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Practice 2

By Gill Pawley on February 16, 2021 in

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Practice workshop

Jess Bradley workshop

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Gill Pawley 👋 Supporting young people on reading and writing journeys - and with well-being too📝workshops 🚀Bespoke mentoring. Email: gill@inkpots.org she/her

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Avatar Lucas Maxwell @lucasjmaxwell·

A reading list for students headed to Year 7:

https://bit.ly/3OB7Mgu

Feat.
@alake_writes @jackdraws @Aoife_Dooley @abigailbalfe @lilylamotte @tbradman @_KnightsOf @scholasticuk @AndersenPress #edutwitter #greatschoollibraries #readingforpleasure #school #education #teacher

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Avatar Joanna Nissel @Jo_Nissel·

We're nearing the half way mark for the amount of responses I wanted to hit - you've got until the 30th September, but if you have time sooner, taking 5-10 mins to respond to this now would be greatly appreciated!

Massive thank yous to those who have got in touch so far. https://twitter.com/Jo_Nissel/status/1521401871243620354

Joanna Nissel@Jo_Nissel

UK-based poets – please read this thread 🧵and get involved if you can. As poets, we often go through a lot of trial and error in terms of finding the right mentor to help us develop our craft. To an extent, this may always be true. But…

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Avatar SF Said@whatSFSaid·

I believe EVERY CHILD can be a writer. Every child has a story to tell. And writers are really just readers who take one more step, and write the stories they want to read themselves. So every writer is a reader - and every reader can be a writer! #NationalWritingDay

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Avatar Little Tiger Group @LittleTigerUK·

The third book in the Diary of an Accidental Witch series, Ghostly Getaway is publishing this August! We cannot wait!

Written by @perditact @HonorCargillM
Illustrated by @illustratormum
Cover Design by @sophie_bransby
#Diaryofanaccidentalwitch

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Avatar Inkpots @Inkpots1·

We are so lucky to meet some wonderful authors at our Thursday online club. Thank you so much @JennyMcLachlan1 for popping in today. Thanks for all the inspiration too!

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Today marks the end of an era at Inkpots. I’ve w

Today marks the end of an era at Inkpots. I’ve worked alongside a number of students who are now in Year 11 and are coming to the end of their GCSE exams and moving on from their secondary (senior) schools. Many are now 16 but I have known them since they were 8 or 9.

We’ve been through a lot of different phases (the wizarding one lasted a long time!). I’ve seen their reading tastes change, how they’ve made discoveries about themselves and their bodies and witnessed plans for the future unfolding too.

I am honoured beyond words that Inkpots has been part of their lives. This is a wonderful group of young people who are clever, open, inclusive and caring.

They have handled the challenges of the last few years with good humour, maturity and a big dollop of stoicism too.

I can’t wait to see what the next stage in the journey involves. But first, a long, relaxing summer.

#creativementor #youthmentor #creativecheerleader #teenagesupport #writingsupport #teenmentalhealth #teenwellbeing #introvertlife #positivewellbeing #womenwhodo #mumofteens #creativemums #mentalhealthforteens #parentingtweens #tweensandteens #tweensread #tweenslibrary #creativeteens #teenreads #welovebooks #parentingforteensandtweens #creatingboldly #calmandquiet

At this time of year, my favourite part of the day

At this time of year, my favourite part of the day is very early morning. Today, I open the back door and it’s cool, slightly damp. Clear blue sky. The first bird song. The cat potters around checking for anything new while I check for slugs on the courgettes, beans and hostas. And there’s stillness.

It’s a particularly busy time and one of change too. As we come to the end of the exam season, students will be moving on. I’m doing a lot of work with young people moving to secondary school too with the Thrive and Grow programme I offer. Change is on the way - which is exciting but also tinged with bits of sadness too.

Pockets of stillness help balance the busy. It’s good for all of us (no matter what age) to have a moment to get things in perspective; maybe, step back a little and reflect.

The early mornings are good for me but what works for you? Maybe it’s when the house is quiet, or on the commute to school or work. Young people find solace in their music or time in their room. I think everyone loves a walk in the woods - or maybe it’s the sea and a cold water swim.

Let me know where you find your moments of stillness. I hope you manage to get some time to do that today too.

#creativementor #youthmentor #creativecheerleader #teenagesupport #writingsupport #teenmentalhealth #teenwellbeing #introvertlife #positivewellbeing #womenwhodo #mumofteens #creativemums #mentalhealthforteens #parentingtweens #tweensandteens #tweensread #tweenslibrary #creativeteens #teenreads #welovebooks #parentingforteensandtweens #creatingboldly #calmandquiet

We’ve gained new followers in the past few days;

We’ve gained new followers in the past few days; thanks so much and a big welcome.

Here’s a few things about me and Inkpots:
🌻I’m a mum to two sons and a mum in law to super talented @daniellealexandra.art
🌻I live in Sussex between the Downs and the sea. Rosie the Inkpots cat features on the account as well as popping up in Zoom sessions.
🌻For many years, I worked as a freelance publications editor and have written three books, and been published in many magazines.
🌻15 years ago I trained as a mentor for young people too and now run regular sessions in my local secondary school as well as offering carefully crafted 1:1 mentoring.
🌻Almost ten years ago, I started Inkpots as an after school club in primary schools. We’ve changed a fair bit since then and now support young people age 10 - 16 years with their creativity (writing in particular) and wellbeing.
🌻Inkpots has fantastic links with authors and artists who share their own inspirations and ideas with our members. You can’t be what you don’t see!
🌻One of the Inkpots’ values is kindness - and that is reflected throughout our lovely community.
🌻Since the pandemic, Inkpots operates as a hybrid business. We offer face-to-face sessions in our local area of Burgess Hill in Sussex while also providing bespoke mentoring sessions online, author workshops and a regular group for children age 10 - 12 yrs.
🌻On this account, I share book news, creative writing ideas, author info and our own events. I also talk about young people’s well-being and mental health support.
🌻Because I do the posting, you’ll also find some stuff about being in nature, cakes (v important at Inkpots), travel and
my own inspirations.

I really hope you’ll find something here that rings a bell and resonates with you. I’d love to hear about you too so please do drop me a line - either a DM or email gill@inkpots.org

📸: @alicecunliffephotography

Photo ID: close up photo of woman with short dark hair, glasses and green and cream earrings. Backdrop of white flowers with foliage.

It’s nearly ten years since I started Inkpots. B

It’s nearly ten years since I started Inkpots. Back in the early days, it was all about gathering children together to share a love of books and writing.

But over the years, my training as a mentor for young people has been called upon as much as my skills as a writer and editor.

Anxiety, stress and panic attacks have increased massively. And were on the increase before Covid which added another complicated layer.

It’s so important that all of our sessions and workshops offer a safe spaces and calm atmosphere where young people can relax and be themselves.

Creative activities provide a way of soothing anxious minds, returning equanimity and calm. It doesn’t have to be complicated or involved but finding a few pockets of time to do the things you love makes all the difference.

#mentalhealthawarenessweek

#creativementor #youthmentor #creativecheerleader #teenagesupport #writingsupport #teenmentalhealth #teenwellbeing #introvertlife #positivewellbeing #womenwhodo #mumofteens #creativemums #mentalhealthforteens #parentingtweens #tweensandteens #tweensread #tweenslibrary #creativeteens #teenreads #welovebooks #parentingforteensandtweens #creatingboldly #calmandquiet

Photo ID: girl with shoulder length hair is holding a red mug. She is wearing a waxed jacket with a red and blue shirt underneath. The photo does not show all her face.

Hope you had a good Bank holiday weekend if you’

Hope you had a good Bank holiday weekend if you’re in the UK. Very quiet here - getting lots of work stuff sorted as we move into the exam and assessment season. I’ll be sharing some new resources soon.

#creativementor #youthmentor #creativecheerleader #teenagesupport #writingsupport #teenmentalhealth #teenwellbeing #introvertlife #positivewellbeing #womenwhodo #mumofteens #creativemums #mentalhealthforteens #parentingtweens #tweensandteens #tweensread #tweenslibrary #creativeteens #teenreads #welovebooks #parentingforteensandtweens #creatingboldly #calmandquiet

Photo ID: close up of hands holding strands of lavender flowers

“We have been so grateful to you - your work wit

“We have been so grateful to you - your work with our daughter has been a great outlet for her.”

Inkpots bespoke mentoring is designed for each individual. We work at a young person’s pace, in a calm, quiet way. It’s powerful stuff and helps young people thrive.

Drop me a DM if you’re at all interested and we can have a quick chat.

Also never not grateful to lovely parents who send great testimonials too.

#creativementor #youthmentor #creativecheerleader #teenagesupport #writingsupport #teenmentalhealth #teenwellbeing #introvertlife #positivewellbeing #womenwhodo #mumofteens #creativemums #mentalhealthforteens #parentingtweens #tweensandteens #tweensread #tweenslibrary #creativeteens #teenreads #welovebooks #parentingforteensandtweens #creatingboldly #calmandquiet

This morning cartoonist and writer Jess Bradley @v

This morning cartoonist and writer Jess Bradley @venkman_project ran a workshop for some of younger writers and artists. Jess is a good friend of Inkpots so it’s always great to see her. It’s an additional pleasure to get to see how she uses notebooks and scrapbooks to help her own creative practice.

Jess also shared some important thoughts with the young people:

🎨Even though she has many years’ experience, Jess still gets nervous about sharing her work. But it’s really important to keep going.
🎨You don’t need really expensive materials to get creative - in fact, recycling is brilliant and can offer lots of unusual textures.
🎨Don’t worry about making mistakes - everyone does!
🎨Have fun! That’s when you can be at your most creative.

It’s always fabulous when we have an author or artist masterclass. Thanks again Jess!

#creativementor #youthmentor #creativecheerleader #teenagesupport #writingsupport #teenmentalhealth #teenwellbeing #introvertlife #positivewellbeing #womenwhodo #mumofteens #creativemums #mentalhealthforteens #parentingtweens #tweensandteens #tweensread #tweenslibrary #creativeteens #teenreads #welovebooks #parentingforteensandtweens #creatingboldly #calmandquiet

Image ID: photo of girl lying on the floor, upside down, head and shoulders visible. She has blonde hair which is spread out around her head. She has lots of glitter on her face and all around her head and shoulders. She’s also wearing bright red lipstick.

📸: @britton_hacke

Strong back. Soft front. Wild heart. This quote b

Strong back. Soft front. Wild heart.

This quote by @brenebrown really resonates.

Young people have needed strong back over and over again over the past months. Often going into schools which have been riddled with Covid and not having their usual teachers because they have been struck down by the illness.

All of this and still being expected to hit study targets. We are only just seeing the longer term effects of the pandemic on socialisation, friendships and development too.

So I hope this holiday period is a chance for everyone to catch up on sleep, boost batteries, gather energy again.

And may hearts be wild!

#creativementor #youthmentor #creativecheerleader #teenagesupport #writingsupport #teenmentalhealth #teenwellbeing #introvertlife #positivewellbeing #womenwhodo #mumofteens #creativemums #mentalhealthforteens #parentingtweens #tweensandteens #tweensread #tweenslibrary #creativeteens #teenreads #welovebooks #parentingforteensandtweens #creatingboldly #calmandquiet

It’s the last day of term for us here in this bi

It’s the last day of term for us here in this bit of Sussex. I’m in awe (as always) at how our young people have coped with yet another term of disruption and change. You’re awesome!

Whether you are just starting your Easter break, or already had a few days off, hope the next week is restful, calm and creative!

#creativementor #youthmentor #creativecheerleader #teenagesupport #writingsupport #teenmentalhealth #teenwellbeing #introvertlife #positivewellbeing #womenwhodo #mumofteens #creativemums #mentalhealthforteens #parentingtweens #tweensandteens #tweensread #tweenslibrary #creativeteens #teenreads #welovebooks #parentingforteensandtweens #creatingboldly #calmandquiet

Image ID: close up of pink and white cherry blossom

In our monthly newsletter for March, I talk about

In our monthly newsletter for March, I talk about some conversations I’m having with our older students. In the past two years, they have gone through so many stages and emotions (disbelief, anger, isolation, anxiety). There’s always been talk though, of everything going back to normal - and then it’ll be fine.

But now. Covid is raging in schools again, exam pressures are rising and everyone is exhausted. Not to mention what’s happening on the world stage.

So we’ve been discussing how to find pockets of enrichment in moments of calm. Creativity is particular good for this - just a short period of time doing something we love lifts the spirits no end. Maybe also we need to remind ourselves that good and nurturing things are happening.

We’ll be checking in with each other too. Sharing helps us feel empowered, connected and supported. Come and join us - what pockets of enrichment do you enjoy?

Even though this month’s newsletter has gone out to subscribers, if you’d like to read a copy, I can sort that quickly for you. There’s a link in our bio and here: https://inkpots.org/welcome-to-inkpots/ . You can also DM me with your email and I’ll do the rest.

📸 Alexis Brown Omea

Image ID: three young people sat at a wooden table with open books in front of them. One of the girls is wearing a mustard coloured top, another is wearing a dark top.

#creativementor #youthmentor #creativecheerleader #teenagesupport #writingsupport #teenmentalhealth #teenwellbeing #introvertlife #positivewellbeing #womenwhodo #mumofteens #creativemums #mentalhealthforteens #parentingtweens #tweensandteens #tweensread #tweenslibrary #creativeteens #teenreads #welovebooks #parentingforteensandtween

This week, one of my lovely jobs is to put togethe

This week, one of my lovely jobs is to put together the Inkpots March newsletter.

It goes out towards the end of each month and many parents subscribe to it. But it’s also for anyone who’s interested in supporting young people and helping them thrive in the teenage years through creativity.

I also share details of our own events - and you’ll get a discount for these as a newsletter subscriber.

You can find the link in our bio - and here it is too: https://inkpots.org/welcome-to-inkpots/

But you can also just DM me with your email and I’ll do the rest.

#creativementor #youthmentor #creativecheerleader #teenagesupport #writingsupport #teenmentalhealth #teenwellbeing #introvertlife #positivewellbeing #womenwhodo #mumofteens #creativemums #mentalhealthforteens #parentingtweens #tweensandteens #tweensread #tweenslibrary #creativeteens #teenreads #welovebooks #parentingforteensandtweens

📸ID: photo is of a single daffodil with an orange centre against a dark grey background.

After a very weird weather day here yesterday (Sah

After a very weird weather day here yesterday (Saharan sand storm?), today has dawned bright and sunny. (This photo was taken last week when I was in the Netherlands - but the weather was the same.)

I’ve been talking to a student I’m working with over a period of time and she has been saying how much better her mood is when Spring arrives. Over the winter, she was really down at times and couldn’t quite pinpoint what the issue was.

It’s always worth looking out for things like this, isn’t it? Do you feel better too when the sun shines? And members of your family - especially the younger ones?

#creativementor #youthmentor #creativecheerleader #teenagesupport #writingsupport #teenmentalhealth #teenwellbeing #introvertlife #positivewellbeing #womenwhodo #mumofteens #creativemums #mentalhealthforteens #parentingtweens #tweensandteens #tweensread #tweenslibrary #creativeteens #teenreads #welovebooks #parentingforteensandtweens

A few days later than planned (thanks Storms Eunic

A few days later than planned (thanks Storms Eunice and Franklin) here’s what we’ve been up to this busy half term at Inkpots.

Our members are the beating heart of everything we do and it’s been fabulous to work with so many this half term. In our group for younger writers, we’ve been looking at developing minor characters in stories, as well as welcoming author Annelise Grey to our online group. Each term, I also work with a number of young people on a 1:1 basis and it’s been a total privilege to see a beautiful poetry collection come together, witness the development of a stunning science fiction saga and support some very personal writing about being diagnosed with autism. We’ve also untangled some thoughts and worries to make the writing process flow a bit easier.

Supporting well-being is increasingly important too as young people have had to cope with Covid infections and re-infections. Inkpots provides a calm, reflective space to talk about these kinds of worries.

I’ve also taken the Inkpots approach into schools, running mentoring and journaling sessions. Plus there was the delight of a book chat visit to 3rd Burgess Hill Brownie Pack. What a blast!

Behind the scenes, I’ve been putting together a calendar of author masterclasses - more details will be shared in the past few days.

Since the start of the year, plans and ideas have been shifting and changing as we respond to how Covid is affecting young people. In such a situation, you need a good business buddy - thanks so much to Sam at @writebackuk for being such a constant support.

📸 @stacyzaringoldberg

Image ID: panelled hallway painted in dark teal. Wooden peg rail for wellies in a range of sizes and colours, hanging rail for coats and a leather bag. Several other bags on the floor and hanging up, plus a plant and garden trowel hanging from pegs on the wall.

#creativementor #youthmentor #creativecheerleader #teenagesupport #writingsupport #teenmentalhealth #teenwellbeing #introvertlife #positivewellbeing #womenwhodo #mumofteens #creativemums #mentalhealthforteens #parentingtweens #tweensandteens #tweensread #tweenslibrary #creativeteens #teenreads #welovebooks #parentingforteensandtween

Yesterday was really beautiful here in Sussex so I

Yesterday was really beautiful here in Sussex so I took full advantage of the weather and went for a long walk and talk with a good friend. So therapeutic on lots of levels!

In this area, we’re not at half term yet - another week to go, and it’s going to be a busy one for us at Inkpots.

But if you are on half term this week, hope you have a brilliant time and that the skies are blue for you!

#creativementor #youthmentor #creativecheerleader #teenagesupport #writingsupport #teenmentalhealth #teenwellbeing #introvertlife #positivewellbeing #womenwhodo #mumofteens #creativemums #mentalhealthforteens #parentingtweens #tweensandteens #tweensread #tweenslibrary #creativeteens #teenreads #welovebooks #parentingforteensandtweens

Over the past three months, I’ve been teaching j

Over the past three months, I’ve been teaching journaling programmes within secondary schools. There are so many advantages to keeping a notebook, a diary or simply a note of things you like, or see, or want to do. It can be as complex as you like or as simple as just a word or too. That’s the joy - it’s so personal.

A journal is a place where we can store our wildest dreams, worries and concerns alongside plans, schedules, jokes and support. In uncertain times, these things help.

I’ve been inspired to keep a regular journal again (I’m very irregular with my notebooks 🙈) of things I finding interesting or enjoyable.

During the week, I keep a note of photos and then Sunday morning is the time I sort them and put them into my notebook.

This lovely garden belonging to @natuurlijkrijk on the Dutch/Belgium border is going into the journal today. I love the soft colours.

#creativementor #youthmentor #creativecheerleader #teenagesupport #writingsupport #teenmentalhealth #teenwellbeing #introvertlife #positivewellbeing #womenwhodo #mumofteens #creativemums #mentalhealthforteens #parentingtweens #tweensandteens #tweensread #tweenslibrary #creativeteens #teenreads #welovebooks #parentingforteensandtweens

Image ID: garden planted with plants of different heights and textures. Soft colours including yellow, peach and blue/gray. Gravel path winds through the plants.

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