Writing Courses, Holidays & Retreats
in the UK
Welcome to our Creative Writing Retreat in spectacular York, UK
It’s possible to write anywhere, of course, but the pleasure of writing on a retreat lies in combining creative pursuits with the discovery of new friends, new places and new experiences. York is a spectacular city in the North East of England founded by the Romans in 71AD. It has a long and fascinating history, and a wealth of intriguing buildings and attractions to explore.
Sound appealing? Then join us for an experience of a lifetime at our creative writing retreat in York, UK.
Who joins our creative UK writing retreats?
Writers attending solo, or with family or friends. Beginners who have never written before, and novelists with manuscripts in the final stages. Writers wishing to focus entirely on their creative work, and others who combine our workshops with daily sightseeing tours.
Our retreat in York, UK is ideal even for people who have not traveled before, since the city is one direct train ride from the international airport at Manchester, and can be accessed directly from central London.
Whoever you are, wherever you live, you’re welcome.
Also check out our Writing Retreat in Mexico!
Join us for an experience of a lifetime at our urban creative writing retreat in Merida, Mexico.
Click here to see more information.
An MFA in Creative Writing: Is It Worth It?
Read the bios of a dozen new fiction writers, and the chances are good that at least half will list among their credentials an MFA in Creative Writing. I completed my own MFA in Creative Writing through the University of British Columbia, and I’m often asked by my writing students: is a Masters in Creative Writing essential, if you want to see your work in print? Arguments Against an MFA in Creative Writing A Masters Degree is expensive and some writers might argue it would eat into the limited time they have available for writing. Many MFAs also require you to [...]
Historical Fiction Prompts for Writers
In our last blog, we looked at how online resources have transformed a writer's research process. So let's explore this idea with a creative writing prompt. Writing Prompt: Historical Fiction Write down a daily task or hobby that interests you. Now, choose a specific historic period and location. Come up with a close approximation of your interest that may fit with the period and location. Write down what you already think you know about that activity. Now, set a timer. Give yourself 15 minutes to research that specific activity online. Read everything you can about it. Look at illustrations. Become an [...]
The Benefits of a Creative Writing Retreat
I've attended many Creative Writing retreats over the years. A writing retreat in a fishing village in Mexico. Another on the wind-swept moors in Devon, England. Retreats in Scotland and Wales. I've also run dozens of retreats myself. Our creative writing retreat centre in Canada hosted more than 100 writers, and these days, we run creative writing retreats in Costa Rica: and a new writing retreat in Mexico. Why Attend a Creative Writing Retreat? Writers rarely have the opportunity to focus exclusively on writing. We're spouses, parents, sons, daughters, home owners, and whatever it is we do for a living. [...]
Poem from the Creative Writing Retreat to Merida, Mexico.
At the end of our creative writing retreat, we created a list poem together, reflecting our shared experience over the course of the week. Here is the poem, created by Shay, Nichol, John, Jeffrey, Virginia, Betsy, Sara, Patricia and Julie: Flying in the Depths The air is charged with creativity: we are writing stories to the sound of water falling and our tender words are received like party guests. Hearts pound as wooden steps descend into darkness revealing magical, healing waters. Ancient stones, hot under the eternal sun, rise improbably from stubbled ground. Unpronounceable ruins on a day when rabbits Hop. [...]
