For the full immersion experience, book yourself onto a five-day writing retreat at the glorious Pennard House in Somerset. Morning writing workshops form the backbone of these retreats, with the afternoons free to run wild on the estate – roam the cider orchards, read on the lawn or take a dip in the fresh water swimming pond. Inspiring, stimulating and a huge amount of fun, these retreats offer a fantastic way to make real progress with your on-going project, or kick-start a new one. With spaces limited to 10 participants, you’ll find yourself part of a small, friendly and supportive group of fellow writers. Read on for testimonials and more details. Soon to be taking bookings for November 2022 – get in touch if you’re interested as places go fast once the retreat is advertised.
“The retreat at Pennard House is the highlight of my year. Each time, people dramatically improve in the first 48 hours, which is fairly astonishing.”
Weekly workshops happen in the village of Shepton Montague, just outside Bruton. Over the last few years my regular Friday morning group has segued into a ‘work-in-progress’ class, with everyone working on either a novel or a memoir. Each week, the manuscripts grow a little bigger, with several now reaching first draft stage – a thrilling experience for us all.
As there hasn’t been much movement into or out of this group for a while now, I’ve launched a new weekly group this summer term on Thursday mornings. As with the Friday group, this is suitable for those wanting to write either fiction or memoir/nonfiction, and will take a particular aspect of the writing craft as its starting point each week (from place to point of view.) Come with either a fledgling work-in-progress or just a gleam in your mind’s eye and no idea what to make of it: either is fine. Currently taking bookings for next term (September-December 2022). Places are limited with priority to those who have started this term. Do get in touch via the Contact page if you’re interested in joining the group!
“Suse is a brilliant teacher. She has enabled me to do something I’ve always wanted to do and never found the time, or the self-confidence.”
“The most inspiring tutor I have come across – and I’ve been on a lot of courses!”
“I loved the way she ran the group. She strips away the surface details and gets straight to the heart of the matter.”
“A clever and charismatic teacher.”
“Tutors like Susan are gold-dust in the creative writing industry. I wish I lived closer and could come every week.”
If you like the idea of working with me but can’t make the weekly workshops or Somerset retreats, you can book me to come and run a two or three-day bootcamp in a living room near you… Find the punters, choose from a wide range of topics, and I’ll take care of the rest.
“I’ve just spent perhaps the best weekend of my life so far doing one of Susan’s workshops. I don’t remember when I last experienced such focus and concentration. She combines kindness and humour with a totally rigorous, focussed approach. I learnt a huge amount.”