‘I, for one, have never in my life come across a perfectly healthy human being’ – Thomas Mann, The Magic Mountain
This bold course invites writers who have lived (directly or indirectly) with chronic illness to explore, through fiction or non-fiction, their own experiences.
Writers Louise Kenward and Marcus Sedgwick both have personal experience in the subject of failing bodies, and they will lead this course with empathy, compassion and insight. In workshops, you will examine the role of narrative and storytelling around the times when our bodies fail us. You will connect with your own writing and reclaim your own story, as you draw upon and transform your experiences of living with the fragility and resilience of a chronically ill physical form.
Together with your peers and tutors, you will consider how you can use your narrative to transform readers and the world around you – and how you might use your writing to return to your body anew.
*Please use the expandable links below to reveal timings and further details of the course schedule.
Online writing weeks offer an equivalent experience to classic Arvon residential writing weeks: daily morning workshops followed by one-to-one tutorials in the afternoon, tutor readings on Tuesday evening, access to a mid-week guest reading on Wednesday and the traditional celebratory group reading on Friday, all from the comfort of your own home.
Tutor
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Louise Kenward is a writer, artist and psychologist; in 2021 she co-published the anthology Disturbing the Body through Boudicca…
Tutor
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Marcus Sedgwick is a writer of over 45 books for adults and young adults, of novels for younger people, of non-fiction…
Guest
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Susanna Clarke’s debut novel Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell was published in 2005 in more than 34 countries and…
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 1
Online
Q&A and Reading from Dark Neighbourhood
Jun 2
Online
Q&A and Reading
Jun 6-11
The Hurst
Breathing life and vitality into your memoir
Jun 10-12
Online
New possibilities in short fiction
Jun 15
Online
Q&A and Reading
