Hi there!

Have you ever been on a retreat before? If not, this could be the perfect opportunity to try it out!

We believe in creating an inclusive, friendly, no-pressure atmosphere. No judgement. No pressure to pitch or present or read out loud. Just come along and spend 4 days in the Devonshire countryside and let us introduce you to some new ideas from philosophy, mythology, poetry, and prose. Join us for some guided meditations (don't worry, you don't have to be spiritual or religious in any way - though we welcome it if you are - this is purely to encourage your imagination, to help you write a more profound and interesting piece of fiction!). 

The subject of this retreat will be the Self and Society. 

We'll be exploring what it means to be a person or individual in society, and what authors, thinkers, renegades, and raconteurs have had to say about living alone, in communities, in nations, in the world, and how this has inspired some of the most interesting characters in fiction through the ages (if that sounds complex, don't worry! It just means we'll be exploring interesting characters with interesting things to say about personal experience and... being alive in society!).

The aim of this retreat will be: to nourish you intellectually, creatively, and emotionally, and for you to come away with a genuinely profound, new, exciting piece of writing, with fresh characters, arcs, dialogues and plots.

If you're thinking: "but I've never studied writing! I wouldn't even know where to start!", please rest assured: no experience of writing is necessary. We'll walk you through it all step by step, and we will never put you on the spot to share anything you don't feel like sharing. 

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What will the schedule be?

We'll provide more information when you arrive (and dw, there will be lots of breaks and time to rest), but for a rough idea:

Friday July 21st - introductions / first workshop / relax and settle in / movie night

Saturday 22nd - morning workshop / lunch break / countryside walk / evening workshop / break / games night and/or visit to the local town

Sunday 23rd - morning meditation / free write / lunch break / afternoon workshop / quiet reading / free write / chill evening

Monday 24th - morning workshop / lunch / final free write / consolidate all you've learned / final thoughts and goodbyes

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What's included?

Each day, we'll provide:

Breakfast (options including cereal, toast and spreads, croissants, pastries, various milks, vegan and non-vegan, juice, etc.)

Lunch (options including fruits, cold savoury snacks, crisps, and sandwiches, vegan and non-vegan).

Dinner (communally made pasta and rice dishes, one vegan and one non-vegan, each evening).

*PLUS: movie night popcorn and pic n mix!

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Where will I stay?

Your ticket includes your bed, board, food, workshop, entertainment, etc. You will be staying in a choice of beds (we have 3 doubles, 1 sofa bed double, and one single in the house + we have 4 x more singles in a nearby AirBnB). 

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What does it cost?

For the retreat + food + bed + workshops = £550 (doubles), £495 (sofa bed double), or £400 (singles). *Note: if you're a couple, please enquire about our couple rates.

*Note: you can pay all in one go or, if you prefer, in instalments using our LayBuy facility at the checkout!

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How can I guarantee I make progress? 

In addition to the workshops themselves, we'll provide you with a folder/workbook, so that you finish up with all your ideas, characters, arcs, dialogues, and plots in one place, there to take home as a memento of your trip, and there to develop at your leisure, when the time is right. 

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Who is the tutor/host?

My name is Sean and I've been hosting writing workshops for the past 8 years with A Write & a Pint. I have a great passion for literature, ideas, movies, art, and culture. I studied literature up to MA level, and have also trained as a life and creativity coach in recent years, which means I'm here to help you if you have any doubts, concerns, or worries while you're here. In the past, I've also hosted workshops on mental health, anxiety, self-confidence, etc., so please rest assured I'll do all I can to make sure your time here is positive, and full of support, empathy and understanding (it means a lot to me that you get what you come here for!).

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What if I have questions about any of the above (or something else!)?

Please feel free to text us on 07534 981 636. We'll be more than happy to help!