What are the essential elements that create a gripping short story or a luminous poem? When does a poem become a short story, or vice versa? Poems and short stories have the power to distill the messy complexity of life into intense moments of hope, sorrow, rage and joy. Join Rachel Bower and Tania Hershman, both award-winning writers of poetry and short stories, for this residential course that delves into the exciting worlds of both forms.
In a supportive and inspiring space, you will learn the building blocks that make great short stories and compelling poems. You will learn to celebrate the rich cross-pollination between poetry and fiction, injecting lyrical intensity into a short story, reigniting a poem with narrative, or blending and experimenting to create hybrid, vibrant works.
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to experiment with techniques and forms to push your writing to a new level, five days of playful exercises, provocations, readings, discussions, time to write and one-to-one guidance will encourage you to question, borrow, generate and innovate. You will leave with a raft of new work, and bags of inspiration, energy and tools for creating new poems, short stories and everything in between and beyond!
As part of our exciting new Arvon North programme, we are offering Arvon retreats and live events in Hebden Bridge as we prepare for the redevelopment of Lumb Bank. Working with our partners at IOU Hostel in Hebden Bridge we will be offering the Arvon experience in a brand new setting. Our Arvon takeover will include exclusive use of the 14 bedroom hostel with workshop, tutorial and quiet writing space (inside and out) in a magical woodland setting at the heart of the one of Yorkshire’s most creative and inspiring towns.
The course will be hosted by the team from Arvon’s Lumb Bank and is fully catered (no group cooking), all food is vegetarian. All rooms are single occupancy with an en-suite, and the hostel is located within Hebden Bridge.
Tutor
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Tania Hershman’s second poetry collection, Still Life With Octopus, was published by Nine Arches Press in July 2022…
Tutor
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Rachel Bower is a poet and fiction writer based in Sheffield. She is the author of two poetry collections and a…
Guest
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Hafsah Aneela Bashir is an award-winning poet, playwright, producer & performer. Co- director of Outside The Frame Arts, she’s passionate about…
Single en-suite room, fully catered: £895
Limited concessions: £626.50
If concessions are available, they will show at checkout.
The Hostel is fully accessible with a disabled car park and step free access to the Hostel door. On the ground floor is an accessible toilet as well as a double accessible bedroom with full ensuite facilities. If you have any questions or concerns before booking, please contact lumbbank@arvon.org.
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
Available on all courses for those who are blind, partially sighted or who have significant sight loss
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.
Available on all courses to those who identify as Neuro Divergent
Arvon is committed to providing a supportive and welcoming environment to all.
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.
Monday
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Arrive at lunchtime, afternoon workshop, dinner and tutor readings in the evening.
Tuesday
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Morning workshop, one to one tutorials and time to write in the afternoon, evening reading and Q&A with guest, and dinner.
Wednesday
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Morning workshop, one to one tutorials and time to write in the afternoon, dinner and free time in the evening.
Thursday
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Morning workshop, one to one tutorials and time to write in the afternoon, after dinner group celebratory readings.
Friday
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Depart after breakfast by 10am.
“I arrived at the beginning of the week wondering whether I might be a writer or even if I could write. But when I left, not only did I feel I could write, I knew that’s what I was going to do next.”— Piers Torday
“It is invaluable to writers at an early stage to have this feedback on their work. Many people on my course said that they wished that they had received this type of input earlier in their career – that it might have borne fruit and improved their success. It also provides time to think – in an over complicated world it is hard to carve time for yourself against the requirements of work, family, and daily chores. Arvon was a breath of fresh creative air.”— Penny Clark
“Both courses I attended have had a massive impact on my writing, and been part of the motivation and encouragement I needed to begin working professionally as a writer.”— Participant, Residential Writing Week
Monday
1-2pm – Arrive for buffet/sandwich lunch
2.30pm – Welcome talk
3-6pm – Workshop
6.30pm – Dinner
8-9pm – Tutor readings
Tuesday
10-1pm – Workshop
1-2pm – Lunch
2.30-5pm – Tutorials/Time to write
6.30pm – Dinner
8-9pm – Guest reading
Wednesday
10-1pm – Workshop
1-2pm – Lunch
2.30-5pm – Tutorials/Time to write
6.30pm – Dinner
8pm onwards – Free Evening
Thursday
10-1pm – Workshop
1-2pm – Lunch
2.30-5pm– Tutorials/Time to write
6.30pm – Dinner
8-9.30pm – Celebratory group reading
Friday
Departures by 10am
Time to explore Hebden Bridge before heading home.
Writers might want to consider staying on at IOU Hostel, bookable direct with the hostel.
Dec 4-8
Online
Dive deep into character
Dec 6
Online
Reading and Q&A
Dec 8
Online
Exploring the canon of Black Caribbean poets with Jason Allen-Paisant
Dec 11-16
Totleigh Barton
Taking your work-in-progress to the finish line
Dec 11-16
The Hurst
Taking time for yourself
Dec 15
Online
Writing engaging and believable conversations
Jan 8-13
Totleigh Barton
Playing with form
Jan 8-13
The Hurst
On the write track
