Full of trepidation, not knowing what to expect on a writing retreat with a tutor? Here at Retreats For You in picturesque North Devon, you will be made to feel welcome, from the moment you arrive, with your own cozy room with outstanding beds, dressing gowns and tea and coffee making facilities, and the all important writing desk. You will spend your time in like-minded company, with an enlightening workshop every day run by a superb tutor.
Here’s an example from award-winning author and Open University tutor, Rosemary Dun. A few weeks before her beginners’ novel-writing retreat, this is what you will get – sounds enticing?
I’m so looking forward to spending time with you in Debbie’s wonderful house at Sheepwash. I’ve been on Debbie’s writing retreats perhaps three times, and now am delighted to be running my own retreats. This is my third year!
The focus of this retreat is that it’s for everybody/anyone – and that includes beginners. So, whether you’ve started a novel or are at an ideas stage/not sure where to go or what you’re doing – this course caters for all!
If you would like me to have an advance look at what you are writing, then please do forward the beginning of your novel (or some ideas) :
- Please, no more than 3 pages of your novel – the beginning pages. (And also use industry standard layout – see the template for you to use).
- If you can, have a go at either a synopsis (see the handout on ideas re. how to start this), or if you’re nowhere near writing a synopsis, then some ideas of what you might plan to write. Again, no worries if you don’t have this. 😊
- If you feel you’re “there”, then do try writing a paragraph explaining what happens in your novel (or, if stuck, what it’s about). Can you get this down to something like, 2 to 3 lines of what your novel is about, who is your protagonist, what genre, its length/expected length, and what novel or book your own novel is similar to.
Please note that all of this is optional. If you just want to arrive and talk about ideas, having written nothing, you just want to learn, then that’s fine too.
During the week I shall schedule a one-to-one session with each of you when I shall give you more in-depth feedback on the basis of your synopsis/outline and first three pages, or your novel idea. This is entirely voluntary.
The main focus of this retreat is to spark ideas, to give you pointers and handouts to help you start, or to move you forwards, and to have a jolly time writing!
So don’t overly worry – especially re. the synopsis – as you’ll have a chance to have a go at writing one of these during the week. If you fancy it – have a go.
During this week, you may come to scheduled tutor sessions, or you may wish to do your own thing – it’s up to you. Similarly with any “homework/exercises” it will be up to you whether or not you wish to take part. If you want to sit in, listen, and then go off and do your own thing, that’s also fine. It is your retreat and so please do whatever best suits you.
It may seem a faff, but it is important to get into the habit of using industry standard layout i.e. double-line spacing, Times New Roman font size 12, no indents for paragraphs or dialogue, and no gaps between paragraphs. I enclose instructions for this which you can use as a template (see below).
If you would like to see/read my work, then there’s Only Hummingbirds Fly Backwards by Rosie Parker (pen name): a literary/autofiction novel.
Plus a new novel being released on 28th April 2025 called The Trouble With Love by Rosemary Dun: romcom/contemporary women’s fiction, which is available to pre-order.
Here’s what past attendees have had to say about my tutored retreats:
“To say the retreat in Sheepwash and your expert tutoring, Rosemary, changed the way I approach my writing, is an understatement. It was a tremendous help in moving my new novel forward. I am progressing steadily. Trying to write daily.” Anji T.
“Whether you are new to writing or experienced, this retreat is for you. Rosemary’s exceptional support is second to none. Also a chance to share ideas and feedback with other writers passionate about their craft, in a relaxed setting.” Angela N.
“The retreat was so great and I wished I could have had it 2 years ago. There was so much concentrated practical learning in it.” Anita H.
A book you’ll find useful is “Write Your Novel From The Middle” by James Scott Bell.
Also, if you get the chance then please do watch the movies “The Proposal”, “Chalet Girl”, and Steven Spielberg’s “War Of The Worlds”.
Looking forward to meeting you all.
With best wishes,
Rosemary
You will arrive at our thatched, historic, 1600s house in the middle of a quaint village, surrounded by beautiful countryside walks, at 2 pm Monday afternoon, and be looked after until Friday lunchtime. Nothing to worry about except you, and your writing.
Sounds good? Just email us [email protected] and we will send you details of availability for this and other workshops, including memoirs, script writing, more advanced novel writing, and ‘just write’ untutored weeks. Or go here.
We would love to welcome you and all you need to pay now is £125 deposit. Book your stay, your getaway, and best of all… No chores!!
Debbie Flint
07949. 052208