Apr 5
Online
How I Write: Tania Hershman
Q&A and Reading

Whether you are half-way through a novel or building a short story collection, this fiction week will provide the perfect, supportive environment in which to fire your imagination and surround yourself with fellow writers. You’ll be given workshops on improving your storytelling craft, receive feedback from acclaimed writers Marcel Theroux and Rachel Seiffert, and there will be writing time to focus on your work-in-progress.
If you choose to join this week, we ask that you prepare and send a 1,000-word sample of the prose work you wish to discuss and a 500-word synopsis.
We’ll help you to make ‘Arvon at Home’, turning your own place into a writing cocoon, capturing the transformative power of our acclaimed Arvon residential courses: two brilliant author-tutors at your service, a caring and sharing group, the time and space to devote to your writing, invaluable feedback, new writing pals, and the unique creative progress that happens in a dedicated week.
You will be offered the best of a classic Arvon residential week, with a few virtual tweaks. Spot the difference: a carefully balanced combination of tips to help you focus, daily morning workshops, one-to-one tutorials with both tutors, three evening get-togethers to chat about the day’s work, a mid-week guest reading offer, the celebratory Friday-evening collective reading, and lots of time and encouragement for you to write every day.
All gatherings, one-to-one or group, will be delivered via our own Arvon Zoom, so you’ll need to have a reliable internet connection. Your Arvon host will be on call to offer support as you need it, including any help you may need with your computer set-up.
To participate, and to get the most out of the week, you’ll need to turn up online for all planned morning sessions, Monday to Friday. You should also set aside your afternoons for tutorials and independent writing time. Last but not least, we urge you to read your tutors’ published work before the week starts.
Tutor
—
—
Marcel Theroux is a writer and broadcaster. He has published five novels to critical acclaim. His second novel, The Paperchase…
Tutor
—
—
Rachel Seiffert has published four novels and a collection of short stories. Her books have been shortlisted for the Booker Prize…
Guest
—
—
Tania Hershman’s second poetry collection, Still Life With Octopus, was published by Nine Arches Press in July 2022…
Online: £425
Concessions: £297.50
As part of our effort to increase participation in the arts, we offer limited concessionary places at a 30% reduction. You can select this option at checkout if available.
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.
+
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!