COURSES AND RETREATS 2019 - Arvon
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
HOME OF CREATIVE WRITING COURSES AND RETREATS 2019
About Arvon 5 Courses & Retreats
Welcome 6
Starting to Write 30
The Arvon week 8
Fiction 38
Short courses 10
Poetry 75
Choosing a course 12
Non-Fiction 97
Centre facilities 14
Writing for
Our centres 18–23 Children/YA 111
Course fees 24 Playwriting/TV/
How to book 26 Film/Radio 119
Grants 26–27 Other 130
Retreats 138
More about
Arvon 142–153 Course Index 162 3
Terms and –165
conditions 154–161
ARVON
Step into an Arvon writers’ house and experience
the transformative power of community, creative
support and freedom to write.
Arvon has been inspiring generations of writers for 50
years as the UK’s home of creative writing. We have
three centres in the beautiful rural landscapes of Devon,
Shropshire and Yorkshire. Our residential 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 with course fees
for those who need it.
4 5
Each year, over 40 of our courses are with vulnerable
“It’s been the most groups and schools, from young people who have
experienced bullying to adults recovering from an
productive writing addiction. We also work closely with teachers to support
their professional development. We rely on donations
week of my life.“ from charitable trusts and individuals to ensure our
doors stay open to all. If you’d like to support Arvon,
—Iain Rowan
please see page 149.
We provide a space where anyone, regardless of
writing experience, can break away from their normal
routine, immerse themselves in the creative process,
be inspired by experienced writers and release their
imaginative potential.
WELCOME TO ARVON’S 2019
COURSE PROGRAMME
Ruth Borthwick, Chief Executive
and Artistic Director
Arvon is always thinking of new ways to support writers We often hear how valuable writers find the one-to-
developing their craft and we are proud to say that one tutorials on our courses. So we are excited to be
this year’s programme is the most varied we have ever launching Arvon 1-1: online tutorials where you can
offered. get personal feedback from an Arvon tutor on your
writing, delivered via Skype – see p.143
We have 92 courses and retreats to spark you to write
and keep you writing. Our backbone of fiction, poetry And if you’d like more time to focus on your own
and playwriting is always well represented, and, with writing, The Clockhouse at The Hurst offers comfortable,
our fingers on the pulse, we have several new courses expansive space for up to four writers to work to their
6 this year: Folk Fiction, Hybrid Writing, Creative Writing own schedule. 7
and Wellbeing, and two courses for those Preparing
for Publication. Arvon offers much more of course, for 2018 was Arvon’s 50th birthday, and the wonderful
example, writing for young adults, film, TV comedy and anthology The Golden Book is full of inspiring stories
radio, as well as support for beginner writers with our and poems from Arvon tutors and alumni. See p.11 for
famous Starting to Write weeks, and Work-in-Progress details on how you can buy the book – all proceeds go
courses in many genres for those of you who are further to support Arvon’s charitable work.
down the track.
Whichever variety of Arvon you choose, you will find
If you can’t wait for spring, we have our Winter Warmers a warm welcome at the home of creative writing.
short season in January, February and March with five
courses to kick-start your new year.
We are also expanding our Short Course programme,
with six courses running at Lumb Bank and The Hurst.
The Short Course offers you the chance to come to
Arvon for a more concentrated writing experience either
Monday to Thursday, or Friday to Sunday.
THE ARVON WEEK
On 5-day courses, you’ll be with a group of up
to 15 other writers, working with two tutors, from
Monday to Saturday. Most Arvon courses follow this
structure (although retreats are a little different):
• Each morning the tutors • On Tuesday evening
lead workshops to help the tutors read from
you explore ideas, their own work.
forms and techniques.
• On Wednesday evening
• Afternoons are your the guest speaker joins
time for writing and the group.
one-to-one tutorials to
8 9
consider your writing in • On Friday evening
depth. You’ll have two everyone gets together
tutorials (at least 20 to share and celebrate
minutes long), one with their work.
each tutor.
• The week comes to
• On Monday you arrive a close on Saturday
between 4.30pm and morning, after
6pm, settle in, enjoy breakfast. Have a tissue
dinner and attend the handy – you may shed
tutors’ introduction to a farewell tear or two!
the week.
SHORT RESIDENTIAL
WRITING COURSES
We have captured all the essential elements that make the
Arvon week unique and distilled them into a short course.
We offer two types of short courses (3-day or 4-day),
where you will be one of 14 writers, each with a single
room. There will be two tutors running the course.
Significant departures from our classic Arvon week
include no midweek guest and no cooking duties, so you
can enjoy additional time to write while our centre staff
cook delicious meals for you each day.
See courses on pages 49, 66, 69, 92, 93 and 101.
10 THE GOLDEN BOOK 11
4-DAY COURSE 3-DAY COURSE In honour of Arvon’s 50th anniversary we are proud to
Monday – Thursday Friday – Sunday release The Golden Book, celebrating 50 years as the
UK’s home of creative writing.
Four-day courses run The long weekend
from Monday lunchtime course begins on Friday
with departure after lunchtime with departure This landmark anthology brings together stories, poems
breakfast on Thursday. mid-afternoon on and memories from just a few of the thousands who have
Sunday. come through Arvon’s doors. Contributors include Simon
The course includes Armitage, Mark Haddon, Tim Firth, Patience Agbabi,
ten hours of workshop- The three days includes Esther Freud and David Almond.
based group tuition; eight hours of workshop-
each student gets two based tuition; each We’ll be giving a free copy to course participants who
one-to-one tutorials and student gets two one-to- come to our centres in 2019.
there is a celebratory one tutorials and there
reading night on is a short reading to end The Golden Book is available to buy at
Wednesday. the course. www.arvon.org/golden-book - all proceeds go towards
Arvon’s charitable work.
CHOOSING A COURSE
Our courses are designed with writers of all levels For the more experienced writer, we recommend:
of experience in mind. If you’re unsure which
course is right for you, feel free to call our team on Work-in-Progress
020 7324 2554 to discuss possibilities. For writers who already have significant experience and
would like to receive project-specific feedback as well as
the space and time to write. We have Work-in-Progress
Starting to Write courses in several different genres. Work-in-Progress
If you have a burning desire to write but feel you have courses include workshops and one-to-one tutorials.
little experience – perhaps you are returning to writing
after a long time away, have writing experience in one Tutored Retreats
field but are keen to explore a new genre, or maybe Like our Work-in-Progress courses above, but without
you are a complete beginner – then a Starting to Write morning workshops. Instead you will have more time for
course would be ideal. The Starting to Write courses are one-to-one tutorials. We have Tutored Retreats in several
designed to build your confidence within a supportive different genres.
12 13
environment, providing you with the tools to inspire and
develop your writing. We offer Starting to Write courses Centre Retreats
in specific genres, and more general Starting to Write The time and space to write with a group of up to 15
courses that include fiction and poetry writing. other writers, sharing one of our three historic houses –
The Hurst, Lumb Bank or Totleigh Barton. No workshops,
Open Courses no tutorials. We also offer retreats with activities,
We have a wide range of courses in specific genres such including yoga.
as Fiction, Playwriting, and Short Story. Writers of all
levels of experience are welcome on these courses. The Writers Retreat at The Clockhouse
weeks will all have a focus on generating new writing Choose between four or six days in your own apartment
rather than getting feedback on work-in-progress. Open at The Clockhouse, tucked away in the peaceful grounds
courses include workshops and one-to-one tutorials. of our Shropshire centre. Write, plan, walk, think, dream,
edit, in solitude, away from it all with no distractions. The
Clockhouse has four apartments in total. Writers Retreats
are untutored. See p.144 for more information.
CENTRE FACILITIES
Accommodation
An Arvon centre is your home for the week. The
accommodation is welcoming and comfortable.
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 other quiet
spaces, as well as an inspirational landscape to explore
beyond the house. See pages 18–23 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
14 can use for writing and printing out your own work 15
(a donation for printing is requested).
Due to the rural location of our centres, mobile phone
signal can be poor (pay phones are available at Totleigh
Barton and The Hurst). We do not provide an internet
connection or Wi-Fi – so you can immerse yourself in
your writing without distraction.
Accessibility Food
Arvon welcomes writers with disabilities. If you have Throughout the week, all your food and drink is
any specific access requirements, please discuss them provided, except for alcohol, which can be purchased
with us prior to booking and we will do our utmost from a local wine merchant on arrival and delivered
to accommodate your needs. Communal spaces, early in the week. We’re firmly committed to buying
including workshop spaces, are accessible to people seasonal and local produce.
with mobility issues. Each centre can accommodate a
personal assistant or carer if required, and if there are You’ll help yourself to breakfast and a tasty lunch is
suitable rooms 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
floors and 16 en-suite rooms – see pages 18–19. All of lots of help at hand. Cooking teams also take turns to
our centres have a portable loop system available on do the washing-up.
request.
On short courses and Clockhouse retreats, all food is
provided for you, including dinner.
16 17
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. Check our website for detailed information on
how to reach our centres.
THE HURST
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.
The centre is fully accessible, with a lift to all floors and
16 single, en-suite bedrooms.
18 Situated in the grounds of The Hurst is Arvon’s dedicated 19
Writers Retreat at The Clockhouse. It consists of four “There is something about the natural beauty at The
apartments, each with a bedroom, study and en-suite Hurst which supports the endeavour of writing, which
bathroom, and all food provided, for six-day and four- makes wanderings and musings inevitable.”
day writing retreats. For more details please see pages
144–145. —Grant recipient
The Hurst, Clunton, Craven Arms, Shropshire SY7 0JA
Telephone: 01588 640 658
Email: thehurst@arvon.org
Twitter: @hurstonthesceneLUMB BANK
The Ted Hughes Arvon Centre, West Yorkshire
Lumb Bank is an 18th-century millowner’s house set in
20 acres of steep woodland.
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 Heptonstall and two miles
from Hebden Bridge.
There are 14 single rooms and one shared room. One
20 bedroom has a specially adapted bathroom for people 21
with mobility issues and can also accommodate a “I think I speak for all my young writer companions
personal carer. when I say that you do not leave Lumb Bank the same
person as when you arrived.”
Lumb Bank, Heptonstall, Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire
—Louisa Rhodes
HX7 6DF
Telephone: 01422 843 714
Email: lumbbank@arvon.org
Twitter: @Lumb_BankTOTLEIGH BARTON
The first Arvon Centre, Devon
Totleigh Barton is a 16th-century thatched manor house
in one of the most peaceful and idyllic parts of Devon,
two miles from the village of Sheepwash. People have
lived at Totleigh for nearly a thousand years.
There is a beautiful garden and orchard, with access to
walks along the River Torridge nearby. The renovated
barn offers a comfortable space for evening readings.
Totleigh Barton has 12 single and two shared rooms.
There is a wheelchair-accessible bedroom with en-suite
22 bathroom. 23
“To step over the threshold into Totleigh Barton has
Totleigh Barton, Sheepwash, Beaworthy, Devon always been to step into a world of writing.”
EX21 5NS
—Penelope Shuttle
Telephone: 01409 231 338
Email: totleighbarton@arvon.org
Twitter: @TotleighBarton2019 FEES
5-day courses single room Writers Retreat at The Clockhouse
– The Hurst (en-suite room) £835 6-day retreats (Tues – Mon)
– Totleigh Barton and Lumb Bank £795
– 1st floor apartment £750*
5-day courses shared room £745 – 2nd floor apartment £710*
(only available at Lumb Bank and Totleigh Barton)
4-day retreats (Thurs – Mon)
5-day Tutored Retreat single room
– 1st floor apartment £500*
– The Hurst (en-suite room) £835 – 2nd floor apartment £470*
– Totleigh Barton and Lumb Bank £795
24 25
5-day Retreat (untutored) *Price includes VAT @ 20%
– The Hurst (en-suite room) £684*
– Lumb Bank £648* Course and retreats fees cover
5-day Retreat with activity – full-board accommodation (not including alcohol)
(single room only) – all tuition (where applicable)
– a writing desk
– The Hurst (en-suite room) £725
– Totleigh Barton and Lumb Bank £690 You can apply for a grant towards a course if you
cannot afford the full fee (please see pages 26–27).
4-day courses Monday – Thursday
The Hurst (en-suite room) £560
Lumb Bank £545
3-day courses Friday – Sunday
The Hurst (en-suite room) £530
Lumb Bank £515HOW TO BOOK A GRANTS FOR WRITERS
COURSE/RETREAT 1. Download a grant pack from our website, or ask us
to send it to you. It contains full details of the application
Bookings can be made online at www.arvon.org
procedure and an application form.
You can also book by credit or debit card by calling
2. Reserve a place on your chosen course, either online
the centre where your chosen course/retreat is held.
or by phoning the centre hosting your course, and make
To secure your place, you will need to pay a deposit of
sure you indicate that you wish to apply for a grant. You
£200 at the time of booking (unless you’re applying
do not need to pay a deposit at this stage.
for a grant). You are welcome to pay in instalments via
our online booking system. The full balance of your fee
3. Complete the application form and send it along with
is payable no later than six weeks before the course or
your supporting documents to your chosen centre within
retreat starts.
a week.
26 4. Within seven days we will assess your application, 27
HOW TO APPLY FOR A GRANT contact you with a decision, and finalise your booking.
If you have any questions, please contact the
If you are a UK resident and cannot afford the full appropriate centre.
course fee, we encourage you to apply for one of our
grants, which are awarded on the basis of financial See page 29 for how to support the Grant Fund.
need and not writing ability.
Last year we were able to provide a grant to over 120 GRANTS FOR TEACHERS
writers. Priority is given to those coming to Arvon for
the first time. You may apply for any amount up to the Arvon supports the professional development of
full course fee. The average grant we awarded in 2018 practising teachers, who may apply for a special fixed
was £420. We offer higher amounts only in exceptional grant of £200 towards a course fee. You will need to
cases. To help us support as many people as possible, send evidence that you are a practising teacher at a
please apply only if you’d be unable to attend the course UK primary or secondary school, or further education
without a grant, and ask for the minimum amount you college. Teachers’ grants are limited in number and can
need. You are encouraged to apply by January 2019, as be applied for in addition to the usual grant if further
the Grant Fund is limited. Grants are only available for financial assistance is needed.
those booking a course, not a retreat.GIFT VOUCHERS #OPENTOALL
Do you have a friend with a flair for fiction? Or A donation to Arvon’s Grant Fund gives the
a relative who is harbouring a desire to pen poetry? opportunity for those on low incomes to attend
An Arvon Gift Voucher is an inspirational present. Arvon’s courses.
Arvon Gift Vouchers can be made up to any amount
– perfect for a friendly nudge or a grand gesture. Arvon has played a formative role in the careers and
identities of thousands of writers for over 50 years.
To find out more, visit www.arvon.org/gift-voucher Currently we can only support the equivalent of one
or call 020 7324 2554. person on a low income to attend each of Arvon’s
courses. You can help us double our support by making
a donation to Arvon’s Grant Fund.
ARVO
28
G IF T N 29
VOUC
HE R
“I’ve been a student on two Arvon courses and I’ve
taught nine. I know how life-changing they can be
for aspiring writers. It is absolutely vital that they are
equally accessible to everyone who might benefit.”
—Mark Haddon, Arvon tutor, author of The Curious
Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time
Mark has made a donation to help keep
Arvon open to everyone. Join him by visiting
www.arvon.org/opentoall or contact
dean.stigwood@arvon.org, 020 7324 8906.STARTING
WINTER WARMER: STARTING TO
STARTING TO WRITE
WRITE 9–14 September
14–19 January
TO WRITE
Lumb Bank, Yorkshire
Totleigh Barton, Devon Tutors: Mark Illis &
Tutors: Tiffany Murray & Gillian Allnutt p.36
Luke Wright p.32
STARTING TO
STARTING TO WRITE
WRITE 21–26 October
20–25 May The Hurst, Shropshire
Totleigh Barton, Devon Tutors: Kerry Hudson &
Tutors: Ross Sutherland JJ Bola p.37
& Laura Barnett p.33
30 STARTING TO 31
WRITE STARTING TO
8–13 July WRITE FICTION p.47
Lumb Bank, Yorkshire STARTING TO
Tutors: Hollie McNish & WRITE FICTION p.54
Malachy Tallack p.34
STARTING TO
STARTING TO WRITE A NOVEL p.64
WRITE
19–24 August Short Course
The Hurst, Shropshire STARTING TO
Tutors: Graham Mort & WRITE FICTION p.69
Jo Furniss p.35 STARTING TO
WRITE NON-
FICTION p.11014–19 January, Totleigh Barton Totleigh Barton, 20–25 May
WINTER WARMER: STARTING TO WRITE
STARTING TO WRITE Capturing ideas
Finding the key to your writing A fun, creative and supportive course for those who
are just starting out on their journey as authors and
You have ideas. You may even have some words on a poets, taught by two writers who are a little further
page. But where do you go from here? We will discover along the road. We’ll use short, inspiring exercises
new ways to sift and structure your thoughts and aimed at generating and capturing ideas, and then
material. We will spark your imagination and allow you find the building blocks to explore them on the page.
to experiment with form and storytelling. This week will Expect to open up new channels of creativity within
be supportive, productive, creative and fun. You will be yourself, and to leave refreshed and ready to tackle
given the space to fall in love with writing, and the tools your next writing project.
to carry on.
Tiffany Murray is a Hay Festival Fiction Ross Sutherland was shortlisted for the
32 Fellow and Director of Hay’s Writers at Work. Art Foundation Award for Poetry. He has 33
Her novels Diamond Star Halo and Happy four poetry collections and is a regular
Accidents were shortlisted for the Bollinger contributor to BBC Radio 4. His podcast
Everyman Wodehouse Prize. Her most recent Imaginary Advice won Gold at the 2018
is Sugar Hall. British Podcast Awards.
Luke Wright is the author of two books of Laura Barnett’s first novel, The Versions
poems, two verse plays and ten poetry stage of Us, was a number one bestseller; her
shows. He has toured his work all over the second, Greatest Hits, was published in
world and his work is regularly broadcast on 2017 with an accompanying soundtrack
the radio. album by the musician Kathryn Williams.
Guest Guy Gunaratne is a writer, Guest Eley Williams’s collection of prose,
filmmaker and video journalist. In Our Mad Attrib. and other stories, was awarded the
and Furious City is his first novel. It was Republic of Consciousness Prize 2018 and
longlisted for the Man Booker Prize and shortlisted for the James Tait Black Prize
shortlisted for the Gordon Burn Prize and the 2018.
Goldsmiths Prize.8–13 July, Lumb Bank The Hurst, 19–24 August
STARTING TO WRITE STARTING TO WRITE
Telling your stories in poetry and prose Becoming you, the writer
Writing can be daunting. It can also be one of the most How do you face the blank page? In our supportive
enjoyable ways to spend your time. Join these two young community, we’ll transform any trepidation into
authors, whose works and loves span poetry, prose, fiction, exploration and exhilaration. This course suits writers
fact and live touring, to explore new – and sometimes who are beginning to work in fiction or poetry but are
challenging – ways for your thoughts to spill on to the searching for voice, style and confidence. We’ll consider
page. There will be tips to get you started, advice on how the fundamentals of writing: how to engage the reader
to shape and edit your work, as well as the opportunity in rhythms, actions, sounds and silences; how to realise
to share in this welcoming setting. We’ll help you build language as experience. We’ll look at deepening themes
confidence and enthusiasm for your writing and guide you and characters to create work that resonates. Your writing
towards finding your own voice, style and stories. will be enriched by an understanding of how stories
connect us through webs of meaning. The blank page has
never looked so enticing!
34 Hollie McNish is author of three poetry 35
collections, one short play on UK women’s
football and one poetic memoir, Nobody Graham Mort is Professor of Creative
Told Me, for which she won the Ted Hughes Writing at Lancaster University. His latest
Award. books are short story collection Terroir and
poetry collection Black Shiver Moss.
Malachy Tallack is the award-winning
author of two works of non-fiction – Sixty Jo Furniss is the bestselling author of
Degrees North and The Un-Discovered domestic thrillers All the Little Children and
Islands – and a novel, The Valley at the The Trailing Spouse. A former BBC journalist,
Centre of the World. she has written, studied and taught on three
continents.
Guest Michael Pedersen is a Robert
Louis Stevenson Fellowship winner, a Guest Nick Makoha was shortlisted for
Canongate Future 40, a John Mather’s the 2017 Felix Dennis Prize for Best First
Trust Rising Star of Literature and is Collection for his debut Kingdom of Gravity.
co-founder of Neu! Reekie!xxxxxx 9–14 September, Lumb Bank The Hurst, 21–26 October xxxxxx
STARTING TO WRITE STARTING TO WRITE
Ways into writing Turning inspiration and ideas into
During this enjoyable and supportive course we’ll use
stories and poems
a variety of inspiring exercises to develop your skills in
How do you take the seed of an idea and make it a story
creating both fiction and poetry. If you have trouble
or poem that will capture the imagination? If you are
starting or you have trouble finishing, we’re here to help.
new to fiction and poetry and wish to take your first steps
You’ll develop characters, explore a sense of place and
into writing, come and be nurtured by two experienced
learn about structure and form. You’ll discover how to
tutors. This inspiring and lively course will give you the
let your words find shape in sound and on the page.
ideas and building blocks you need to start exploring
Throughout the week we’ll listen – to each other, to
creative writing. Exploring both fiction and poetry, varied,
ourselves and to the voices of stories and poems within.
stimulating exercises and conversations will set you on
the road to your own unique writing journey.
Mark Illis has written five novels for adults
36 and two for teenagers – most recently The Kerry Hudson was born in Aberdeen and is 37
Impossible and The Impossible: On the an award-winning novelist. She is currently
Run. He has also written a prize-winning writing Lowborn, her first work of non-fiction,
screenplay, radio drama and for TV. and a companion column on poverty in the
UK for The Pool.
Gillian Allnutt’s ninth poetry collection,
wake, was published in 2018. She was JJ Bola is a writer, poet and educator, with
awarded the Queen’s Gold Medal for Poetry an MA in Creative Writing. He is the author
2016. of three poetry collections and a debut
novel, No Place to Call Home.
Guest Adelle Stripe’s debut novel, Black
Teeth and a Brilliant Smile, was shortlisted for Guest Ali Land’s debut novel Good Me,
the Gordon Burn Prize. She teaches Creative Bad Me is an international and Sunday
Writing at York St John University. Times bestseller and has been translated
into 24 languages.FICTION
WINTER WARMER STARTING TO
FICTION: TUTORED WRITE FICTION
RETREAT 29 April–4 May
4–9 February Totleigh Barton, Devon
Lumb Bank, Yorkshire Tutors: Mark Haddon &
Tutors: Stephen May & Molly McGrann p.47
Jane Harris p.43
FICTION
WINTER WARMER: 6–11 May
FICTION The Hurst, Shropshire
11–16 March Tutors: Andrew Taylor &
The Hurst, Shropshire Claire Fuller p.48
Tutors: Kirsty Gunn &
Meaghan Delahunt p.44 SHORT COURSE:
SHORT STORY
38 FICTION Monday 6–Thursday 39
15–20 April 9 May
Lumb Bank, Yorkshire Lumb Bank, Yorkshire
Tutors: Samantha Tutors: Vanessa Gebbie
Harvey & Jason Hewitt & Tom Vowler p.49
p.45
EDITING FICTION
FICTION 27 May–1 June
22–27 April Totleigh Barton, Devon
The Hurst, Shropshire Tutors: Ellah Wakatama
Tutors: Jenn Ashworth & Allfrey & Tom Bullough
Adam Foulds p.46 p.50WRITING A NOVEL FICTION FICTION: WORK-IN- SHORT STORY:
3–8 June 29 July–3 August PROGRESS TUTORED RETREAT
The Hurst, Shropshire Lumb Bank, Yorkshire 2–7 September 7–12 October
Tutors: Maggie Gee & Tutors: Diane Setterfield The Hurst, Shropshire The Hurst, Shropshire
Patrick McGuinness p.51 & Russ Litten p.55 Tutors: Nicholas Royle & Tutors: Courttia
Liz Jensen p.59 Newland & Joanna
FICTION: WORK-IN- WRITING A NOVEL: Walsh p.63
PROGRESS TUTORED RETREAT CRIME FICTION
17–22 June 5–10 August 9–14 September STARTING TO
Totleigh Barton, Devon The Hurst, Shropshire The Hurst, Shropshire WRITE A NOVEL
Tutors: Jacob Ross & Tutors: Toby Litt & Tutors: Dreda Say 7–12 October
Clare Fisher p.52 Rachel Seiffert p.56 Mitchell & Adam Hamdy Totleigh Barton, Devon
p.60 Tutors: Chibundu Onuzo
FICTION: TUTORED FOLK FICTION & Rob Doyle p.64
RETREAT 12–17 August FICTION
40
24–29 June Totleigh Barton, Devon 16–21 September FICTION: WORK-IN- 41
The Hurst, Shropshire Tutors: Adam Marek & Lumb Bank, Yorkshire PROGRESS
Tutors: Lisa Blower & Zoe Gilbert p.57 Tutors: Christopher 14–19 October
Leone Ross p.53 Wakling & Cathi Lumb Bank, Yorkshire
FICTION: TUTORED Unsworth p.61 Tutors: Amanda Smyth
STARTING TO RETREAT & Chris Cleave p.65
WRITE FICTION 19–24 August FICTION: WORK-IN-
8–13 July Lumb Bank, Yorkshire PROGRESS SHORT COURSE:
The Hurst, Shropshire Tutors: Diana 23–28 September FICTION
Tutors: Jo Mazelis & Wyl Evans & Rajeev Totleigh Barton, Devon Friday 18–Sunday 20
Menmuir p.54 Balasubramanyam p.58 Tutors: Kamila Shamsie October
& Gillian Slovo p.62 The Hurst, Shropshire
Tutors: Isabelle Grey &
Abir Mukherjee p.66Lumb Bank, 4–9 February
FICTION
28 October–2
SHORT STORY
25–30 November
WINTER WARMER FICTION:
November Totleigh Barton, Devon TUTORED RETREAT
Totleigh Barton, Devon Tutors: Cynan Jones & New horizons, fresh perspectives
Tutors: Catriona Ward & Carys Davies p.71
Natasha Pulley p.67 You don’t need another workshop. What you need are
WRITING A NOVEL fresh insights, together with the space and time to work
EDITING FICTION 2–7 December on your manuscript. Through supportive tutorials, we’ll
4–9 November The Hurst, Shropshire help to give you the necessary propulsion to reinvigorate
The Hurst, Shropshire Tutors: Mike Gayle & your work. We’ll look hard at your narrative voice, your
Tutors: Rachael Kerr & Freya North p.72 characters and your structure, in order to give you a clear
Emma Jane Unsworth road map for the way ahead. You’re invited to submit up
p.68 EDITING FICTION to 2,000 words of a work-in-progress plus a 300-word
9–14 December synopsis, to lumbbank@arvon.org by 7 January 2019.
SHORT COURSE: Lumb Bank, Yorkshire
STARTING TO Tutors: Alexa von
42 Stephen May has published four novels, 43
WRITE FICTION Hirschberg & Jake including Life! Death! Prizes!, which was
Monday 11–Thursday Arnott p.73 shortlisted for the Costa Book Award (Novel).
14 November His latest book is acclaimed literary thriller
Lumb Bank, Yorkshire FICTION: TUTORED Stronger Than Skin.
Tutors: Nikesh Shukla & RETREAT
Emylia Hall p.69 9–14 December Jane Harris’s novels are published in 20
Totleigh Barton, Devon languages and have been nominated for
FICTION: WORK-IN- Tutors: Alison MacLeod prizes including the National Book Awards
PROGRESS & Tim Pears p.74 and the Orange Prize. She has taught fiction
18–23 November writing for Guardian Masterclasses and
Lumb Bank, Yorkshire University of East Anglia.
Tutors: James
Scudamore & Beth WRITING FOR Guest Linda Green is the author of nine
Miller p.70 CHILDREN AND novels, which have sold more than a million
YOUNG ADULTS p.111 copies in the UK and been translated into
a dozen languages.11–16 March, The Hurst Lumb Bank, 15–20 April
WINTER WARMER: FICTION FICTION
Re-energising your creativity Unlearning rules, building instinct
Do you want to create novels and short stories that are We write from unseen places within ourselves. Rules can
distinctive and fresh? Do you want to make your prose help as waymarkers, but unhelpful rules often get in the
interesting to read and stimulating to write? Then this is way of that inner propulsion: our instinct. What is it that
the week for you. We will show you how to think about makes you want to write? What is it, really, that you want
fashioning your short stories and novels to make them to say? Which conventions might help, and which might
individual and particular and we will guide and inspire hinder? We’ll spend this week engaging in free and bold
you to discover your writer’s voice. As the days become writing practice. This is an intermediate course, for those
longer and winter recedes, join us for a warm, playful who’ve started writing a work of fiction. We want to help
and stimulating week. you connect with the initial urge that set the process
going and explore approaches that allow that urge to
take its best form.
Kirsty Gunn has written five works of
44 fiction. Translated in over 12 territories and 45
widely anthologised, her award-winning Samantha Harvey is the author of four
books have been broadcast, turned into film novels, most recently The Western Wind,
and dance theatre. A regular contributor which was published in 2018. She is a
to newspapers and magazines, she is also Reader in English and Creative Writing at
Professor of Writing Practice and Study at the Bath Spa University.
University of Dundee.
Jason Hewitt’s debut novel The Dynamite
Meaghan Delahunt is a novelist and short Room was longlisted for the Desmond Elliott
story writer. Awards for her work include a Prize for New Writing, while Devastation
Commonwealth Prize and a nomination for Road was longlisted for the Walter Scott Prize
the Orange Prize. Her most recent book is for Historical Fiction. He is also a playwright.
Greta Garbo’s Feet & Other Stories.
Guest Darcy Nicholson is Commissioning
Guest Tony White’s latest novel is The Editor at Transworld (Penguin Random
Fountain in the Forest. Formerly Writer-in- House). She works across fiction and non-
Residence at London’s Science Museum, his fiction, and her authors include Rebecca
previous novels include Foxy-T. Reid, Katie Khan, Jessica Pan, AA Dhand
and Lauren Bravo.22–27 April, The Hurst Totleigh Barton, 29 April–4 May
FICTION STARTING TO WRITE FICTION
Technique and tenacity: a good Finding fresh connections
first draft and beyond This course, aimed at beginners, will be tailored to your
unique and varied needs as a new writer. Workshops will
A structured, focused course that will propel you onwards
inspire fresh writing; the natural environment will offer
with your writing project. We will help turn several sparks
relaxation and new perspectives. You will come to know
into a substantial fire by delving deeply into character
not only the value of your own skills but the importance
creation, plotting, point of view, editing and improving.
of living, working and eating together as a community
With plenty of time to write, you will leave surprised at the
of writers, finding confidence and sustenance in these
progress you have made.
connections.
Jenn Ashworth’s first novel, A Kind of
Intimacy, was published in 2009 and won a Mark Haddon is the author of three novels
Betty Trask Award. On the publication of her and one short story collection. He has also
46 second, Cold Light, she was featured on the written for the stage, television and radio. 47
BBC’s The Culture Show as one of the UK’s His latest novel, The Porpoise, is a response
12 best new writers. Her latest novel is Fell. to Shakespeare’s Pericles.
Adam Foulds is an award-winning poet and Molly McGrann is a literary critic, poet
novelist. His latest novel, Dream Sequence, is and novelist. A former contributing editor at
published in 2019. The Paris Review, she is the author of three
novels, 360 Flip, Exurbia and The Ladies of
Guest Tor Udall began her career in the House.
theatre and dance. Her critically acclaimed
debut A Thousand Paper Birds was Guest Sophie Mackintosh won the 2016
longlisted for The Authors’ Club Best First White Review Short Story Prize and her
Novel Award. fiction has been published in Granta and
The Stinging Fly, among others. Her debut
novel, The Water Cure, was longlisted for the
Man Booker Prize 2018.6–11 May, The Hurst Lumb Bank, Monday 6–Thursday 9 May
FICTION SHORT COURSE: SHORT STORY
Finding your way through the woods Unlocking the mysteries of this dazzling form
Writing fiction is always a journey of exploration. This A good short story is gloriously deceptive. Within its
week is designed to give you the essential tools and limited word count is a complete world inhabited by living,
techniques to help you on your way. We will discuss the breathing characters whose lives open up to us for a
main elements of fiction in a series of workshops, from pivotal moment. Building stories is a challenging process
character and theme to setting and narrative; examine – we will work together to unravel some of the mysteries
the variety of fiction sub-genres and their commercial of this most fantastic form, supporting you as you create
considerations; and you will receive one-to-one guidance your own unforgettable characters, vibrant settings and
from each of the tutors. wonderful stories. This packed few days at beautiful Lumb
Bank will enrich and sharpen your writing skills. Designed
for beginners to intermediates, more experienced writers
Andrew Taylor is an award-winning crime will also benefit and be most welcome.
and historical novelist. His 40-plus books
48 include the number one bestsellers The 49
American Boy and The Ashes of London. His Vanessa Gebbie has won awards
‘Roth Trilogy’ was adapted for television. for fiction, non-fiction and poetry and
teaches widely. Author of seven story and
Claire Fuller’s first novel won the Desmond poetry collections and a novel, she is also
Elliott Prize, and her second was shortlisted contributing editor of Short Circuit: Guide to
for the Encore Award. Her third is Bitter the Art of the Short Story.
Orange. Her stories have been shortlisted in
and won several major competitions. Tom Vowler is an award-winning novelist
and short story writer. His debut collection,
Guest David Hayden’s debut collection of The Method, won the Scott Prize. He’s a
short stories Darker With the Lights On has commissioning editor with Unthank Books, and
been published on both sides of the Atlantic. his latest story collection is Dazzling the Gods.27 May–1 June, Totleigh Barton The Hurst, 3–8 June
EDITING FICTION WRITING A NOVEL
Now to make it sing The art of crafting a world
You have spent months, maybe years, working on a A novel is a world in itself, a place on the page where
novel or a collection of stories. How do you make that the reader goes to be amazed, enlightened, excited
final leap and bring it to a publishable level? This course, or moved. But to make this world work, the writer
led by an editor and a novelist, will look at character, must learn to manage the nuts and bolts of structure,
plotting, setting, tightening scenes and sharpening character, story, setting and plot. Does your novel have a
images. It will show you how to step back from your work voice? Does it hold together? Do the plotlines, the people
and allow you to see it afresh. It will also give you solid, and the places fit? This week we will address the basics
professional advice about the next stage: submission to that remain the writer’s hardest challenges: how to begin
an agent or publisher. and how to maintain momentum. Whatever kind of novel
you are writing, we will try to help you make it better.
Ellah Wakatama Allfrey is Publishing
Director of The Indigo Press. She has judged Maggie Gee’s last novel was Virginia Woolf
50 51
the Dublin International Literary Award and in Manhattan. Her 15 books include The
Man Booker Prize, and has been Deputy White Family, the memoir My Animal Life,
Editor of Granta magazine and Senior Editor and Blood, a black comedy, forthcoming in
at Jonathan Cape. 2019. She is Professor of Creative Writing at
Bath Spa University.
Tom Bullough is the author of four novels,
most recently Addlands. He is the Royal Patrick McGuinness’s memoir, Other
Literary Fund Fellow at Swansea University People’s Countries, won the Duff Cooper
and a Visiting Fellow at the University of Prize, and his first novel, The Last Hundred
South Wales. Days, won the Writers’ Guild Prize for
Fiction. Throw Me to the Wolves will be
Guest Jenny Hewson is a literary agent published in 2019.
at Rogers, Coleridge and White. Authors
she represents include Sarah Perry, Melissa Guest Louise Doughty is the author
Harrison, Thomas Keneally, Christos Tsiolkas of nine novels, including the bestselling
and Amy Sackville. Apple Tree Yard.17–22 June, Totleigh Barton The Hurst, 24–29 June
FICTION: WORK-IN-PROGRESS FICTION: TUTORED RETREAT
Developing your narrative craft The end is nigh: plotting your finish
How do you write, develop and revise compelling works Often writers get stuck because they don’t consider their
of fiction? How do successful writers exploit narrative work in the context of its ending. Where are you headed
structure, setting and character to create work that and how will you know when it’s done? You’ve heard
shines? This course is for those who have already of a ‘killer first line’ – we’ll consider that killer last page,
started a work of fiction, be it long or short. Participants how to bring your plot together and what it takes to
are invited to submit up to 1,500 words of a work-in- return to page one and edit language. This tutored
progress, to be sent to totleighbarton@arvon.org by retreat is for beginner and intermediate writers with
17 May 2019. a manuscript. Participants are invited to submit up
to 2,000 words plus a 500-word synopsis specifying
Jacob Ross is Associate Fiction Editor at form, genre and a summary of the work-in-progress, to
Peepal Tree Press, author of several story thehurst@arvon.org by 24 May 2019.
collections and editor of five short story
52 53
anthologies. His latest novel, The Bone Lisa Blower is an award-winning short
Readers, won the inaugural Jhalak Prize story writer, novelist and lecturer. Taking
and was shortlisted for the Association of inspiration from Alan Bennett’s work, her
Caribbean Writers Award. books Sitting Ducks and It’s Gone Dark
Over Bill’s Mother’s are Potteries-based
Clare Fisher is the author of the novel All political fiction.
the Good Things, which won a Betty Trask
Award, and the short story collection How Leone Ross is an award-winning novelist,
the Light Gets In. She lives, writes and short story writer, editor and teacher. Her
teaches creative writing in Leeds. latest book is the short story collection Come
Let Us Sing Anyway.
Guest Patrick Gale’s works include the
Richard and Judy bestseller Notes from an Guest Tom Rachman is the author of four
Exhibition, the Costa-shortlisted A Place works of fiction, including the international
Called Winter, and, most recently, Take bestseller The Imperfectionists and his latest
Nothing With You. acclaimed novel The Italian Teacher.8–13 July, The Hurst Lumb Bank, 29 July–3 August
STARTING TO WRITE FICTION FICTION
Secrets and lies: exploring the imagination Fuel for the fire
The engine of fiction is a combination of carefully How can we, as writers, transcend our initial influences
constructed lies that unfold like secrets and set off the while still harnessing the thrill that first inspired us? In
imagination in both writer and reader. You will explore this course, we will investigate how we can use our
the many possibilities of fiction, free up your imagination reading life as fuel for writing. We’ll look at style,
and create structures for your work of fiction. In a technique, tone and content in existing texts and explore
supportive and enthusiastic atmosphere you will find various ways we can absorb the influences that excite
your voice and a passion for further writing. This week is us and still arrive at our own unique writing voice. You’ll
suitable for beginners and those who wish to refocus and come away having developed your individual craft and
find new inspiration for their work. eager to carry on writing.
Jo Mazelis is a prize-winning novelist, short Diane Setterfield is the author of The
story writer and poet. Her novel Significance Thirteenth Tale, a number one New York
54 55
won The Jerwood Prize. Her third collection Times bestseller, filmed for the BBC.
of stories, Ritual, 1969, was longlisted for the Following the genre-defying Bellman &
Edge Hill Prize. Black, her latest book, Once Upon a River,
is storytelling at its most spellbinding.
Wyl Menmuir was longlisted for the Man
Booker Prize for his debut novel, The Many. Russ Litten is the author of the novels
As well as novels, he writes short stories and Scream If You Want To Go Faster, Swear
journalism, and teaches creative writing at Down and Kingdom. His first short story
Falmouth University. collection We Know What We Are was
published in 2018. Russ runs writing
Guest Carys Bray is the author of a short workshops in prisons, schools and
story collection and two novels. Her work community centres.
has been shortlisted for the Costa Book
Award (First Novel) and the Desmond Elliott Guest Libby Page’s debut novel, The Lido,
Prize, and she won the 2015 Authors’ Club was published in 2018 and was a Sunday
Best First Novel Award. Times bestseller for five consecutive weeks.5–10 August, The Hurst Totleigh Barton, 12–17 August
WRITING A NOVEL: FOLK FICTION
TUTORED RETREAT Looking for life in fantastical places
Re-energising your writing and Writers like George Saunders, Angela Carter, David
supercharging your novel Mitchell and Margaret Atwood combine the fantastic
with the everyday to explore human truths. How can
Where are you with your novel? Has it been too long you bring elements of science fiction, folklore, fantasy
since you’ve had some really focused feedback? Or and the uncanny into your own fiction to create deep
some detailed analysis of your story, characters, structure meaning that speaks to readers? Together we’ll explore
and voice? Or some insightful suggestions about new practical techniques for making the surreal convincing,
approaches you might try? The middle of a novel can be and writing fiction about human drama through the lens
a very lonely place. Whether your draft is the final or the of the weird. This course is for dreamers, fantasists and
first, we will help you get it much closer to what you know wonderers of all levels.
it can be. You’re invited to submit up to 2,000 words of a
work-in-progress to thehurst@arvon.org by 6 July 2019. Adam Marek is the award-winning author
56 57
of two short story collections: Instruction
Toby Litt teaches creative writing at Birkbeck Manual For Swallowing and The Stone
College, London. He is the author of four Thrower. His work has appeared on BBC
books of short stories and 11 novels, including Radio 4 and in The Penguin Book of the
Notes for a Young Gentleman and Corpsing. British Short Story.
Rachel Seiffert has published four novels Zoe Gilbert won the Costa Short Story
that have been shortlisted for prizes Award 2014, and her first book, Folk, was
including the Booker Prize, and longlisted published in 2018. She is completing a
three times for the Women’s Prize for Fiction. Creative Writing PhD on folk tales in new
In 2011 she received the EM Forster Award fiction.
from the American Academy of Arts and
Letters. Irenosen Okojie’s debut novel Butterfly
Fish won a Betty Trask Award. Her short
Guest Kirsty Logan is the author of two story collection Speak Gigantular was
novels, The Gloaming and The Gracekeepers, published in 2016.
and two story collections, A Portable Shelter
and The Rental Heart & Other Fairytales.19–24 August, Lumb Bank The Hurst, 2–7 September
FICTION: TUTORED RETREAT FICTION: WORK-IN-PROGRESS
Finding your way Next steps in the journey
A story is a journey, a puzzle, a forest, and it’s all too easy Starting is one thing, but finishing is another. It’s common
to get lost in the woods. If you have a novel or short story in the writing process to find yourself stuck, hesitating
that’s refusing to cooperate and need help finding your between projects, or simply wondering where to go
way, this could be the course for you. We will provide next. In a course designed to give you a nudge in an
one-to-one feedback on process, character, style, structure exciting forward direction, we’ll offer you new ways of
and editing, though you will have plenty of time to work thinking and exercises designed to get you going again.
in solitude and to enjoy the company of fellow writers for You are invited to submit up to 1,000 words to
additional empathy and support. This course is aimed thehurst@arvon.org by 5 August 2019.
at writers who have a work-in-progress. Participants are
invited to submit up to 1,500 words of their writing in Nicholas Royle is the author of three short
advance to lumbbank@arvon.org by 19 July 2019. story collections – Mortality, Ornithology
58
and The Dummy & Other Uncanny Stories – 59
Diana Evans is the award-winning author and seven novels, most recently First Novel.
of Ordinary People, The Wonder and 26a, Reader in Creative Writing at Manchester
which won the inaugural Orange Award for Met, he also runs Nightjar Press.
New Writers. She began her writing career
as a journalist and continues to write for the Liz Jensen is the author of eight novels,
national press. including the bestselling The Rapture, the
Hollywood-adapted The Ninth Life of Louis
Rajeev Balasubramanyam has a PhD in Drax, and, most recently, The Uninvited. She
English and Creative Writing. He is the prize- has tutored regularly for Arvon since 1997
winning author of In Beautiful Disguises and and in 2005 was awarded Fellowship of the
his latest novel is Professor Chandra Follows Royal Society of Literature.
His Bliss.
Guest Sarah Winman has written three
Guest Nuala Ellwood was chosen as one of books: When God Was a Rabbit, A Year of
the Observer’s New Faces of Fiction 2017 for Marvellous Ways and Tin Man.
her novel, the bestselling My Sister’s Bones.
She teaches Creative Writing at York St John
University.9–14 September, The Hurst Lumb Bank, 16–21 September
CRIME FICTION FICTION
The essentials of murder and mayhem Brave new words
This week will cover the essentials of good crime writing: This course will help turn your will-to-write into
how to come up with an original and convincing plot, compelling fiction. We’ll explore all aspects of story
develop compelling characters, deliver realistic dialogue, writing – from sources of inspiration, starting well,
manage pace, setting and narrative techniques. We will plotting and characterisation, to the discipline of self-
also make suggestions as to how to incorporate factual editing – through practical workshops packed with
crimes into fictional stories. While ideal for those who examples and exercises. And we’ll help apply the
already have a criminal idea they want to put on the theory to your own writing through one-to-one tutorials.
page, this week will also help those who know they want Whether you have a full draft or half an idea - come
to write in the genre but are uncertain how to get started. prepared to look at your work afresh.
Dreda Say Mitchell is an award-winning, Christopher Wakling’s seven acclaimed
60 bestselling crime writer, broadcaster, novels include, most recently, Escape and 61
campaigner, and journalist. She is the author Evasion. He runs novel-writing courses for
of 11 novels, with her debut awarded The Curtis Brown Creative and writes travel
Crime Writers’ Association John Creasey journalism for the national press.
Dagger. She has been a frequent guest on
television and radio, and has presented BBC Cathi Unsworth is the author of six pop-
Radio 4’s Open Book. cultural noir novels, three of which are
fictionalisations of true crimes: That Old
Adam Hamdy is the author of the Black Magic, Without the Moon and Bad
‘Pendulum’ trilogy. He also works as Penny Blues.
a screenwriter for producers on both
sides of the Atlantic, and studios such as Guest Louise Beech has been writing since
NBCUniversal, BBC and ITV. she could hold a pen. She’s the author of
four novels: How to be Brave was a Guardian
Guest Imran Mahmood is an author Readers’ Pick, and Maria in the Moon was a
and barrister. His 2017 debut novel, You Sunday Mirror ‘must read’.
Don’t Know Me, draws on his 20 years of
experience at the criminal bar in London.23–28 September, Totleigh Barton The Hurst, 7–12 October
FICTION: WORK-IN-PROGRESS SHORT STORY: TUTORED
Building fiction brick by brick RETREAT
It’s easy to get overwhelmed by all the different
Exploring the magic of short stories
components that go into a piece of fiction – plot,
An up close and personal course aimed at the experienced
character, setting, dialogue. Each one has to work for the
short story writer, entirely made up of tutorials with
story or novel to be successful. During the week we’ll take
an optional masterclass. We’ll set tasks and exercises
your work-in-progress back to basics, breaking down
focused on each writer’s particular practice and help
several of these components into distinct ‘building blocks’
you mine theme, character and emotional development.
and helping you to explore them, refining and clarifying
We’ll also discuss the role of place in fiction, routes to
your text along the way.
publication and the resources that can help you sustain
yourself economically and creatively. And of course, this
Kamila Shamsie has written seven novels, all takes place on the idyllic grounds of The Hurst, an
including Burnt Shadows, Kartography and ideal environment to explore the magic of short stories.
62
Home Fire (winner of the Women’s Prize for Participants are invited to send up to 1,500 words of a 63
Fiction). She was one of Granta’s Best of short story to thehurst@arvon.org by 6 September 2019.
Young British Novelists in 2013.
Gillian Slovo is the author of 13 novels and Courttia Newland is the author of seven
a family memoir. Ice Road was shortlisted books. His short stories appear in many
for the Orange Prize for Fiction and Red anthologies, including Best of British Short
Dust became a Hollywood film. Gillian also Stories 2017.
produces verbatim plays.
Joanna Walsh is the author of seven books,
Guest Rupert Thomson is the prize-winning including three short story collections:
author of 11 novels, including The Insult, Death Vertigo, Worlds from the Word’s End, and
of a Murderer and The Book of Revelation, and Grow a Pair. She also works as an editor,
the memoir This Party’s Got to Stop. His latest literary journalist and university teacher of
novel is Never Anyone But You. creative writing.
Guest KJ Orr is the author of the short
story collection Light Box. She won the BBC
National Short Story Award 2016.7–12 October, Totleigh Barton Lumb Bank, 14–19 October
STARTING TO WRITE A NOVEL FICTION: WORK-IN-PROGRESS
Lessons on voice, character, plot and setting Digging deep
Writing a novel can be a daunting process. Writing a An inspiring week to focus on a work-in-progress and
chapter is a more achievable task. Writing a page is how to bring it to completion, with practical guidance
almost manageable. This course is for writers who have and workshops to help navigate the challenging and
started novels but have had trouble finishing – or for exciting process of developing your narrative. We will
those who are at the very beginning. We break down the explore the bare bones of writing fiction – sourcing ideas,
novel into its parts of story, character, plot and setting, plot, character, setting, dialogue and point of view. This
working with participants to refine each component as structured, focused course will send you away knowing
they start, or re-start, their writing journey. what you need to do to finish your fiction project, and
leave you feeling surprised at how much progress you’ve
Chibundu Onuzo grew up in Lagos. She is made. Come with your curiosity and ideas.
the author of two novels, The Spider King’s
Daughter and Welcome to Lagos. In June Amanda Smyth’s first novel Black Rock won
64 65
2018 she was elected as a Fellow of the the Prix du Premier Roman Etranger and
Royal Society of Literature. was selected as an Oprah Winfrey Summer
Read. Her second novel A Kind of Eden was
Rob Doyle’s debut novel Here Are the Young published in 2013. She is currently writing
Men was chosen as one of the ‘Twenty her third novel, Fortune.
Greatest Irish Novels 1916–2016’ by Hot
Press magazine. His second book is This Chris Cleave’s award-winning novels have
Is the Ritual. He is the editor of a major been published in 30 countries. His most
anthology of Irish literature. recent novel Everyone Brave Is Forgiven was
published in 2016. He is currently writing
Guest Mick Kitson is a novelist with previous screenplays.
careers as a newspaper reporter and English
teacher. His debut novel, Sal, was published Guest Rosie Garland is a novelist, poet
in March 2018. and singer with post-punk band The March
Violets. She is author of The Night Brother,
Vixen and The Palace of Curiosities.You can also read
