Masterclass: Travel Writing

Does travel writing still have a place on our bookshelves in an over-travelled world? How is it being modernised to throw off its complicated past: the habits of ‘othering’, and the long tail of colonialism? What is the genre’s modern scope, and who are the new voices shaking things up? In this Masterclass, travel writer Sophy Roberts will discuss ways to avoid the pitfalls of the genre, and how to find an original approach. The class will examine structural devices to frame (and disrupt) the narrative arc of a classic journey. We will have class exercises in writing instinctively about place. We will analyse the impact of good noticing, and methods of research in the field. We will talk about cultural sensitivity, the ‘I’ voice in travel writing, the responsibility of telling someone else’s story, and how to find the ‘point’ to a journey that merits the commitment it takes to write a book.

The Masterclass will be delivered via Zoom webinar, so you can take the session at your own pace, without the pressure of having your video or camera on. Sessions are also recorded so if you are unable to attend live, you will have access to the recording for a month afterwards.

Online: £35

Concessions: £17.50

As part of our effort to increase participation in the arts, a limited number of half-price concessions are available for this course at checkout. There are a limited number of free subsidised places for those who cannot afford the concession price.

We are committed to making our Arvon at Home programme accessible to as many people as possible.

Across all of Arvon at Home

• All sessions will have auto-generated captioning.
• During sessions we will have a text version available via screen share.
• There is a Chat facility to ask any questions.

Masterclasses and Online Writing Day

• A recording of the Masterclass will be available to view for one month after it is aired live.
• There is a Chat and Q & A facility to ask any questions.
• Zoom webinar format (your video and audio will remain off throughout, & your name will not be visible to other participants so it is a ‘relaxed’ event).

How I Write

• There is a chat and Q&A facility to ask any questions.
• Zoom webinar format (your video and audio will remain off throughout, & your name will not be visible to other participants so it is a ‘relaxed’ event).

Online Writing Weeks / Weekends

• Courses have much smaller groups than Masterclasses and How I Write events, and are also more interactive with your fellow course participants and tutors, so cameras and audio are usually on (though both are completely optional). If you would prefer your camera and audio to be off, it would be helpful to let your course host know this in advance.

Subject to funding/permissions (please contact us for more details)

• Recording of Writing Weeks and Weekends.
• Downloadable transcripts.
• BSL interpretation.
• Live captioning.

If you have any access issues that we have not covered here, please contact us on access@arvon.org

See here for more access information.