Woolf & Dickens: London Literary Tour & Writing Workshop

The ‘Woolf & Dickens: London Literary Tour & Writing Workshop’ offers an immersive literary experience for bookworms and aspiring writers alike. Led by an award-winning novelist, this two-hour tour blends literary history, anecdotes, and readings to inspire creative responses to London’s rich literary landscapes. Participants will explore Virginia Woolf’s views, practice mindful writing, and use Dickens and Samuel Johnson as prompts for reflecting on truth and politics. With a focus on deepening one’s understanding of the city’s timeless literary allure, this unique tour promises to leave attendees invigorated and ready to put pen to paper.

Key Points

• A 2-hour literary tour and writing workshop led by an award-winning novelist with a PhD in Creative Writing, priced at $77.87 per person.
• Combines literary history, anecdotes, and readings from major English writers to inspire and invigorate participants through creative responses to the environment.
• Offers immersive experiences, such as reflecting on Virginia Woolf’s views from Waterloo Bridge and responding to T.S. Eliot’s study of time in the church of St Mary Le Strand.
• Encourages participants to use Dickens and Samuel Johnson as prompts for reflecting on truth and politics in London’s rich literary heritage.
• Includes writing exercises, such as crafting a biographical sketch and engaging in an ekphrasis writing exercise, to deepen understanding of London’s literary landscapes.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Overview of the Tour and Workshop

The London Literary Tour & Writing Workshop offers participants a unique opportunity to explore the city’s rich literary heritage while engaging in a series of creative writing exercises.

Priced at $77.87 per person, this 2-hour experience is led by an award-winning novelist with a PhD in Creative Writing.

Combining literary history, anecdotes, and readings from major English writers, the workshop is designed to inspire and invigorate participants through their creative responses to the environment.

The tour is conducted in English, is wheelchair accessible, and can accommodate private groups.

Participants are encouraged to bring pens, notebooks, water, and umbrellas to make the most of this immersive literary adventure.

Highlights of the Experience

Participants can consider Virginia Woolf’s reflections on the view from Waterloo Bridge, practice a mindful writing experiment at Somerset House, and respond to T.S. Eliot’s study of time in the church of St Mary Le Strand.

They’ll also use Dickens and Samuel Johnson as prompts for reflecting on truth and politics.

This unique literary tour and writing workshop is designed and delivered by an award-winning novelist with a PhD in Creative Writing. It combines London’s rich literary history with a series of inspiring writing exercises, aimed at invigorating participants through creative responses to the environment.

Designed and Delivered by Author

This unique literary tour and writing workshop is designed and delivered by an award-winning novelist with a PhD in Creative Writing. Utilizing their expertise in both literature and the craft of writing, they guide participants through a series of engaging exercises.

The tour combines literary history, anecdotes, and readings from major English writers to inspire and invigorate participants. By responding creatively to the rich literary landscapes of London, attendees are encouraged to deepen their understanding and appreciation of the city’s literary heritage.

Whether you’re a seasoned writer or simply have a passion for literature, this workshop offers a dynamic and immersive experience that’s sure to leave a lasting impact.

London’s Rich Literary History

London’s storied past has long inspired writers and artists, from Charles Dickens’ vivid depictions of the city’s squalid underbelly to Virginia Woolf’s meditations on its changing landscapes.

Throughout the centuries, London’s literary landscape has been shaped by:

• The haunting Gothic architecture of cathedrals and churches, like the iconic St. Mary Le Strand.

• The bustling energy of iconic landmarks, such as the Waterloo Bridge, which Woolf used as a setting for her introspective musings.

• The rich history of political and social upheaval, reflected in the works of writers like T.S. Eliot.

• The diverse communities and cultural influences that have left an indelible mark on the city’s literary canon.

This workshop invites participants to engage with London’s literary heritage and draw inspiration from its timeless allure.

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Writing Exercises and Inspirations

The tour guides invite participants to embark on a series of immersive writing exercises inspired by London’s rich literary history.

At Waterloo Bridge, they’ll craft a biographical sketch reflecting on Virginia Woolf’s reflections on the view.

Inside the church of St Mary Le Strand, they’ll engage in an ekphrasis writing exercise responding to T.S. Eliot’s study of time.

Finally, they’ll blend personal history with the surrounding environment by creating a list of facts.

Throughout the workshop, participants draw inspiration from the writings of literary giants like Charles Dickens and Samuel Johnson, using their works as prompts for reflecting on truth and politics.

The activities aim to invigorate and spark creativity in a uniquely literary setting.

Biographical Sketch at Waterloo Bridge

At Waterloo Bridge, you will craft a biographical sketch reflecting on Virginia Woolf’s reflections on the view, drawing inspiration from the iconic setting.

The activity invites them to:

1. Observe the panoramic vista of the River Thames and the surrounding landmarks.
2. Consider Woolf’s meditation on the passing of time and the fleeting nature of life.
3. Weave personal anecdotes and experiences into a vivid character sketch.
4. Experiment with descriptive language to capture the essence of the place and their own emotional response.

This exercise harnesses the power of place to spark meaningful self-reflection and creative expression, setting the tone for the engaging literary journey ahead.

Ekphrasis Writing at St Mary Le Strand

Next, participants journey to the church of St Mary Le Strand, where they engage in an ekphrasis writing exercise inspired by the interior’s distinctive architectural features and historical significance. Here, they respond to T.S. Eliot’s study of time, using careful observation and sensory details to craft descriptive passages that bring the church’s elements to life on the page. The guide encourages participants to consider how the physical space and spiritual resonance of the site might shape their creative expressions, as they strive to translate their impressions through the ekphrastic form.

Architectural Element	Historical Significance	Sensory Details
Baroque steeple	Built in the early 18th century	Soaring spire, ornate stonework
Ornate interior décor	Redesigned in the Victorian era	Gilded statues, stained glass windows
Quiet contemplative atmosphere	Site of Handel’s baptism	Hushed tones, ambient light

Blending Personal History With Environment

As participants transition to the final activity, they’re encouraged to blend personal history with the surrounding environment through a list of facts exercise. This creative task invites them to draw connections between their own lived experiences and the literary landmarks that dot the London cityscape, weaving together intimate details and objective observations to craft a unique written piece.

The task asks participants to consider the following prompts:

1. An interesting detail about their hometown.
2. A favorite childhood memory.
3. A formative life experience.
4. An observation about the current environment.

Recap

The ‘Woolf & Dickens: London Literary Tour & Writing Workshop’ offers an immersive experience that combines literary history, creative writing exercises, and personal reflection.

Participants will explore London’s iconic literary landscapes, explore the works of renowned authors, and craft their own writing inspired by the city’s timeless allure.

This tour promises to invigorate the senses and deepen one’s appreciation for the enduring power of literature.

You can check if your dates are available here: