The Words from a Distance workshops were conceived one chilly morning in March 2020 a few days before the national lockdown was announced. They focused on writing for wellbeing, offering women a chance to gather online, to record their experiences, process thoughts and feelings, or simply to escape them for a while in the company of others. Although we were going nowhere, we travelled great distances together, sharing inner and outer journeys. This book is a distillation of that unforgettable time.

'Here we have prose and poems, formal and experimental writing, close observation of daily life and flights of imagination. Everything, that is, that makes us human. These fifteen writers, who were thoughtfully guided by Judi Sissons, approach similar themes from different perspectives, so the writers are in conversation with each other, singing like the birds did during those strange, still months when we were unable to get close to each other.'

Victoria Field

'Here is a distillation of creativity fostered by mutual support - the work of a writing community transforming individual experiences into stories and poems to share. Lockdown woodland walks, consolatory rescue hens, edible oysters, satirically depicted departments for future success - these and other gems will tease, comfort, shock and amuse you.'

Hannah Stone