The Place That Made You

Join local authors and experienced creative writing tutors Stephanie Norgate and Karen Stevens as they discuss how their imaginations have been shaped by the rural and urban landscapes of Hampshire, a county both have grown up in and know intimately. Stephanie and Karen will then guide you through a series of connected writing exercises, inviting you to explore the landscapes, cityscapes, or seascapes that have influenced your own sense of place.

Stephanie Norgate is a poet with three collections published by Bloodaxe Books. Her debut novel, Hartisborne - described by Vicki Feaver as 'magical, moving, poetic' - is inspired by the landscape and natural history of Selborne, where she grew up, and by the legacy of the naturalist Gilbert White.

Karen Stevens writes short fiction and has been published in a variety of anthologies and journals. She teaches creative writing at the University of Chichester and has published two edited collections: Writing a First Novel (Palgrave Macmillan), High Spirits: A Round of Drinking Stories (Valley Press). Her debut short story collection, Brilliant Blue, described by Alison MacLeod as 'bold, beautiful and ebullient' is inspired by the housing estates of Hampshire.