Following unavoidable events for Elaine Denning (get well soon!!)we have great pleasure in announcing a new editor for our Memoirs and First Time Writers Week
Jayne Watson is our new tutor, she is a very experienced mentor.
Over the course of three workshops, we’ll look at the plot, story arc and theme of your memoir, talk about the importance of using imagery and sensory details to bring your story alive, and how dialogue and emotion are used to build tension and drama. We’ll also be discussing many of the rules that apply to fiction writing, for example, how to hook your reader, how to show and not tell, and how to write a satisfactory ending. There will also be a one to one sessions, where you’ll have the opportunity to highlight and discuss any difficulties you are experiencing, and receive feedback on your first 10,000 words.
JAYNE is a journalist, copy editor and writer who also has a background in further and adult education. As a newspaper journalist she specialised in profiles and extended interviews, which have appeared in many national and regional papers and magazines, under various names. As a tutor she has worked with many first time writers through evening classes in creative writing, much of it autobiographical, and, through English Language A Level, with mature students wanting to hone their style and gain confidence with shifting register and address to reader. The students ranged in age from 18 to 80; and in background from psychiatric nurses to civil servants; former prisoners and transgender teachers. What the experience taught her is that everyone has a story to tell. It may be painful, it may be hilarious, but each is unique. Her own literary model is Flora Poste, the heroine of Cold Comfort Farm, who, when asked what she wanted to do with her life, replies: ‘Well, when I am 53 or so I would like to write a novel as good as Persuasion… and until then I shall be ‘Collecting Material.’ So now Jayne is writing (and re-writing) 2 novels based on the material that she has collected.
Jayne is very much looking forward to attending Retreats For You for the first time. You can liaise with her prior to your visit or just wait until you arrive, the choice is yours.
August Booking Information
We are now completely FULL in August apart from two places on the aforementioned Memoirs & First-Time Writers Week so contact us quickly to secure those final places.
and finally …… we have had some amazing weather recently and the writings groups have been getting huge amounts of writing done. We have some last minute spaces left for w/c 31st July if you would like to come and stay Mon- Fri at just £90 per night inclusive of full board and wine at dinner.
Contact us to book: [email protected]