What is Writing Therapy?
There are two areas to writing therapy. First, it's just the enjoyment that can come from being creative, or researching and writing about a topic you're passionate about. It gives us chance to focus on positive things, and gives us a bit of a boost when we're feeling low. Even just learning about creative writing can help - reading books or watching online tutorials or attending workshops can all help us feel connected with others, and it allows us to forget about any problems in our life, even if just for a few minutes.
Second, through journaling and memoir writing, it can help us deal with past or current traumas and issues in our life, and help us to find a way forward. This might be done on our own, with the support of others, or with the help of a professional (like a counsellor or CBT practitioner).
The best thing is that anyone can write - just put pen to paper, or fingers to keyboard, and start being creative.
There is now a video on my YouTube channel...A Writer is Someone Who Writes
This short video will hopefully reassure you that if you're writing things, even if it's just a fun letter to a friend, then that already makes you a writer...a writer is someone who writes!
Sarah's Book about Writing Therapy
Hildenborough Library Writing Therapy Group
Where: Hildenborough Library
When: The second Thursday of each month, 10am - 11am. Starting in September 2023.
Cost: No charge - this is to encourage you to visit your local library!
Quick summary: A chance for you to be creative, and also to try your hand at some memoir writing. There's no pressure to read out your work if you choose not to.
Please bring a pen and a notebook.
If you're interested, please email Sarah at crockford.writing@gmail.com, or pop into Hildenborough library and speak to Jacie.
How to Cope with Agoraphobia
I wrote a poem about agoraphobia, based on my own experiences, and posted it on my Facebook page. I've struggled with agoraphobia for many years. I was contacted by someone else who struggles with agoraphobia. They asked me how I've coped with it, so here are my top ten tips. This is an example of writing therapy in action - both the poem and this quick guide have helped me be open about my feelings and difficulties, and it also reminds me how far I've come.
Writing Information
I've written a few Quick Guides to help answer question you might have about writing scripts for film, TV, theatre and radio. These are especially useful if you're confused about what format your script should be presented in. Very useful if you're planning to enter competitions, such as the annual Hammond House International Literary Prize (the theme for 2023 is FATE, with a deadline in September).
There is also one about sending articles and stories to magazines.
If you are a beginner, and have questions about creative writing, please email me to suggest other Quick Guides that can be included.
Online Screenwriting Workshops
I have written and filmed two screenwriting workshops for Hammond House. You can access these from their website once you sign up for membership - Silver membership is free! My workshops are:
Plot vs Character - which is more important?
Story Beats - how to use a beat sheet to create stories
Do you enjoy creative writing, and have penned poems, short stories, sketches or audio dramas? Want to hear them on the radio? BBC Upload is a fantastic opportunity for anybody with a bit of creative passion to get themselves on the airwaves.
Visit the BBC Upload site for more information.
BBC Radio Kent Upload
Radio Kent Upload is a great opportunity to get your work heard throughout the local area. It's on every weekday night between 9 and 10pm, hosted by the irrepressible Leo Ulph.
