NEW: 2026 date <<<
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DEVELOPING AND PITCHING A COMMERCIAL NOVEL with Rosemary Dun
Apr 27th – May 1st 2026 (4 nights)
Perfect course for beginners. It has frequently sold out. £710pp, own room.
Beginner author Anita said, “I’ve been on lots of workshops and Rosemary’s was definitely the best I’ve been on. Her handouts were a godsend and made everything really clear. I’m really inspired now.”
So what’s it all about?
Rosemary Dun is an experienced tutor, incl The Open University. She is a published novelist, and speaks from experience. This workshop is targeted at writers who need help to wade their way through the book writing maze. But with an interesting spin…
Increasingly novelists look to Hollywood for lessons in plot and examining film scripts can teach us a good deal. Readers are very much informed by film and television, and an agent or editor is always on the lookout for a novel with potential for signed film rights. So during this writer’s retreat, we will take inspiration from plots from movies, some recommended reading and viewing is below. Then you can not only develop your novel, but also consider how to make it more commercial, and the opportunity to receive one-to-one feedback.
You can have a go at writing the all-important synopsis and to consider your pitch. These days it makes sense to write a synopsis even before you begin: partly because it helps keep you on course, and partly because if you are already signed, your agent/ publisher will want one before giving you the go ahead.
This 4-night retreat will have a daily workshop, plenty of opportunity to write, the chance to discuss works-in-progress, plus one-to-one feedback on work submitted before the course. (You will be asked to submit before the deadline for this tutored retreat, but it is optional, especially if you have never completed anything you’d like to show anyone. Details will follow after booking).
Most importantly you’ll get the chance to meet fellow writers, and – yes – have fun! A bit like the Nearly-Famous Five (Writers) Go To Devon!
Rosemary Dun has navigated the choppy waters of both traditional and independent publishing and can discuss the merits or otherwise, of both. She is a tutor on the MA for Creative Writing at The Open University, has tutored creative writing to undergraduates for fifteen years, and teaches her own course “Writing The Commercial Novel” at an adult education centre in Bristol. She has run workshops at Cheltenham Literature Festival, Leicester Festival of Literature, and The Writers Conference in Winchester, and can offer freelance mentoring and critique.
Rosemary Dun is author of “The Trouble With Love” pub. Sphere 2016, and “Only Hummingbirds Fly Backwards” pub. Troubadour Feb 2022.
She is a published and prize-winning writer of short stories and poetry, has four poetry collections, and is a sometime performance/ slam poet. She wrote and performed a one-woman show at How The Light Gets In festival at Hay, writes comedy songs on her ukulele and has done stand-up comedy. Yes, really. She apologises for her website which, for several reasons, is not very good – yet.
If you would like to talk to Rosemary beforehand that is also possible, just ask Debbie.
Remember you will have your own cosy room with writing space, tea/coffee making/dressing gown/deluxe bedding. Ensuite supplement, these go first so apply early. Self service Breakfast, buffet lunch, afternoon tea/coffee/cake, supper with wine and a cosy fireside chat afterwards in the quaint lounge with massive fireplace. Beautiful countryside to walk in and me-time galore, no chores!
Itinerary:
MondayArrive 2 PMSettle in, then planning of one-to-one feedback with Rosemary.Evening meal followed by introduction to the course, a chat about where you are in your writing, plus the drinking of wine, or a soft drink of your choice.
TuesdayMorning workshop goes deeper into what can be learned from Hollywood scriptwriters. We’ll discuss the three-act structure, the mid-point reversal, cute/ meet (for romcoms), and the importance of a tangible goal. All plot depends on character. There will be an exercise on character, plus you’ll be given character sheets for “homework”.LunchAfternoon – individual writing, one-to-onesEvening – chat over wine plus chance to share your writing.
WednesdayMorning workshop on what agents and editors are looking for? Does your novel have a USP (Unique Selling Point)? Is it High Concept? Or does it rely on genre? Does your plot have enough va-va-voom? There will be an exercise to help you begin writing your synopsis, plus homework.LunchAfternoon – individual writing, one-to-onesEvening – as above
ThursdayMorning workshop will include tips on how to self-edit your novel so that it’s in good shape prior to sending out. Then we’ll have a pitching session (to include your synopsis).LunchAfternoon – individual writing, one-to-onesEvening – sharing work-in-progress
FridayDeparture after breakfast (most leave late morning).
Message from Rosemary in advance of your retreat:
It will be fantastic if – before our retreat – you could watch the following movies:
- Roman Holiday
- The Proposal
- The Great Escape
- War Of The Worlds
If you fancy watching any more then I may well mention:
- Some Like It Hot
- Chalet Girl
If you can only manage one or two then try and watch Roman Holiday and The Proposal.
The structure of these movies will be discussed during the week and it always helps if you’ve got knowledge of them 🙂
All best,
Rosemary
All the usual treats are included as well as full board, did we say no chores?!… wine at supper and afternoon tea/coffee/cake.
Retreats For You is a 17th century thatched house in a picturesque North Devon village, with beautiful countryside walks. The rooms are fabulously comfortable with your own space to write and comfy bed.
The quaint village of Sheepwash is in between Bideford and Okehampton and reached by car (there is ample parking) or taxi from Exeter Saint Davids station or, recently opened, Okehampton station which is much nearer.
It’s a small village with a well-stocked community shop, a local gastro pub and church.
All your meals are home-cooked at Retreats for You by our host, Debbie, and her team. (You do not have to cook anything! Hurrah!) There are plenty of walks nearby, or you can use the mini home gym in the studio, take a break and watch the big TV, and wander the courtyard and back garden, where you can find much to inspire you.
And you can’t beat the magic of sharing a retreat with fellow writers.
Recommended Reading
Stealing Hollywood by Alexandra SokoloffWrite Your Novel From The Middle by James Scott BellSave The Cat by Blake Snyder
Recommended Movies
The Great EscapeChalet GirlWar Of The Worlds (the Tom Cruise one)
Demand for this retreat is expected to be high so do book early.
cost – £710 per person. (Two ensuite rooms are available at a supplement, please enquire).
£125 deposit is required to secure your booking. (There will be a waiting list if over-subscribed). Balance payable when we invoice you about 6-8 weeks beforehand. In case of postponement, you can transfer your deposit to the next retreat no problem.
Contact [email protected] for further information and to book a place or enquire via RFY. Please put Writing Retreat in the subject heading.
Follow Rosemary on Twitter and find her website here.
“If you are serious about seeing your book in print, Rosemary Dun’s course Developing and Pitching a Commercial Novel is the course for you. I learnt more about the practical skills required to be a published author on this course than I did on a two year part-time Masters degree in Creative Writing. And the icing on the cake? The wonderful Retreats for You location and host, Debbie.”
– Jane Murrell, April 2023