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Hi
Hope you are surviving the transition into winter which we call autumn, although this year it seems there’s an AI glitch that keeps flipping us back into summer! A timely reminder then of what’s coming up – and an announcement, unfortunately we have sold out, again, of the upcoming workshop places with excellent tutor Janet Gover. (there may be one last pub place, I could always ask).
The next novel writing retreat is in February with the sellout tutor Rebecca Horsfall. 2/3 gone already.
But there are spaces on my #JustWrite weeks – one with an agent in January, and one long one in November.
So if you want to get yourself a Christmas present organised, you can come for up to 7 nights! Either Monday to Friday or the whole week, Some of the places already gone though!
Please note we also do Christmas vouchers!
As ever, check out everything on our website retreatsforyou.co.uk/events.
We don’t do sci-fi workshops, but if you don’t mind paying quite a lot of money for a two day workshop in Crewe, run by none other than the new scientist team, you might want to look at this one. The place looks very grand, and it’s more of a conference than a workshop but I thought I’d include it just in case. Makes us look very affordable considering we are four days for most of our workshops and they’re still under £800 all inclusive, including wine at supper! Let me know if you go on it or know someone who does. There’s also a list of other venues on our useful links page, since we sell out so much I don’t mind referencing other options. Details here.
And now to the latest authors news! We recently heard from a lady who came here awhile back, and she is proudly sending us her latest published novel now that she has an agent and has had some significant success…
Rose McDonagh’s new book will soon be pride of place on our bookshelves and has been a BBC Book at Bedtime! Well done, Rose!
Like many, she feels that a writing retreat helped. Here she reflects on her time at our place, and how it helped in her journey:
“Staying at Retreats for You was an amazing and memorable experience. I had a wonderful time there while I worked on the short stories that would go on to be published in my collection The Dog Husband. Fast forward a few years and I now have my debut novel One Came Back published with Trapeze / Orion. I look back with fond memories on the firelit nights, bounteous supply of banana bread and delicious home cooking. Retreats for You has the perfect setting to get your imagination flowing and I loved exploring the atmospheric village, the historic local church and nearby farms. Debbie offers a wonderfully encouraging, nurturing presence. A big part of the experience was talking with other writers around the fire, reading my work and building confidence in my voice. I would highly recommend Retreats for You to any writer, new or experienced, looking to find space, clarity and peace as well as that all important connection with other writers.”
Rose McDonagh, author of One Came Back
It’s New Year’s Eve in Edinburgh when Emily sees Nicky. But how can that be? Because Nicky died twenty years ago on a lonely road in the Scottish highlands… One Came Back is a literary suspense novel exploring the mystery of death and the strangeness of life. “The real thing, a concise account of a Scottish set obsession. A debut novel of great interest,’ The Critic.
Sounds excellent, I’ve just downloaded the audiobook and I’m looking forward to reading it. Well done Rose and thank you!
Nb It’s currently out in hardback, ebook and audio – paperback release Feb 2026. Find it here.
Find out more about Rose on her Instagram.
So how are you doing with yours? Since you last came? Tempted to come back? Get yourself a voucher sorted out for Christmas and if you are a return I can do you a special deal. Just ask.
We have bookshelves full of books by former guests. From professional novelists and well-known names, through to debuts, some self published authors works, along with non-fiction and memoir.
Many people say it’s their ambition to see their book on our bookshelves when it’s finished! And we wholeheartedly agree. Send us your paperback like Rose is doing, and get a mention in our newsletter. (Address is at the bottom of this newsletter).
Please keep us informed on how you’re doing, and please book ahead – we’ve even got a memoirs week already in for next summer, a beginners novel writing in April, and screenwriting in March! Plus we can offer you a private week if you’ve got a group of friends – maybe revisit the WhatsApp group we set up for you when you first came and ask some of your favourites to come with you! Would love to see you in November for instance? Lots of dates available now I have Jennie the yoga lady helping me 🙂
Speak soon and best wishes!
Debbie
Postal address:
Debbie Flint
Retreats for you
The court
The Square
Sheepwash
EX21 5NE