#McrMetTogether - Joe Stretch

Working together in isolation

Joe Stretch, Senior Lecturer in Creative Writing
Department of English

When people think of creative writing, they often imagine a solitary writer, typing away. This, says Joe Stretch, Senior Lecturer in Creative Writing, is the “myth of the author”.

While it’s certainly possible to write alone, it’s not the way the majority choose to work, and solitude is not often conducive to optimal creative output. The reality of creative writing – especially good creative writing – is collegiate, and support from peers throughout the process is paramount.

Being unable to bring tutor groups together over the past academic year has meant it’s been difficult to create the dynamic literary culture that Manchester Writing School is so well known for, and which is so important for writers’ confidence, creativity and productivity.

To create a sense of togetherness when many were feeling alone, Joe set up voluntary ‘free write’ sessions for two hours each week. Students and staff were invited to join a Microsoft Teams call where, after an informal ten-minute chat, they switch off their cameras and audio, but remain online. Silent, but together. During this time, participants are encouraged to turn off their phones, avoid all distractions, and dedicate themselves entirely to writing.

“The free write sessions are designed to collaborate on concentration in a world of distraction”, says Joe. “Distractions are a huge problem in today’s world. Add a global pandemic with constant news updates, social media discussions and feelings of anxiety, it can all become too much – especially when people have time on their hands at home.”

Despite purposefully discouraging interaction, this innovative online session has been a powerful tool for shared experience, that participants commit to, and feel a responsibility towards. “It’s an example of people helping each other in the simplest way”, says Joe.

Joe has found some challenges to block teaching, but also seen its benefits. The prescriptiveness it brings has “professionalised” the unit, he says, as well as professionalising the approach to writing of many students; enhancing their self-discipline, timekeeping and consistency.

Block teaching, coupled with the optional free write sessions, has given students multiple touch points throughout the week, further igniting their sense of camaraderie and purpose.

For Joe’s students, 2020 brought a unique opportunity to work together in isolation, immerse themselves in their creative purpose, and he thinks, brought out the best in them.

It’s been a learning curve for Joe, giving him a clearer sense of how he can best inspire creativity as a tutor. “Sometimes you lose sight of what’s important. This last year has really reset things for me and opened my eyes to the importance of more informal approaches to teaching at times, and how they can provide a richer experience for students, and for tutors”.