‘Writers don’t need tricks or gimmicks or even necessarily need to be the smartest fellows on the block. At the risk of appearing foolish, a writer sometimes needs to be able to just stand and gape at this or that thing – a sunset or an old shoe – in absolute and simple amazement.’
- Raymond Carver
Hello, nature-lovers and writers of all descriptions!
Have you ever wanted to write about the wild and wonderful world that sits beyond your four walls?
You may love birds, meadows, forests and all in between. You may also want to write your observations down, for yourself, for friends and family, or for a wider audience.
But how do we make our words sing? How do we take a reader back to the sheer wonder of a tidal pool discovered as a child, or a meadow full of buttercups? The sheen on a bird's wing in flight . . . the sound of crunching leaves underfoot?
Let us take you on a mindful journey into the gorgeous Sussex countryside in spring – immerse yourself in nature and the thrill of writing about it with writer and editor Robin Pridy. Embrace the creative energy of Beltane, as the earth comes to life with bluebells and blossom. Become motivated and inspired by your surroundings, learning authentic ways to put your feelings and observations on the page.
This small group retreat will include a dawn chorus walk in the woods as well as bespoke writing exercises, a reading list and a one-on-one session with Robin. After the workshop, Robin will provide an editorial assessment on a completed short piece of nature writing.
About your workshop leader
Robin Pridy is an experienced editor and writer for both children and adults, with an MA in Creative Writing from Bath Spa University. She writes poems, short stories, children's and adult non-fiction, and is currently finishing her first novel. She lives in the countryside in East Sussex. Please visit www.robinpridy.com for further information.
What’s included
2 nights in one of our luxurious cabins, your very own creative haven for the weekend
A guided dawn chorus walk with breakfast pastries
A one-to-one with writer and editor Robin Pridy
Bespoke writing exercises based on your interests, and an editorial assessment based on up to 2,000 words of your writing
A surprise book gift chosen by our local independent bookseller at Rother Books
A group bonfire
A posy of spring flowers from our cut flower beds to take home
Optional
Delicious pre-prepared meals from Great Park Farm Shop
A walk round the beautiful lake at nearby Ashburnham Place, a Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown-designed landscape with diverse habitats. Interesting flora and fauna abound, and parts of the woodland there are designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). There is also a walled kitchen garden and orangery cafe. (Please note, you will need your own transport for this visit… let us know if that may be a problem and we will do our best to arrange a car share).
Itinerary
Before your retreat
To help us tailor the experience to you, you’ll receive a questionnaire about what you want to look at, learn or work on in terms of nature writing. You’ll also get a series of exercises in the days before you arrive to begin an observation journal, to help start a habit of noticing the details in nature.
On arrival
You’ll have a short orientation via Powdermill Woods, before you settle into your cabin (with Sussex tea and biscuits) to take a look at the reading and bespoke exercise left for you by Robin, based on your interests.
Saturday
We’ll begin the day with a dawn chorus around Powdermill Woods, at their best in spring, followed by a group chat and breakfast pastry with Robin to discuss all you’ve experienced on your walk.
Afterwards, you’ll each have a one-to-one with Robin, to help you get started on the piece of writing you’d like to work on. It’s your chance to ask any questions or get help on particular areas you’re stuck on. If you already have a work in progress, or something you’d like to edit, Robin can offer tips and guidance.
At the end of a nourishing day of writing, in true Beltane style, there’ll be a bonfire where you’re welcome to share what you’ve written if you wish (but absolutely no pressure to do so).
Sunday
You’ll have the chance to take Sunday at your own pace, enjoying a solo walk on the 1066 Country walk or spending more time writing. Before you check-out at 2pm, you can send Robin up to 2,000 words of what you’ve been working on for her feedback.
After your retreat
Robin will send you a 1-2 page editorial assessment.
Cost: £460
You can reserve your place with a 30% non-refundable deposit of £138. The balance is due 4 weeks before the retreat start date. Please see our terms and conditions for details of our cancellation policy.
How to book:
Email us at hello@starcroftfarmcabins.co.uk. Cabins are assigned on a first come, first served basis.