Hanan Issa is a Welsh-Iraqi poet, filmmaker, and artist. Her publications include her poetry collection My Body Can House Two Hearts and Welsh [Plural]: Essays on the Future of Wales. Her winning monologue With Her Back Straight was performed at the Bush Theatre as part of the Hijabi Monologues. She is part of the writersroom for Channel 4’s award-winning series We Are Lady Parts. Hanan is co-founder of the Where I’m Coming From open mic series. She was the recipient of the 2020 Ffilm Cymru/ BBC Wales commission for her short film The Golden Apple. She is the current National Poet of Wales and 2022 Hay International Fellow.
Writing and Wild Swimming
Fri 23 August 2024 - Sun 25 August 2024
Tutors
/ Hanan Issa & Grug Muse
Course Fee
/
From
£275 - £375 per person
Genres
/ FictionNon-FictionPoetry
Language
/ BilingualEnglishWelsh
Humans naturally gravitate towards water for many reasons and recent studies show that proximity to blue spaces can support well-being, decrease stress, and nurture a sense of connection with others. Whether we are seeking a wild rush from a pool of cold water; closer ties with the more-than-human world; ways of being more present and mindful within our bodies; or a deeper understanding of our culture, folklore, faith and history, water has a way of making us feel better. During this weekend course we will explore our relationship with water through writing. What inspiration can we tease out after a swimming experience? Can mindful swimming enhance our creativity? Join Hanan Issa and Grug Muse for a weekend of swimming and writing, in the beautiful waters of Eifionydd and Llŷn. All genres and forms of writing are welcome, and no previous writing experience is necessary.
FAQs
Do I need previous swimming experience to attend this course?
Yes. The swimming element of the course is essential, but everyone will be free to take it at their own pace. We do however ask that participants are confident swimmers who have some previous experience of swimming in the sea and in rivers. This is to ensure that participants are able to take part fully in the weekend course in a comfortable and safe manner.
What health and safety regulations will be in place during the swimming sessions?
A qualified swimming instructor will be present during both swimming sessions to ensure the safety of the group. A detailed risk assessment will take place prior to the course, and an additional risk assessment will take place on the day to ensure waters are safe for swimming.
How much swimming is involved in the course?
There will be two organised group swimming sessions during the course, most likely taking place on the Saturday and Sunday mornings. There will be both river swimming and sea swimming. These will take place alongside group walks and weather allowing, readings and workshops in the great outdoors.
Do I need previous writing experience to attend the course?
No, no previous writing experience is necessary. Whether you’re a poet or a fiction writer, someone looking to journal your experiences, or simply looking for more mindfulness and creativity in your life then this is the course for you.
Tutors
Hanan Issa
Grug Muse
Grug Muse is a poet and essayist from Dyffryn Nantlle. Her latest collection of poetry – merch y llyn – was published by Cyhoeddiadau’r Stamp in 2021 and won the Wales Book of the Year award in the Poetry category. Her essays have been published in magazines including Planet and O’r Pedwar Gwynt. She is an editor for Cyhoeddiadau’r Stamp, and she is co-editor of the essay collection Welsh (plural), (Repeater, 2022). She is part of Literature Wales' 2023 Sgwennu'n Well cohort, developing her facilitation practice with regards to health and well-being.