Alchemy and Creative Writing – Workshop

Alchemy’s symbols and stories offer a rich source of inspiration for creative work.

In this online workshop, Bernadette Russell invites participants to draw on the world of alchemy to create their own writing. Tracing alchemy's history from Ancient Egypt to Europe, the session explores the Philosopher’s Stone and its symbolism of transformation, healing and renewal. The group considers how alchemical ideas have shaped folklore, myth and modern literature, from Fullmetal Alchemist to A Discovery of Witches, alongside famous alchemists like Mary the Prophetess and Isaac Newton. Along the way, participants explore alchemy as a metaphor for personal growth – the transmutation of difficulty into wisdom – before moving into prompts and free writing exercises to create original work. Suitable for both beginners and experienced writers.

Bernadette Russell is an author and professional storyteller who has studied myth and folklore with Dr Martin Shaw at the West Country School of Myth, as…