“When Stephanie Land penned her essay “I spent 2 years cleaning big houses – what I saw makes me never want to be rich,” for Vox, she never thought it was going to net her a book deal, and later, a Netflix series. But it did!
Or Lauren Hough, the author of the viral Huffington Post essay “I Was A Cable Guy. I Saw The Worst Of America.”
What would yours be?
And while this kind of success with agents and publishers is by no means guaranteed, what is guaranteed is that it’s the best place for somebody to start writing stories about their life —you don’t need a fancy degree, a privileged background, or connections in the media to write and publish an essay that can jumpstart your career as a writer. All you need is a story that will resonate with your readers, a burning desire to share it, and—of course— some understanding of the genre. So, bring your anecdotes and tales of the unexpected, and let’s see if you can be the next “Modern Love” darling!”
This is from our tutor on our upcoming August retreat, Margarita Gokun Silver. Last year‘s sell-out retreat was enormously successful.
Can you come to this year’s? Two spaces left. Who do you know who’s always wanted to write their life story? It could start with just one chunk, don’t be daunted, just book!
More details here.
Perfect weather for Pimms
With the hot weather recently we decided to do a Pimms day! Our writers were very impressed. What’s more, I froze the remains, including the fruit, and my special little ninja pot, having removed the orange peel, and I made frozen sorbet out of it using my ice cream churner! Went down a storm and they could not believe it!
The favourite meal was once again the kale and butternut squash dish – regulars know what I’m talking about! You’ll find it in the book The Happy Kitchen and on our website on the useful links page! It’s one of our main stays, and if you come you are likely to experience it!
Develop Your Novel, Feb
I released this new date at the end of Rebecca’s recent workshop, and almost immediately five of the nine places sold out. Can you come? Book soon. Our most-booked tutor returns with her customary gusto, canny tips on completing your novel, and her usual nurturing nature.
More details here.
Other retreats are all on our events page here.
In October the talented and prolific author Janet Gover returns. Book early! With over 60 books to her name, she practices what she preaches and you can learn her secrets on the Oct novel workshop.
Then in November we have a rare opportunity – a weekend Just Write retreat. It’s on the end of four days stay, meaning you could have a whole seven days – where you can just come and relax, be looked after, not have any workshops, work at your own pace in like-minded company with wonderful food at a brilliant venue. All meals and drinks included, own cozy room and no chores! (one ensuite at the weekend has already gone). Book early if you would like the ensuite bedrooms they usually go first.)
Casting ahead to March, our screenwriting success story is back as Lucy V Hay joins us once again telling you the nuts and bolts of getting your tale on the telly or the big screen.
More details here.
Book your own private retreat – if you and five friends can come together, we can fix a bespoke date to suit you. Nothing to worry about except you and your writing and having a nice time with your writing fraternity, here in picturesque North Devon. Just ask.
Or hire us for a self catering stay, maybe eat in pub opposite to save the hard work, and save money with a holiday let – you can use our breakfast stuff but providing your own lunch and dinner, it’s a holiday let basis but the cheapest way of getting away with your gang. Just ask!
And now onto our book recommendations…
Emmy’s Back!
Dear Miss Lake: the fourth and final instalment in the wartime saga featuring the team at women’s friend, answering readers concerns and dealing with their own. AJ is just such a talented writer as her Substack shows (here). Can’t wait to see what else she has in store in the future. Dear Mrs Bird, the first in the series was partly written at Retreats For You. AJ was on one of the first workshops I went on, here, with mentor Julie Cohen. Successful author Alison May, and Jane O’Brian, also in the shot! So much has happened since then!
Anyway if you’re looking for a new series, these four books should keep you amused, especially if you love a wartime theme 🙂 well done AJ.
If you are a tutor and you’re interested in teaching workshops here, please get in touch. We look for people with lots of experience who run workshops elsewhere and have a following, as you will be expected to help bring in the bookings. Just ask!
Have a lovely summer and hope you’re not too hot!
Debbie and team
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