This course is suitable for writers arriving with a blank page as well as those bringing a project they have already started work on.
The group of writers will spend the week developing their prose fiction style. Whether you are interested in writing a novel, memoir or a short story, this course is for you.
Mornings will be structured around a series of exercises and writing prompts with the aim of improving our understanding of how to write effective scene, character and plot. In the afternoons, participants are encouraged to share work in progress and there will be guided discussion considering ways in which to develop your material further.
By the end of the week you will be equipped with skills and techniques to help you refine your prose and you will have the support of fellow writers to encourage you beyond the workshop as you continue your writing journey.
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Tutor: Hannah Vincent – Novelist/Playwright
Hannah Vincent is the author of two novels, Alarm Girl and The Weaning and a collection of short stories, She-Clown and other stories. She teaches Creative Writing on the Open University’s MA programme and life writing at New Writing South and Charleston, Sussex home of the Bloomsbury group. Photo: Bosie Vincent |
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Guest, Thursday evening: Carol Farrelly – Writer
Carol Farrelly is a fiction writer. She is currently working on a short-story collection and a first novel, set in Emergency Ireland and WWII Cornwall. This novel was shortlisted for the Lucy Cavendish Fiction Prize 2018. Her short stories have been widely published in journals such as The Irish Times and New Writing Scotland, and broadcast on BBC Radio 4. Her story ‘The Telephone Man’ won the international Lorian Hemingway Short Story Prize. Her stories have also been shortlisted for the Bridport Prize, Fish Prize and the RA & Pin Drop Short Story Award. In a previous life, she completed a DPhil on Thomas Hardy’s novels. He remains her desert-island writer. www.carolfarrelly.com / @CarolMFarrelly |
| PRICES | £400 fee includes eight 90 minute workshops, one, 60 minute workshop, one 30 minute individual tutorial, evening readings/entertainment including both a tutor and guest reading, afternoon chat room. |
| TO BOOK | £150 deposit payable on booking by PayPal, bank transfer or cheque, to secure place, balance due six weeks before start of course. Please see Terms and Conditions. |
| WHAT YOU WILL NEED | A reliable internet connection and access to Zoom |
| START TIME |
5.00pm on Monday – one hour introductory workshop |
| END TIME |
After evening readings on Friday |
The Garsdale Retreat Online Course Outline: 2020
Maximum 8 participants
Course begins on Monday at 5.00pm. Ends Friday evening after reading.
Monday:
Welcome (5 mins) from Hamish, followed by 1 hour workshop.
Tuesday – Friday:
Two daily workshops: 9.30 – 11.00/11.30 – 1.00pm
Afternoons: Chat-room open for participants.
Tutorials
Each student has an entitlement of 1 x 30mins tutorial in the course of the week.
These take place at a mutually convenient time one afternoon – Tuesday – Friday.
Evening Events (starting at 8.00pm)
Tuesday:
Tutor reading
Wednesday:
Guest reading (except Carol Farrelly – Thursday)
Thursday:
Live music and poetry performed by Hamish Wilson and
Rebecca Nouchette (Garsdale Retreat directors)
Friday:
Poetry Courses – group reading of anthology of work produced in the week.
Fiction/Non-Fiction courses – group reading of extracts of work written during the week.
