Just returned from running a one day workshop for writers on writing with place, maps and objects at the fabulous 13th century castle of Sainte-Mere in south west France. The walled castle site with its tranquil gardens was a perfect environment to talk about how we write with a place, and to generate new pieces of fiction writing.

We used a number of objects which were dug up during the castle’s restoration to inspire our writing. This tiny head found under a beaten earth medieval floor was one of the objects. The rest of the week included workshops with novelist, Amanda Hodginson, and with publishers and publishing agents.