Tutored Retreat: Fiction

All writers want readers, but how do you find them when publication is not easy? What place does the ‘inner reader’ play in energising and nourishing a writer’s work? How important is it to find a ‘first reader’ you trust? On this retreat course your work will be read by experienced and acclaimed Arvon tutors, short-story writer and novelist Jacob Ross, and novelist and memoirist Maggie Gee. You will have lots of time to write in the beautiful surroundings of The Hurst and, at the end of the week, a chance to read your work aloud to others.

The tutors will offer one-to-one tutorial meetings about your writing and masterclasses where you will explore how writers read both their own work and the books they love. You will learn how to re-read your work effectively during the editing process, and how to draw on books both good and bad to make yourself a better writer.

This course welcomes any writer with work in progress.

NOTE: Participants are required to send in a writing sample of no more than 1,500 words to thehurst@arvon.org for Jacob and Maggie to look at ahead of the week.

*Please use the expandable links below to reveal timings and further details of the course schedule.

Single room: £985

Concessions: £689.50

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.

Physical Access at The Hurst:

The Hurst is the only house that is fully accessible to wheelchair users. There is access to every room via a lift. All communal spaces, including workshop spaces, have level access. There are no steps on the ground floor. All door frames measure the required 825mm, although the fire doors installed reduce this width slightly. All door handles are at an accessible height, with power sockets located at 500mm from the floor. There is an accessible toilet on the ground floor.

For additional detailed information on physical access in bedrooms, kitchen, shared spaces and the grounds please visit our dedicated access page.

General Access Information for Residential Writing Weeks:

Available on all courses for those who are Deaf, Partially Deaf or who have significant hearing loss

We provide BSL interpreters on some courses. If you require this please check whether the course you are interested in offers this facility. Or get in touch on our dedicated access email: access@arvon.org

• We have a portable hearing loop system.
• We have a vibrating pillow pad linked to our fire alarm system.

Available on all courses for those who are blind, partially sighted or who have significant sight loss

• We welcome guide dogs
• We can provide information in large print and other formats, such as word documents or PDFs.
• We can provide large print handouts for workshops
• We can provide additional desk lamps
• There is external lighting for navigating around the property, fixed to the external elevations of the main house, front and back, as well as external buildings. Lighting is switched on and off manually by staff each day.

Available on all courses for those who have Dyslexia

There’s no need to worry about spelling, grammar or handwriting on our courses, the focus is on creativity.

• We can provide information on coloured paper
• We may be able to make arrangements such as sourcing audio of suggested reading.
• You are welcome to use any supportive technology during the sessions, such as a dictaphone or laptop.

Available on all courses to those who identify as Neuro Divergent

Arvon is committed to providing a supportive and welcoming environment to all.

• We can provide information on coloured paper
• We may be able to make arrangements such as sourcing audio of suggested reading.
• You are welcome to use any supportive technology during the sessions, such as a dictaphone or laptop.

If you need to take some time out to rest, or be alone, you’re welcome to do so. Participation in any activity is entirely at your discretion.

Our grants scheme may be able to cover a portion of your course fees. Disability costs and additional living/support costs are taken into account when considering your grant application. You may also be entitled to concession pricing on selected courses.

For additional detailed information on how we can support people with learning difficulties, mental health issues, and those with special diets and allergies, please see our dedicated access page.

If you have any questions or concerns and want to chat to a member of staff prior to booking please contact us on access@arvon.org

The Hurst is a place you can write, far away from daily distractions. The house and gardens, surrounded by the forest-covered Shropshire Hills, were the former home of playwright John Osborne.

The 19th century building has been given a thoroughly 21st century renovation. All 16 bedrooms have a single bed, en-suite bathroom and are lift accessible. There’s plenty of space to relax and write throughout the house, including the main workshop room with a library.

All your meals are provided, locally and sustainably sourced wherever possible. Help yourself to breakfast, our team will prepare lunch, and dinner is prepared in groups each evening using the delicious recipes and ingredients provided.

The grounds boast redwoods, wild orchids, surrounded by the forest-covered Shropshire Hills, designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The house sits within 26 acres of woodland, with a spring-fed lake and inspiring walks.

See here for more information on The Hurst.