STOP PRESS: last two spaces
DEVELOPING AND PITCHING A COMMERCIAL NOVEL
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, 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 from an experienced tutor and novelist. (You will be asked to submit before the deadline for this tutored retreat).
You can have a go at writing a synopsis and take the opportunity 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 workshops, plenty of opportunity to write, the chance to discuss works-in-progress, plus one-to-one feedback on work submitted before the course. (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 the author of “The Trouble With Love” pub. Sphere 2016, and “Only Hummingbirds Fly Backwards” pub Troubadour Feb 2022. Rosemary is rep’d by Kate Hordern of KHLA agency.
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. She apologises for her website which, for several reasons, is not very good – yet.
Itinerary:
Monday
Arrive 2pm
Settle in, then an ‘afternoon tea welcome’ and discuss the itinerary.
Planning of one-to-one feedback with Rosemary.
Evening meal followed by an introduction to the course, a chat about examples from film, plus a fun exercise, and the drinking of wine or your fave tipple.
Tuesday
Morning 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”.
Lunch
Afternoon – individual writing, one-to-ones
Evening – chat over wine plus a chance to share your writing.
Wednesday
Morning 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, and homework.
Lunch
Afternoon – individual writing, one-to-ones
Evening – as above
Thursday
Morning 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).
Lunch
Afternoon – individual writing, one-to-ones
Evening – sharing work-in-progress
Friday
Morning workshop traditional vs independent and getting your novel published. Finish with a short plenary session for you to give feedback on the course.
Please note rooms must be vacated by 10 am.
Lunch if required, n.b. most people depart late morning
All the usual treats are included as well as full board, no chores, wine at supper and afternoon tea/coffee/cake. Breakfast is self-service at a time of your choice, lunch is a buffet affair, supper is around the table. (NB a tray in your room is always possible)
Retreats For You is a 17th century thatched house in a picturesque North Devon village, with beautiful countryside walks on the doorstep and a fabulous Gastro pub right opposite. The rooms are fabulously comfortable with your own space to write and comfy bed, tea and coffee making, dressing gown, fluffy towels. Two bedrooms are ensuite, they go quickly however, but sharing bathroom is no problem for most. Lotions and potions on display can be used. Large studio has a mini home gym; courtyard, pretty garden and summerhouse; large lounge with Inglenook, & piano; broadband throughout.
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. It’s a small village with a shop, a local 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!) Please make requests for dietary requirements.
There are plenty of walks nearby, or you can wander the grounds, where you can find much to inspire you. And you can’t beat the magic of sharing a retreat with fellow writers.
Demand for this retreat is expected to be high so do book early.
cost – £652 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 a month 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.
Recommended Reading
Stealing Hollywood by Alexandra Sokoloff
Write Your Novel From The Middle by James Scott Bell
Save The Cat by Blake Snyder
Recommended Movies
The Swimmer
Chalet Girl
The Holiday
Falling Down
Rebecca
The Fugitive
Thelma and Louise
Follow Rosemary on Twitter and find her website here.
