Following a huge increase in popularity in cozy crime novels, we are delighted to offer sought after tutor and successful published author, Rachel Ward, joining the Retreats For You line-up for the first time! A four night retreat, with workshops every morning, a one-to-one, and a follow-up email.
About Retreats For You
Full board, wine included at supper, mini gym, summer house, roaring fire in cooler months. As with all our retreats you will have your own cosy room with writing desk, beautiful comfy bedding, fluffy towels, dressing gown, hairdryer, tea and coffee-making facilities. Some have ensuite, please ask – they usually go first (supplement.)
From the moment you arrive at 2 pm on Monday 25th September, you will be looked after and find out the secrets of writing a successful cozy crime novel. For beginners or people who have started their first novel but need help on how to develop it. Plus discover Rachel’s own journey to publication and becoming a successful author.
Discover why the main character is so pivotal, how to develop subplots, how to make it a cosy crime rather than too dark, in a delightful environment where nobody is made to feel like they are too inexperienced – Rachel is renowned for being nurturing.
We expect this to be hotly anticipated and bookings will come in quickly so please book early!
ITINERARY
Monday afternoon 2 pm arrival, then once you have settled in, a super welcome talk, afternoon tea and discussion about the week ahead.
Tuesday morning workshop: Meet Your Detective
Your cosy crime novel’s success rests primarily on your main character(s). They will usually be an amateur detective or crime-fighting team, who are relatable and who have potential to develop through a series. So, let’s get to know them.
In this session, we will be examining some of the protagonists in successful cosy crime novels and we will introduce our own protagonist(s) through an exercise in which we interview them for a newspaper or magazine feature.
Wednesday morning workshop: Bringing the Warmth
Cosy crime novels often deal with dark subjects but in a way which won’t give you nightmares. This is down to a number of factors:
- the way the crime is covered
- the context of the cast of characters experiencing the crime
- a reassuring ending in which good triumphs over bad
- a lightness of touch
- humour
In this session, we will explore ways of bringing the cosy into crime, including writing sparkling dialogue, finding the humour in everyday situations, balancing the light and dark within a novel, etc.
Thursday morning workshop: A Beginning, A Middle and An End
Many crime novels stick to a formula in terms of structure and cosy crime books are no exception. This can actually be extremely helpful for the writer! A structure needn’t be a straitjacket – you can play with the rules, and break them, if you want to, but let’s understand them first.
In this session, we will look at various models of story structure (Three Act, Five Act, etc.) and different approaches to writing (key scenes, snowflake method, starting in the middle). We will have fun with exercises including writing three sentence stories, and playing with elevator pitches.
Friday morning 10 am, vacate room (we ask that you strip the four pieces of bedding and leave just inside the door if you don’t mind). You don’t have to rush away, as long as the rooms are clear for housekeeping team to come in and start change over in case we have a holiday let at the weekend. Most people will leave after breakfast however, and you are very welcome to take some snacks, cake or fruit for the journey ahead!
A one-to-one will be arranged for you at some point on one of the afternoons.
Follow-up – Rachel will be contacting you with one email following your enjoyable, fascinating, workshop week. (Potential for mentoring afterwards – to be discussed with Rachel during the week.)
Booking
£679 early bird booking fee – price may increase so book early. (Ensuite bedrooms are always in demand and usually go first, but please enquire (supplement)).
Send an email as soon as you can to info @ Retreats for you.co.uk
About Rachel Ward
Rachel has been a published writer for fourteen years. She started off with five YA novels for Chicken House Books, and has more recently turned to crime. She writes psychological thrillers for HQ Digital (Safe With You, Sept 2022, and The Girl Who Disappeared, out in May) and a cosy crime series, the Supermarket Mysteries. Her first three cosy crime books were originally published by Sandstone Press, but were relaunched last year by Joffe and she has a two-book deal with them to continue the series. The first book, The Missing Checkout Girl was recently No. 1 in the Private Investigator Mysteries chart.
As well as writing, Rachel also tutors and runs workshops. She is a Manuscript Tutor for the University of Bristol’s Creative Writing MA students. She has run workshops in secondary schools, at community centres, at book festivals and in libraries.
Follow Rachel on:
INSTAGRAM
TWITTER
AUTHOR WEBSITE