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Hello, I'm Erin. I'm from Leeds. I am a writer and counsellor. I write poems, perform my poems, run workshops and offer mentoring to writers. This is where you'll find information about all of that. Get in touch if you have questions or thoughts about anything I might be able to help with.
I first shared my poems with strangers in 2014. I entered and won the Glastonbury Festival poetry slam later that year. I did not know what a slam was at the time which is probably for the best. My second slam was the Roundhouse slam in 2015 where I came second. I joined the Roundhouse poetry collective after this and became a resident artist and created a poetry show about legacy and funeral buffets called What We Leave Behind. Since then, there’s been less slamming and more working out who I am as a person and a writer. I've performed at and written for all sorts of big, small, weird and wonderful places and companies, festivals and poetry nights. I’m always amazed what incredible events people create and it is always a privilege to take part in them.
My first collection, Alternate Endings was published in 2020 by Burning Eye Books and is available here.
All Videos
Erin Bolens - Seeing London | Sofar London
Erin Bolens | Deals with Nature | Word Of Mouth London | Spoken Word Poetry
A la carte - Erin Bolens
Poetry Slam 2015 Runner-up: Erin Bolens – "Umcha Umcha"
Boat Poets: A Long Run by Erin Bolens
What We Leave Behind by Erin Bolens - Trailer
Voices nationwide: Erin on owning her own place | Nationwide Building Society
DATES FOR THE DIARY
C O M M I S S I O N S
Do you need/want/fancy a poem?
Well that's very doable. I've written for everything. Birthdays, weddings, engagements, memorials, sorries, thank yous, new businesses, get well soons, new job, going travelling, new baby, new pet. The weird and wonderful, it's worth an ask. I once wrote a 'be my best friend' poem and the brief was to 'absolutely terrify' the recipient. So essentially nothing's off the cards.
It starts with some questions. I'll send you some questions specific to the type of pome you would like and you'll fill them in and send them back to me. Then ideally we'll have a quick phone or video call so I can get a better idea of what is wanted, a feel for the desired tone and try to find as many specific details as I can.
Then I'll write a draft for the agreed time. About a week from this point is ideal. I'll send you a draft, sometimes with a few different options to choose from and you can give me any feedback you might have before I write up the final version and send it to you both in written and in audio form. You then do whatever you wish with it. Lovely stuff. Say hello
M E N T O R I N G
Mentoring/Editing
I have many years of experience mentoring writers in many different settings. I have worked with writers on building manuscripts, studying for exams, creating performances and writing about specific subjects. I have worked in schools, colleges, workplaces and community settings, I have run groups, courses and writing for wellbeing sessions. I am also a bacp accredited counsellor and have for some time been working on ways to bring all of my skills and loves together. I love working with writers on a one to one basis and I put a lot of care into creating sessions that hopefully feel both grounding and empowering. Whilst I can absolutely offer traditional editing and feedback sessions, I feel my skills are best placed to work with and nurture you as a writer. This means you as a person will be as much as a focus of our work as a specific piece of writing. The structures below are a template. If you have s specific need or idea in mind – please do get in touch to discuss further or to book in a session.
One off: £70
1-1.5 hour session online
3 x pages of writing to be read in advance if useful.
In our session we will discuss and explore your writing, why you do it, what you love, where you feel stuck and what you would like to achieve. We’ll aim to set some tangible things to work on/towards but more importantly we’ll try to reignite that love of writing and look at how to show up as authentically as possible at and on the page. I believe reflection and relationship can take a little time to build. I've often found myself just gearing up and feeling comfortable by the end of a session so I like to offer longer sessions where possible.
Holistic mentoring: £240
4 x 1 hour sessions online (weekly,fortnightly or monthly)
3 x pages of writing to be read in advance of meetings if useful.
Sessions will be focussed on both your writing and you the writer – the whys and the hows. We’ll look at what you give to and gain from writing, any blocks you are facing, any challenges or questions you might have. We might look at what is and what is not coming up in your writing and why this might be. We’ll explore what you would like to achieve and where you would like to be, writing wise. We’ll also explore others’ writing to gain a better understanding of what is you love and enjoy.
I strongly believe our creative practice can often hold echoes, mirrors, fossils of all aspects of our lives. Whilst this is not therapy, it is possible to explore some life stuff that is coming up in or getting in the way of your writing or how you are perceiving it. This doesn’t just relate to intense stuff - of course we can explore your heartbreak and family dynamics (although probably not all of them?!) but I also believe your joy can be present and valuable in your work too.
Whilst I will bring my personal skills, opinions, views and knowledge to the table, I will be more focussed on exploring all of these things within you with the aim of building or reviving a sense of confidence and clarity when it comes to your own writing.
My personal experience and expertise is with poetry and prose. However, I am very happy to explore different forms of writing or indeed creative work of any kind. Whilst I will give lots of attention to your work – my main focus will absolutely be you. Your creative sense of self, expression, wellbeing, authenticity. I think this can be applied to any discipline so please feel free to get in touch if you would like to discuss something a little different.
W O R K S H O P S
I run poetry, creative writing and performance workshops for all ages in schools, libraries, businesses and anywhere in between. I believe that engaging with language and poetry in this way can enhance and improve confidence, literacy and critical thinking skills. I have seen first hand the impact this form of self-expression can have and think it is incredibly beneficial for everyone. Sessions can be themed and tailored to meet the needs of all ages and levels of experience.
I run full day, half day and lesson long sessions as well as poetry clubs, poetry slams and sessions for those who work with young people. I have worked extensively in schools so have a thorough understanding of the curriculum which helps me to meet the needs of teachers and students alike.
M A I L I N G L I S T
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S A Y H E L L O
Enquiries? Bookings? Pictures of cats? General life questions?
