up on ourselves - helping with being gentler and kinder to ourselves too.
.
We can’t always be turning out perfect writing and illustrations. We need time to reboot our internal batteries. Our imaginations benefit from the quiet times as well as periods of inspiration.
.
We need a winter of creative hibernation.

Inkpots is based in Sussex, close to the foot of t

Inkpots is based in Sussex, close to the foot of the South Downs and not at all far from the sea. But since the middle of March, and the arrival of the corona virus, where we are no longer limits who we can reach.
.
All our workshops, programmes and 1:1 sessions are delivered online now and will remain that what way for the foreseeable future. That’s not to say we won’t go back to running sessions face-to-face, but we’ve learned so much about the power of our community and the kinds of communication which work well.
.
Offering online groups has always been part of a longer term plan but I could never see quite how it would work. But Covid made me think again - and act quickly. We’re learning all the time!
.
Mary Portas talks of infusing every touchpoint with empathy, connection and a sense of occasion, which I just love.

Load More... Follow on Instagram

This quote from @brenebrown really resonates with

This quote from @brenebrown really resonates with us. Especially as we go deeper into Lockdown 3. More than ever, we believe that young people's voices should be heard. But that will only happen when they feel secure in the support around them. ⁠
.⁠
We all need connection. We all need to feel valued and safe.⁠
.⁠
It's what we aim for at Inkpots. And it's why we now have three weekly online groups for different ages from 9 - 15 years.⁠
.⁠
There's more information on our website (and the link is in our bio. And you can also book in a free no obligation call with Gill to find out even more.

Here we go again - another week in a lockdown whic

Here we go again - another week in a lockdown which is affecting our young people so much. It feels so different this time around and we’re all having to dig a bit deeper into our reserves of energy and resilience.
.
Last year, creativity and creative projects helped us through. This time around, we’re encouraging young people to write things down to help process their emotions. This may be in the form of keeping a diary, losing themselves in creating their own story worlds, writing poetry and making comics. This is all vital for good mental health - and it’s really good fun too!
.
We have a free download available which is packed full of tips for young writers from us, and also from authors who have visited our online groups recently. The link is in our bio and here too: https://inkpots.org/creative-writing-tips/

We are starting two new online Inkpots groups for

We are starting two new online Inkpots groups for 2021. These will run weekly during terms time - Wednesdays for children in school year 5 and Thursdays for those in school years 6 and 7.⁠
.⁠
Like all our workshops and programmes, these groups will have kindness at their hearts and will provide a safe, creative space for young writers. We also have lots of fun!⁠
.⁠
More information is on our website - if you are interested in finding out more you can also book a free no obligation chat with Gill too. Both links are in our bio.

Happy new year! . Wishing you small pockets of joy

Happy new year!
.
Wishing you small pockets of joy every day. 🤎

Back on the Gram after our Christmas break. All th

Back on the Gram after our Christmas break. All the chocolate has almost gone (just the bountys left?) and sleep has been caught up on. There’s also a new planner in the house, just waiting to be filled up.
.
Hope you have had a lovely time in these different circumstances and navigating your way through Twixtmas. If you are looking for creative inspiration for young writers just now, do pop over to our bio where we have a free download for this very thing.
.
Link here too: https://inkpots.org/christmas-holiday-activities/

Signing off for a few days - wishing you all a pea

Signing off for a few days - wishing you all a peaceful and happy few days too. Thank you for being here in 2020 and for all the support.
.
Here’s to a much better (and creative) 2021! ❤️

It is always wonderful to receive feedback like th

It is always wonderful to receive feedback like this from extremely supportive families. But I am very lucky to work with the most wonderful young people.
.
They have been amazing this year. Full of resilience and determination but also bringing lots of fun and joy to Inkpots.
.
Wishing all our members - past and present - the happiest possible Christmas. And a much better 2021! ❤️

As the school Christmas holidays start properly, w

As the school Christmas holidays start properly, we are delighted to be sharing a free booklet of creative writing tips for young writers.
.
We’ve been honoured by some wonderful visits from authors and artists in the past few months, who have shared some fabulous creative advice with us.
.
So we’ve taken our notes from those sessions, sprinkled a few ideas of our own in there and created a handy booklet.
.
Grab your copy now by visiting the link in our bio or going to our website: https://inkpots.org/christmas-holiday-activities/

This is the first Christmas for many years that I’ll be at home as I’m usually away visiting family. I love seeing how other countries celebrate the season but this year, I’ll be appreciating the local area. In particular, the chance to catch up safely with lovely friends.
.
Hope that you find silver linings this weekend too.

Me age about 8. I loved that dress. The haircut wh

Me age about 8. I loved that dress. The haircut which was to stay with for years, less so. But I also loved books and reading and had recently been introduced to the joys of the local library by a friend’s mum. For Christmas, I would be hoping for book tokens to be spent in the strange bit between Christmas and New Year. I was an introvert within a big extended family of extroverts and books were my refuge.
.
Little did I know that all that reading would lead me into a future career and a love of books which has seldom failed me.
.
Reading far and wide is one of the foundations of good writing. As part of our Creative Christmas tips, we’re sharing some of our favourite books of 2020. Check our stories today for the details.

I’m currently working away on some creative good

I’m currently working away on some creative goodies for everyone for over the Christmas holidays. While I’ve been writing, I’ve been coming up with all kinds of ideas to share this week too. These will all be for teen and tween writers and creatives and will be good for activities during the holidays.
.
First up tomorrow I’ll be sharing the tricks of the editorial trade - quick ideas to help stories (and school work for that matter) flow that bit better.

Someone recently referred to me as a creative chee

Someone recently referred to me as a creative cheerleader and it’s title I rather like! Are you one too?
.
Not everyone finds it easy to share their writing or other creative projects. It makes us feel very vulnerable and therefore it’s easier (and safer) to stay quiet.
.
But this year especially it’s so important that we hear from young people. Their voices and stories need to shared so that we can move into 2021 with clarity and positivity.
.
At Inkpots, we have a safe space for young people and their work. I also know that many of my colleagues in this area of work are doing amazing projects for young people too.
.
So let’s do some cheerleading for the wonderful young people in our lives whose creativity should be celebrated and nurtured!

Last week of Inkpots groups this week before Chris

Last week of Inkpots groups this week before Christmas so we’re breaking out another favourite from our archives.
.
This photo is particularly pertinent as so many of our members love baking and are really proficient. Watch out Bake Off!
.
When we get visitors to our groups we ask them two things - if they can recommend a book for everyone to read, and what their favourite cake is. Important details!
.
Have a happy Monday.

We talk a lot about the shifting of the seasons, a

We talk a lot about the shifting of the seasons, and cycles of creativity at Inkpots.
.
Observing nature, understanding the way that things shift and change and are never really constant helps with writing and understanding storytelling.
.
But knowing our own creative cycles also helps us ease up on ourselves - helping with being gentler and kinder to ourselves too.
.
We can’t always be turning out perfect writing and illustrations. We need time to reboot our internal batteries. Our imaginations benefit from the quiet times as well as periods of inspiration.
.
We need a winter of creative hibernation.

Inkpots is based in Sussex, close to the foot of t

Inkpots is based in Sussex, close to the foot of the South Downs and not at all far from the sea. But since the middle of March, and the arrival of the corona virus, where we are no longer limits who we can reach.
.
All our workshops, programmes and 1:1 sessions are delivered online now and will remain that what way for the foreseeable future. That’s not to say we won’t go back to running sessions face-to-face, but we’ve learned so much about the power of our community and the kinds of communication which work well.
.
Offering online groups has always been part of a longer term plan but I could never see quite how it would work. But Covid made me think again - and act quickly. We’re learning all the time!
.
Mary Portas talks of infusing every touchpoint with empathy, connection and a sense of occasion, which I just love.

Load More... Follow on Instagram

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