Between the Years - A writing workshop to close out the year at Metis Books

Would you like to mark the end of the year in Berlin with more than just a marzipan pig and too many fireworks? Join us for a writing workshop and retreat where we close the year with reflection and intention, and look ahead with clarity.

The quiet days “Zwischen den Jahren” or the “Raunnächte,” the 12 days between Christmas and New Year’s, offer a rare pause for reflection and renewal. In this creative writing workshop, participants are invited to linger in that in-between space, using writing as a way to look back, let go, and begin anew.

Using guided writing prompts and imaginative exercises, together, we’ll explore: What stories from this year are asking to be told or released? What new themes, words, or creative directions might emerge for the year ahead?

Through short reflections, writing sessions, and optional sharing, participants will discover how creative writing can serve as both a mirror and compass, helping to make sense of the year that was and orient gently toward what’s next.

No previous writing experience is needed—just openness, curiosity, and a pen. You’ll leave with fresh writing, new insights, and tools to continue your own year-end reflection practice. This is a preferred pen-to-paper exercise; however, you may need access to your digital calendars to review the year past, plus bring any paper calendars you want to reference for the end-of-year review exercises.

There will be the opportunity for some sharing, but it's not required.

Arrive early to buy a beverage and a piece of cake from our lovely hosts, and to browse the bookshop. Metis Cafe and Bookshop just opened this year, and we are thrilled to be hosted there.

Financial aid is available! If you are interested in attending, cost should not be the deciding factor, so send me a message.

About the facilitator:

Bettina Rolyn is a writer and editor based in Berlin. She completed her MFA in Creative Writing, with a focus on nonfiction, and has published essays and poetry in various publications. Her work focuses on memoir, traveling, and Berlin, among many topics. She has led writing groups on reflective and expressive writing for multilingual communities, helping participants, especially FLINTA, to find their voice and lower the inner critic and gatekeeper to ‘who can write.’ She also curates the monthly informational Substack “Berlin Literary Events,” where you can find something literary-related to do every day in the city.