Ref: S4D32905
This retreat would suit writers who have made a good start on their novel, but got stuck, or have finished or nearly finished a first draft and are ready for second draft or if you have done enough rewriting and are ready for that final polish.
Participants will have the opportunity to spend time on their writing in the inspiring setting of West Dean. You will also be able to benefit from group activities in workshops and evening sessions, and one-to-one tutorials with the tutors. Some of the following topics will be explored during the retreat:
Beth Miller will lead the opening sessions of the course. She will be joined by a guest tutor on one evening and Sharon Duggal will join her for the final two days of the course to offer additional workshops and some tutorials. See variation to standard timetable given below on how days are structured.
You will be invited to be prepared for sharing information about your works-in-progress. This information will remain confidential within the group. Taking part is warmly encouraged and will likely benefit your practice, but if you’d prefer to sit these parts out you can spend the time writing instead.
The course will be based in one of the historic rooms in West Dean College, where the group teaching sessions will take place; access to this and other peaceful spaces such as the Oak Hall, College library and Stewards Room Bar alongside the beautiful West Dean Gardens in and around the College will be available to participants throughout the Retreat. To benefit from the Retreat, all participants are encouraged to stay at the College; any non-resident students may book dinners on additional evenings if required.
Arrival day
Daily timetable
Final day (Residential students to vacate rooms by10am)
The tutors will supply most of the materials including handouts.
Notebook and pen (or laptop if they prefer), and their work-in-progress. Plus two copies (on paper) of an extract of up to 1000 words from their work-in-progress for the tutors to read.
Please send some information about your writing background in advance for the attention of Beth Miller in advance of the course if you wish, via the [email protected] this should be no more than 500 words and may include a brief summary of your work-in-progress and/or anything you’d like to share about your writing practice.
Beth Miller is the author of six novels, including the bestselling The Missing Letters of Mrs Bright (2020). Her most recent novel, The Woman Who Came Back to Life (2022), will be published in seven languages. She has also published two non-fiction books. She has a PhD in Psychology and is a Royal Literary Fund Fellow at Brighton University. She teaches regularly for Arvon, and is a book coach for writers at all stages.
Residential option available. Find out accommodation costs and how to book here.
Places available - Contact us
Places available - Contact us
Places available - Contact us
If you’re looking to complete the first draft of a novel and learn about the publishing process. The two-year, part-time MA Creative Writing and Publishing is taught by professional authors and visiting industry professionals. Find out more