Science is full of intriguing ideas, but they are often complex and abstract. Weaving them into a popular science book can be a daunting challenge. On this course with Aarathi Prasad and Gaia Vince you will explore ways to engage readers with science, and give you the opportunity to develop a book idea into a draft proposal. You will plan a book, creating chapter outlines and openings, and sample passages of writing that demonstrate your unique voice. You will also spend time dissecting the techniques of successful science writers in order to learn the most useful tricks in the business. The mid-week guest for this course is climate scientist and writer Peter Stott.
*Please use the expandable links below to reveal timings and further details of the course schedule.
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
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Aarathi Prasad is a writer, broadcaster, and researcher with a PhD in molecular genetics and postgraduate training in bioarchaeology….
Tutor
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Gaia Vince is a science writer and broadcaster exploring the interplay between human systems and the planetary environment. She…
Guest
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Peter Stott is a climate scientist whose book Hot Air: The Inside Story of the Battle Against Climate Change Denial…
Online: £400
Concessions: £200
As part of our effort to increase participation in the arts, 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
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!
May 27
Online
Zoom Masterclass with Edward Parnell
May 30-Jun 3
Online
Curiosity and the creative life
May 31
Online
Zoom Masterclass with Nell Frizzell
Jun 6-11
The Hurst
Breathing life and vitality into your memoir
Jun 7
Online
Zoom Masterclass with Lucy Luck
Jun 13-18
Totleigh Barton
Release, replenish and renew
Jun 15
Online
Q&A and Reading
Jun 20-24
Online
Foraging for inspiration
