Having loved my writing retreat in north Devon back in November, a writing pal who had been there too suggested we get a few friends together and do another.
This time we’d self cater and run workshops ourselves. Six brave souls signed up, the lovely Debbie at Retreats For You agreed it, we wrangled dates when we were all free and off we went.
Just back and happy and exhausted. I had an absolutely brilliant time.
We kept the timetable relaxed, breakfast when (or if) you emerge in the mornings, meet for a simple lunch and then again for a glass of wine (or two!) at the end of the day before heading to the pub for dinner. In between we holed up in our cosy rooms to write.
Discussions developed with an easy fluidity and ranged from issues we were having with a manuscript, any successes, conquering writer’s block, the current vogue for romantasy, writing point of view and dealing with manuscript critiques. Talk in the pub over dinner was a bit more random. Tony Hadley, zombies, scorpions and Gavin and Stacey all featured. Told you it was random (but the food was GOOD!)
We held two workshops. One on character development led by me and one run by the inestimable Kath McGurl on dual time novels. Everyone had a valid and valued contribution to make, regardless of where they were on the publishing adventure.
On our last evening we joined in with the quiz in the local pub. Reader, much hilarity (and mild hysteria) ensued, especially when we were met with the sports round … Even so we didn’t do too badly, coming fourth.
And there were gifts! Lovely Sandra brought Easter eggs and Rachel gave us beautiful, handmade notebooks. I adore mine.
Some made the most of the dry weather and went exploring. I’ve fallen in love with the village all over again. It’s enchanting and so friendly. Even the local puss came over to say hello.
But what really made the weekend truly memorable was the company. Such special people. I hope they don’t mind this Wine O’ Clock picture appearing. Thank you to Sandra, Kath, Rachel, Louise and Amanda (missing from the pic as she was hammering some words down) for your company. I love you all.
Thank you, also, to Debbie at Retreats For You. If you want to do something similar and I recommend you do, it was very simple to organise. Here’s the linky thing:
Love,
Georgia x
