Writing retreat

Inspirational workshop, talks and editorial help at May retreat

Emma Haynes

Emma Haynes

18 May 2019

Our May retreat at Asthall Manor in Oxfordshire took place last weekend. 10 writers spent four days in glorious sunshine in an inspiring and creative environment working on their novels and getting some help and advice from our guest tutors and BPA editors Sara and Emma.

The highlight of the weekend was an afternoon workshop on Structure and Plot with   Louise Doughty, award winning author of nine novels including Apple Tree Yard. Using her sixth novel Whatever You Love as a worked example, Louise illustrated that plot is story and explained the importance of structure in telling the story. During the evening Q and A she answered many questions on writing technique as well as the business of being an author. After dinner she read from her new crime thriller Platform Seven which will be published by Faber on August 22. The ghostly novel is about two mysterious deaths at Peterborough station.

Literary agent Caroline Wood and publisher Selina Walker performed a double act on Sunday with insights into the world of publishing. Their explanations on the differences between commercial and literary fiction were particularly helpful and also their take on trends in publishing and how various genres such as up lit are selling at the moment. Caroline gave some key advice for submitting to agents and explained what to do and what not to do during the submission process.

Our next retreat for both published and unpublished writers is October 14 – 18 eat Grendon Court in Herefordshire. Guest tutors to be confirmed soon. Please check the website for details and get in touch if you are interested.

 

Please note that the recordings aren’t professionally edited and may not be passed on under any circumstances.

Copyright remains with the tutor. 

Emma Haynes

Emma Haynes

Emma is responsible for BPA’s bespoke programme of literary events and retreats as well as managing the First Novel Award and submissions to literary agents. With a background in communications and special events she has an eye for detail and a desire to give writers the best possible experience in an imaginative programme of events. Her retreats at Asthall Manor, the childhood home of the Mitford sisters with guest tutors including Tessa Hadley and Claire Fuller have set a new benchmark in literary experiences. The First Novel Award now in its third year has proved remarkably successful for writers with five of the 2018 shortlist gaining agent representation. With an up to date knowledge of what literary agents are looking for, Emma offers a reading service and advises writers with a polished manuscript which agents to approach and how best to ensure your work gets read. She also contacts agents on behalf of writers where there is a potential match.

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