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Has anybody been to a Writers' Retreat?

edited April 2012 in - Resources
I was wondering if anybody has been to a Writers' Retreat - if so, did you enjoy it? Did you meet new Writers that you have stayed in touch with?

Comments

  • Yes and yes. It was a poets' retreat and we have all stayed in touch, created a group and support each other and now meet every year. Twice a year sometimes.

    Funnily enough, on the way to the first retreat, a woman came up to me on the platform of the station I was at and asked me if I was on my way to the writers' retreat, I said yes, how did she know? She said i just looked like a writer, and could we sit together. We did. However it turned out she was on the way to an Arvon course and I was on my way to a poetry retreat! We laughed... i still wonder how she thought I looked like a writer though. I wasn't looking deranged, had no pencils behind my ear, no ink on my fingers and no sandals.
  • Hi Liz, that's great! I think it is always good to look like a Writer - whatever they are meant to look like. Haha! I would like that, if someone said that to me. Thanks for your comments, it makes me feel like going even more now. I would love to meet more Writers, you see. Your experience sounded really nice, it's so good to know there are friendly people around. I did a google search and saw one in Sheepwash, North Devon. I haven't done a proper search yet though.
  • I assume Sheepwash is the Arvon place? I went there for 5 days almost 20 years ago now, but did enjoy it. The worst bits for me were sharing a room with strangers and having to cook! But the actual writing bits were good and the village and pub were nice. Good to meet and discuss and listen to other writers, but I did not stay in touch after.
  • Yes I have. It's called my writing desk and I go there as often as I can.
  • :)

    I'd love to go to one and will get round to it eventually.
  • Thanks everyone, it is just a thought for the future. Viv, I am not sure if it is the Arvon place, will have to look into it properly. Dora, I like your comment. I should see my writing desk as a Writer's Retreat for myself. :) Paperbackwriter, hope you enjoy it when you do go to one. Have a good Easter everyone.
  • Hi Helen. I'm booked onto the Short Story course at Arvon at the end of July. My wonderful OH has been so supportive of my writing and booked me on the course as a surprise (maybe he's just needing rid of me? :) ).

    I'm so excited about learning more about the craft as I am relatively new to it. It will be great to meet other writers, whether just starting out or established. I am looking forward to the opportunity to attend workshops with prize-winning short story authors. It will be interesting to see what I come up with in that environment and to hear work from others - giving and receiving feedback.

    I'm just hoping I can cope five days without my wee girl as I'm usually at home full-time with her (even though she'll be spending quality time with dad as he's onshore then, I still cried as a result of an overwhelming gesture but also realising I'd have to leave her). I'm so nervous about moving in with a group of strangers and having to cook for them but, I guess we'll all be in the same boat. Would be more than happy to let you know about my experience afterwards, if you'd like.
  • Please do, Debby.
  • Would love to hear how you get on, Debby. You'll miss your daughter but will come back refreshed with batteries charged which will be good for her too, I'm sure!
  • Hi Debby, that is SO sweet!! What a lovely surprise! No wonder you cried due to being overwhelmed. Yes, it must be hard to leave your daughter, you will have to speak on the phone everyday. :) Yes, I would love to hear about your experience afterwards. I hope you enjoy it very much, just think that after the five days you will be back with your daughter again before you know it. It is bound to be a bit nervewracking to be moving in with a group of strangers, but I think you will enjoy it as you are all there for the same reason so you already have something in common. :) Have a lovely time!
  • I would also love to hear how you get on Debby. I'm sure it will be a great and valuable experience. Enjoy!
  • Sorry, guys! I've finally managed to claw my way out from the boxes that my OH and I have been packing for our house move, so here goes my update...

    I attended the short story course at Moniack Mhor, 13 miles outside Inverness. On the train journey there, I was nervous (to say the least). What would my 15 housemates be like? Would I gel with anyone? Would they be better writers than me? How would I get on cooking as a group of four on a designated night for the others? On arrival at Inverness, I admit to hugging a large glass of wine in the station bar, whilst waiting on the minibus driver to show at the collection point. However, within minutes of making my way over to the jolly looking guy with the clipboard, and joining the other nervous, lost looking souls, I realised I had nothing to worry about. A good balance of males and females, all ages, walks of life, and an excited, chatty bunch.

    When we reached the centre (a white, cosy cottage with a large, rustic kitchen, adjoined by a long room with exposed stone walls, a real fire, three big plush sofas, and a long wooden dining table, like something out of a medieval banquet) we were shown to our rooms. My room was basic but clean, consisting of a single bed, bedside table, and a writing desk in front of a small sash window - with the most amazing views of the surrounding countryside and hills. There was a real sense of excitement from everyone. It wasn't long before we were seated around the table to a meal cooked by the centre directors (the only night this happened), and plenty of complimentary wine. After the meal, we made ourselves comfortable on the sofas before introducing ourselves properly, giving a rough idea of our writing experience, before being introduced to our tutors for the week - Susie Maguire and Julian Gough. I was excited about meeting them, having read their short story collections and work beforehand. They were friendly, informal in their approach - and keen to find out what we wanted to cover and take away from our experience. I went to bed that night, over the moon to be there.

    The week consisted of morning workshops covering topics chosen by us, with exercises that we then had to read out. I was chuffed that I actually produced stuff, and received great feedback, as I had been nervous about producing work on demand. In the afternoons, we were left to our own devices - whether we chose to write, read, walk, or just socialise with each other. I made good friends, who I have been in touch with regularly since, and plan to meet up with.

    Each night there was a different, fun activity.

    Tuesday - Susan and Julian read a story of their own and then answered any resulting questions. It was great to hear the author read the story how they had hoped it to be received, and their work prompted many interesting and inspiring discussions.

    Wednesday (my cooking night, and a surprisingly successful Indian feast!) - we had a guest speaker, Bernard Maclaverty, who was very funny, a fantastic writer and reader, and brilliant company over drinks afterwards. I have since bought two of his short story collections, and am thoroughly enjoying them.

    Thursday - was spent reading out aloud from our favourite books. Each of us had to read a small piece, whether a few paragraphs, or a chapter. It was a diverse range, which has prompted many of us to hunt out the books afterwards.

    Friday - was our night to read a short story/flash fiction pieces that we had written prior to the course, or during our time there. I read three of my flash fiction pieces. I was amazed at the positive reactions and feedback they received.

    Each person also got a 20-minute tutorial with Julian, and another with Susie. You had to submit a story to each of them (it was up to the individual whether to submit different ones or not). I was on cloud nine coming out of Susie's on the Thursday, having received positive feedback. To have honest comments and confirmation that my stuff was of a good standard, was a great confidence booster. I was slightly more nervous of meeting with Julian on the Friday. I had heard he was very direct and honest (which ultimately is what you want, but being new to writing, it is daunting), but his feedback on my story was fantastic, and his interest in my work, hopes for my writing going forward, and comments in general, was a real, unexpected, but very welcome shock. I actually welled up (I know, what an embarrassment), and had to stop myself from running out at the end, with excitement that I might actually be able to write!

    Saturday - our final breakfast together, emotional farewells, and departures.

    It is THE best thing that I could have done for my belief in myself as a writer, my self esteem and my motivation going forward. I have written every day since, as I promised the tutors, and I am already saving for another visit next year.

    I would say to anyone considering an Arvon course - GO FOR IT. : )
  • edited August 2012
    What a fabulous report Debby :)

    I, too, would love to go to one - but would (do) lack the confidence to carry off 'being a writer' and would fear being exposed as a fraud any time soon. Oh how I wish I had the confidence to go and do what you did!
  • I'm like you, SuzieW. I haven't done any professional writing, just for myself and not much of that lately either so not sure I'd feel comfortable going.

    Need to get myself back in a writer's mindset.

    Great report though, Debby. Seems as though we were all there. And we loved our stay. ;)
  • Maybe one day we could have aTB one... we'd all know each other and out limitations/strengths and it wouldn't be as strange. Be easy enough to employ a couple of tutors and hire a house.
  • [quote=SuzieW]I, too, would love to go to one - but would (do) lack the confidence to carry off 'being a writer' and would fear being exposed as a fraud any time soon.[/quote]

    That's how I felt when I found out that my OH had booked the course for me. Believe me, he'll happily vouch for my constant doubts on the run up to leaving for the retreat! That's what I meant about being nervous on the train and wondering whether they would all be better writers than me. I was so worried that they'd all be wondering what the hell I was doing there. It wasn't like that at all, though. It was a really relaxed, friendly atmosphere. Everyone had different writing experiences - some had competition success, some not. There were those who wanted to be published (and those who had been), and others who just wanted to write for enjoyment. I was really impresesed by the standard of writing across the board, though.

    We were all supportive of each others work, but not afraid to say whether something didn't work for us, or to discuss how it might be improved etc. The tutors were the same. They would say if a beginning wasn't working, or if they weren't interested in the character, etc. But, it was done in such a way that you weren't left feeling crushed. After all, there's no point in being heaped with praise if it's not really meant - how would we ever learn or improve? That's what I meant about being truly amazed, and emotional, at the positive feedback I received. Don't get me wrong, I had my fair share of constructive criticism too - we all did, but it was all so much more than I had expected for my stuff. It was a great experience for making me finally believe that I can write.

    [quote=LadyRenate]Maybe one day we could have aTB one... we'd all know each other and out limitations/strengths and it wouldn't be as strange. Be easy enough to employ a couple of tutors and hire a house.[/quote]

    I would definitely be up for this, Liz! You can actually rent out the Moniack Mhor Centre (too far away for the majority of people, I would think), but we were told it was possible, so I guess other Arvon centres might do the same. Of course, I'm sure there are much cheaper options, such as just renting a holiday cottage etc. It's a great idea, and one I would be happy to get involved in organising and attending. Would be great to meet you all, share our work and experiences, and drink wine! :-)
  • edited August 2012
    [quote= Debby]It's a great idea, and one I would be happy to get involved in organising and attending. Would be great to meet you all, share our work and experiences, and drink wine! [/quote]
    Me too - organising people/events is my day job :)
  • Do a thread on it, Debby. See if there is any interest. Having organised poetry retreats, and being on them, i know of three very nice places to visit, one in Shropshire, one in Staffordshire and one in Somerset, just south of me.
  • Will do, liz. I'm off to toddlers group, but should get a sit down this afternoon and a chance to write something up. Have a great day meantime. :)

    SuzieW, you sound like our gal!
  • edited August 2012
    [quote=Liz]Maybe one day we could have aTB one...Be easy enough to employ a couple of tutors and hire a house...[/quote]
    [quote= Debby]I would definitely be up for this[/quote]
    [quote=SuzieW]organising people/events is my day job [/quote]

    Oh go on you lot, don't mind me, just go and organise a nice friendly little get together without me. :( (Wish I could be there)
  • [quote=Island Girl](Wish I could be there)[/quote]
    We'll Skype you :D
  • I've done writers' workshops with a Skypee - all the way from Santa Fe. She couldn't share the cake. But it worked ok.
  • [quote=Liz]She couldn't share the cake. But it worked ok.[/quote]
    Ah yes, the downside (or should that be upside!) of technology ;)
  • Not able to share WI homemade lemon drizzle, coffee sponge, chocolate sponge or almond and cherry cake? The poor woman was practically clawing her way through the screen.
  • Great to hear you had such a fantastic time, Debby. I think there is something very special about Arvon - I've done two of their courses, one at the beginning of the year, the other about five or six years ago.

    The first time I went I was in the same sort of situation as you - fairly new to writing and very unsure of myself. But the thing is, it doesn't matter at all how much or how little you've achieved, it's attitude that counts. If you go there with aim of learning, sharing, and having fun - you will!
  • It was fantastic what you wrote, Debby. I am so glad you enjoyed it and got so much out of it! :) Liz, that's a great idea about doing a TB get-together too.
  • Sorry this is such a late contribution - I've only just joined. Great to find this Community !

    I've done 2 Arvon courses - both at Lumb Bank in Yorkshire. Like another poster I really didn't like sharing a room with a stranger (she snored !) The mornings were really interesting and it was good to have the afternoons free for my own writing. The evening sessions were mixed - but I enjoyed most of them. I also didn't really enjoy the shared cooking (I do enough cooking at home and would have liked not to have to do it there !) Did it help my writing? I honestly can't say that it "moved me on" (but that might have been my own fault ). The "week" is also, of course, really 5 nights (half a day / 4 full days / half a day) so I thought it was expensive.

    What I found more useful was a course I did at Farncombe Estate down in the Cotswolds. It was a long weekend, included my own room (with writing desk), full board, including 3 course evening meal (!) And it started me off on my novel too (which I'm still writing). It wasn't as "literary" as Arvon but it suited me much better. I've stayed in touch with two other would-be writers and met up with one of them recently.

    I guess it depends on what each individual needs as a writer ?
  • Thanks for finding this, CarlyD.

    This is a thread I missed, when originally posted. Was progress ever made with the idea of a Talkback version?

    By the bye, CarlyD, you might dare to 'scribble' an entry for the monthly challenge.
    It's a sticky at top of the discussions and is 'only' a friendly exchange of ideas. A good excuse to experiment with style or genre one doesn't normally contemplate. You'll see, from my own attempts, there is no limit to quality; just a fun game.
  • edited January 2013
    Has anyone tried the journalist Deborah Dooley's writer's retreat in Sheepwash? She advertises in Writing Magazine. There are no courses but you have a comfortable room under the thatch to yourself and Deborah does the cooking. I wrote several poems and a short story during one of my breaks, felt very welcome and much at home.
    Deborah is a busy free - lance but she took time off one afternoon to drive me to the coast, where we walked along the cliffs and visited the church.
    Contact; <[email protected]>
    P.S. Her husband Bob is a carpenter. He gives lessons in his shop, part of the premises.
  • edited January 2013
    [quote=Jan]This is a thread I missed, when originally posted. Was progress ever made with the idea of a Talkback version?[/quote]

    I missed this too. You'll probably all tell me it's too short notice - but if someone arranges a long weekend somewhere in the south in May, I'm interested!

    Edited to add: I found Debby's thread that fizzled out last August. Too many cooks...? :(
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