What is it like to go on an Arvon course?

We know that choosing to go on an Arvon course can be a big step. We also know that imposter syndrome can stop writers from giving themselves permission to write, especially in a world full of demands on their time. We wanted to share a few reflections from writers who’ve found Arvon weeks useful to give you more insight into what happens during an Arvon week and why we believe they can be transformational for writers.

• Jessica Eve Watkins on her course at The Hurst in 2024, including a section on imposter syndrome  

• Shellie Horst on why you shouldn’t tell yourself Arvon isn’t for you
  
• Abi Morgan on the transformative effect of Arvon

• And to read about it from the tutor’s point of view, read Phillip Shelley’s reflections on tutoring a TV Drama residential writing week 

We’ve also gathered some reflections sent directly to Arvon about the impact of going on a course. 

“[The tutors] offered a blend of practical advice about the workings of the [film] industry, encouragement and rigorous dramaturgy. The daily sessions on elements of screenwriting were considered and insightful and gave me a sense of confidence that I could write for the screen (I had only written for the stage at this point). Of equal value was the time spent cooking and hanging out with other writers, watching and discussing films together (I remain forever grateful to [one of the tutors] for introducing me to The Lives of Others). There is huge value in carving out space and time to think as a writer and Totleigh Barton provides the ideal environment.” 

“I was able to go on my first Arvon course in 2016 thanks to the Arvon Grant Fund. It was a playwriting course and provided me with a brilliant, magical week where I got to step out of my real life and be ‘a writer’. It was like Narnia, with cake. The experience of going to workshops, having dedicated writing time and 1-1s with professionals was like nothing I’d experienced before. The quiet, the landscape and the amazing food was an incredible bonus. I came away with a sense that my writing was important, something to be nurtured and cherished. It was at that point that I began to take the writing much more seriously. The course gave me a determination that this is what I wanted to do for a living, ‘properly’ and I never looked back.” 

“There’s something really special about staying with other writers for a whole week, like, talking, living, breathing, writing – to be round the clock with other writers is really unique. […] Arvon gave me that real sense of community being so important. When you are in that space with other writers for a prolonged amount of time, you realise this is what you want to be doing and this is what you need in your life. It makes you go back to your regular life and think about: How can I bring more of that feeling into my life? How can I have a real respect for my writing time? But also, that writing isn’t just about the writing, it’s about going for walks, letting your mind wander. And you can do that so wonderfully at Arvon.” 

“The week I spent there was a week of unexpected clarity and connection – joyful, therapeutic, and transformative. In one-on-one sessions, Ellah offered feedback on my writing that not only affirmed my potential but encouraged me to push further, to have trust in my voice and vision. It was there, within that community of trust and brilliance, that I found the courage to write and share my writings.” 

“Being a working-class, minority writer from the inner-city with no previous writing education, I’ve always felt uncertain whether my voice would be appreciated – or even if I belonged. After living with writers and tutors for a week, I finally feel I belong and can call myself a writer with confidence. I now think that my unique worldview isn’t a weakness but a strength. It’s not an exaggeration to say that it was life-altering.’  

“[The tutors’] patience, care and expertise as well as the community created by this stunning group of individuals was invaluable. The Hurst itself created an ideal location for a restless writer, beautiful surroundings, cosy rooms, spaces filled with low lighting, books and comfortable sofas, and then the brightly lit study room for workshops and the generous country kitchen where we were able to cook, eat and enjoy each others’ company. The connections I have made, the exercises, book recommendations and sessions with the tutors have helped me so much with my writing project as well as having the dedicated time to create work in this creative environment.”  

“In March 2023, I attended a non-fiction residential course at The Hurst and can safely say those five days changed my life. The tutors were so helpful and encouraging, giving me the confidence to carry on writing my memoir. […] The Arvon course also gave me something else – a lifelong friend and writing buddy. [We] were paired up on dinner duty one night and the rest is history. Despite living hundreds of miles apart, we continue to meet up for mini writing retreats and visit each other regularly. We read early drafts of each other’s work, and I always value her feedback and support.”