Something is awakening….
Season of The Witch
4 years ago, I first led a coven of witches, I mean a group of writers through a workshop exploring poetry and the supernatural. This year, we’re doing it again. Dare you step into the realm of the witch? I hear she’s waiting for you.
A 12 week exploration of poetry and the supernatural
When I say “witch” I do not mean that of fairy tales, I mean the beating heart of the earth, that which is feared, silenced and othered, I mean the ancient, the primal, the powerful and ultimately, the sacred. To me, the concept of “witch” can relate to the self, to community and to nature.
During this exploration, we’ll breathe freshness into the themes stated below, challenge stale, outdated notions, and as always with my work, encourage a socio-political look into the texts we explore.
If you decide to take this journey with me, I strongly encourage you to leave any preconceptions you may have had about the witch at the door.
12 live & interactive weekly classes online & 2 community open mic’s.
“Poetry and magic share a curious history, since shamans and priests of ancient times would chant verses and incantations as part of their rituals designed to heal the sick, influence the weather, or appeal to the gods. So we might even say there is something peculiarly ‘magical’ about poetry”
— Interesting Literature
What you get
Weekly workshops online (1.5 hours a week)
Ethereal texts to explore, writing playlists, carefully selected prompts & the opportunity to share
Entry to The Witching Hour: two community online open mic nights
Visits from spectres (guest facilitators)
Access to a members portal online, where all recordings of live sessions, writing prompts and poems read can be accessed. You have access to this for up to a year, so you can repeat this course as many times as you like.
Access to some of my favourite poems & essays on witchcraft
A beautiful group of supportive humans for you to try your ideas out with
Suggested homework and prompts to try out in your own time
Starting: Thursday 31st October, 7:30pm
Themes
Witchcraft and the occult
Spells and language (Why are some of the oldest spells poems?)
Witch trials and what it means to be "othered"
Dreams
Death
Love and sex
Symbolism in nature and the rise of eco-poetry
Witchcraft around the world
Local folklore
Liminal spaces
Testimonial
*****
“As a participant on Season of the Witch last year, I can genuinely say that it was one of the most magical and memorable experiences I have had whilst writing poetry. Writing can be a lonely experience and quite often, it can feel like you are completely alone and so it was a particularly lovely experience to feel part of something, to feel part of a Lyndsay's little coven. Through her warm nature, her magical, fairy-like aura, and her genuine good natured spirit, she managed to bring a group of diverse individuals, who for one reason or another, may have felt like outsiders (myself included), together in one place and made them feel safe, seen and welcomed.
Brought into each other's orbit by a shared love of words, poetry and the transformational power that language has, together we created a little sprinkle of magic, an enchanted circle almost, in which we listened to each other's words, encouraged and supported each other with kind words and recognition.
It truly was a beautiful experience and when the cold wintery nights began to draw close and darkness gathered, this little group was a warm and welcome place to rest a while. I learnt a lot during the course but most importantly I learnt that inside we are all the same, lost souls searching for home and someone who cares enough to listen. That is where Lyndsay's magic lies.”
— Past participant
About me
Lyndsay is queer, Liverpool based spoken word artist with an interest in how art can be used as a tool for social change. they write mainly about: relationships, sexuality, grief, nostalgia, fake news and ‘90s movies. Brutally honest and almost aggressively vulnerable at times, Lyndsay is inspired by the things that make us human, and spends their days attempting to name the feelings that often leave us speechless.
”Lyndsay-Quinn Harley-Queer, she’ll beat you with her cursed tamagotchi, she’ll stab you in the funny bone with her pastel gel pens, but before all of that, she’ll melt your brains out with the brave sincerity of her poems”
— Day Mattar, Queer Bodies
Example Schedule
Week 1
Meet “the witch”
Who is she?
Week 2
If poems are spells: the impact of poetry & language
Week 3
Witch trials and being othered
Week 4
Local stories, myths & folklore
Week 5
Queerness &
eco-poetry
Week 6
Liminal spaces - abandoned buildings and found poetry
Week 7
Death poems and poisonous plants
Week 10
Performance styles
Week 8
Love, sex and sirens
Week 11
Stage presence and mic technique
Week 9
Group editing
Week 12
Final group performance
The Witching Hour is the name I gave to our community open mic, happening twice throughout the course, it gives you a chance to try out new material to a supportive audience.
Bonus: we are also adding in a professional practise module, as well as a 15 minute one-to-one with me, to talk about any goals / projects you may be working on.
Accessibility
I want to make sure this course is accessible as possible, if you are thinking of enrolling but there is something you would need additional support with, please email me using the contact form at the bottom of this page or at lyndsaywritespoems@gmail.com
Charity
Last year, we donated 10% of sales to RASA Merseyside, a charity supporting people who’ve experienced SA. The year before we donated 10% to Comics Youth, a queer, youth-led charity in Liverpool. This year, we will be donating to Operation Olive Branch, to support the people of Palestine.
There are 4 bursary spaces available on this course, please see the FAQ section for more details
FAQs
I’m not a witch! Can I still come?
You do not have to identify as a witch, or practise witchcraft in any way to join. I am not an expert on witchcraft, nor am I teaching witchcraft or any type of religion or spiritual practice on this course. We are exploring the concept of the witch through poetry and creative writing. If you are interested in these themes, then you are welcome to join us.
Is it just for women?
This course is for everyone. Last year, we had mainly women and non-binary people in our cohort, but we did have some men too. Please note, this is a queer-led, trans friendly space & I myself am non-binary. The texts we explore reflect a wide range of identities and we always try to be socially-engaged.
Is there an age cap on this?
You have to be over 18 to join, there is no maximum age to join us.
Why are you charging? Shouldn’t poetry be free?
As a neuro-divergent artist, I am currently happy with the amount of work I have taken on for free. This course is priced in reflection of the time commitment it takes to research, plan and deliver sessions, it also includes website and tech overheads as well as fees for guest facilitators and performers.
Can you tell me more about the bursaries?
We have 4 bursary spaces available for this course, to be considered, please email lyndsaywritespoems@gmail.com I hate the idea of people having to prove their circumstances so for that reason, I don’t require any personal information from you, just state your name & confirm that you are able to make the dates on the course! 4 people will be chosen at random, as that is the fairest way I can think of.
I did Season of The Witch last year, is it worth me doing it again?
We are absolutely building off of what we did last year in a beautiful way! Some content may feel familiar, others brand new! We so welcome your expertise and wisdom.
Contact me
Got a question that I haven’t answered yet?
Ask away and I will be sure to get back to you
