“A word after a word after a word is power.”
—Margaret Atwood
London Four-Day Intensive Writing Course
This course is held in historically bohemian Battersea, just across “the loveliest bridge in London” from Chelsea, near Battersea Park. The purposefully small group is an inclusive, supportive and constructive community of writers who grow into a creative family during their time together. The Course focuses on the tools every writer needs to free their imagination and improve their writing. Through discussions, readings and workshopping our own material, we will explore the craft of fiction and creative non-fiction (including memoir and personal essay). All are welcome, regardless of experience. Scholarships are available—contact me for information.
There is a strict Course maximum of six students.
Course Maximum: 6 Students
£675/session
To visitors, it’s sometimes called “South Chelsea.”
To residents, locals and the literati, the green and leafy Battersea Park area is simply “home.”
The urban oasis of Battersea Park is fiercely beloved by locals and visitors alike. With its winding paths and dreamy vistas, people could (and do) often walk here for hours, letting their feet do their thinking for them.
The Pear Tree Cafe is always bustling. You could meet anyone here: hung-over rock stars, restless young poets, families with push chair inhabitants, and maybe even a stray egret or two.
One of London’s iconic landmarks, the Battersea Power Station (still pulling in those Pink Floyd fans) is now home to a huge new multi-use development…and it’s even got its own Tube station, too.
Take a break. Take a breath. Take a risk.
Everyone has a story...and this four-day residential course in beautiful Shropshire will provide a safe place to identify and explore your own.
Intensive Four-Day Writing Retreat in Tranquil Shropshire.
This popular four-day residential course, held annually in an airy and light-filled studio at Leighton in Shropshire, will focus on the tools writers need to free their imaginations and improve their writing. Through discussions, readings and workshops, we will explore the genesis of fiction and creative non-fiction (including memoir and personal essay). To help us out, we’ll consider the thoughts and writings of published authors, the narrative and story structure of fiction, and the feedback and support of our course mates.
There is plenty of easy, local accommodation within the area, including a self-catering apartment within the house itself. Freshly prepared lunch and afternoon tea are included every day. All are welcome, regardless of experience. There is a strict maximum of six students. Please book early!
Course maximum: 6 students
£475 + accommodation
Intensive Writers’ Retreat in Glorious Country House
Experience a residential writing course like no other: whether you’ve got 10 novels stashed in a cupboard, or you yearn to pick up the pen but don’t know where to start, this Intensive Retreat aims to unlock and unblock the writer in you. The retreat will be held at a glorious country house, built in open countryside and designed by Charles Morris, the architect behind the Orchard Room and The Sanctuary at Highgrove.
All your needs will be met during your stay: our professional chef will personally prepare all your meals, and down time will offer plenty of opportunities to play: the house offers cold swimming, wilding and country walks, cycling and sauna (both traditional and infrared). Or simply curl up in front of the fire, and start to tell your story…together. There is a seat at my table for anyone who has a story to tell—all are welcome, regardless of experience or style of writing.
The Course offers a strict maximum of six places and places are reserved on a first-come, first-served basis, so do book quickly to avoid disappointment!
Course maximum: 6 students
£625 + accommodation
Writing Workshop
Manuscripts should be typed, double spaced, with page numbers and your name on the cover. These will be handed out at the class the day before you are slated for workshop. This will give us time to read and contemplate your piece before discussing it. Submissions for instructor review should not be sent electronically.
Battersea Park’s Peace Pagoda is a local landmark, and one of 80 erected around the world.
London: £575/session + Accommodation
Shropshire: £475/session + Accommodation
The Drawing Room at our Country House Retreat is both elegant and inviting…and all yours during your stay!
All the cozy country-home comforts await students on the annual Shropshire retreat…and home-baked bread every day!
Got thoughts? Questions? Want to know more? Keep in touch!