Hello and welcome!
I’m Dr Yasmin Chopin—a researcher, writer, and mentor (and my surname really is pronounced like the composer, Frédéric Chopin).
This Substack publication celebrates the art and craft of Place Writing. I pose questions, try to provide answers, and always encourage conversation. I'm championing Place Writing as a genre in its own right. It's my thing. Is it yours?
Here you’ll find posts on a range of place-related relevant topics including nature, travel, art history, home, architecture, and design.
Also, see my tab, Recommended Books. To my knowledge, no shelves exist in libraries or bookshops labelled ‘Place Writing’. In this series of book reviews I chose a title that, in my opinion, is a good example of the genre and, over time, these posts will develop into a specialised reading list for you.
Subscribe to:-
Be informed about what’s happening in the field of Place Writing.
Develop an awareness of the methods used in Place Writing.
Be inspired to creatively engage with place in your own writing.
Get into conversation with hundreds of other subscribers who are passionate about the craft of writing.
Find exciting new reading material. We share and recommend the good stuff.
Some bio
I live near Cambridge in the east of England and I gained my PhD in creative non-fiction Place Writing at Manchester Metropolitan University. Previously, I got a Masters Degree (with Distinction) in Creative Writing, a Diploma in Interior Design, and a BA (with Honours) in Art History. In my first career as an Association Executive, I edited magazines, compiled business reports, and wrote promotional literature and, although there was little room for creativity, I gained confidence with words. Later, in my second career as an award winning interior designer, I established a website blog and wrote monthly columns for a variety of journals including the online interiors portal Houzz. And, in between working and bringing up a family, I bought and sold property. I’m interested in all aspects of art, architecture, and design. Initially, I approached Place Writing from the perspective of a home-maker, but my fascination with the subject has broadened. And now, in my third and ultimate career, I write about place from many angles.
Subscribe and enjoy!
Place Writing is curated by me. Every post is prepared with care and sent with love. You might like to start with my introductory post: What is Place Writing? And here are a few of my most popular posts: Travel Writing and A Creative Writing PhD.
NB My Bookshop.org site supports independent bookshops and if you buy books via this link I may earn a small commission.
Work with me!
To pass on my experience, I support and mentor new writers of creative non-fiction (individuals and groups). I’m also open to collaborative opportunities with other Substackers. Contact me by email: ycid at yasminchopin dot com.
