COURSES AND RETREATS 2018 - HOME OF CREATIVE WRITING - Arvon Foundation
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HOME OF CREATIVE WRITING HOME OF CREATIVE WRITING COURSES AND RETREATS 2018
About Arvon 3 Welcome 4 The Arvon week 6 NEW: short courses 8 Choosing a course 10 Centre facilities 12 Our centres 16-21 Course fees 22 How to book 24 Grants 25-26 2018 courses & retreats – Starting to Write 28 – Fiction 39 – Poetry 69 – Non-Fiction 90 – Writing for Children/YA 101 – Playwriting/TV/Film/ Radio 109 – Other 124 – Retreats 129 More about Arvon 136-145 Terms and conditions 146-151
ARVON – HOME OF
CREATIVE WRITING
“Without my week Something magical happens at an Arvon writers’
house. You arrive, perhaps feeling a little shy,
at Arvon, I very uncertain and hopeful. You leave amazed at
the progress you have made, encouraged by a
much doubt I would sense of fellowship, a shot of inspiration and the
determination to keep writing.
have made it this far, Arvon celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2018 as the
and for that I am UK’s home of creative writing. We have three centres,
in Devon, Shropshire and Yorkshire. Our residential
eternally grateful.” courses and retreats, led by highly acclaimed writers,
span poetry to playwriting, song to screenplay, fact to
fiction, starting to finishing – and we offer grants to help
—Maria Ferguson, with course fees for those who need it. Generations of
writers have been inspired by their experience at Arvon.
writer of Fat Girls Each year, over 40 of our courses are with vulnerable
Don’t Dance groups and schools, from young people who have
experienced bullying to adults recovering from an
addiction. We also work closely with teachers to support
their professional development. To ensure our doors stay
open to all, we rely on donations from charitable trusts
and individuals. See page 141 to learn how you can
support Arvon.
We offer a home for the imagination, where anyone,
regardless of writing experience, can step away from
their normal routine, immerse themselves in the creative
process, be inspired by experienced writers and release
their imaginative potential.
2 3
to our online writing advice and special offers on courses
WELCOME TO ARVON’S with late availability.
2018 PROGRAMME Please look on our website to find out all the details of
Ruth Borthwick, Chief Executive these new initiatives.
and Artistic Director In 2018 we are proud to present a festival of 89 weeks of
creative writing courses and retreats, and new dates for
We are celebrating our 50th birthday in 2018. It’s an what has proven to be an exceptionally popular new offer,
exciting moment in our history, and I’d like to take a our Writers Retreats at the Clockhouse. There is a huge
moment to thank everyone who has made Arvon what variety of courses and retreats to suit everyone, from those
it is, a unique resource for writers at all stages of their of you who are beginners to those who wish to develop
writing life. In its consistent support for writers over half their craft.
a century, Arvon has earned the epithet ‘the home of
creative writing’. Arvon is delighted to be working with new partners in
our 50th anniversary year, The Brontë Society and The
We would love to hear your stories of Arvon for Roundhouse, on two new courses: Starting to Write with
publication in a Festschrift, capturing your reflections, the Brontës, and Spoken Word.
feelings and thoughts about what Arvon means to you.
We’d like this to be a bumper collection of writing from In a year full of exceptional courses, there are a few
across the years, so please dig into your memories and highlights to pick out. We feature a timely new course
bombard us with your stories. See page 27 for more on writing Political Non-Fiction tutored by Melissa Benn
information. and Marina Cantacuzino. We use the extraordinary
poem sequence Remains of Elmet as an inspiration for
As well as reminiscing, we are looking forward to offering Writing with Ted Hughes, tutored by poet Steve Ely and
new things. We’ve listened to what some of you have told Christopher Reid. Finally, Songwriting, with Kathryn
us about wanting to come to Arvon, but not being able Williams and Magic Numbers’ Michele and Romeo
to do so for a whole week, and we’ve introduced shorter Stodart, will be ringing from the rafters at Totleigh Barton,
courses for you to get a taste of Arvon. Arvon’s birthplace.
We know you value highly the one-to-one access to If you want to help us celebrate our 50th anniversary in
tutors Arvon provides, and in our anniversary year we will style, please consider donating to our grant fund. We
be launching tutorials online to offer personal support, are looking to bring twice as many people to Arvon who
wherever you are. can’t otherwise afford it. Your support is instrumental in
achieving this goal.
Also, we want to offer more support to younger writers so
we will give everyone between 18-25 years free access Join us in raising a glass to toast Arvon’s co-founders,
John Fairfax and John Moat, and Arvon’s next 50 years!
4 5
THE ARVON WEEK
You’ll be with a group of up to 15 other writers,
working with two tutors, from Monday to Saturday.
Most Arvon weeks follow this structure (although
retreats are a little different):
• On Monday you arrive between 4.30pm and
6pm, settle in, enjoy dinner and attend the tutors’
introduction to the week.
• Each morning the tutors lead workshops to help
you explore ideas, forms and techniques.
• Afternoons are your time for writing and one-to-one
tutorials. You’ll have two tutorials (at least 20 minutes
long), one with each tutor, to consider your writing
in depth.
• On Tuesday evening the tutors read from their
own work.
• On Wednesday evening the guest speaker joins
the group.
• On Friday evening everyone gets together to share
and celebrate their work.
• The week comes to a close on Saturday morning,
after breakfast. Have a tissue handy – you may shed
a farewell tear or two!
6 7
NEW: SHORT RESIDENTIAL
WRITING COURSES
In our 50th year we’re excited to be introducing 3-DAY COURSE
short residential courses – 3-day (Friday to Sunday) Friday – Sunday
and 4-day (Monday to Thursday) – which include 4-DAY COURSE
most aspects of an Arvon week. Monday – Thursday
We’ve been listening to writers who are keen to come to The long weekend
Arvon but can’t manage a full week. We have captured course begins on
all the essential elements that make the Arvon week Four-day courses run from Friday lunchtime with
unique and distilled it into a short course. Monday lunchtime with a departure after lunch
a departure after on Sunday.
You will be one of up to 14 writers. Everyone gets a breakfast on Thursday.
single room. There will be two tutors running the course. The three days
Significant departures from our classic Arvon week The course includes ten includes six hours of
include no cooking duties and no mid-course guest. hours of workshop-based workshop-based tuition;
group tuition; each student each student gets two
These courses are currently only available at Lumb Bank, gets two one-to-one one-to-one tutorials and
our Yorkshire centre. tutorials and there is there is a celebratory
a celebratory reading reading to end the course.
The cost for short courses is £530. night on Wednesday.
See courses 5, 22, 40 and 50.
8 9
CHOOSING A COURSE For the more experienced writer, we recommend:
Work-in-Progress
Our courses are designed with writers of all levels of For writers who already have significant experience and
experience in mind. If you’re unsure which course is right would like to receive project-specific feedback as well as
for you, feel free to call our team on 020 7324 2554. the space and time to write. We have work-in-progress
courses in several different genres. Work-in-progress
Starting to Write courses include workshops and one-to-one tutorials.
If you have a burning desire to write but feel you have
little experience, perhaps you are returning to writing Tutored Retreats
after a long time away, or maybe you have writing Like our work-in-progress courses above, but without
experience in one field but are keen to explore a new morning workshops. Instead you will have more time for
genre, then a Starting to Write course would be ideal. one-to-one tutorials. We have Tutored Retreats in several
The Starting to Write courses are designed to build your different genres.
confidence within a supportive environment, providing
you with the tools to inspire and develop your writing. Centre Retreats
We offer Starting to Write courses in specific genres, and The time and space to write with a group of up to fifteen
more general Starting to Write courses that include fiction other writers, sharing one of our three historic houses –
and poetry writing. Starting to Write courses include the Hurst, Lumb Bank or Totleigh Barton. No workshops,
workshops and one-to-one tutorials. no tutorials. We also offer a range of retreats with
activities including Yoga and singing.
Open Courses
We have a wide range of courses in specific genres eg Writers Retreat at The Clockhouse
Fiction; Playwriting; Short Story. Writers of all levels of Choose between four or six days in your own apartment
experience are welcome on these courses. The weeks at The Clockhouse, tucked away in the peaceful grounds
will have a focus on generating new writing rather than of our Shropshire centre. Write, plan, walk, think, dream,
getting feedback on work-in-progress. Open courses edit, in solitude, away from it all with no distractions. The
include workshops and one-to-one tutorials. Clockhouse has four apartments in total. Writers Retreats
are untutored. See pages 158-159 for more information.
10 11
CENTRE FACILITIES Accommodation Everything in an Arvon centre has been set up to help you write and to be your home for the week. The accommodation is deliberately simple, comfortable and clean. The centre staff will be your hosts, ensuring a relaxed, friendly and informal atmosphere. Each centre has a living room, a well-stocked library and many other quiet spaces, as well as an inspirational landscape to explore beyond the house. See pages 16-21 for details of bedrooms and bathrooms at each centre. You do not need a computer on our courses, but you are welcome to bring your own laptop. We have a few computers and a printer at each centre, which you can use for writing or printing out your own work (a donation for printing is requested). Mobile phone reception is poor at some of the centres. We do not provide an internet connection or Wi-Fi – so you can immerse yourself in your writing. 12 13
Accessibility Food
Arvon welcomes writers with disabilities. If you have Throughout the week all your food and drink is provided,
any specific access requirements, please discuss except for alcohol, which can be purchased from a local
with us prior to booking and we will do our utmost wine merchant on arrival and delivered early in the week.
to accommodate your needs. All communal spaces, We’re firmly committed to buying seasonal and locally
including workshop spaces, are accessible to people produced goods.
with mobility issues. Each centre can accommodate
a personal assistant or carer if required, and if there You’ll help yourself to breakfast, and a tasty lunch is
are spaces available. Accessibility to bedrooms and provided for you every day by centre staff. Each evening,
bathrooms varies depending on the centre - The Hurst a different team of writers takes a turn cooking dinner.
is the most accessible of our centres with a lift to all The recipes and ingredients are provided and there’s lots
floors and 16 single ensuite rooms – see pages 16-21. of help at hand. Cooking teams also take turns to do the
All of our centres have a portable loop system available washing-up.
on request.
On short courses and Clockhouse retreats, all food is
provided, including dinner.
If you have dietary needs, for ethical, religious or medical
reasons, we’re happy to cater for you – when you book,
it’s important that you let us know.
Travel
All of our centres can be reached by train. On booking
your course you will be sent a full booking confirmation
by email, including details of local cab companies who
can bring you to the centre. Check our website for
detailed information on how to reach our centres.
14 15
THE HURST The centre is fully accessible, with a lift to all floors and 16
single, en-suite bedrooms.
The John Osborne Arvon Centre, Shropshire
The Hurst is the ideal place to find your voice. Formerly
the home of the playwright John Osborne, the recently
renovated 19th-century manor house is set in the
Shropshire Hills, a designated Area of Outstanding
Natural Beauty. Explore the 26 acres of inspiring
woodland, unwind by the spring-fed lake, or simply sit
and enjoy the view while you write.
“There is something about the natural beauty at
The Hurst which supports the endeavour of writing,
which makes wanderings and musings inevitable.”
The Hurst, Clunton, Craven Arms, Shropshire SY7 0JA
Situated in the grounds of The Hurst is Arvon’s
Telephone: 01588 640 658 dedicated Writers Retreat at The Clockhouse. It
Email: thehurst@arvon.org consists of four apartments, each with bedroom,
Twitter: @hurstonthescene study and en-suite bathroom, and all food provided,
16 for six-day and four-day writing retreats. 17LUMB BANK
The Ted Hughes Arvon Centre,
West Yorkshire
LUMB BANK There are 14 single rooms and one shared room. One
bedroom has a specially adapted bathroom for people with
The Ted Hughes Arvon Centre, Yorkshire mobility issues and can also accommodate a personal carer.
Lumb Bank is an 18th-century mill-owner’s house set in
20 acres of steep woodland.
“I think I speak for all my young writer companions
when I say that you do not leave Lumb Bank the same
person as when you arrived.”—Louisa Rhodes
“I think I speak for all my
Lumb Bank,
young writer Heptonstall,
companionsHebden Bridge, West Yorkshire
HX7 6DF
when I say that you do
not leave Lumb Bank the
Telephone:
same person 01422 843
as when you714
Email: lumbbank@arvon.org
arrived.” —Louisa Rhodes
Twitter: @Lumb_Bank The house once belonged to Ted Hughes and has a
breathtaking view to the valley below – a Pennine landscape
of woods and rivers, weavers’ cottages, packhorse trails and
ruins of old mills. It is half a mile from the historic village of
18 Heptonstall and two miles from Hebden Bridge. 19TOTLEIGH BARTON Totleigh Barton has 12 single and two shared rooms. There is
a wheelchair-accessible bedroom with en-suite bathroom.
The first Arvon Centre, Devon
Totleigh Barton is a 16th-century thatched manor house
in one of the most peaceful and idyllic parts of north
Devon, two miles from the village of Sheepwash.
“To step over the threshold into Totleigh Barton has always
been to step into a world of writing.”—Penelope Shuttle
Totleigh Barton, Sheepwash, Beaworthy,
Devon EX21 5NS
Telephone: 01409 231 338
Email: totleighbarton@arvon.org
Twitter: @TotleighBarton
There is a beautiful garden and orchard, and walks
along the River Torridge nearby.
20 212018 FEES
5-day courses single room Writers Retreat at The Clockhouse
– The Hurst (en-suite room) £800 6-day retreats (Tues – Mon)
– Totleigh Barton and Lumb Bank £770
– 1st floor apartment £720
5-day courses shared room £720 – 2nd floor apartment £685
(only available at Lumb Bank and Totleigh Barton)
4-day retreats (Thurs – Mon)
5-day Tutored Retreat single room
– 1st floor apartment £415
– The Hurst (en-suite room) £800 – 2nd floor apartment £395
– Totleigh Barton and Lumb Bank £770
5-day Retreat (untutored) £630 Course and retreats fees cover
5-day Retreat with activity – a bed with writing desk
– all tuition (where applicable)
– The Hurst (en-suite room) £695 – full-board accommodation (not including alcohol)
– Totleigh Barton and Lumb Bank £670
You can apply for a grant towards a course if you
4-day courses Monday – Thursday £530 cannot afford the full fee (please see page 24).
3-day courses Friday – Sunday £530
22 23HOW TO BOOK A GRANTS FOR WRITERS
COURSE/RETREAT
Bookings can be made online at www.arvon.org. 1. Download a grant pack from our website, or ask us
to send it to you. It contains full details of the application
You can also book by calling the centre where your procedure and an application form.
chosen course/retreat is held. To secure your place, you
will need to pay a deposit of £200 at the time of booking 2. Reserve a place on your chosen course, either online
(unless you’re applying for a grant). You are welcome to or by phoning the centre hosting your course, and make
pay in instalments via our online booking system. The sure you indicate that you wish to apply for a grant. You
full balance of your fee is payable no later than six weeks do not need to pay a deposit at this stage.
before the course or retreat starts.
3. Complete the application form and send it along with
your supporting documents to your chosen centre within
a week.
HOW TO APPLY FOR A GRANT
4. Within seven days we will assess your application,
If you are a UK resident and cannot afford the full course contact you with a decision, and finalise your booking.
fee, we encourage you to apply for one of our grants, If you have any questions, please contact the appropriate
which are awarded on the basis of financial need and centre.
not writing ability.
“I was commissioned by Tate Britain to write a
Priority is given to those coming to Arvon for the first
time. You may apply for any amount up to the full course piece for their ‘Late at Tate’ event – I was awarded
fee. The average grant we awarded in 2016 was £350. this commission based on work I produced on the
We offer higher amounts only in exceptional cases. To
help us support as many people as possible, please Arvon week.”—Ella Frears, poet, grant recipient,
apply only if you’d be unable to attend the course without Jerwood/Arvon mentee
a grant, and ask for the minimum amount you need.
Grants are only available for those booking a course, not See page 139 for how to support the grant fund.
a retreat.
24 25GRANTS FOR TEACHERS ARVON, 1968 – 2018
50 years as the home of creative writing
Arvon supports the professional development of A call-out for your Arvon stories
practising teachers, who may apply for a special fixed
grant of £200 towards a course fee. You will need to In 2018 Arvon is celebrating 50 years as the home of
send evidence that you are a practising teacher at a creative writing.
UK primary or secondary school, or further education
college. Teachers’ grants are limited in number and can We hear so many moving stories of the transformative
be applied for in addition to the usual grant if further effect of an Arvon course – moments of new-found
financial assistance is needed. confidence, of writing breakthroughs, of stories
germinated and friendships made.
During this special year we’d like to gather some of
these stories in, to produce an anniversary booklet, a
‘Festschrift’ celebrating the many voices of Arvon through
the years. If you’ve been touched by the Arvon magic,
whether as a young writer on one of our school courses,
or as an adult writer, or even as an Arvon tutor or
member of staff – we’d love to hear from you.
We don’t mind what form you choose – anecdotes,
poems, short fiction – just as long as it can fit on an
A4 page.
Visit www.arvon.org/arvon50 for more details. And keep
an eye on our blog in 2018 as we will be featuring your
stories throughout the year.
26 27STARTING
3. STARTING 8. STARTING
TO WRITE TO WRITE
4–9 June 12–17 November
The Hurst Totleigh Barton
TO WRITE
Tutors: Jane Feaver & Tutors: Alex Christofi &
Vicki Feaver Mona Arshi
4. STARTING 9. STARTING
TO WRITE TO WRITE
6–11 August 3–8 December
Lumb Bank The Hurst
Tutors: James Friel & Tutors: Katy Moran &
Clare Shaw Peter Sansom
5. SHORT COURSE: For Starting to Write
“Booking a place on an Arvon course was STARTING TO WRITE courses about specific
rather unusual for someone who was already 20–23 August
Lumb Bank
genres, see:
eighty four years old, but that is exactly what Tutors: Inua Ellams &
Kerry Hudson
18. STARTING TO
WRITE FICTION
I did. I never expected it to change my life so
completely.”— Pamela Hirsch 6. STARTING
TO WRITE
60. STARTING TO
WRITE NON-FICTION
10–15 September
Totleigh Barton 67. STARTING TO
Tutors: Monique Roffey & WRITE CHILDREN’S
1. STARTING 2. STARTING TO WRITE Kei Miller AND YOUNG ADULTS’
TO WRITE WITH THE BRONTËS FICTION
23–28 April 14–19 May 7. STARTING
Lumb Bank Lumb Bank TO WRITE 72. STARTING TO
Tutors: Mark Haddon & Tutors: Tiffany Murray & 15–20 October WRITE A PLAY
Molly McGrann Katrina Naomi The Hurst
Tutors: Tom Vowler &
Alicia Stubbersfield
28 291 23–28 April, Lumb Bank Lumb Bank, 14–19 May 2
STARTING TO WRITE STARTING TO WRITE In partnership
Finding inspiration and WITH THE BRONTËS with the
Brontë Society
maintaining momentum Your words, their works
In this week designed for new writers, we will discover Start writing inspired by the Brontë sisters and their
ways of digging up material in all kinds of unlikely places. West Yorkshire home. Throughout the week you will be
We will work on sifting and structuring that material so that encouraged to take inspiration from – and to respond
it can move and entertain readers. And we will help each to – the Brontës’ works, their ideas and their place in the
other every step of the way – by editing, by listening and world. This course is aimed at new writers with an interest
by responding – because if writing doesn’t make someone in the Brontës and is a unique opportunity to explore both
else’s spine tingle, then it means nothing. fiction and poetry through the prism of this famous family.
Highlights from the week include a private visit and special
access to the Brontë Parsonage and its collection, as well
Mark Haddon is the author of three novels, as a series of (optional) Brontë walks around Haworth,
The Red House, A Spot of Bother and The where they lived and wrote.
Curious incident of the Dog in the Night-Time.
His latest full-length book was The Pier Falls Tiffany Murray’s novels are Sugar Hall,
and other stories, a collection of short stories. Diamond Star Halo and Happy Accidents.
They all explore and reflect the Brontës’
Molly McGrann is a literary critic, poet and writing in some way. She is a senior lecturer
novelist. A former editor at The Paris Review, at the University of Glamorgan.
she is the author of three novels, 360 Flip,
Exurbia and The Ladies of the House. Katrina Naomi was the first Writer-in-
Residence at the Brontë Parsonage
Guest Bernardine Evaristo is the award- Museum. The Brontë Society published
winning author of many books of fiction her poetry pamphlet Charlotte Brontë’s
and verse fiction, most recently Mr Loverman. Corset. Her latest collection is The Way
She is Professor of Creative Writing at the Crocodile Taught Me.
Brunel University London and received
an MBE in 2009. Guest Claire Harman is a widely-published
writer and critic whose Charlotte Brontë,
A Life was published to mark the author’s
bicentenary in 2016.
30 313 4–9 June, The Hurst Lumb Bank, 6–11 August 4
STARTING TO WRITE STARTING TO WRITE
Finding your voice Finding your writing map
It is common for writers to find the blank page daunting. In a supportive atmosphere of focus and enjoyment,
It takes a leap of faith to start filling it. This week will offer you will develop ideas and a keen awareness of many
you the support, encouragement and inspiration you need aspects of fiction and poetry writing – they feed off each
to start writing, as well as the technique to hone, polish, other, trust us. You will be introduced to exciting ways of
and make of it something robust and original. We will approaching your writing, and leave the course with a
be working in poetry and prose to give you the greatest map, a compass, and a desire to go much further to
opportunity to experiment, play, discover and develop your reach your destination.
writing voice.
Jane Feaver is a novelist and short-story James Friel’s most recent novel is The
writer. Love Me Tender was shortlisted for Posthumous Affair. His other novels include
the Edge Hill Prize. An Inventory of Heaven The Higher Realm, Left of North, Taking the
is her latest novel. She is a lecturer in Veil and Careless Talk. He is Programme
Creative Writing at Exeter University. Leader for the MA in Writing at Liverpool
John Moores University.
Vicki Feaver’s poetry collection The Handless
Maiden won a Heinemann Award and was Clare Shaw’s first poetry collection
shortlisted for the Forward Prize for Best was Straight Ahead, her second Head
Collection. The Book of Blood was shortlisted On. She is a Royal Literary Fellow at
for the Forward Prize for Best Collection Huddersfield University.
and Costa Book Award (Poetry). She is
currently working on poems about childhood Guest Winnie M Li is an author and activist,
and old age. with an MA in Creative and Life Writing from
Goldsmiths. Her debut novel Dark Chapter
Guest Zaffar Kunial was one of the Faber was shortlisted for the Guardian’s Not the
New Poets 2013–14. A recent Wordsworth Booker Prize.
Trust Poet-in-Residence, he won the Geoffrey
Dearmer Prize in 2014.
32 335 Monday 20–Thursday 23 August, Lumb Bank Totleigh Barton, 10–15 September 6
SHORT COURSE: STARTING TO WRITE
STARTING TO WRITE A course in your first miracles
The building blocks of fiction and poetry
If you are new to fiction and poetry and wish to take
your first steps into writing, come and be nurtured by
This fun and supportive course is ideal for those who are two experienced writers. We offer dynamic and inspiring
just starting out on their writing journey. We’ll use short, classes for poets and fiction writers and will co-create a
inspiring exercises to introduce you to the fundamental nourishing and safe environment for you to explore your
building blocks of creative writing. Where do you get ideas voice and creativity. Expect a shift in consciousness in how
and then how do you develop them? What makes a great you think about writing and in your perception of yourself
character, setting and story? Join us at beautiful Lumb as a writer. Expect small miracles to emerge from within.
Bank and let’s explore the joy of words together.
Monique Roffey’s novels have been
Inua Ellams is an award-winning poet, shortlisted for the Costa Book Award, the
playwright and founder of the Midnight Orange Prize for Fiction, the Encore Award
Run. Identity, displacement and destiny are and the Orion Book Award. Archipelago
recurring themes in his work, which mixes won the OCM Bocas Prize for Caribbean
the old with the new, the traditional with the Literature in 2013. The Tryst came out in 2017.
contemporary.
Kei Miller is an award-winning poet
Kerry Hudson is the author of two novels. and novelist. His most recent collection,
The most recent is Thirst. Her books were The Cartographer Tries to Map a Way
shortlisted for numerous literary prizes as to Zion, was awarded the Forward Prize
well as winning the Scottish First Book Prize for Best Collection in 2014.
and the Prix Femina Etranger.
Guest JJ Bola is a Kinshasa-born, London-
raised writer, poet, and educator. He has
published three books of poetry, most
recently Word. His debut novel No Place to
Call Home was published in 2017.
34 Short course 357 15–20 October, The Hurst Totleigh Barton, 12–17 November 8
STARTING TO WRITE STARTING TO WRITE
Taking the first steps Find your voice
This week will reinvigorate your creative journey, spark Do you have a story to tell but don’t know where to begin?
your imaginative fires and enable you to experiment It is common for writers to feel that the hardest part is
with the art and mechanics of storytelling. We will getting started. During the week, we will help you do just
stimulate and support you to discover your literary voice that while helping you find ways to explore both poetry
and to surprise yourself. We will give you the confidence and fiction, develop your own unique voice and give you
and the tools to continue writing after the week is over. some tools so you can start your creative journey.
This is a practical, creative, productive, and, above all,
enjoyable course.
Alex Christofi’s first novel, Glass, won the
Tom Vowler is an award-winning novelist and Betty Trask Prize in 2016 and was longlisted
short-story writer. His debut story collection, for the Desmond Elliott Prize. His second
The Method, won the Scott Prize and the Edge novel, Let Us Be True, was published in 2017.
Hill Readers’ Prize. He edits Short Fiction and
is an associate lecturer in Creative Writing at Mona Arshi was joint winner of the
Plymouth University. Dazzling the Gods was Manchester Creative Writing Prize in 2014.
published in 2017. Her poetry collection Small Hands won the
Felix Dennis Prize for Best First Collection.
Alicia Stubbersfield’s fourth poetry Mona was the Jerwood/Arvon Mentoring
collection is The Yellow Table. In 2017 she was Scheme poetry mentor in 2016–2017.
Writer-in-Residence at Gloucester Academy.
Guest Nick Makoha’s debut collection,
Guest Sarah Butler is the author of two Kingdom of Gravity, was shortlisted for
novels, Ten Things I’ve Learnt about Love and the 2017 Felix Dennis Prize. He won the Toi
Before the Fire. Derricotte & Cornelius Eady Chapbook Prize
for his pamphlet Resurrection Man.
36 379 3–8 December, The Hurst
FICTION
STARTING TO WRITE
Overcoming the initial hurdles
What are the biggest challenges for new writers and how
do we go about overcoming them? Writing together in a
supportive atmosphere, we’ll look at techniques that will
help you with common obstacles, such as finding the time
in the first place, to dealing with writer’s block, to filling
the first few pages. Demanding and hugely enjoyable, “The restorative environment Arvon offers,
this course will make a real difference to you as a writer.
and the people I met there played a huge
part in helping to channel my chaotic ideas
Katy Moran, writing as KJ Whittaker,
published her Napoleonic alternate-history, and fragments of story into a coherent
False Lights, in September 2017. Writing as
Katy Moran, she has also published six YA
work of fiction. I am most grateful for the
novels. She lives in Shropshire with her family opportunity for growth that was provided
and works part-time as a bookseller.
by this remarkably well-designed writer’s
Peter Sansom is the author of the textbook
Writing Poems and the collection Careful What
tool.”—Vanessa Black
You Wish For. Together with Ann Sansom, he is
co-director of The Poetry Business in Sheffield,
edits The North magazine, and runs The
Poetry Business Writing School.
Guest Leone Ross is a fiction writer and
editor. Her latest book is Come Let Us Sing
Anyway, which was published in 2017.
38 3910. FICTION 15. CRIME FICTION 20. EDITING FICTION 25. FICTION
26–31 March 21–26 May 13–18 August 10–15 September
The Hurst Totleigh Barton Totleigh Barton The Hurst
Tutors: Patrick Neate & Tutors: Andrew Taylor & Tutors: Jenn Ashworth & Tutors: Lucy Hughes-Hallett
Jess Richards Louise Welsh Alexa von Hirschberg & Chibundu Onuzo
11. FICTION 16. EDITING FICTION: 21. SCIENCE 26. EDITING FICTION
16–21 April TUTORED RETREAT FICTION & FANTASY 24–29 September
Totleigh Barton 28 May–2 June 20–25 August Lumb Bank
Tutors: Jake Arnott & Lumb Bank The Hurst Tutors: Antonia Hodgson &
Cathi Unsworth Tutors: Jacob Ross & Tutors: Emma Newman & Romesh Gunesekera
Alison Hennessey Peter Newman
12. EDITING A NOVEL 27. FICTION:
23–28 April 17. FICTION: 22. SHORT TUTORED RETREAT
The Hurst WORK-IN-PROGRESS COURSE: FICTION 1–6 October
Tutors: Nikesh Shukla & 18–23 June 24–26 August Totleigh Barton
Helen Francis The Hurst Lumb Bank Tutors: Edward Docx &
Tutors: Jill Dawson & Tutors: Emma Jane Samantha Harvey
13. FICTION: Kathryn Heyman Unsworth &
WORK-IN-PROGRESS Mark Watson 28. SHORT STORY:
30 April–5 May 18. STARTING TO TUTORED RETREAT
Lumb Bank WRITE FICTION 23. ROMANTIC 29 October–3 November
Tutors: Maggie Gee & 16–21 July FICTION Lumb Bank
Cynan Jones The Hurst 27 August–1 September Tutors: Alison MacLeod &
Tutors: Stephen May & Totleigh Barton Adam Marek
14. SHORT STORY Shelley Harris Tutors: Chrissie Manby &
14–19 May Mike Gayle 29. FICTION: WORK
The Hurst 19. FICTION: -IN-PROGRESS
Tutors: Aamer Hussein & TUTORED RETREAT 24. EXPERIMENTAL 29 October–3 November
Petina Gappah 30 July–4 August FICTION Totleigh Barton
Lumb Bank 3–8 September Tutors: Jonathan Lee &
Tutors: Stuart Evers & tbc Lumb Bank Anne Meadows
Tutors: Toby Litt &
Joanna Walsh
40 41The Hurst, 26–31 March 10
30. HISTORICAL 34. FICTION FICTION
FICTION 3–8 December
12–17 November Totleigh Barton Tell better stories
The Hurst Tutors: Rachel Seiffert &
Tutors: Manda Scott & Jonathan Buckley
Robert Wilton Using a variety of techniques, we’ll cover sessions on
35. FICTION: character development, narrative point of view, setting,
31. EDITING FICTION LITERARY THRILLER theme and style, and you’ll be encouraged to write,
19–24 November 10–15 December develop and share new work in a supportive environment.
The Hurst Lumb Bank Between us, we have written short fiction, novels and
Tutors: Christopher Wakling Tutors: Adam LeBor & screenplays. We are passionate about helping you find
& Hannah Griffiths Sanjida Kay your distinctive writing voice.
32. FLASH FICTION Also see: Patrick Neate is an award-winning novelist,
19–24 November journalist, poet and screenwriter. His novels
Totleigh Barton 63 - 68 CHILDREN are characterised by their experimentation
Tutors: Tania Hershman & AND YOUNG ADULT with different genres and include City of Tiny
Nuala O’Connor FICTION Lights, Jerusalem and Twelve Bar Blues.
33. FICTION Jess Richards’ debut novel Snake Ropes
26 November– was shortlisted for the Costa Book Award.
1 December Cooking with Bones was published in 2013.
Lumb Bank Her third novel is City of Circles.
Tutors: Karin Altenberg &
Andrew Miller Guest Mahsuda Snaith is winner of the
SI Leeds Prize and Bristol Short Story Prize
2014. She is author of The Things We Thought
We Knew.
42 43
4311 16–21 April, Totleigh Barton The Hurst, 23–28 April 12
FICTION EDITING A NOVEL
A walk on the wild side Shape, refine and polish your writing
Whether we tell stories based on our own experience or An early draft of a novel is inevitably a work-in-progress.
the lives of others, fiction should always take us beyond How do you improve on the words you’ve already
the expected. Be prepared to be led astray by your own produced? Over the course of a week with an editor and
imagination and learn to develop your craft with two a writer, learn how to step back from your own writing
expert guides to dark places and secret histories. Looking in order to shape, smooth and chop your first draft.
at research, story, character, settings and dialogue, Why the third person? Why the present tense? Where did
we will encourage you to take risks and surprise yourself your characters grow up? And crucially, where do you go
with what you are capable of. from here? This course will help you reappraise your work,
keep motivated and learn when your work is finished.
Jake Arnott is the author of seven novels,
including The Long Firm, adapted as a Nikesh Shukla is the author of the critically
BAFTA award-winning TV series for BBC2. acclaimed novel Meatspace, the Costa Book
His latest book is The Fatal Tree. Award shortlisted novel Coconut Unlimited
and the award-winning novella The Time
Cathi Unsworth is the author of six Machine. He wrote the short film Two Dosas
pop-cultural noir novels, three of which are and the BBC Channel 4 sitcom Kabadasses.
fictionalisations of true crimes: That Old
Black Magic, Without the Moon and Bad Helen Francis was a fiction editor at Faber
Penny Blues. & Faber for eight years. After a freelance
stint as a university lecturer and international
Guest Emma Flint’s Little Deaths was book scout, she now works as commissioning
longlisted for the Baileys Women’s Prize fiction editor for the Apollo imprint of Head
for Fiction, the Desmond Elliott Prize and of Zeus.
the Crime Writers Association Gold
Dagger Award. Guest Francesca Main is publishing
director at Picador and won the Bookseller
Industry Award for Editor of the Year in 2015.
Her authors include Jessie Burton, Cathy
Rentzenbrink and Naomi Wood.
44 45
4513 30 April–5 May, Lumb Bank The Hurst, 14–19 May 14
FICTION: WORK-IN-PROGRESS SHORT STORY
Finding the story, focusing your writing Expansive echoes
Stories can be told in many ways, in many voices. They can
This course will help you look at your work of fiction span a night, a day, or many years. They can be close to
afresh and work out what you’re really writing. There will life, take flight into fantasy, or be radically experimental.
be space to write, exploration of plot and structure, and But they must be self-contained – they can contain or
sessions that look closely at language. Throughout the reflect other stories, but they are not chapters of a novel.
week we will ask how stories can be told well and what A short story must stand alone. Many of the best stories
moves them onwards. Our aim is to encourage writers with are only a few pages long; they can flit from character
a work-in-progress to press forward in good heart towards to character and voice to voice, but your narrator –
the finishing line. omniscient or otherwise – must retain control of the
proceedings. We will present a variety of techniques and
Maggie Gee has written 14 books, including strategies to enrich those who love writing and reading
The White Family, My Cleaner and My Driver, short fiction.
and Virginia Woolf in Manhattan. She is
Professor of Creative Writing at Bath Spa Aamer Hussein has published two novels
University. and six collections of short fiction, most
recently the prize-winning 37 Bridges and
Cynan Jones is the award-winning author Love and its Seasons.
of five novels, most recently Cove. Other
stories have aired on BBC Radio and in Petina Gappah’s debut story collection,
publications including Granta and The New An Elegy for Easterly, won the Guardian First
Yorker. He won the BBC National Short Story Book Prize in 2009. Her novel, The Book of
Award for 2017 for his work The Edge of Memory, was published in 2015.
Shoal.
Guest Thomas Morris’s debut story
Guest Gavin Bower is the author of two collection, We Don’t Know What We’re Doing,
novels and one non-fiction work, and a was longlisted for the Dylan Thomas Prize.
senior lecturer in Creative Writing at Bath In 2014, he devised and edited Dubliners
Spa University. He joined the writing team 100. He is editor of The Stinging Fly.
of EastEnders in 2014.
46 47
4715 21–26 May, Totleigh Barton Lumb Bank, 28 May–2 June 16
CRIME FICTION EDITING FICTION:
The mysterious art of murder TUTORED RETREAT
Enhancing your chances of publication
This week is designed to encourage and accelerate your
development as a crime writer. We will explore some of the
techniques used by crime novelists to create page-turning This tutored retreat will provide practical guidance for
fiction while also thinking through some commercial writers wanting to develop their editing/self-editing skills
considerations relating to writing and selling crime, from ahead of submission to an editorial service, agent or
courtroom drama to forensic thrillers to spy novels. Most publisher; and for those wanting to look at their work
importantly, we will work with you on detecting and solving objectively. We will also cover what happens from the
areas that might need improvement in your own writing. point a book is acquired to its final publication. We will
help you look at the basic principles of strong writing,
the development of powerful, dynamic stories and plot
Andrew Taylor is the winner of the Diamond lines, pace and the joys of a good chapter ending.
Dagger and three-time winner of the Crime
Writers’ Association’s Historical Dagger. Jacob Ross is associate editor for fiction at
His novels include The American Boy and Peepal Tree Press, author of several story
The Ashes of London. collections and editor of five short story
anthologies. His novel Pynter Bender was
Louise Welsh is the author of five novels, shortlisted for the Society of Authors Best
including The Cutting Room and The Girl First Novel. The Bone Readers won the
on the Stairs. She is a Professor of Creative inaugural Jhalak Prize.
Writing at the University of Glasgow.
Alison Hennessey runs the new Raven
Guest Mark Billingham is one of the UK’s Books imprint at Bloomsbury. Prior to that she
most acclaimed and popular crime writers, worked at Random House for 11 years, where
whose series of novels featuring DI Tom her authors included number one bestseller
Thorne has twice won him Crime Novel of Jo Nesbo, Ruth Ware and Denise Mina.
The Year awards. His latest novel is Love
Like Blood. Guest Helen Sedgwick is the author of
The Comet Seekers and The Growing Season,
and before writing her debut she was a
research physicist.
48 49
4917 18–23 June, The Hurst The Hurst, 16–21 July 18
FICTION: WORK-IN-PROGRESS STARTING TO WRITE FICTION
Breathe life into your fiction Getting going, keeping going
This week offers you a highly structured, focused course, Writing fiction is hard work but incredibly rewarding.
which will send you away knowing what you need to do to This week will help you begin, give you direction,
finish your fiction project. Using carefully created writing propulsion and the important tools needed to keep going.
exercises and tools, you’ll learn how to dive into writing, We’ll kick-start your writing, arm you with techniques and
how to ask the right questions, how to keep going and keep you moving forward with confidence. Shy beginners,
how to keep the joy. With plenty of time to write, you’ll re-starters and the more experienced are all welcome.
leave the week surprised by how much further on you are.
Stephen May is the award-winning author
of four novels, including the Costa Book
Jill Dawson is the award-winning author of Award shortlisted Life! Death! Prizes! His most
nine novels. Her latest is The Crime Writer, recent novel is Stronger than Skin. He has
about Patricia Highsmith. She runs Gold Dust also written plays and short fiction as well as
writer mentoring for new writers. writing for film and television.
Kathryn Heyman’s novels have won or been Shelley Harris’s debut, Jubilee, was
nominated for various awards in Australia and shortlisted for the Commonwealth Writers’
the UK. Her sixth novel, published in 2017, is Prize. It was a Richard and Judy Book Club
Storm and Grace. choice and a BBC Radio 4 Book at Bedtime.
Shelley is a teacher, mentor, and Royal
Guest Peter Straus was editor-in-chief at Literary Fund Fellow. Her latest novel is
Macmillan and publisher at Picador before Vigilante.
becoming a literary agent. He is now the
managing director of Rogers, Coleridge and Guest Tara Guha won the 2014 Luke
White. Bitmead Bursary for Untouchable Things,
which became an Amazon Kindle bestseller.
50 51
5119 30 July–4 August, Lumb Bank Totleigh Barton, 13–18 August 20
FICTION: TUTORED RETREAT EDITING FICTION
Intensive help with the Looking at your work in depth
foundations of your fiction
Whether you’re trying to edit short stories or a novel, this
Aimed at those who have already made significant course will help you edit your own work and understand
progress with a work of fiction, the course offers in-depth how the editing process works once you’ve found a
advice, assistance and critique to improve the foundations publisher. The week is led by an author and an editor,
of your writing. Helping to identify and bolster your who will share perspectives on the editing process from
strengths, while also pinpointing areas to be worked upon, both sides of the coin and help you get the most out of
sessions are tailored to your specific needs. Intense, but feedback, balance creative and commercial concerns,
always encouraging and positive, this course is designed and demystify the editing process. Come prepared to
to help you make the most of your manuscript, both in look at your work afresh – from its opening sentence to
the short and long term. Participants are encouraged the last full stop – and we’ll help you improve its chances
to submit up to 2,000 words of a work-in-progress, to of publication. Bring a polished 2,000-word extract
lumbbank@arvon.org by 15 June 2018. (preferably the start) and a 300-word synopsis.
Stuart Evers is the author of Ten Stories Jenn Ashworth’s A Kind of Intimacy won
about Smoking, If This is Home and Your a Betty Trask Award. On the publication of
Father Sends His Love, shortlisted for the Cold Light, she was featured on the BBC’s The
2016 Edge Hill Prize. Culture Show as one of the UK’s 12 best new
writers. Her fourth novel is Fell.
Helen Cross is the author of novels, short
stories, radio drama and screenplays. She is Alexa von Hirschberg is a senior
also a tutor on the MFA in Creative Writing commissioning editor at Bloomsbury
at the University of East Anglia. Publishing, where she works with authors
including Colum McCann, Lawrence Norfolk,
Guest Jo Unwin is a literary agent. She Margaret Atwood, William Boyd, Kate
started at Conville and Walsh. In September Tempest, Reni Eddo-Lodge and PJ Harvey.
2016 she opened her own agency.
Guest Sam Copeland is an agent and
director at Rogers, Coleridge and White. His
writers have won or been shortlisted for over
20 major prizes, including the Man Booker
52 Prize for Fiction. 53
5321 20–25 August, The Hurst Lumb Bank, Friday 24–Sunday 26 August 22
SCIENCE FICTION & FANTASY SHORT COURSE: FICTION
How to build worlds and Finishing it
develop your writing
It’s easy enough to start something, but not always so easy
Science fiction and fantasy encompass a dazzling array to get to the end of that daunting first draft. It seems to
of potential worlds and stories. The scope is so wide it can be a common problem for writers, from those starting out
be hard to know where to begin. Designed for budding to those more experienced: how to keep motivated and
writers of SFF, this course gives you the tools to understand keep your ideas on track – especially when the demons of
the opportunities these exciting genres can offer. We will doubt and distraction come knocking. We will offer helpful
cover specialised techniques such as world building, the advice and fun exercises to encourage you to keep going.
creation of magical and technological ‘systems’, and a We’ll also be excruciatingly honest about the sheer graft
robust grounding in aspects of the craft – storytelling, involved in putting a novel together, and give you different
character creation and writing style. This course also gives ways of approaching the often monotonous long-haul slog
you the opportunity to examine and overcome your own of writing on a daily basis.
writing blocks.
Emma Newman is an award-winning SFF Emma Jane Unsworth’s first novel Hungry,
author. Her novels include Planetfall, After the Stars and Everything won a Betty Trask
Atlas, which was shortlisted for the Arthur C Award and was shortlisted for the Portico
Clarke Award, and the ‘Split Worlds’ series. Prize 2012. Her second novel Animals won a
Jerwood Fiction Uncovered Prize 2015 and its
Peter Newman’s The Vagrant was shortlisted screenplay is due to start shooting in 2018.
for a British Fantasy Award and won the David
Gemmell Morningstar Award in 2016. He is Mark Watson is the acclaimed author of six
currently working on a new series called ‘The novels, including Eleven and Hotel Alpha. He
Deathless’ which will be published in 2018. is also an award-winning stand-up comedian.
Guest Gareth L Powell is the author of six
novels, including Embers of War and the BSFA
Award-winning Ack-Ack Macaque, as well as
two short story collections.
54 Short course 55
5523 27 August–1 September, Totleigh Barton Lumb Bank, 3–8 September 24
ROMANTIC FICTION EXPERIMENTAL FICTION
From ‘cute meet’ to ‘coupled up’: Some serious playing around
plotting romantic fiction with writing
Easy to read but definitely not so easy to write, romantic What kind of writer are you? Do you just need a laptop,
fiction, like all good commercial fiction, requires a strong coffee and a few hours of freedom to let your imagination
plot and unforgettable characters. Whether you’re stuck loose? Or are you liberated by incredibly tight restrictions
at the start or stalled in the middle of your story, join us of form? Or are you still not sure, but curious to explore
to learn how we generate ideas, turn them into plots and different approaches to making it work? In this wide-open
escape common pitfalls. Learn how to hold your reader’s (but also carefully structured) course, we will explore and
interest from ‘cute meet’ to ‘coupled up’ and be inspired to discover some of the many ways of setting off into the
go after that book deal you’ve always dreamed of. unknown, and returning enriched, wiser, changed.
Chrissie Manby is the bestselling author of Toby Litt is a short-story writer who also
19 romantic comedies, including A Proper writes novels, lyrics, libretti and things he
Family Holiday, Lizzie Jordan’s Secret Life doesn’t know the names of. His last book
and Seven Sunny Days. She also writes as was called Notes for a Young Gentleman. He
Stephanie Ash, Olivia Darling and Stella teaches Creative Writing at Birkbeck College.
Knightley.
Joanna Walsh writes fiction and creative
Mike Gayle is the author of 14 novels, non-fiction. She has a 2017 Arts Foundation
including Sunday Times bestsellers My Fellowship for Literature, and is an Anthony
Legendary Girlfriend, Mr Commitment and Burgess Fellow at Manchester University. She
Turning Thirty. His latest novel, The Man I Think edits at 3:AM Magazine and Catapult, and
I Know, is due for release February 2018. founded @read_women.
Guest Veronica Henry started her career Guest Claire-Louise Bennett is the author
as a secretary on The Archers, then went on of Pond. Her work has appeared in the New
to write for many of our best-loved dramas, York Times, Harper’s, The White Review, Frieze
including Heartbeat and Holby City. She has Masters, and the Irish Times, among others.
written 17 bestselling novels.
56 57
5725 10–15 September, The Hurst Lumb Bank, 24–29 September 26
FICTION EDITING FICTION
Bringing the imaginary to life Revise, edit and improve
A world a reader can step into, believable characters and Congratulations, you’ve finished your story! Now the fun
a compelling story: these are what most of us love about begins: revising, editing, improving. Find out what you
fiction that moves us. We invite you to explore narrative need to do to make your story better from two writers who
voice, setting, character, dialogue and plot structure. Every have a wealth of experience nurturing words from first
novel or short story is unique, but every fiction writer is thoughts to final drafts. You’ll have at least two separate
confronted with the same questions. What’s happening, one-to-one tutorials as well as morning workshops where
where, when and to whom, and who is telling the story? you will share work, get plenty of group feedback and
This week is suitable for all fiction writers, whether you are explore the joys of editing. A week to enjoy your writing
just starting or you already have work-in-progress. and see it afresh.
Lucy Hughes-Hallett is an award-winning Antonia Hodgson is the award-winning
biographer and novelist. Peculiar Ground is author of The Devil in the Marshalsea and
Lucy’s debut novel, which was published in The Last Confession of Thomas Hawkins. She
2017 to great critical acclaim. Her biography has also worked in publishing for 20 years.
The Pike won both the Samuel Johnson Prize
for Non-Fiction and the 2013 Costa Book Romesh Gunesekera is internationally
Award (Biography). acclaimed for his novels and short stories,
including the Man Booker Prize for Fiction
Chibundu Onuzo’s first book, The Spider shortlisted Reef and, most recently, Noontide
King’s Daughter, was published in 2012. Her Toll. He is also the co-author of The Writers’
second, Welcome to Lagos, was published in & Artists’ Companion to Novel Writing.
January 2017.
Guest James Runcie is the author of
Guest Ross Raisin is the author of three ‘The Grantchester Mysteries’, a series of six
novels: A Natural (2017), Waterline (2011) novels set from 1953 to 1979 that have been
and God’s Own Country (2008). In 2018 he adapted for television. His previous novels
also publishes a book on the craft of creative include The Colour of Heaven and
writing, as part of the ‘Read This…’ series. The Discovery of Chocolate.
58 59
5927 1–6 October, Totleigh Barton Lumb Bank, 29 October–3 November 28
FICTION: TUTORED RETREAT SHORT STORY:
How to make purposeful TUTORED RETREAT
progress on your fiction Diving deep
Wherever you are in your writing life – just starting or five This short story course is designed for intermediate-
novels in – there are always challenges, and it’s hard to to-advanced writers. So how, in writing something so
push through them without a fresh pair of eyes seeing your economic and honed, can you create an expansive
work. We’ll help to guide your prose, to look at language, experience for your reader? Writing a short story requires
narrative, character and structure, and help you to see mastery of dozens of individual skills. On this retreat
into your writing blind spots. You’re invited to submit up you will have independent time and space to focus on
to 2,000 words of a work-in-progress to totleighbarton@ your writing, and, with the individual attention of two
arvon.org by 6 September 2018. experienced tutors, you will discover the skills that
make the difference between a good short story and a
Edward Docx is the author of four novels, great one. Participants are invited to submit one or two
including Self Help, which won the Geoffrey stories, with a total submission length of no more than
Faber Memorial Prize and was longlisted for 2,000 words, to lumbbank@arvon.org by 8 October 2018.
the Man Booker Prize for Fiction, and Let Go
My Hand, which was published in 2017. He Alison MacLeod’s second short story
is currently writing the film script of his first collection, All the Beloved Ghosts, was
novel, The Calligrapher. published in 2017. Her most recent novel,
Unexploded, was longlisted for the 2013
Samantha Harvey is the author of three Man Booker Prize for Fiction.
novels, The Wilderness, All Is Song and Dear
Thief. She’s been shortlisted and won a Adam Marek is the award-winning author of
number of prizes, including the Orange Prize two short story collections, Instruction Manual
for Fiction, the James Tait Black Memorial for Swallowing and The Stone Thrower. His
Prize and the Betty Trask Prize. work has appeared on BBC Radio 4 and in
The Penguin Book of the British Short Story.
Guest Ailah Ahmed is senior commissioning
editor at Little, Brown, Abacus and Virago Guest Zoe Gilbert won the Costa Short
Press. Ailah has worked with two Booker Story Award 2014, and her first book, Folk, is
among many others, shortlisted authors: published in 2018. She is completing a PhD
Chigozie Obioma and Ruth Ozeki. on the short story at Chichester University.
60 61
6129 29 October–3 November, Totleigh Barton The Hurst, 12–17 November 30
FICTION: WORK-IN-PROGRESS HISTORICAL FICTION
Making your way through the labyrinth Old wine, new bottles
Most writing is re-writing. Getting momentum behind a A wise man said that writing was the most fun anyone
first draft is important, but so is learning how to revise your could have on their own. This week we’re going to explore
own work. How can you find your way out of a slump? how historical fiction can be twice the fun – not only how
What if the events and characters on the page so far we present an engaging yarn, but also how we revitalise
aren’t quite inspiring you? This week is for those who have a time lost to time. How do we make the past present
already made a start on a short or long work of fiction. – and alive? Together we’ll stretch our ideas of what
We’ll spend time discussing beginnings and endings, our writing can be, finding ways to weave words that
styles of narration, ways to improve your dialogue, and are authentic but not leaden, credible but distinctly our
we’ll provide one-on-one feedback to help you find the own. We’ll unearth that style and story, giving you the
strongest version of your story. confidence and inspiration to work across time.
Jonathan Lee’s latest novel, High Dive, has
Manda Scott (aka MC Scott), Orange-
been translated into a dozen languages and
shortlisted novelist, has written 16 novels
was picked as a best book of the year by
to date, including the ‘Boudica: Dreaming’
publications including the Guardian, New York
series and ‘Rome’ series of ancient spy
Times, and New Yorker.
thrillers. She is adapting her latest novel,
Into the Fire, for television.
Anne Meadows is a commissioning editor
at Granta and Portobello Books. She works
Robert Wilton writes the prize-winning
with a range of writers, from debut novelists
‘Comptrollerate-General’ series of
to established, prize-winning authors.
historical novels.
Guest Kit de Waal’s novel My Name is Leon
Guest Annie Murray has written 22 novels
won the Kerry Group Irish Fiction Award and
centred on the social history of Birmingham.
was shortlisted for the Costa Book Award (First
The latest, Sisters of Gold, is set in the city’s
Novel). Her second novel Trick to Time
Edwardian Jewellery Quarter.
is published in 2018.
62 63
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