I’m delighted to have been invited back to Arvon to teach fiction writing for a week in December 2021, this time with fellow author, Russ Litten. We will be at the Hurst in Shropshire from December 13th to 18th, and we’ll be focussing on the ‘elements of fiction’.

Any kind of fiction is composed of these core components: character, story, plot, setting and timeframe. There are also the more intangible aspects of powerful story telling, like creating a distinctive narrative tone or the building of a unique mood and atmosphere. Then, there is the alchemic process of bringing all of these elements together – how does character inform dialogue? How much does setting impose tone? How can you shape the emotional effect your work has on the reader? All of these questions and more will be held up for examination in a series of group discussions, writing exercises and workshops.

Visit Arvon’s website to find out more information and to book.

For those who don’t know, for over fifty years Arvon has been the UK’s home of creative writing. The organisation has three centres, in Devon, Shropshire and Yorkshire. And their residential and now, online courses, are led by highly acclaimed writers, and span poetry to playwriting, song to screenplay, fact to fiction, starting to finishing – and they offer grants to help with course fees for those who need it. Generations of writers have been inspired by their experience at Arvon. They offer a home for creative writing, where anyone, regardless of writing experience, can step away from their normal routine, immerse themselves in the creative process, be inspired by experienced writers and release their imaginative potential.

I’m very excited to be returning, and if you’re a writer (beginner or otherwise) looking for inspiration, support, and motivation, I hope you might be able to join me.