A Writer Prepares - 2012

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Which Experience Fits?

Writing session in the library

You’ve got a book or script in you, let’s get it out

If you’ve always wanted to write that novel, memoir, nonfiction book, or script, but just can’t seem to get stuck in, then one of these week-long courses is for you. Based on our highly successful ‘Writing Bootcamp’ series, we’ve put together the ultimate writing holiday. A perfect balance of ‘how to’ instruction on the building blocks of solid story-telling, practical writing exercises that will have you brainstorming, planning and writing your book or script from day one and fun, exciting activities and excursions to inspire and motivate.

Spend the mornings with your fellow participants and course leader, exploring a different element of writing craft each day. Through a combination of discussions, short readings, and targeted writing exercises, your course leader, an accomplished writer and teacher, will show you how to successfully apply a variety of techniques to your own ideas in order to give your book, story or script texture, and narrative momentum, bringing it to life on the page.

On three of your afternoons at Misse you will join your host, writer and teacher Wayne Milstead, on a sightseeing excursion to area chateaus, abbeys, villages and other sites of interest. An excellent chance to find inspiration and enjoy the countryside, these trips will also include site-specific optional writing exercise that combines place, character and other craft elements that you can apply directly to your writing project and use to spur your imagination and further develop your writing.

On the other two afternoons you can meet for a one-to-one session with your course leader to discuss your project, your individual writing goals, and next steps. The rest of the afternoon is yours to write, go for a walk, or simply chill-out.

Select the Strand of Writer Prepares that Fits your Genre:

How to Write Compelling Fiction, Nonfiction or Memoir

April 16-22, 2012 with Paul Harris - Book

What transforms a novel, short story, non-fiction book or memoir from just a collection of words into a compelling page-turner? It starts with a good story, obviously, but it’s so much more – a balance of strong characters, vivid scene setting, a structure that zips the narrative along, and a plot that keeps us wanting more. Join Paul Harris in a hands-on exploration of the writer’s toolbox. An expert in narrative and structure, he will teach you how to cut through the clutter find the clean line of beautiful story-telling lying underneath. Through discussions and targeted writing exercises he’ll show you how to craft your ideas into writing that sings, make a plan and implement strategies to get stuck in and carry-on to completion. Limited to six spaces.

How to Write a Novel

July 23-29, 2012 with Emma Sweeney - Book

The original C-of-M ‘Novel BootCamp’ drill sergeant Emma Sweeney returns to whip a whole new set of aspiring novelists into fighting shape. Affectionately nick-named ‘Bone-crusher Sweeney’ by her previous battalion of lap-top wielding ‘cadets’, this week with Emma does exactly what it says on the tin. Emma will inspire and provide the tools, support and motivation to get you started and keep you going. She will put you through the paces of what makes a good novel. Each day you will tackle an element of writing craft and master it through a series of discussions and hands-on exercises. You will leave with a solid start to your novel and a clear strategy for success. Limited to six spaces.

How to Write for Stage, Screen or Radio

September 10-16, 2012 with Matt Morrison - Book

Have a notebook full of ideas for the perfect movie? Listen to BBC Radio dramas thinking ‘I could do that’? Or maybe you dream of seeing your words brought to life on the stage. Make this the year you dust off that notebook, put thoughts into action and push your dreams closer to reality. Award-winning Playwright Matt Morrison will teach you the fundamentals of the dramatic form. You will learn how to build tension that keeps an audience transfixed, write dialogue that makes them hang on your character’s every word, and use plot and structure techniques to enhance the power and impact of your story. Matt, who has been extensively involved in script selection and development for theatre, film and radio producers, will also fill you in on everything there is to know about the business. Through a series of discussions and dynamic exercise, before you know it you will begin to turn your kernel of a story into living piece of film, theatre or radio. Limited to six spaces.

About 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 16-22 Book

July 23-29 Book

September 10-16 Book

XX = limited places available

XX = bookings complete

Cost £895

Cost includes transport to and from Tours airport or train stations (at a specified time), six 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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