So, to answer those questions about what courses are coming up - and what they'll contain -
I have two 'basic' courses coming up in 2014. These are the courses for someone who has never been on a course on writing romantic fiction before. They cover the essentials of writing romantic fiction - well, really any sort of fiction.
They take the information given in the 12 Point Guide To Writing Romance and add in extra depth, writing exercises, time for Q&A s and discussion. There's also plenty of time to relax and talk with your fellow students, discuss the topics in the workshops - and to work on your own novels. That's why they are Relax and Write or Writers' Holidays. You get a break as well as learning.
Dates - 16th - 18th May 2014 _arrival from 3pm on the Friday afternoon
These courses are informal and fun.
The first one coming up is the Relax and Write course which is being held at Weetwood Hall in Leeds.
Cost: £240
Every student who books on this course will be able to have their own single room for privacy and relaxation - and of course to write!
All meals - from Friday Dinner to Sunday Breakfast - are provided as are tea and coffee.
There are 9 teaching sessions ( 45 mins - 1 hour) and time to relax/write/dream is built into the course
.
TOPICS TO BE COVERED IN THE PROGRAMME:
· Creating
realistic characters
· Sustaining
pace and conflict
· Packing
emotional punch
· Writing sex
scenes
· Crafting a
satisfactory ending.
If you’re just starting out writing romance, or you’ve
written a manuscript or two but are not yet published and are interested in
honing your skills, this course is for you.
Because the numbers on this course are kept small to keep it
relaxed and informal, spaces are limited
& demand has been high. But we have
recently added a couple of extra places so if you want to join us, there are
still spaces. To book contact Write and Relax organiser Lois Bird Maddox through her web site - or further details
on my Events page.
Also on this weekend is the course
Creative Writing & the Art of Self-Discovery - with Stephen Wade and introduction to journalling and the ways it can help you in your writing.
Non-participating partners welcome.
The other basic course I run has always been at one my favourite events and places of the year - when the Babe Magnet and I head for Wales - again - and join the wonderful Anne & Gerry Hobbs and all the other tutors and students at - well, up until now it has been at Caerleon but this year the venue has changed - and as a result, the format of the event has changed slightly too. It may be held at Fishguard now, with slightly different time schedule and dates - But this is still Writers' Holiday and I'm so looking forward to it again this year.
Writers' Holiday
Monday 21st July - Saturday
26th July 2014
Cost £499
So this Writers' Holiday will mean a week in the Fishguard Bay Hotel, with wonderful views of the sea - inspiration is bound to strike! Delegates will choose two courses from a selection of eight. Each course will
consist of eight, one hour lectures or workshops and will run during the mornings and afternoons, Tuesday - Friday.
All meals are provided - together with tea and coffee - so as always, all you'll need is the cash to spend in the bookroom - or the bar!
The format of the course will be very much as above - but this time there will be the rest of the week to either choose and take another course if you want. There are After Tea sessions and of course the annual visit of the Cwmbach Male Voice Choir
Again, non writing partners are welcome and information is provided of activities and places to visit in the area for anyone who is not doing a course.
Again, non writing partners are welcome and information is provided of activities and places to visit in the area for anyone who is not doing a course.
This years' Writers' Holiday was booked up but there have been a couple of unexpected cancellations so if you're interested contact Gerry on the web site and you might just get a place. Again, there are details on my Events Page.
These two courses mean that you'll be well prepared to attend the Advance Romance Writing Course in Fishguard in February 2015 if you want to.
So those are the two basic courses - I'll post some more details of other events coming up - including special writing retreat weekends as soon as I can.
