Writing The Dawn shines a light on the natural world through writing workshops, coaching and mentoring. Founded by Barb Melville and based in Scotland, it gathers writers online for science and nature writing in a cosy, neuro-affirming space. I am Creative Support Lead at Writing The Dawn, and I lead our weekly Gather and Write sessions.
Write with us
Gather and Write: weekly body doubling
Body doubling means working alongside other people rather than alone. A quiet shared presence can help with starting, focusing and following through with writing, especially for Autistic and neurodivergent people, though everyone is welcome. We each do our own thing, together. I facilitate these sessions every Tuesday morning (UK time), online on Zoom, for 90 relaxed minutes.
- A gentle check-in to open, sharing how you are arriving and what you are working on.
- An optional writing prompt from a poem or short text, or work on your own project.
- Time to write or create in your own way, alongside other creative people.
- Cameras on or off, with the text chat open if you want to bounce ideas around or need support.
- Drop in or out at any time, with no pressure to share.
- A closing check-out to reflect and land before you go.
Workshops and courses
Writing The Dawn also runs workshops and short courses, such as Creative Nonfiction for Science and Nature, a relaxed three-part online course led by founder Barb Melville. It is open to complete beginners and experienced writers alike, with no enforced sharing, live captions and free places available.
Coaching and mentoring are offered too. Keep an eye out for new workshops through the year.
What we value
Anti-oppressive
Anti-racist, anti-ableist, LGBTQIA+ affirming, and holding space for intersecting identities.
Neuro-affirming
Neurodivergent-led, with flexible ways to take part and cameras always optional.
Coorie
Scots for cosy. Bring your blanket, your pet and your favourite mug.
Nature positive
Committed to the Nature Positive Global Goal for a world where nature can recover.
Latest from the Substack
The newest posts from the Writing The Dawn Substack, updated automatically.
- Online
- Apophenia and Meerkat Mode: Looking for the Patterns That Ground Us
- Gather and Write Session
Come and write with us
Whether you are new to writing or have been writing for years, you are welcome to gather with us.