Writer finishes novel after a series of UK writing retreats

Fiona McAuslan says she finished her novel after attending a series of writing retreats across the UK, from a converted chapel in Wales to cabins in East Sussex. Her first retreat was a self-guided three-night stay in a converted chapel in Llanfrynach, near Abergavenny in the foothills of Bannau Brycheiniog, where she developed a routine of morning writing and walks along the River Usk.

She found the long weekend cut off from distractions productive, but missed having people to bounce ideas off. She then stayed at the Urban Writers’ Retreat in a Georgian farmhouse near Newton Abbot, Devon, run by Charlie Haynes, joining six guests for shared meals and conversation that freed her from day-to-day admin and let her immerse in the story.

Dr Rebecca Maxwell Stuart’s Acorn Writing Retreats at the Oak Tree Inn in Balmaha, Loch Lomond, offered a more structured four-day programme. Stuart says Acorn retreats give writers time to gain conceptual clarity; the retreat had goal-setting, four daily writing sessions with short activities, group writing around a horseshoe table, optional evening meditation and an emphasis on nurture.

McAuslan also attended Rewrite, a Brighton retreat for women of colour run by Christina Fonthes, which combined technique workshops and daily yoga, and spent time finishing the book alone in a cabin at Starcroft Farm near Battle in East Sussex, where she was given one night’s stay for this article.

Key Topics

Culture, Fiona Mcauslan, Starcroft Farm, Acorn Writing Retreats, Urban Writers' Retreat, Loch Lomond