I was sitting in a cafe with my laptop like the writer cliche and John had just asked me what I got from the weekend. At that exact moment your sub stack post arrived. I read it to him. I cried. I couldn’t have summed it up any better. I’m so proud of all of us. Hello Mark, food writer. It’s wonderful to meet you.
When you read your piece out over the weekend I really felt your line about the kitchen not asking your credentials to be there. I felt like I had to be invited into a space where I already was, where I always belonged, I just couldn't see it. Now I do! Beautiful words Mark 💛
Thank you, Mila 😊 And I'm glad you can see it now, because your words and your light *beams* out of you. Glad we got to share this experience together - forever class of Summer '25 ♥️
A lovely post, and really enjoyed reading your At The Table piece. It goes without saying that you had two great teachers, but so great to read that you found something much bigger. For what it's worth, you've always struck me as the most natural of writers; I hope this extra confidence allows you to shape those skills to create the thing you desire most.
Thank you, Matt - that truly means a lot. Even with my newfound confidence, I don’t think I’ll ever feel comfortable accepting compliments on my writing - but a wholehearted thank you nevertheless.
Mark and Diana were utterly fantastic - and keeping fingers and toes crossed for a potential part deux.
Very much looking forward to seeing what I unlock under your tutelage!
Honestly, it was the best experience of my life so far. Definitely awakened something or unlocked something - feel like I'm walking with my head a little higher, my back a little straighter and practically vibrating with excitement!
There's talks of a potential 'part deux' - less gin in the sun and more bottle of wine in front of a roaring fire. Would you come if so??
You ARE a food writer, Mark! What a weekend with yu and other incredible people - so much openness and support, and creative magic. Thank yo for coming and sharing your words then and here
It took this weekend to realise that, Mark… so thank you - Truly! It was exactly what I needed, at exactly the right time, with the right people. Class of Summer ‘25!
Thank you Belinda (number 1) - it was so great to have spent the weekend with you. Glad we shared our writing in the end 😊 Super excited to see your plans unfold!
Haha - thank you Tamara! It was so good to spend this weekend with you - it almost seemed too short. Fingers crossed Mark and Diana arrange a part 2 - and the class of Summer ‘25 can reassemble at Cadhay once again :) Looking forward to seeing where your story takes you, too - it sounds like you’re at the start of an epic adventure.
Gathering with other writers, some who maybe have more experience, is the best education, the best way to gain confidence, because we each have our own way of storytelling.
Thanks for sharing your experience Mark. It's a powerful reminder that we often see the end of one's journey, but we forget that everyone starts at the beginning. Each word that lands on the page carves out space for new stories. You consistently work on your baking and writing. Of course, you are a food writer. Embrace it!
So glad to read this, Mark! And just so you know, most of those formerly intimidating food writers have no clue how to work on anything that includes spending hours on a horseback everyday …
How fabulous was this, and beyond fabulous you went. You are so proactive in improving yourself, it is nothing short of inspiring using the purest definition of the word.
I remember when you posted your first bake, and of course those gorgeous professional level photos. Amazing.
Oh Sheryl 🥹 I don't really know what to say to that, apart from *thank you*. It genuinely means the world to me to be part of such a great community ♥️
So you’ve stepped into the secret room, a place to rumble around with your thoughts until they flow the way you want them to. Thank your Mark for sharing your experience and your touching and authentic words about your table. Bravo Mark, not only a baker of fine things but a crafter of words, a food writer.
Thank you, Lisa - as always you’re a beacon of support and enthusiasm for me 😊 I really needed this - and it feels like the start of a very exciting new chapter.
I was sitting in a cafe with my laptop like the writer cliche and John had just asked me what I got from the weekend. At that exact moment your sub stack post arrived. I read it to him. I cried. I couldn’t have summed it up any better. I’m so proud of all of us. Hello Mark, food writer. It’s wonderful to meet you.
Thank you, Deb 🥹 For your lovely comment and for being part of this journey. You were most definitely a driving force in me finding my confidence.
What a wonderful group of people to have shared this experience with. Here’s to class of Summer “25!
Truly hope to meet up with you in the future.
When you read your piece out over the weekend I really felt your line about the kitchen not asking your credentials to be there. I felt like I had to be invited into a space where I already was, where I always belonged, I just couldn't see it. Now I do! Beautiful words Mark 💛
Thank you, Mila 😊 And I'm glad you can see it now, because your words and your light *beams* out of you. Glad we got to share this experience together - forever class of Summer '25 ♥️
A lovely post, and really enjoyed reading your At The Table piece. It goes without saying that you had two great teachers, but so great to read that you found something much bigger. For what it's worth, you've always struck me as the most natural of writers; I hope this extra confidence allows you to shape those skills to create the thing you desire most.
Thank you, Matt - that truly means a lot. Even with my newfound confidence, I don’t think I’ll ever feel comfortable accepting compliments on my writing - but a wholehearted thank you nevertheless.
Mark and Diana were utterly fantastic - and keeping fingers and toes crossed for a potential part deux.
Very much looking forward to seeing what I unlock under your tutelage!
Firstly, waaah, I am so jealous and wish I had been there!!
Secondly, this post is so adorable, sincere and lovely!!! I want to give you a hug, and say well done... Food Writer Mark 😊
Ahhh thank you lovely!! 🥰
Honestly, it was the best experience of my life so far. Definitely awakened something or unlocked something - feel like I'm walking with my head a little higher, my back a little straighter and practically vibrating with excitement!
There's talks of a potential 'part deux' - less gin in the sun and more bottle of wine in front of a roaring fire. Would you come if so??
Oh my gosh, wow! I am so thrilled for you!
Yes! So long as I can get childcare I would so be there.
Amazing!! Just to clarify that was meant to say “less gin in the sun and more bottle of wine in front of a roaring fire.” 😆😆
I’m watching a vampire film whilst I work and there was clearly some crossover! 😆
😂😂
Lovely piece of writing - it made my skin tingle
Thank you Canda 😊 It was so lovely to see you there too - if only for a brief moment!
You ARE a food writer, Mark! What a weekend with yu and other incredible people - so much openness and support, and creative magic. Thank yo for coming and sharing your words then and here
It took this weekend to realise that, Mark… so thank you - Truly! It was exactly what I needed, at exactly the right time, with the right people. Class of Summer ‘25!
Love this so much Mark ❤️ perfectly captured 👏💪 Onwards and upwards!!
Thank you Belinda (number 1) - it was so great to have spent the weekend with you. Glad we shared our writing in the end 😊 Super excited to see your plans unfold!
Well, I followed the link posted by Mark and had to go back to check who I was reading, because damn dude, this is some good writing!
Hello Food Writer, loved meeting you last weekend and I'm looking forward to where your story will take me next time!
Haha - thank you Tamara! It was so good to spend this weekend with you - it almost seemed too short. Fingers crossed Mark and Diana arrange a part 2 - and the class of Summer ‘25 can reassemble at Cadhay once again :) Looking forward to seeing where your story takes you, too - it sounds like you’re at the start of an epic adventure.
This is so excellent. A food writer you are!
Gathering with other writers, some who maybe have more experience, is the best education, the best way to gain confidence, because we each have our own way of storytelling.
Yours is unique to you.
I really enjoyed reading this post, thank you.
Yasmin, thank you so much for your comment!
And I couldn’t agree with that more - i absorbed so much great advice over the course of those 3 days.
Thank you for reading 😊 I’m glad you enjoyed it.
Mark, how beautifully you described your experience at the weekend.
The final paragraph of the first task- “It turns out the table …..”actually made me cry.
What a truly life changing and also life affirming few days you’ve had. Thank you for sharing xx
Oh Gill, I’m a bit blown away by your comment! I’m so glad it resonated with you 😊
Honestly feel like I’ve left a different person - very excited for what the future holds x
I’m very excited to see what your future holds too Mark!!
Thanks for sharing your experience Mark. It's a powerful reminder that we often see the end of one's journey, but we forget that everyone starts at the beginning. Each word that lands on the page carves out space for new stories. You consistently work on your baking and writing. Of course, you are a food writer. Embrace it!
So very true, Lala 👏 and thank you! It was a wonderfully transformative experience. I’m very much looking to getting my head down and cracking on!
So glad to read this, Mark! And just so you know, most of those formerly intimidating food writers have no clue how to work on anything that includes spending hours on a horseback everyday …
Thanks Petrina! I have a very unique set of skills I bring to the table 🤣🤣
Mark, Mark, Mark...
How fabulous was this, and beyond fabulous you went. You are so proactive in improving yourself, it is nothing short of inspiring using the purest definition of the word.
I remember when you posted your first bake, and of course those gorgeous professional level photos. Amazing.
Oh Sheryl 🥹 I don't really know what to say to that, apart from *thank you*. It genuinely means the world to me to be part of such a great community ♥️
Hello Mark the food writer! Loved this. Sounds like a fantastic weekend.
Thank you Claire - it was the best 😊 Looking forward to what's next!
Fantastic Mark! Yes you are a good writer. Looking forward to more posts coming soon.
Thank you Melissa 😊😊 Looking forward to what falls out of me next. But first… I need to crack on with some baking!
So you’ve stepped into the secret room, a place to rumble around with your thoughts until they flow the way you want them to. Thank your Mark for sharing your experience and your touching and authentic words about your table. Bravo Mark, not only a baker of fine things but a crafter of words, a food writer.
Thank you, Lisa - as always you’re a beacon of support and enthusiasm for me 😊 I really needed this - and it feels like the start of a very exciting new chapter.