Currently...
Capturing memories - working in care homes
I work with elderly people in care homes in North Yorkshire to help them write pieces of memoir. Sometimes I simply scribe, sometimes I run memoir writing groups, sometimes I ask loads of questions and then - using the person's own words - create poems or short prose pieces to give to them and their families. This project is funded by RuralArts based in Thirsk.
Temple Newsam Writer-in-Residence
I am into my fourth year of working at Temple Newsam on the outskirts of Leeds - a stunning Jacobean mansion and estate. I work with local writing groups there and so far we've used poetry and prose to explore: Temple Newsam's history as a WW1 hospital; Capability Brown's re-landscaping; and the house's silver collection. We've been on trips to The Red House (where Charlotte Bronte visited regularly); Leeds Discovery Centre; the amazing Thwaite Mills; plus we've explored collections in Leeds University. See some of our WW1-inspired writing here.
“Both the Community Creative Writing Group and I have been very happy working with Char March over the last four years across the many sites of Leeds Museums and Galleries. Char has worked with us on numerous projects at Leeds Museums and Galleries and through her imaginative sessions she has encouraged wonderful creative responses to our exhibitions and sites.” Helen Pratt, Assistant Community Curator, Temple Newsam House
Individual Mentoring for writers
- for your written work, and your performance skills
I work with individuals - and groups - to help them write, edit and perform better. I've got over 20 years' experience of nurturing writers at every stage of their development. I love enabling people to find their own voice, and to express it to the full. Here's what some of my students have said recently. Contact me to chat through what you'd like to work on.
"Char is a brilliant editor and wonderful to work with. Down-to-earth and generous, she has offered me careful, critical feedback and her comments have undoubtedly made my work stronger." Rachel Bower - poet
"Working with Char was a breath of fresh air. Not only did she give me a completely new perspective on my work, she took the time to understand me and my perspective first. I was hugely impressed by her thoughtful responses on form, theme, and even the extensive research she did on the various topics I brought into play throughout the collection. She talked me through her ideas extremely professionally, but also as a friend would. I can only hope that I get the opportunity to work with Char again in the future." Caroline Hardaker - poet
"Char March has a fantastic ear for poetry and is just the kind of writer whose opinion you trust. She is an excellent critic and editor of other peoples’ work."
Anne Caldwell - award-winning poet.
"Our performance skills have come along with a great leap under your guidance and thought-provoking questioning and insight. We were able to progress from tongue twister warm-up exercises to a 20-minute performance (that included being heckled!) with confidence.
You helped us to look at who we are, how we relate, how to look after ourselves - and our audience - and how we perform. By being professionally focused, gently challenging and just lovely, you helped us get our act together. It was great and has made such a difference."
'Invisible Ink' performance group
Quote from Holocaust memoir writer Jackie Kohnstamm:
"Char March has been an Editor Extraordinaire on my book. Her perceptive comments and queries have been just what I needed, whether pinpointing smaller inconsistencies or larger areas of confusion; suggesting where more (or less) could strengthen the narrative; doing her damnedest to dig out what I hadn’t quite managed to express. She was extremely encouraging, and always pointed out the areas she felt worked – and why. All along – and I believe this is what makes her a top editor – she has respected it’s my book, my story, not hers. Her aim throughout has been to help make it shine. Char’s comments gave me the inspiration and impetus to rework my book straightaway!"
Quote from playwright Helen Shay about me editing her competition-winning monologue ‘Run’:
"I knew you would be the best person to look at it, if at all possible. You’ve inspired me. You always give insightful constructive criticism, with the integrity to state honestly how I can improve my work. Thank you so much for this. It has been invaluable!"
I work with individuals - and groups - to help them write, edit and perform better. I've got over 20 years' experience of nurturing writers at every stage of their development. I love enabling people to find their own voice, and to express it to the full. Here's what some of my students have said recently. Contact me to chat through what you'd like to work on.
"Char is a brilliant editor and wonderful to work with. Down-to-earth and generous, she has offered me careful, critical feedback and her comments have undoubtedly made my work stronger." Rachel Bower - poet
"Working with Char was a breath of fresh air. Not only did she give me a completely new perspective on my work, she took the time to understand me and my perspective first. I was hugely impressed by her thoughtful responses on form, theme, and even the extensive research she did on the various topics I brought into play throughout the collection. She talked me through her ideas extremely professionally, but also as a friend would. I can only hope that I get the opportunity to work with Char again in the future." Caroline Hardaker - poet
"Char March has a fantastic ear for poetry and is just the kind of writer whose opinion you trust. She is an excellent critic and editor of other peoples’ work."
Anne Caldwell - award-winning poet.
"Our performance skills have come along with a great leap under your guidance and thought-provoking questioning and insight. We were able to progress from tongue twister warm-up exercises to a 20-minute performance (that included being heckled!) with confidence.
You helped us to look at who we are, how we relate, how to look after ourselves - and our audience - and how we perform. By being professionally focused, gently challenging and just lovely, you helped us get our act together. It was great and has made such a difference."
'Invisible Ink' performance group
Quote from Holocaust memoir writer Jackie Kohnstamm:
"Char March has been an Editor Extraordinaire on my book. Her perceptive comments and queries have been just what I needed, whether pinpointing smaller inconsistencies or larger areas of confusion; suggesting where more (or less) could strengthen the narrative; doing her damnedest to dig out what I hadn’t quite managed to express. She was extremely encouraging, and always pointed out the areas she felt worked – and why. All along – and I believe this is what makes her a top editor – she has respected it’s my book, my story, not hers. Her aim throughout has been to help make it shine. Char’s comments gave me the inspiration and impetus to rework my book straightaway!"
Quote from playwright Helen Shay about me editing her competition-winning monologue ‘Run’:
"I knew you would be the best person to look at it, if at all possible. You’ve inspired me. You always give insightful constructive criticism, with the integrity to state honestly how I can improve my work. Thank you so much for this. It has been invaluable!"
