"An enormously rich week, beyond all my expectations. Susan is an exacting, intuitive and insightful teacher who gets you to think carefully about the power of words and where they can take you, if you let them. Yes please to next year too!"
We’re delighted to announce details of the latest creative writing retreat with novelist Susan Elderkin, which take place between Monday 12th and Friday 16th November 2018.
This autumn retreat will explore ‘finding the plot’ – how to create character-driven plots and sub-plots, and how to let those plots give our stories real pace and momentum. If you already have a writing project on the go (short stories, a novel, a memoir, or something as yet undefined) this retreat offers a brilliant opportunity to make great strides with it. And if you don’t yet know what you want to write, you’ll almost certainly see a project taking shape by the end of the week.
These retreats are a wonderful chance to immerse yourself in your writing project for five days while being looked after in true Pennard style. The days are based around morning workshops in the drawing room led by Susan – expect to work hard, learn loads (from one another as well as your tutor), and have a lot of fun! On Wednesday night we are pleased to welcome Guest Speaker Tessa Hadley, winner of the Hawthornden Prize for her novel The Past and twice long-listed for the Orange prize. At least one of the workshops this week will be inspired by her work
As usual the afternoons are left free for you to write in a quiet corner of the conservatory, lose yourself in a book, or meander in the beautiful grounds – feel free to come and see the cider apple harvest which is in full flow. The evenings generally find everyone gathering for drinks and conversation around the fire – or perhaps reading out that day’s newly written story. All guests will have their own room and delicious healthy meals are all included, with the option of morning yoga. Now in its sixth year, these popular retreats run twice a year and have become a Pennard fixture – we love welcoming back familiar faces and meeting new aspiring writers each year.
More details about the retreat can be found on the flyer here. These retreats tend to book up fast so do get in touch if you’re interested – email Susan on hello@susanelderkin.com or contact Harry on harry@pennardhouse.com.
"An enormously rich week, beyond all my expectations. Susan is an exacting, intuitive and insightful teacher who gets you to think carefully about the power of words and where they can take you, if you let them. Yes please to next year too!"
