Online Writing Week: The Essay | Playing with form | Arvon
Online Writing Week: The Essay
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Online Writing Week: The Essay

Playing with form
Tutors
  • Amy Key
  • Eli Goldstone
Date Monday July 21st - Friday July 25th 2025
Location Online

In this online course we will explore the exciting and diverse forms the literary essay can take, including memoir, creative non-fiction, literary journalism and the lyric essay. Together, we’ll discuss who we write for and why; what we choose to say in our essays, and equally what we choose to leave unsaid. We’ll address the ethics of writing about other people when we write about ourselves, and how to shape a personal narrative while identifying the specificity of our voices, using it to amplify our stories. We’ll talk about editing and how to find routes to publication, including working with agents and commissioning editors. Whether you’re just starting out or have a work in progress, we’ll offer plenty of writing prompts and opportunities for discussion, supporting you to generate new work and hone your voice. You’ll pick up a handful of new favourite essayists on the way.


Is this course for me?

These courses are often attended by writers who:

• Want to commit time to their writing but life keeps getting in the way

• Want to set aside five days to focus on their writing

• Need the flexibility and accessibility of attending from their own space

• Would love one-to-one feedback from two professional writers

• Want a live, fully interactive experience with a group of no more than 14 writers

What will I gain?

• Daily interactive mornings workshops to propel your writing forward

• Two 25 minute one-to-one tutorials with experienced tutors

• Free passes to any webinar events happening elsewhere at Arvon at Home during your week with us including masterclasses (each worth £40)

• A reading and Q&A with your tutors

• Daily check-ins

• A group of creative peers who you may decide to keep in contact with after the course

• Support at all times from friendly Arvon hosts

• An inclusive and supportive environment in which to open up creatively

How does it work?

The week starts with an introductory session to get to know you and your writing, and the chance to meet the other writers in the group. Then each day there will be morning workshops designed to move you and your writing forward, and check-ins at the end of each day. You will also be offered one-to-one tutorials with each tutor + a free pass to all readings and masterclasses happening elsewhere at Arvon at Home.

All sessions are delivered live via Zoom meetings, with the option of cameras off or on. Groups are limited to 14 writers so the experience has a bespoke feel.

A more detailed timetable can be found below.

Why Arvon?

Arvon is a not-for-profit charity that has been running since 1968.

At Arvon, everyone who crosses the door of one of our writing houses is a writer – no matter what their age or writing experience – and all are welcome.

About Arvon – Home of Creative Writing since 1968 – Arvon

Online: £450

Concessions: £315

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

Online Writing Weeks 

Subject to funding/permissions (please contact arvonathome@arvon.org 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

11.00–12.30 Everyone gathers online in Arvon’s Zoom Writing House. Your Arvon host will welcome you and the tutors. 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.

12.30–14.00 Lunch

14.00–16.00 First workshop with both tutors: Everyone meets online for the workshop, which includes writing exercises, discussion and a comfort break

16.00–16.30 Break

16.30–17.30 Tutor readings: Both tutors read and speak about their work, followed by a Q&A hosted by your Arvon host.

Tuesday

10.00–12.30 Workshop: Everyone meets online for the morning workshop, which includes writing exercises, discussion and a comfort break.

12.30–14.00 Lunch

14.00–16.00 Tutorials or Writing Time: Please keep this time pencilled in your diary. Over the course of the week you will have 2 x one-to-one tutorials lasting 25 minutes (one with each of your tutors). These will be allocated for you and sent to you a week before the course starts. If you do not have a tutorial, we encourage you to use this time to write.

16.00–16.30 Break

16.30–17.00 Closing session of the day

Wednesday

10.00–12.30 Workshop: Everyone meets online for the morning workshop, which includes writing exercises, discussion and a comfort break.

12.30–14.00 Lunch

14.00–16.00 Tutorials or Writing Time: Please keep this time pencilled in your diary. Over the course of the week you will have 2 x one-to-one tutorials lasting 25 minutes (one with each of your tutors). These will be allocated for you and sent to you a week before the course starts. If you do not have a tutorial, we encourage you to use this time to write.

16.00–16.30 Break

16.30–17.00 Closing session of the day

+

19.15–20.15 (optional) The Arvon Wednesday ‘How I Write’ reading and Q&A — you get a free ticket to this, as well as access to the recording for a month afterwards.

Thursday

10.00–12.30 Workshop: Everyone meets online for the morning workshop, which includes writing exercises, discussion and a comfort break.

12.30–14.00 Lunch

14.00–16.00 Tutorials or Writing Time: Please keep this time pencilled in your diary. Over the course of the week you will have 2 x one-to-one tutorials lasting 25 minutes (one with each of your tutors). These will be allocated for you and sent to you a week before the course starts. If you do not have a tutorial, we encourage you to use this time to write.

16.00–16.30 Break

16.30–17.00 Closing session of the day

Friday

10.00–12.30 Workshop: Everyone meets online for the morning workshop, which includes writing exercises, discussion and a comfort break.

12.30–14.00 Lunch

14.00–16.00 Tutorials or Writing Time: Please keep this time pencilled in your diary. Over the course of the week you will have 2 x one-to-one tutorials lasting 25 minutes (one with each of your tutors). These will be allocated for you and sent to you a week before the course starts. If you do not have a tutorial, we encourage you to use this time to write.

16.00–16.30 Break

16.30–17.30 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!

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