This retreat would suit writers who have made a good start on their novel but have got stuck, or have finished or nearly finished a first draft and are ready for the second draft, or if you have done enough rewriting and are ready for that final polish.

You will have the opportunity to spend time on your writing in the inspiring setting of West Dean. You will also be able to benefit from group activities in workshops and evening sessions, and one-to-one tutorials with the tutors.

Some of the following topics will be explored during the retreat:

• Writing style, planning and keeping going
• Enticing beginnings and satisfying endings
• Building stronger characters
• Structure, dialogue and pace
• Editing techniques
• Submitting for publication

Beth Miller and Sharon Duggal will lead the course. They will be joined by a guest tutor on one evening. See variation to standard timetable given below on how days are structured.

You will be invited to be prepared for sharing information about your works-in-progress. This information will remain confidential within the group. Taking part is warmly encouraged and will likely benefit your practice, but if you’d prefer to sit these parts out, you can spend the time writing instead.

The course will be based in one of the historic rooms in West Dean College where the group teaching sessions will take place; access to this and other peaceful spaces such as the Oak Hall, College library and Stewards Room Bar, alongside the beautiful West Dean Gardens, in and around the College, will be available to you throughout the Retreat. To benefit from the Retreat, all participants are encouraged to stay at the College; any non-resident students may book dinners on additional evenings if required.

VARIATION TO STANDARD TIMETABLE Arrival Day 6.45pm Welcome followed by dinner (included) 7.30 – 9pm First teaching session, attendance is essential

Daily timetable 9.15am –1.00pm Workshops, followed by lunch (included) 2 –5pm One-to-one tutorials/personal writing time

From 6.30pm dinner (included for residential students, non- residental students may book dinner if they intend to stay for evening sessions)

Evenings – Each evening will include an optional one-hour session on an aspect of writing; students who prefer to spend their evening writing or relaxing are welcome to skip these.

Last day (Residential students to vacate rooms by 10am) 9.15am – 1pm Workshop followed by lunch (included) 2–3pm Participants’ sharing session – you are invited to read 5 minute extracts from your work (optional)

Included

The tutors will supply most of the materials, including handouts.

What students need to bring

• Notebook and pen (or laptop if you prefer), and your work-in-progress, plus two copies (on paper) of an extract of up to 1000 words from your work-in-progress for the tutors to read.

• Please send some information about your writing background in advance of the course for the attention of Beth Miller, via the [email protected] – this should be no more than 500 words and may include a brief summary of your work-in-progress and/or anything you’d like to share about your writing practice.

Arrival day
Residential students can arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 6.45pm for registration
6.45pm: Welcome, followed by dinner (included)
8 - 9pm: First teaching session, attendance is essential

Daily timetable
Course teaching 9.15am - 5pm (lunch included)
Dinner: from 6.30pm (included for residential students)
Evening working: students may have access to workshops until 9pm, but only with permission from the tutor and provided any health and safety guidelines are observed

Departure day
Course teaching: 9.15am - 3pm (lunch included)
Residential students will need to check out of rooms by 10am

Please note, the tutor may make slight variations to the daily timetable as required

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