Writing workshops and get together sessions for writers in the Algarve

Hello writers and dabblers,

I will facilitate some Discovery Writing Workshops this spring and summer at my home on a hill near Santo Estêvão, East Algarve, Tavira. We have lots of space for inspiration.

The first session will be Friday, 18 April 2025, at 2:30pm.

Writing with a group can often spur writers to accomplish more than when writing alone.

Why I write.

From seven to twenty-eight, I drank the cool aid of a cult. My family are still believers. When I left, my life was rudderless without family connections, as shunning was what they were instructed to do. I had to find my own community.

As a child, education wasn’t encouraged by the cult. I started learning and creating by pushing myself to connect. The Workers Educational Association (WEA) helped. I studied A levels at twenty-nine. I then went to university to study history and law.

Creative writing was pursued along the way at UEA, Arvon, Faber, NCW, IWP and more. I learned that writing is a process that can be improved by practising, slogging, inspiration and surrounding myself with encouragement and good people. 

I write because I don’t have a choice. Words fall over themselves, and editing puts them into some order. Writing has become easier as I trust the process. Successful writing leaves clues when there is a connection between writers in a group.

Join the writing sessions and step into an intuitive way of learning that will help you gain clarity and open up to more. 

Each workshop is designed to be participatory, fun, and reflective, lasting between one and a half and two hours. The limit on numbers is 8 people for initially 6 fortnightly sessions (every two weeks). There will be participation and writing exercises during each session.

Bring your ‘Work in Progress’, 250-500 words and get feedback.

We will also write to prompts.

We may briefly walk around the garden and/or mediate to connect with ourselves and nature. Scattered around the property are tables for writing alone before returning to the group sharing. There is no pressure to share. However, sharing in a safe and encouraging environment will build confidence.

If the weather is inclement we can work in the house.

This is an opportunity to explore and experiment with your writing in a supportive environment. There is no pressure to share, so relax. There will be no lectures on writing techniques or grammar checks. Reading will be necessary to get the most out of the sessions and to open the door to even more creativity.

In each session, we will consider a different theme based on what the group wants so that the learning addresses current interests.

After writing two novels and several non-fiction books, and numerous articles, I am ready to write my memoir. So, I will be writing alongside you.

A little about my experience: I have facilitated group process work for over 40 years. I facilitate two online writing groups. I write for newspapers and journals. Over the last 17 years, I have created, organised, and delivered art and writing workshops in Portugal, in bookshops, in the library, and at home.

Before that, I worked in International Development, creating workshops for change.

I have also organised Open Mic sessions for writers and poets in Tavira.

I operate a gift economy donation process. As a guide the cost will be 10 Euros per session. My motivation is joy and appreciation for writers and writing.

We will all get inspiration, validation, encouragement, and many new ideas and connections. There will be written notes based on the session theme.

Session Themes

Magical Realism and Fantasy

Working Class Writing

Memoir

Creating characters

Scene development

Writing for change

and more…..

I will offer these sessions online over the summer in 2025. So sign up to know when that will start or how to take part in person.

So, let’s get started. I am looking forward to this creative journey with you.

Best wishes
Sue Hall

Contact Sue@suehall.net for more information. The location and directions will be shared after registration. You can donate on the day or below.
Dates for your diary – all sessions at 2:30pm. English tea , herb teas and coffee provided.
Friday 18 April 2025
Friday 2 May 2025
Friday 16 May 2025
Friday 30 May 2025
Friday 13 June 2025
Friday 27 June 2025

Please complete the registration form above before donating.