The boundaries between fiction and non-fiction are more blurred today than they’ve ever been; at the same time we are besieged on all sides by stories that need to be told. How can writers of creative non-fiction capture the world around them in a way that is engaging, authentic and real?
With tutors Miriam Darlington and James Attlee you’ll mine your ideas and experiences to write your story, while learning how to entice readers into your world.
Finding inspiration in classic contemporary writings and working through practical exercises and discussion, you’ll learn how to spark your unique voice into life. Your plot points may come from the real world and the protagonist may be you, but how do you make the reader a witness and participant? You’ll learn how to deploy all the imaginative devices of story packaged in the flesh and blood of the real. Whether you are engaged in memoir, travel writing, nature writing, reportage, or passionate polemic, this course is for you. Join Miriam, James and likeminded writers for the adventure.
Tutor
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Miriam Darlington is the author of Otter Country and Owl Sense (translated into several languages and adapted for BBC…
Tutor
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James Attlee is the author of Under the Rainbow: Voices from Lockdown; Isolarion: A Different Oxford Journey…
Guest
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Nina Mingya Powles is a zinemaker, poet and essayist from Aotearoa, New Zealand, currently living in London. Her debut poetry collection…
Online: £400
Concessions: £200
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.
We are committed to making our Arvon at Home programme accessible to as many people as possible.
Across all of Arvon at Home
Masterclasses and Online Writing Day
How I Write
Online Writing Weeks / Weekends
Subject to funding/permissions (please contact us for more details)
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.
Nothing short of transformative! I can't believe how much we packed into just a few days and how much impact it has had. I'm writing in new styles, new forms, new images, new rhythms!— Writing Week Participant
I had the chance to speak with two well respected tutors about my work. Being able to do this in one-to-one tutorials was excellent and not reduced in any way by being on Zoom. A good chance for some very good advice. I am now determined to set to work on my writing.— Writing Week Participant
Arvon courses are always so inclusive, supportive, fun, and instructive. There is something really magical and intimate about what happens during the week.— Writing Week Participant
Monday
14.00—16.00: Everyone gathers online in Arvon’s Zoom Writing House. Your Arvon host will welcome you and the tutors, giving you an overview of the week, technology support, and some ideas for making your writing ‘cocoon’. You’ll get to meet everyone, ask questions, and settle in. Your tutors will ask you to start thinking about your writing, perhaps setting an exercise. There’s likely to be some homework for tomorrow morning
Tuesday
10.00-12.45: Everyone meets online for the morning workshop, which includes writing exercises, discussion and comfort breaks.
14.30 – 16.30: One-to-one tutorials lasting about 20 minutes each. You have one tutorial with each tutor during the week, the rest of the afternoon is your time to think and write.
17.30-18.00: The Arvon pub- Informal evening get-together (optional). This is a chance to discuss the day’s work, any writing issues, what you’re drinking/eating, and anything else that springs to mind. Pets, children and partners welcome.
18.00—19.00: Tutor readings: both tutors read and speak about their work, followed by a Q&A hosted by your Arvon host.
Wednesday
10.00-12.45: Everyone meets online for the morning workshop, which includes writing exercises, discussion and comfort breaks.
14.30 – 16.30: One-to-one tutorials lasting about 20 minutes each. You have one tutorial with each tutor during the week, the rest of the afternoon is your time to think and write.
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19.15-20.15: The Arvon Wednesday Live Guest Reading—you get a free ticket to this.
Thursday
10.00-12.45: Everyone meets online for the morning workshop, which includes writing exercises, discussion and comfort breaks.
14.30 – 16.30: One-to-one tutorials lasting about 20 minutes each. You have one tutorial with each tutor during the week, the rest of the afternoon is your time to think and write.
18.00—19.00: An evening session, the theme of which will be decided nearer the time by your tutors
Friday
10.00-12.45: Morning workshop
16.00-17.30: A celebratory reading where you have the chance to share some of your new writing. Expect laughter, tears and a huge sense of pride for all you have learned, written and achieved this week. There’ll be plenty of virtual hugs.
And then...
Next steps: The week doesn’t stop here. You now have a writing community. Stay in touch. Share your work with each other, and take it forward!
Aug 15-20
The Hurst
Crafting your non-fiction story
Aug 28
Other
Writing about place
Sep 2
Online
Zoom Masterclass with Monique Roffey
Sep 5-9
Online
Crafting a Story from Scientific Research
Sep 6
Online
Zoom masterclass with Jude Rogers
Sep 7
Online
Q&A and Reading
Sep 9
Online
Fine-tuning your prose project
Oct 5
Online
Q&A and Reading
