Hello and happy December. This is my monthly-ish newsletter for me to tell everything I'm up to, to anyone who'll listen. If you make it to the end of the email, you'll find a few writing opportunities I have spotted recently. I'd love to connect with you so please do follow me on my social media platforms as we journey life together.

Christmas!

We are now in the month of Christmas so whether you are a lover or a hater, we are now officially allowed to celebrate. I love Christmas but I didn't always and I understand that it can be an incredibly difficult time for many. If you are one of those people my heart goes out to you and you are in my prayers.

National Literacy Trust

Last month you may remember I mentioned I am currently collaborating with the National Literacy Trust. I can now reveal that I am part of their second cohort of poets working in secondary schools to deliver Writing for Wellbeing Clubs. I've been in training with the fabulous Charmaine Pollard who is a wonderful poetry therapist and counsellor and have now been paired with a school that I will be working with in the new year. I am looking forward to working with the students and finding ways to support our mental health together through written and spoken word.

Writing for Me

The Writing for Me course is a wonderful way to help stay mentally healthy and is open to anyone. Let me know if you would like to be added to the list for information about my next Writing for Me course starting in the new year. If you would like to commission my course for your group please do drop me a line at Laurajbaldwin@me.com.

I Wrote a Book!

Last month I told you about my upcoming debut book, well, I am pleased to announce it is finally available on Amazon! Now, I didn't wanna give my money to Jeff (Bezos) however, as a starving poet and all that, it's kinda impossible to self-publish any other way.

If you would like a copy of It's Just Me they are available from me for the bargain price of just £8.50 (plus P&P). Alternatively, you can grab one from Amazon here but please bear in mind that very little of that comes my way.

As my subscribers you are the first to know about the release which I will publicly announce very soon. You are also the first to see the book cover design (also designed by me) and the first to be offered the book at the discounted rate of just £8.50 (plus P&P). I still can't believe I have published a book!

Exploring New Ground

I am now four weeks into the playwriting course hosted by Freedom Studios. We have had some fantastic guest speakers from the world of stage and screen and I am truly loving it. I have just applied for some funding to help me develop a play idea of my own so watch this space for some low-key artist development, eek!

Writing Opportunities

Did I Mention I love Christmas?

One last thing before I leave you to it, I'd like to encourage you to find a local church and go along to their Christmas service this season - bear with me, ok? Most churches will be holding some sort of Christmas celebration which usually involves some wonderful carol singing, a short talk, and some time with friendly people over a cuppa and maybe a mince pie. It's just a really lovely thing to do amid the madness that can be December and I find it can leave you with a warm fuzzy feeling. If you've never done it before, why not give it a try?

The End

Don't forget to connect with me on all the usual platforms and thanks for sticking it out to the end - love you guys and Merry Christmas!