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Creative Writing Workshops at Peace Haven
Hi!
My name is Nick and I will be your host and tutor for an inspirational and entertaining creative break. I am an experienced Adult Education tutor, as well as a free-lance proofreader and language coach. Having been educated at Ruskin College, Oxford, I have designed and taught creative writing lectures at Oxford & Cherwell Valley College and have created and chaired several writer's circles. Currently, I coach English as a second language and literature/writing methods in a private capacity.
The short-stay creative writing workshops are adapted from my proven courses. Over the three days, guests are instructed and guided in the techniques of transferring ideas into pieces of effective prose and poetry. These workshops take place in the relaxed and informal atmosphere of Peace Haven, giving you the opportunity to develop your Cotswold explorations (or an existing idea) into writing, while providing an introduction to the entertaining and rewarding art of creative writing. All lecture topics are supported by hand-outs.
Breakdown of the Workshop Elements
Group Sessions
As my main teaching method is a 'skill-sharing' approach, the course gives an opportunity to interact as a part of a group with fellow guests – giving and receiving constructive criticism from peers is an invaluable resource for writers. There are group sessions scheduled (see below) which will be a combination of lectures on working methods and techniques; discussion on suggestions and observation; and reading and feedback. Guests are encouraged on the final day to read aloud their finished piece/work in progress to the group for comment. If individuals are uneasy about this, either another member of the group can read for them or – if they wish their work not to be heard, this of course is okay and will get detailed criticism via email as a follow-up (see below).
Individual Explorations and Research
Some guests may simply wish to sit in their cottage, or the garden (weather permitting!) and work. Guests who wish to visit a specific type of location, or find a certain atmosphere can take advantage of extensive local knowledge and local information publications available. An broadband internet connection is also available in all cottages for free use with your own devices.
Small Group/ Individual Unscheduled Tutorials
From experience I know that when an idea grabs you, it's difficult to work disciplined hours – the result can be nights burning the candle at all ends! For this reason - also that the course is short – I will be stopping on site and available for personal consultation outside of group sessions (though I do need a couple of hours sleep occasionally, too!). This is offered by informal agreement and may be limited by the number of guests requiring tutorials in any period of time.
Group Lunch
On the final lunchtime, it will be possible to block-book a group lunch in one of the excellent local hostelries (at additional cost – payable on the day). This will be an opportunity to relax, break bread together and talk as a group on any other matters...I will email all guests two weeks before to get numbers and send menus.
Follow-up and Feedback
By the final session, the value of working as a group should be apparent, as well as desirable for most guests. Discussion on how to set about creating an on-line writing circle will be explored.
If you wish to develop the work you have completed after the workshop, manuscripts e-mailed to me will be read, and I will provide a detailed critique for you (though no novels, please!).
Scheduled Sessions
Day One
Evening (18.30h - )
Informal meeting with wine and cheese.
Introduction to writing: 'What is Creative Writing?'.
Working Methods
Distribution of hand-outs.
-Open time for tutorials and local information-
Day Two
Morning (09.00 – 11.00)
'Sense of Time and Place' & 'Characterisation'.
(lecture and discussion)
-Open time for tutorials and local information-
Evening (20.00 – 22.30)
'Using Motif, Metaphor & Symbolism'
'Adding Realism'
(lecture and discussion)
-Open time-
Day Three
Morning (10.00 – 11.00)
Progress Report
'Any Other Business?'
(discussion)
-Open time-
Lunch (to be arranged)
Afternoon (16.00 – 18.00)
Readings
'The Next Chapter?'
Please send any enquiries to Nick
nickswritingworkshop@gmail.com
So – you've got a burning story to write, or you just want an entertaining and relaxing break in the company of other literature lovers – We look forward to seeing you at Peace Haven!
Wishing you tight lines!
Nick Peace
Practical Matters
PLEASE READ
# It's advised that all writing guests should be 18+ due to possible content of group discussions (this however is at parents' discretion). It may be possible to accommodate younger people in a separate reading/writing group depending on availability of staff – please enquire.
# The cost of the workshop is £100 per person. This is in addition to Peace Haven accommodation costs as stated for the applicable cottage on the dates involved. To book a place on the workshop, a deposit of 50% is payable up to 30 days prior to the start date, after that time the full amount is payable and must be received ten working days before start date. This should be a cheque made payable to: N. Peace Please send this with your Peace Haven booking form.
#Due to the availability of places, it is regretted that in the event of cancellation, 50% of the fee is payable up to 30 days prior to start date; 100% thereafter. Cancellation charges for accommodation is a separate matter and guests should refer to the terms and conditions on the Peace Haven website.
#Guests should bring their own writing materials.
#N. Peace accepts no responsibility for writing guests or their property in the course of their stay. As guests of Peace Haven, for terms of public liability please see terms and conditions.
#Times of sessions and themes of the workshop are subject to change with prior consultation with the group.
#Checking in on the start date is after 13.00. Cottages are required to be vacated on the last day by 19.00
N. Peace
nickswritingworkshop@gmail.com
Congraulations to Julie and Ricky who had hosted their extended wedding party at Peace Haven.
Bank holiday weekend saw Peace Haven full to the brim with wedding guests young and old a like.
A real success and enjoyed by all.
A perfect venture for weddings anniversaries or anyone who wants to have a party,
No hotel rules, no driving the whole place to your selves.
Open all year in an unspoilt area at the foot of the Cotswolds ideal choice for families and couples looking for complete flexibilty and freedom.
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2010- Peace Haven Deals
Late availability please ring to check if you require a cottage at short notice
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* Short weekend breaks through out the year
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* Special discount for bookings of one or more cottages
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* wheel chair access cottage available for two people
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* All cottages apart from Farm End and Courtyard cottage has the room to add an extra put you up bed availble at no extra cost.
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* Cot and highchair available upon request
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* Dogs welcome by prior arrangement a lever of £10.00 is charged for extra cleaning.
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* Excellent venue for large parties birthdays family get togethers weddings or just a social meeting between friends
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* Very child friendly,lots of room for children to play outside toys left in cottage for small children to play with.
Discount for winter short breaks.
All cottages are non smoking.
Don’t miss out for 2010
Royal Shakespeare Company
Stratford upon Avon is approx a fifteen minute drive .The RSC Festival Season is full with Shakespeare’s plays .Why not come and stay with us and enjoy a few nights at the RSC.
CHELTENHAM RACES
GOLD CUP WEEK 2010
MARCH 16.03.10-19.03.10
why not book your self catering accommodation with us at Peace Haven; we are a thirty minute drive from Cheltenham Racecourse. We have seven cottages available why not hire a minibus for you and your friends to stay here and have one nominated driver for the Cheltenham Races in Gold Cup Week.
Sorry Peace Haven is full for Cheltenham race week, bookings are now being taken for 2011..
Dont forget to read Peace Havens blog .
Peace Haven Holiday lets
Honeybourne
Evesham
Worcs
WR11 8QQ
TEl:
mobile:07721596823
eamil:peace.haven@btconnect.com
www.peacehavenlets.com
Peace Haven
Honeybourne
Evesham
Worcs
WR11 8QQ
