Thank you to all those sparkling ladies who escaped to the lovely Denman College to enjoy our Creative Writing Winter Retreat.
We had a happy and productive time together. We heard about being a Toastmaster/mistress! and scary spider stories, real experiences written to entertain an audience while exploring a debilitating phobia which affects so many of us – arachnaphobia.
We shared some short stories and heard some which we want to hear about again when they’ve won 500w competitions. We enjoyed hearing about a family history linked with local history, and lots of humour, love and friendship – and a hint at something ghostly. We shared a lot of laughter as we followed the endeavours of children, staff and parents in a primary school – some great characters. A work in progress full of keenly observed endearing (and less endearing) personalities.
There was an atmospheric tale from a writer who surprised herself with her achievement, fictionalising family events into a compelling emotional and poetic short winter themed story. We enjoyed hearing from a writer wanting to finish her novel. We enjoyed the story immensely, it’s definitely a good read, and it’s definitely her turn, as she’s supported several writer friends and fellow students to publish theirs.
We were all inspired by the family story of one writer and her amazing detailed memories of a family member with a true story of courage in adversity and wartime resistance. A real heroine whose story really has to be told. We enjoyed hearing stories of an East African childhood, full of freedom and adventure from a life story writer who is carefully capturing and illustrating her memories and experiences for the children and grandchildren.
I hope you all enjoyed our time together as much as I did and I hope you keep writing
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Escape to Denman, a beautiful Georgian Mansion set in 17 acres of grounds, it’s the perfect place for an indulgent Winter Writing Retreat. Make 2019 the year you dig out that unfinished writing project languishing in a drawer, OR come and begin something completely new.
Join tutor led inspirational classroom sessions, discuss your writing, receive constructive feedback, and work in ‘one to one’ sessions with W.I. member Chrissie, whose TV scripts, short stories, plays and articles have been broadcast produced and published in UK and abroad.
Retreat to Denman, and write in the elegant drawing-room, the bar, your own comfortable en-suite bedroom, or the hall with its cosy log fire. This course is informal and friendly and we’ll be working on memoirs, life stories, short stories, sketches, plays, articles or novels, no experience of writing is required and beginners are welcome.
Price includes comfortable single ensuite room with tea/coffee making facilities and varied menus offering a selection of delicious meals, including cooked buffet style breakfasts, morning coffee, lunch, afternoon tea, and waiter service three course evening dinner with coffee/tea.
Contact chrissie@lifestorywriting.co.uk or Denman College 01865 391991 for more information and booking
