Creative Jumpstarts

✨ Are you ready to feel creatively inspired?

Get your pen moving again with Creative Jumpstarts! If you struggle to carve out time for your writing, this is your creative date with a small group of writers. Together we’ll write tiny stories, memories, letters, and much more—while reconnecting to the joy of writing.

📝 Here’s how it works:

We’ll spend time writing together in a cozy workshop setting. This full-day writing workshop is your intentional day to get your pen dancing!

You’ll receive fun creative exercises, dedicated writing time, heartening feedback on your work, and a creative direction for your stories.

🌻 This workshop is great for anyone who:

• Loves to write but has felt stuck or uninspired lately.

• Struggles to find time to create but wants to prioritize their writing, especially over a single day.

• Wants to experiment with new writing forms or styles.

• Feels prepared (though maybe also nervous) to share their writing.

• Likes to give encouraging feedback to their fellow writers—and receive supportive feedback in return!

• Looks forward to writing and sharing within a small group (there will never be more than 8 writers in the workshop).

🌳 You can expect to leave the workshop with:

• Prompts, writing tools, and “creative homework” to inspire your writing practice at home.

• Lots of fresh ideas to jumpstart your future writing.

• New friends who are also fellow writers.

• Increased self-compassion for your writing journey.

• A feeling of creative courage and possibility ✨

🌈 A special note about CJ workshops:

Every Creative Jumpstarts workshop is different!

• If you have attended Creative Jumpstarts in the past, you’re welcome to join again as each workshop is unique and covers fresh topics.

• I never repeat writing prompts in CJ workshops, which keeps it fun for both you and me!

⏰ What does a full-day workshop look like?

Here’s our itinerary for the day:

• ✍️ 10am - 12:30pm: Writing time

• 🍽️ 12:30pm - 1:30pm: Lunchtime

  • You can grab lunch at the nearby eateries in Fernwood (Little June is lovely!) or bring your own bag lunch.

  • 🔔 Note: We unfortunately do not have fridge access. Please make sure your lunch can survive without a chilled exterior!

• ✍️ 1:30pm - 4pm: Writing time

🙋🏻‍♀️ Your workshop leader:

• I’m Monika, a freelance author of 60+ books for schools, and I firmly believe everyone is a writer. Want to get to know me better? I’ve got a mini bio here.

🪴 Where we’ll write:

• We will write in the Little Gladstone Studio. (1923 Fernwood Road, Victoria).

• 🔔 Note: You can reach the Little Gladstone Studio from its own dedicated entrance just off Gladstone Avenue. It is a part of the FCAA building.

  • The easiest way to find the studio is to first find the Thistle & Wren Boutique (1311 Gladstone Avenue).

  • Head down the alleyway to the left of Thistle & Wren. Walk past the owl mural. You will see a pink building with a long ramp. There is a sign on the ramp that says, "Little Gladstone Studio."

  • Walk up the ramp, and you'll find the studio at the top!

💸 Cost: $80 + GST

✍️ Please bring with you:

• A notebook and your favourite pen for writing. Or, if you prefer typing, please bring a digital device (eg. tablet, laptop).

• A mug for tea or hot chocolate.

• Your enthusiasm and creativity!