Write Now! Retreat in Catalonia • Course 87
17 - 23 June 2011, Camós, Spain
WORKSHOP VENUE
La Torre de Dalt
Mas la Torre
17834 Camós (Girona), Spain
Date: Friday, 17 June - Thursday, 23 June 2011
Length of course: 6 days
Level: Beginners to published writers
Cost: £795
La Torre de Dalt offers a unique, inspiring environment for you to focus on your writing, discover your 'voice' and spend time in the company of others who have a passion for writing. You don't need to be a 'writer' to come. One-to-one tutorials and group discussions will be offered daily for those who choose to have them. During this retreat, you'll be free to use the time in a way that is most beneficial to you.
In the hills above Girona, you can develop a work in progress or start one that needs time to get from head to paper. The retreat will include:
• one-to-one tutorials to begin, shape or edit material
• time to start writing/develop a novel, memoir, short story, stage play or film script
• advice on how to arrange, expand and improve your material
• a chance to revise or create new work
• the opportunity to have writing read and constructively critiqued
The serene surroundings of La Torre de Dalt offer time for writing, relaxation and recreation. There is a new swimming pool on the grounds, exclusively for the use of course members.
LOCATION
The course will take place in the village of Camós in the Girona Province of Catalonia. La Torre de Dalt is a beautifully renovated 17th-century stone farmhouse surrounded by olive trees, pine and oak forests. Girona and the medieval town of Besalú are 20 minutes by car.
ACCOMMODATION
There are 11 en suite single rooms. Two double rooms (2 sharing, not en suite) will become available once all singles have been booked.
FOOD
In addition to omnivores, 7 Day Wonder caters for vegetarians, vegans and those on dairy- and gluten-free diets. Please provide us with information on any special dietary requirements when booking. Lee Pennington of 7 Day Wonder is your excellent chef.
RECREATION
You can read, swim, relax, take a siesta or an inspiring walk to Banyoles Lake which is 45 minutes away.
LEVEL
The retreat will be open to anyone with a serious desire to write, from complete beginners to published writers. You need not be working on a piece of writing to enrol. Tutorial and group sessions will be conducted in a friendly, constructive atmosphere which will help you develop, plan and expand your work.
WHAT YOU'LL NEED
Bound notebook, pen & a spare. Clipboard. Photocopies if reading on showcase evenings.
TUTORIALS
All group and private tutorials are voluntary. Anyone wishing to use the time to write will be free to do so.
SHOWCASE SESSIONS
On most evenings there will be the opportunity to share prepared work. Word limit: 1300 per session. For best feedback, you will need to provide copies which will be returned to you.
VIDEO OF 2010 CATALAN COURSE
For a video of last year's "So You Want To Write a Novel" course at La Torre, click here for "Homage to Catalonia".
SLIDE SHOW
If you would like to view a slide show of La Torre de Dalt, click here.
HOW TO GET THERE
Flights: RyanAir fly to Girona. Click here for the Ryanair link. Train: The Eurostar/TGV now runs to Figueres. A bus from Figueres can then be taken to Banyoles which is 4 kilometres from Camós.
TRANSPORT FROM GIRONA AIRPORT
Students will be responsible for transport to/from Camós. Bus: There is a bus from Girona Airport to Girona where you transfer for a bus to Banyoles. Taxi: A taxi costs approximately €40 from the airport to Camós. If several students are arriving around the same time, a taxi can be shared. Nearer the time, we will put students arriving on the same flight in touch with each other via the 7 Day Wonder website.
ARRIVAL TIME
Officially it's 5.00PM on Friday, 17 June. However, depending on the activities of the previous week, we may be able to get access earlier in the afternoon, but if you can, aim for arriving in Camós by 17.00. There will be no formal tuition on Friday evening; it is a time to socialise and break the ice. If several students are arriving on the same Ryanair flight, they may share a cab from Girona to Camós. 7 Day Wonder use a reliable company that will be there to take you to the door.
GLOBAL WARMING
7 Day Wonder aims to be a low-impact business in terms of the environment, recycling where possible, using local services and produce.
DO I NEED A VISA?
If you are a passport holder from a country outside the EU, you will need to check if a visa is necessary to enter Spain. Students are responsible for obtaining any visas, or other travel documents, necessary to enter the country. If this applies to you, click here for further information. You are advised to travel with a passport which has a minimum of 6 month left before its expiry.
WHAT IS INCLUDED
• 6 nights' accommodation in a single en suite room
• Breakfast, lunch and 3-course dinner, inclusive of wine
• Course fee for tutorials and showcase sessions
NOT INCLUDED
• Flights or rail travel to/from Spain
• Ground travel within Spain
• Personal travel insurance
LEAVING LA TORRE DE DALT
The course will end at approximately 11.00AM on Thurday, 23 June so the house can be made ready for the next occupants.
TO BOOK
Cheque: Cheques are to be payable to "Creative Writing Courses" and sent to the address below. Download this postal booking form to complete and be returned with your cheque. Bank transfer: For details on how to pay, ring 020 7263 0669. Online: You may use your credit/debit card to pay.
Click here for Terms & Conditions. You are strongly urged to carry travel insurance.
Click here for a printable 2-page brochure < Back to Course Dates
La Torre de Dalt
CONTACT DETAILS
Creative Writing Courses
46 Beversbrook Road
London N19 4QH, UK
T: 020 7263 0669
+44 207 263 0669 (if calling from outside the UK)
E: admin2012@anneaylor.co.uk
W: www.anneaylor.co.uk
