Sussex Writing Retreats
We are so excited to welcome you to West Sussex Writing Retreats!
Nestled in the heart of the lush Sussex countryside, our retreats cover a range of topics delivered by industry experts, but also focus on your well-being and confidence.
We welcome writers at any stage of their journey, from just having a rough idea, or a desire to get some words down, to experienced authors looking to explore new creativity or kick start their confidence.
Your co-hosts, Daisy and Lisa are both novelists who are at different stages of their own writing journeys, and we will always be completely honest about our own experiences with agents, publishers, insider industry tips and more.
Alongside writing, we invite you to enjoy delicious, locally-sourced lunches, a full English cream tea and lots of daily treats, plus an optional yoga and stretch class on Day 1. Time to relax, rewind and reset your creativity…All food, drink, optional extra classes, 1-2-1 mentoring are all included in the price, and spaces are limited as we prefer to keep our groups small.
We hope to see you in 2022!
Daisy & Lisa x
The Dates
April 1st – 3rd 2022
The Creative Writing Retreat
Do you have a novel idea? Need advice on plot forming, characters and dialogue or want a new way to explore your creative side?
This 3-day retreat centres on New Beginnings and will take you from the first page to The End, with advice on publishing options, literary agents, social media, submission packages (including the dreaded synopsis and cover letter). You will also have a 1-2-1 to discuss your individual journey, aims and progression.
Special Guests
Crime Author Casey Kelleher has sold over half a million books worldwide. She has utilised both traditional and self-publishing options. Her latest book, I’ll Never Tell, is published by Bookouture.
Children’s Author Sue Wickstead writes a variety of picture books and has successfully self-published them.
Saskia Leach. Ever wondered who sees your manuscript first when you submit it to agents? Saskia is a Literary Agent Assistant at The Kate Nash Literary Agency. She will be giving her personal perspective on the publishing industry, and inviting you to practice your pitches!
Price £499
May 5th – May 8th 2022
The TV and Film Writing Retreat
Are you a budding screenwriter? Interested in turning your book into a film or polishing an existing script idea? Or just want to explore a different side of your creativity?
This 4-day retreat introduces workshops and 1-2-1 mentoring from screenwriter Hayley November, executive producer Steve November, and screenwriter Debbie Moon.
With a huge amount of industry experience, BAFTAs and well-known shows between them this super-talented trio with be sharing their knowledge and tips with you.
There will be workshops, interactive sessions, and plenty of time to work on your individual ideas. You can then put everything you have learnt into practice and pitch directly to Steve, who will offer suggestions and critique. You will also be provided with homework, which will be followed up with a group Zoom call one week later to discuss your progress and pose any final questions. In between sessions, there is time to network, enjoy the surroundings, the delicious food and cream teas and take part in optional yoga classes, which will run every evening for this retreat.
Price £799
July 8/9/10 2022
The Writing Bootcamp
This 3-day retreat is for you if you are nearly there with your manuscript and need extra help and a confidence boost to get it over the line.
By the time you finish on Day 3 you will come away with the toolkit every aspiring writer needs, including; Completed manuscript, submission package (inc synopsis and cover letter), a headshot by a professional photographer, a social media cleanse and MOT, a PR plan to maximise future sales, and 1-2-1 mentoring sessions to explore publishing routes.
Special Guest:
On Day 3, to further reboot your creative juices, we welcome special guest BBC News Correspondent Alastair Fee, who will be running interactive workshops and sessions. How does he tell a story? What does it take to put together a news item? Hone your skills Alastair and cameramen Pete and create and present your own news story and reel!
Optional yoga classes every evening.
Price £499
September 16/17/18
The ‘Rediscover Your Creative Side’ Retreat
This 3 days retreat focuses on new beginnings and nurturing your confidence and well-being through writing.
This is time for you, away from the pressure of work, and family commitments to rediscover your creative side. Maybe a friend has told you you should write a book? Do you have a niggling idea for one that just won’t go away?
A gentle, fun retreat with special guest talks from screenwriter Hayley November, and BBC news correspondent Alastair Fee. Optional yoga and meditation every evening, and of course our English cream to finish on Day 3.
We might even squeeze in some Pimms and chat before the season’s turn and we say a proper goodbye to summer!
Price £499