Woolf & Dickens: London Literary Tour & Writing Workshop

The "Woolf & Dickens: London Literary Tour & Writing Workshop" offers a unique opportunity for literature enthusiasts and aspiring writers. Guided by an award-winning novelist, participants explore the lives and works of two literary giants, Virginia Woolf and Charles Dickens, while engaging in mindful writing exercises at iconic locations. This wheelchair-accessible tour fosters creativity in a supportive environment, making it an ideal experience for writers of all skill levels. With a focus on connecting with literary history and expressing one’s voice, this workshop promises to ignite the imagination and leave participants eager to discover more.

Good To Know

• Immersive 2-hour wheelchair accessible tour exploring the lives and works of Virginia Woolf and Charles Dickens, guided by an award-winning novelist.
• Mindful writing exercises inspired by literary landmarks like Waterloo Bridge, Somerset House, and St. Mary Le Strand.
• Discussions on modernist perspectives, time, and social issues in literature, suitable for writers of all skill levels.
• Concludes with an ekphrasis writing exercise inspired by the interior of a church.
• Combines academic insights and hands-on creative expression in a supportive atmosphere, as evidenced by positive participant feedback.

Tour Details and Highlights

The literary tour offers an immersive experience, guiding participants through the historic streets of London while exploring the lives and works of renowned authors Virginia Woolf and Charles Dickens.

Priced at £75 per person, the 2-hour tour is wheelchair accessible and available in English.

Attendees will reflect on Woolf’s views from Waterloo Bridge, engage in mindful writing at Somerset House, and use Dickens and Samuel Johnson as prompts for writing about truth and politics.

Led by an award-winning novelist, the workshop combines literary history with interactive writing exercises suitable for writers of all skill levels, fostering a supportive and inclusive atmosphere.

Exploring Woolf’s Waterloo Bridge

Participants gather at the north end of Waterloo Bridge, overlooking the River Thames. Here, they reflect on Virginia Woolf’s views and writings inspired by this iconic location:

1. Woolf’s essay "On Waterloo Bridge" explores the act of observing the changing light and activity on the river.

2. Participants consider how Woolf’s modernist perspective influenced her depiction of the bridge as a liminal space between land and water.

3. The group discusses Woolf’s observations of the transient nature of human life and the enduring presence of the river.

4. Engaging in mindful writing, they draw inspiration from Woolf’s use of the bridge as a metaphor for the fluidity of identity and the human experience.

Writing at Somerset House

Departing Waterloo Bridge, the group makes its way to the grand entrance of Somerset House. Here, they’ll engage in a mindful writing exercise, drawing inspiration from the building’s architecture and history.

The 18th-century neoclassical landmark serves as the perfect backdrop for participants to reflect on the themes of time and society that T.S. Eliot explored in his works.

Under the guidance of the award-winning novelist, the group will experiment with various writing techniques, honing their skills and unleashing their creativity.

Whether a seasoned scribe or a budding wordsmith, this segment promises to be an enriching and rewarding experience for all.

Studying Eliot’s Concept of Time

Arriving at St Mary Le Strand, participants discover the church’s significance in T.S. Eliot‘s exploration of time. The tour guide explains Eliot’s profound reflections on the concept, inviting attendees to:

1. Reflect on the intersection of past, present, and future within the church’s architecture.

2. Ponder Eliot’s perspective on the cyclical nature of time and its impact on human experience.

3. Engage in a writing exercise that challenges participants to consider their own relationship with time.

4. Draw inspiration from Eliot’s masterful use of language to craft a personal response to the church’s timeless ambiance.

This immersive experience encourages participants to explore the nuances of Eliot’s literary genius and apply his insights to their own creative process.

Dickens and Johnson as Inspiration

After exploring T.S. Eliot’s study of time, the tour turns its attention to using Dickens and Samuel Johnson as prompts for writing about truth and politics.

Participants will have the opportunity to draw inspiration from these literary giants, reflecting on their perspectives and incorporating them into their own creative writing.

This exercise encourages participants to consider the role of literature in addressing social and political issues, challenging them to find their voice and express their views.

The guided prompts and supportive environment foster an engaging and enriching writing experience, allowing both novice and experienced writers to explore these themes in a meaningful way.

Ekphrasis Writing Exercise

The tour concludes with an ekphrasis writing exercise inspired by the interior of the nearby church. Participants will be prompted to:

1. Carefully observe the architectural features and religious symbolism.

2. Reflect on how the space evokes a sense of wonder and contemplation.

3. Create a short written piece that brings the church’s atmosphere to life.

4. Share their work with the group in a supportive, encouraging environment.

This interactive activity allows writers to respond creatively to their surroundings, drawing inspiration from the historic setting to produce vivid, evocative pieces.

The exercise reinforces the tour’s themes of blending literary history with personal reflection and expression.

Workshop Structure and Facilitation

Led by an award-winning novelist with a PhD in Creative Writing, the workshop combines literary history with interactive writing exercises.

Designed for all skill levels, from novice to experienced writers, the focus is on creating a supportive and inclusive atmosphere. Participants respond creatively to their environment, using prompts inspired by the works of authors like Woolf and Dickens to explore themes of truth and politics.

The workshop structure encourages participants to engage with the literary landmarks, fostering a unique and immersive experience that blends academic insight with hands-on creative expression.

Participant Feedback and Ratings

Participants have consistently rated the Woolf & Dickens Literary Tour and Writing Workshop highly, with an overall rating of 5/5 based on 2 reviews.

Key highlights of the participant feedback include:

1. The welcoming and inclusive atmosphere created by the award-winning novelist facilitator.
2. The engaging and thought-provoking writing prompts that inspire creativity.
3. The suitability of the workshop for both novice and experienced writers.
4. The seamless integration of literary history and interactive writing exercises.

The overwhelmingly positive reviews underscore the tour’s ability to captivate participants and foster a supportive environment for writers of all skill levels to flourish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Lunch or Refreshments Included in the Tour Price?

No, lunch or refreshments are not included in the tour price. The tour price covers only the guided tour and writing workshop. Participants are responsible for their own meals and drinks during the 2-hour experience.

Can Participants Bring Their Own Writing Materials?

Yes, participants are encouraged to bring their own writing materials like pens, notebooks, and water. The tour details specify that recommended items to bring include a pen, notebook, and water.

Are There Any Age Requirements or Restrictions for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t have any age requirements or restrictions. It’s open to participants of all ages and skill levels, from novice to experienced writers, who want to engage in the interactive writing exercises.

Is There an Option to Extend the Duration of the Tour?

No, the tour’s duration is fixed at 2 hours. There’s no option to extend it. However, participants can explore the area further on their own after the tour and writing workshop end.

Can the Tour Be Customized for Specific Writing Interests or Genres?

The tour can be customized for specific writing interests or genres. Participants can discuss their preferences with the award-winning novelist leading the workshop, who’ll tailor the experience to their needs and creative goals.

Sum Up

This immersive literary tour and writing workshop allows participants to connect with the works and lives of two iconic British authors. Through guided exploration and engaging exercises, attendees can tap into their creativity while gaining insights into the rich literary history of London. With its accessible format and expert facilitation, the "Woolf & Dickens: London Literary Tour & Writing Workshop" offers a unique opportunity for writers of all levels to explore and express their literary voices.