Well I thought I would do this update as Julie Cohen added a new retreat at the end of January (two places only left at time of writing!), then I was persuaded to add another Just Write week in November next year (details here), and then Alison May’s group, pictured at the top, were so keen to do another week with Alison, that we’ve got another date for her in May (details here). And in addition, bringing her expertise for the first time is amazing Open University creative writing tutor, and published author, Rosemary Dun. Taking her inspiration from some Hollywood movies, it’s four nights from September 19th and preparation will include some recommended movies to watch. (More here). All will sell out completely, very early, so can I suggest you get in as soon as possible?
I was delighted to have this view, on the most recent retreat, when I stayed in the barn. The little camping sink and portaloo are very handy I must say for emergencies! Julie will be out there when she does her course at the end of January. Please be quick if you want to book one of Julie’s two remaining slots, or go on the waitlist. You need to do it with Julie direct here, and you can find more information on this link.
I have also been very happy realising that, after five years of running this place (five years this month, yes really!), I have become a grown-up and can finally manage it all, perfectly well, on my own. I’ve rather come to enjoy doing the cooking and laying out and even the clearing up. That’s not to say I don’t miss having Wendy and Linda around but they are now so busy and live further away. Plus economically, it works better for me now I’m only doing on average one retreat per month, and not in the summer months as obviously it is a holiday let (details here).
I tend to listen to audiobooks whilst I do it – any recommendations for me? Just getting into an author called Joy Ellis, who writes crimes set in Suffolk, (and is so good, they have made her a featured writer on audible, free with membership). Plus I’ve been told about the podcast called ‘Bad Blood’ about the alleged fraudster Elizabeth Holmes, which is also very good and non-fiction, so is on a completely different note. I do love a bit of audio entertainment, so do feel free to give me your favourites?
This is one of the best meals we did recently, does anyone remember the honey roast sausages from Edwards, the local butcher? They go down a storm and are high percentage meat. Alternatively, veggie sausages are served, as I always cater for dietary needs. A gluten-free vegan is one of the hardest, but I rise to the challenge wherever I can, even making gluten-free scones recently! Funny, looking at this photograph, I remembered I couldn’t stop myself – I started eating it because it was so tempting, before even taking the photo: can you tell!? LOL
I hope if you are doing NaNoWriMo (write a novel in November), it is going well. And don’t forget if you have a group of five friends, six including yourself then the sixth place is free. I can see what I can do with dates if you all decide on a 2022 week, as there’s always a way of making it semi self-catering and taking supper in the pub opposite.
Doing what I can to accommodate everybody!
Anyway, I just wanted to update you about the links for the new retreats, and also that Marnie, the lovely memoirs lady, is starting some online courses again soon. She posted this on her social media, how poignant.
You can find more on Marnie’s classes and retreats here.
What a smashing saying, and if you have any new books out and you’d like me to give you a plug, don’t forget to let me know 🙂
Best wishes and happy writing!
Debbie
Debbie Flint
@retreatsforyou
www.retreatsforyou.co.uk
Also a holiday let ‘Sheepwash Square House’, on Cottages.com
If urgent please WhatsApp me on (07949) 052208
Please follow us on our social media – that’s where most of our news appears first:
Twitter
Facebook (please add your review if you would like to, we really appreciate it! Go here – dozens of top rated reviews.)
Instagram