Write a book! Why not?

Feb 28

Many of us feel there is a book somewhere inside us just longing to get onto the page, then published and finally read. But the vast majority of us do nothing about this urge.

It can seem like a daunting task. Perhaps you have an original idea you hope to turn into a nonfiction bestseller, or you want to learn how to write a novel without getting stuck after the first two chapters – if this strikes a chord then our April Writers’ Course will be the very thing for you.

Of course a book must be original – the reader must hear your voice and not an imitation of someone else’s, however brilliant. You need to learn to follow your creative muse on a journey wherever it leads you. But equally, writing a book needs to be at least on a road map with some signposts so you get where you want to eventually

So why not get some help from our two very experienced writers and trainers? During our April weekend writers’ course they will give you guidance on the tools and techniques that can help you write a book more quickly and improve your writing style.

A balance needs to be found between following the map too determinedly and going so off-road that you get completely lost! This course could help you find that balance.

Our aim if for you to leave Tall John’s House with new material and a clear strategy for generating more. Along the way, you will connect, or re-connect, with your creative spark, and in that spark discover, or enrich, your authentic voice. Whether you are a beginner, or an experienced writer, this weekend will help you to become a stronger, more confident story-teller, richer in both inspiration and your art.

Our work will take the shape of seminars, group workshops, one-to-one tutorials and reflection/writing time. We will also enjoy convivial company over meals and breaks, and in our informal evening gatherings.

Tall John’s House is a Georgian manor house situated in the Brecon Beacons National Park. It has all the character and quirks of a period property, but with the added warmth of a family home. The price includes all meals, tea and coffee, and afternoon tea break. All rooms are for single or double occupancy, beautifully presented with high-quality bedding and furnishings, and all with en-suite facilities, both inside the main house and in the converted stables outside.

The course will run from Thursday to Sunday, 5th to 8 th April, 2018.
Location: Tall John’s House, Llangasty, near Brecon, Powys, LD3 7PX
Cost: £550 (£480 if sharing in large twin rooms) per person for three nights, all rooms en-suite and all meals included.

Lily Dunn is an author, mentor, editor and creative writing teacher. She has written two novels (Portobello Books), a handful of short stories (Matter magazine) and creative nonfiction (Granta; Litro), and is currently working on a PhD in creative writing. She is a trained editor and journalist and has written for Time Outmagazine, the Guardian, the Telegraph and numerous other publications. She is an Associate Lecturer in Creative Writing at Birkbeck, University of London, and Bath Spa University.

Robin Mukherjee has contributed extensively to television drama, both returning series ( The Bill, Eastenders, Casualty, Medics) and serials (including Grushkowith Brian Cox and Andy Serkis, and Plastic Man with John Thaw and Frances Barber). His most recent film, Lore, was critically acclaimed worldwide, winning Best Adapted Screenplay at the Australian Writers Guild Awards, the Public Prize at Locarno, and many others. It was Australia’s official entry to the Oscars. His original three-part serial, Combat Kids, for CBBC/BBC1 was nominated for a BAFTA. Recent work includes Hetty Featherfor CBBC, and Judge Dee for Endemol. He is currently adapting Paul Scott’s (Booker Prize winning) novel Staying On for cinema, supported by the BFI. His book, The Art of Screenplays – A Writer’s Guide, is published by Kamera Press, and his novel, Hillstation, by Oldcastle Books. He currently teaches creative writing at Bath Spa University.