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Regular news and insight from our many poets, writers, educators and facilitators

10 May 2025

Posted by Susan L. Edser

May Day

Ali Sparkes is a children’s author who leads writing sessions for Junior and Young Writers every Saturday morning at MAST Mayflower Studios. To learn more about her, visit her website: https://www.alisparkes.com and click on her profile: https://artfulscribe.co.uk/facilitators/ali-sparkes

Susan L. Edser, MA graduate in Creative Writing and Publishing and winner of Bournemouth University’s prestigious Vice Chancellor Award 2024, is Ali’s assistant and writes the weekly blog. To learn more about her, click on her profile: https://artfulscribe.co.uk/facilitators/susan-l-edser


Today, we focused on spring fetes and outdoor festivities, with particular attention to the senses. The writers were asked to draw around their hands and fill in each digit with what they might touch, smell, taste, hear, and see at a fete, such as hot dog stands, balloons, and people screaming on fun fair rides. 

The starter sentence for the first writing exercise was: ‘I arrived, and the sun was shining.’ The stories weaved the fun and excitement of a village or school fete, immersing us with sensory descriptions, which made us feel like we were there. The Young Writers were then asked to twist the story to a sinister place. They did not disappoint!

Both groups were then challenged to write a verse of a song to traditional folk music. They had to ensure their spring-inspired words matched the song's beat and then sing it to the group. The groups voted on their favourite verse and then sang it together, while dancing around the room.  

Junior Writer Seojin was crowned the May King, as well as scooping Writer of the Week! He wrote:

In the humid place, we will jump and dance,

After that, we will celebrate,

With each other,

And do it again.


Young Writers Lana, Olivia and Zena were crowned the May Queens, and also thoroughly deserved the combined Writer of the Week prize! They wrote:

Flowers, chocolate, fairy lights glow,

Come and join the rhythmic flow,

Come and take my hand,

And never return to this land.


Well done, everyone, for an excellent May-inspired session.

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