A Writer Begins - 2012

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Which Experience Fits?

Taking time to engage the senses and see things in new ways kick-starts your writing

Jump Start Your Writing

Curious reader, weekend scribbler, journal writer, penned some poems in your teens, or maybe you’re actively trying to write now but the blank page stares you down every time.

When the millipede was asked how he walked on all those legs, he hunkered down to think about it. Then found he couldn’t walk at all. Writing can be like that. The capacity for creative expression is in all of us, as long as we don’t talk ourselves out of it, or get bogged down with craft too early in the process. During this four-day course we will remove the landmines that dot the blank page.

Creativity Exercise at Oiron 

Using our senses, our memories and things we collect while strolling through the countryside, we will naturally kick start our creativity and produce short pieces of writing that will inspire us to keep going. We will have a great deal of fun and also reap the rewards of turning our insights into words. Designed for both the absolute beginner and those starting to write, there is no need to bring work in progress, or to even have any idea what you might want to write about. We’ll generate that here. Genre is also unimportant. These exercises work for fiction, creative nonfiction, memoir, drama and everything in-between.

You’ll no doubt pick up some ‘writing craft’. Those things – craft, technique, structure, and other skills – are important, indeed, they set great writing apart from just merely good writing. But in order to apply the craft with its fullest power and potential, you have to open yourself up to your creative mind. That’s when the storytelling really starts. Writing that exudes life, metaphor that thrills us; that pings a synapse long dormant. That’s why we call it ‘Jumpstart Your Writing’.

We start with the basics. We give ourselves permission to go off-the-rails, to cut across the lawn, to pick the roses. We discover our creative selves. Perhaps for the first time, perhaps for the 100th time, but it’s always a worthwhile thing to do.

Morning in the Library 

We will write on this course. You’ll leave with some small pieces of writing. It could be anything. The start of novel, a journal entry, a poem, the first few paragraphs of a memoir. The genre, the length, even what you do with it when you leave is unimportant. What is important is that it serves as a talisman, as proof of what your creative mind can do when you cultivate it. You may very well use it to jumpstart a longer piece, or you may simply use it as inspiration as you pursue other activities. But you will use it. It will be a part of you.

Although we start with the building blocks of creativity, this course is perfect for both beginners and those already writing. It’s about generating ideas, new ways of seeing, being awake and making those connections. Past participants have said it spilled over into other parts of their lives, making them more creative in their ‘day jobs’ and other creative pursuits.

We have a lot of fun during our half-week together, exploring chateaus, markets, villages and the countryside all while indulging our senses and sparking our imaginations. We eat great food, drink fantastic wine and share many laughs.

Your Stay

You’ll stay at either the Circle of Misse house or a nearby B&B depending on availability. We provide all transport between the two.

Dining

Circle of Misse is also a cookery school. Writing participants always rave about the meals prepared by our resident chefs. As one participant said “it’s like a writing and a culinary holiday rolled into one.” We cater to all food preferences and are well-known for our vegetarian as well as carnivorous cooking.

Dates & Booking 2012

April 11-15 Book

June 13-17 Book

August 1-5 Book

Sept. 5-9 Book

XX = places limited

XX = bookings complete

Cost £595

Cost includes transport to and from Tours airport or train stations (at a specified time), four nights bed and breakfast accommodation (single occupancy); meals (including wine and cocktails); beverages and snacks throughout the day; the course tuition; and transport and admission fees for excursions to local sites. Depending on the season and scheduling, we may have a meal out, have a picnic, or attend a local food festival. If so, that’s also included in your fee.

Travel to\from France is not included.

To secure a place a deposit of £50 is due at the time of booking; the balance is due 45 days before the course starts.

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