Creative Writing in the Ecological Crisis course
This day-long trauma-informed workshop aims to help people process their ecological grief and anxiety through poetry and writing, supported by Julian of Norwich’s theology. Poet and novelist Liz MacWhirter will guide you through reflections and a variety of writing techniques, exploring hope, and how we can deepen our impact.
The day is in two parts. First, Liz will perform and discuss her long poem, “BLUE: a lament for the sea”, a pamphlet published by Stewed Rhubarb Poetry Press, 2025. She will show how it uses trauma theology as it connects to Julian of Norwich’s writing (based on her peer-reviewed PhD research): a foundation for safely holding our emotional landscapes, anchoring further exploration. Next, attendees will work towards a poem, prose, a manifesto, lament or prayer, using language as an act of self-care, resistance and hope. Prompts will include other poems, natural objects and a short film by digital artist Jonathan Kearney. A variety of devices such as list-making and word collages will enable attendees to explore composting words into poetic and other literary forms.
No writing experience is required. Suitable for adults and young adults.
Liz MacWhirter is an acclaimed writer, speaker and theologian. Her PhD, ‘When Hope Takes Flight,’ explores theopoetics and trauma. Publications include ‘BLUE: a lament for the sea‘ (Stewed Rhubarb, 2025) and her debut novel, ‘Black Snow Falling’ (Scotland Street Press, 2018), which gained a Carnegie Medal nomination. Liz has spoken at the Edinburgh International Book Festival; at the Universities of Yale, Oxford, and St Andrews. She is married and lives in Scotland.
Leave a Reply