creative writing retreat uk

Our Retreats

2024 schedule is open for booking .

Day courses & workshops

Academic retreats

Our all-inclusive Writers’ Retreat UK retreats take part in our lovely, quiet North Yorkshire venue. Our retreats are very different to others. We look after your every need during your stay with us, support you on group retreats with industry-specialists and offer the perfect environment to help you relax and create. Drop us an email and we’ll keep you informed with what’s going on and our specials offers.

Drop us an email  and we'll keep you up-to-date with what's going and our special offers. If you prefer the human touch, please call 0845 519 8115 for a chat about any of our retreats.

Join us for a retreat and benefit from amazing ongoing discounts! Our retreats fill quickly so don't miss out. You can check out our reviews from previous guests  here .

What's included in your Writers' Retreat UK retreat:

• For our untutored retreats, we offer mentoring with an industry professional to support you through your writing time with us.
• All meals are included (and some wine).
• Breakfast and lunch are served as a buffet. Breakfast is between 8am and 9.00am, with lunch usually around 12.30pm.
• Dinner is served as a sit-down, 2 course supper in the dining room.  Writing can be a lonely process so evening dinner is a great opportunity for all of our writers to get together and socialise.
• Tea and coffee are on the go all day, along with cake, biscuits and snacks to keep the creative juices flowing
• We also offer a home-baked cream tea around 4pm to fuel your writing until evening dinner
• Transfers included from local public transport links.
• Writing pads and pens will be available, although we understand that most writers prefer to use their own.
• We have spare laptops - just in case! If you use one of our laptops, we'll give you a memory stick to take your work home with you.
• Space to write in your room, in privacy.
• Comfortable writing room, where you can work in the company of other writers.
• Access to a number of writing resources, including a library of writing books.

Bring a writer friend to share your room (most rooms can be made into twins) for just 50% extra. Bring a non-writing partner or friend for just 30% of the room price extra.

Take in your surroundings

Sometimes our writers like to take a walk to see the local area. This is a great way to clear your mind ready for the next writing session.

After supper, if you're ready to relax, we offer optional evening activities to share with your fellow writers. Alternatively, chill and watch a bit of TV or chat with others on the retreat in one of our comfortable lounges, in front of a roaring log burner.  We host evening readings, too, for those that would like to share some of their work for discussion and feedback.

If you're taking part in one of our specialist retreats, your workshop instruction and feedback sessions are all also included in the price.

Don't worry about the little things, either. We provide an abundance of bubbles, shower gel, shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, in fact, all the essentials you will need. We also carry plenty of spares in case you forget something, like, toothbrushes, razors, deodorant, and many more, so you only need to bring any special toiletries that you just can't live without!

This is a complete package that gives you dedicated time to write, lets you relax in idyllic rural or seaside surroundings, come together with other like-minded writers and have a truly invigorating quiet time away from home.

What are you waiting for?  Reserve your place  today, with a deposit of only £100pp , for our next writer's retreat.

Corporate and Academic retreats

Think writers' retreats are just for the creatives? Think again. Do you have corporate or academic documents to produce? We can provide the perfect environment with mentoring support, if needed. Click  here  for further information.

The Retreat – Transformed for Wedding Celebration

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Read Jude Rogers’ Guardian Piece on her Tŷ Newydd Experience

Arts critic,  Jude Rogers , recently attended a Poetry and Songwriting course here at Tŷ Newydd. Find out what she learnt, and listen to her first ever song!

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Courses and Retreats

Browse our 2024 course programme today.

Nant Writers' Retreat Cottage

Welcome to Nant; a historical Grade II* listed cottage specifically renovated for writing retreats.

Welcome to Tŷ Newydd Writing Centre

Tŷ Newydd is the National Writing Centre of Wales. Established in 1990, thousands of aspiring and budding writers have since passed through our iconic teal front door.

With over 30 years experience, we specialise in residential creative writing courses and retreats. Every week we welcome a new group of individuals from Wales, the rest of the UK and beyond to our home. They spend time together under the tutelage of professional writers, taking part in workshops and one-to-one tutorials, enjoying readings and basking in the inspirational setting of Tŷ Newydd. For those wanting space and time away to write in isolation, or with a like minded friend, our dedicated retreat cottage offers the perfect surrounding. Tŷ Newydd Writing Centre is run by Literature Wales, the national company for the development of literature.

Explore our Courses

We have a range of courses and retreats available at Tŷ Newydd. Why not have a browse and discover what’s on offer.

Fully Booked

Cynan Jones

Cynan Jones is an acclaimed fiction writer from the west coast of Wales. His work has appeared in over twenty countries, and in journals and magazines including  Granta , Freeman’s  and  The New Yorker . He has also written a screenplay for the hit crime drama Hinterland , a collection of tales for children, and a number of stories for BBC Radio. He has been longlisted and shortlisted for numerous awards, and won, among other prizes, the Wales Book of the Year Fiction Prize, a Jerwood Fiction Uncovered Award, and the BBC National Short Story Award.

Clare Mackintosh

With over 2 million copies of her books sold worldwide, number one bestseller Clare Mackintosh is the multi-award-winning author of I Let You Go (Little Brown, 2015), which was a Sunday Times and New York Times bestseller and the fastest-selling title by a new crime writer in 2015. It also won the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year in 2016. Both Clare’s second and third novels, I See You (Little Brown, 2017) and Let Me Lie (Little Brown, 2018), were number one Sunday Times bestsellers. Her first three thrillers were selected for the Richard & Judy Book Club, and together have been translated into forty languages. After the End (Little Brown, 2019) was published in 2019 and became an instant Sunday Times bestseller, and in 2021 Hostage (Little Brown, 2022) flew straight into the top ten. Her new crime series, featuring Welsh detective DC Ffion Morgan, has been critically acclaimed, with both The Last Party (Little Brown, 2023) and A Game of Lies (Little Brown, 2023) hitting the Sunday Times top ten. Together, her books have spent more than sixty-five weeks in The Sunday Times bestseller lists. Clare lives in north Wales with her family.  

Dean Atta is an award-winning Black British author and poet whose works have received praise from Bernardine Evaristo and Malorie Blackman. His novel in verse, The Black Flamingo (Hachette, 2020), about a Black gay teen finding his voice through poetry and drag performance, won the Stonewall Book Award and was shortlisted for numerous further prestigious awards. His poetry collection, There is (still) love here (Nine Arches Press, 2022), explores acceptance, queer joy and the power of unapologetically being yourself and fully embracing who you are.  

Pragya Agarwal

Dr Pragya Agarwal is the writer of four non-fiction books including the widely acclaimed (M)otherhood and Hysterical. Pragya is a visiting professor of social inequities at Loughborough University and a visiting fellow at University of Oxford. Her writing has been published widely in The Guardian Scientific American, New Scientist, Prospect, Florida Review and Literary Hub. She also teaches creative writing courses for Irish Writers Centre and Arvon.  

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Home / Courses & Retreats / Clockhouse Retreats

CLOCKHOUSE RETREATS

Give your writing the time and space it deserves with Arvon’s dedicated Writers Retreat at The Clockhouse. The building has four apartments for writers, each with bedroom, study-lounge and bathroom. All food is provided for you, so you can spend your time as you please.

Everything in The Clockhouse has been planned to help you focus on your writing, away from day-to-day distractions. Walk in the beautiful landscape, share your triumphs and challenges with fellow writers over dinner together, or just sit at your desk and write. Whether you’re starting something new, or pushing on to finish something, make time to free your imagination with a writing retreat. Your length of stay can be six days, or four days. If you wish to stay for longer, you can book multiple retreats back-to-back, and stay on the ‘turn around day’ between retreats for free.  We offer a discount for bookings of more than two consecutive six day retreats: please see details in the Prices section below. If you wish to book as a group of up to four writers, please contact us at The Hurst: [email protected] .

Facilities include

• four comfortable, accessible, self-contained apartments, each with bedroom, study-lounge and en-suite bathroom
• cosy shared lounge with log-burner
• shared kitchen-diner with all food provided – help yourself to fresh local produce and home-cooked meals
• 26 acres of woodland, a spring-fed lake and inspiring views of the Shropshire Hills
• easy walks to the local village with pub and shop

The first floor apartments, Mary Webb and Wilfred Owen, are at a slightly higher cost due to their exceptional views of the Clun Valley to the east, and the high level of natural light in the studies and bedrooms. If you require an accessible bathroom on the first floor due to a disability, concessions are available: please contact The Hurst .

The second floor apartments, A E Housman and Bruce Chatwin, are characterful with vaulted ceilings and timber beams. Views in these apartments are more limited.

CLOCKHOUSE APARTMENTS

Wilfred owen, a e housman, bruce chatwin.

We offer these apartments at an increased fee due to their exceptional views of the Clun Valley to the east, and the high level of natural light in the studies and bedrooms.

• Four comfortable self-contained apartments, each with bedroom, study-lounge and en-suite bathroom
• shared kitchen-diner with all food provided– help yourself to fresh local produce and home-cooked meals

Characterful accommodation with vaulted ceilings and timber beams. Views in these apartments are more limited.

This retreat has been quite special, enabling me to write more in the first three days than I had in the previous three months. The greatest gifts for a writer are time and space to write. The Clockhouse gave both in abundance. — Patience Agbabi

What a glorious week at The Clockhouse! The views alone are worth the trip, and the magnificent Arvon food, the delightful company, the country walks made it a fantastic week of writing, reading and thinking. — Naomi Alderman

The conversion of The Clockhouse is stunning. Everything has been planned with writers and writing in mind. I got a lot of work done. — Michael Symmons Roberts

My week at The Clockhouse was exceptionally productive. Distractions were at a minimum and the sense of life going on beyond the Clun Valley actually acted as a powerful incentive to write while there was time to write. — Jonathan Davidson

There is space on this retreat to both read and write, the big rooms you are given give you time to dream while the beautiful countryside provides walks and inspiration. — Clare Mcphee

I absolutely loved everything about the Clockhouse. No complaints! The food was fantastic, the staff were helpful, and the other writers based here were great company. Thank you so much for providing this. We have nothing that compares to this in the US. — Retreat Visitor

Explore The Clockhouse

Learn more about the Clockhouse here. Take a look inside the accommodation, explore the grounds and learn more about transportation and food in our FAQ.

2024/25 fees, for retreats taking place from January 2024:

6-day retreats (Tues – Mon)

1 st Floor Apartment: £1040*

2 nd Floor Apartment: £940*

4-day retreats (Thurs – Mon)

1 st Floor Apartment: £730*

2 nd Floor Apartment: £660*

* All prices above include VAT at 20%

For bookings of more than two consecutive 6-day retreats , we offer a 10% discount on the third and subsequent retreats. Please email [email protected] to take advantage of this offer.

September 2024

6 days / Tue 03 - Mon 09 Sep 2024

Add to waiting list

4 days / Thu 19 - Mon 23 Sep 2024

6 days / Tue 24 - Mon 30 Sep 2024

October 2024

6 days / Tue 01 - Mon 07 Oct 2024

6 days / Tue 08 - Mon 14 Oct 2024

6 days / Tue 15 - Mon 21 Oct 2024

6 days / Tue 22 - Mon 28 Oct 2024

6 days / Tue 29 Oct - Mon 04 Nov 2024

November 2024

6 days / Tue 05 - Mon 11 Nov 2024

4 days / Thu 14 - Mon 18 Nov 2024

6 days / Tue 19 - Mon 25 Nov 2024

6 days / Tue 26 Nov - Mon 02 Dec 2024

December 2024

6 days / Tue 03 - Mon 09 Dec 2024

6 days / Tue 10 - Mon 16 Dec 2024

January 2025

4 days / Thu 16 - Mon 20 Jan 2025

6 days / Tue 21 - Mon 27 Jan 2025

6 days / Tue 28 Jan - Mon 03 Feb 2025

February 2025

6 days / Tue 04 - Mon 10 Feb 2025

6 days / Tue 11 - Mon 17 Feb 2025

6 days / Tue 18 - Mon 24 Feb 2025

6 days / Tue 25 Feb - Mon 03 Mar 2025

6 days / Tue 04 - Mon 10 Mar 2025

6 days / Tue 11 - Mon 17 Mar 2025

6 days / Tue 18 - Mon 24 Mar 2025

4 days / Thu 27 - Mon 31 Mar 2025

6 days / Tue 01 - Mon 07 Apr 2025

6 days / Tue 08 - Mon 14 Apr 2025

6 days / Tue 15 - Mon 21 Apr 2025

6 days / Tue 22 - Mon 28 Apr 2025

6 days / Tue 29 Apr - Mon 05 May 2025

4 days / Thu 08 - Mon 12 May 2025

6 days / Tue 13 - Mon 19 May 2025

6 days / Tue 20 - Mon 26 May 2025

6 days / Tue 27 May - Mon 02 Jun 2025

6 days / Tue 03 - Mon 09 Jun 2025

6 days / Tue 10 - Mon 16 Jun 2025

6 days / Tue 17 - Mon 23 Jun 2025

6 days / Tue 24 - Mon 30 Jun 2025

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Booking details

• Six-day retreats at The Clockhouse are Tuesday (arrive from 1.30pm) to Monday (depart by 10am).*
• Four-day retreats at The Clockhouse are Thursday (arrive from 1.30pm) to Monday (depart by 10am)*
• The retreat fee includes full board accommodation (not including alcohol).
• To secure your place, you will need to pay a deposit of £200 at the time of booking.
• You are welcome to pay in instalments via our online booking system.
• The full balance of your retreat fee is payable no later than six weeks before the retreat starts.
• Please note that pets are not permitted.
• We do not currently offer grants for Writers Retreats.
• No guests or visitors are permitted within The Clockhouse during your stay.
• Parking is available at The Hurst. For travel details to The Hurst see here.
• The building is wheelchair-accessible throughout, with level access to all floors and a lift. There is also one apartment with a height-adjustable desk and fully accessible wet-room.

Travel to The Clockhouse

By train / taxi

There are rail connections to London, Wales, the North and South-West England from Craven Arms station, eight miles away.

The nearest station is Craven Arms, eight miles from The Hurst. It is a fairly well-serviced station on the main line between Manchester and Cardiff, with rail connections to London, the North and South-West England.

You will need to book a cab to collect you. Below are the numbers of local companies we recommend. The journey takes around 20 minutes so please bear this in mind when you are planning your trip.

Rez’s Cab – 07487 899102

Wolfcar – 01584 856690

Ron – 07890 904732

Details on how to travel to The Hurst by car can be found here . We have plenty of free car parking available at The Hurst.

Arrival & departure times

You should plan to arrive between 1.30 and 3.30pm. An Arvon staff member will give a short talk about the centre at 4pm. Please note that we are not able to receive you here at the Clockhouse before 1.30pm. Similarly, we ask you to vacate the accommodation no later than 10am on your day of departure.

All your food will be provided during your stay at The Clockhouse. Breakfast and lunch will be a “help yourself” arrangement. You will find a good range of food in the kitchen, just help yourself. For your evening meal there will be a choice of locally produced frozen meals for you to heat up. We will provide meat, vegetarian and vegan options but for all other dietary requirements please feel free to bring what you need with you.

We encourage you to dine with your fellow writers at 7pm each evening if you would like to. If you wish to drink alcohol please bring your own supplies. There is a general store in Clun, the nearest village, with a good range of wines and beers.

If you would like to do some foraging of your own you will find a small general store and butchers in Clun, 1 mile away, a supermarket, butchers and other shops in Bishop’s Castle, just under 7 miles away, also in Craven Arms, 7 miles away, and a wide variety of food shops, including delis, butchers and bakers in Ludlow, a 30 minute drive away.

Communications

There is a reasonable mobile signal for EE and Vodafone at The Clockhouse but on other networks, the coverage varies. There is Wi-Fi available throughout the building. There are also two printers located in communal areas.

Towels will be provided and there is a washing machine and tumble drier in The Clockhouse. The Clockhouse will be cleaned weekly, after writers have departed, and not during the period of your stay. You will have access to the 26 acres of Hurst grounds and gardens so do bring some suitable footwear.

The local area

The Hurst sits within The Shropshire Hills, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. There are some wonderful walks, in every direction. We will provide local maps and recommended walks.

Accessibility

The building is wheelchair-accessible throughout, with level access to all floors and a lift. There is also one apartment with a desk that can be adapted to accommodate a wheelchair, and fully accessible wet-room. Please let us know your accessibility needs on booking, and we will do our utmost to accommodate your requirements.

As The Clockhouse is a retreat space we ask that you do not invite any guests into The Clockhouse during your stay there.

We are sorry but pets are not allowed at The Clockhouse.

If you have any additional questions please feel free to be in touch either by phone or e-mail –

[email protected] / 01588 640 658

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Writing Courses, Holidays & Retreats in the UK

Welcome to our creative writing retreat in spectacular york, uk.

It’s possible to write anywhere, of course, but the pleasure of writing on a retreat lies in combining creative pursuits with the discovery of new friends, new places and new experiences. York is a spectacular city in the North East of England founded by the Romans in 71AD. It has a long and fascinating history, and a wealth of intriguing buildings and attractions to explore.

Sound appealing? Then join us for an experience of a lifetime at our creative writing retreat in York, UK.

Who joins our creative UK writing retreats?

Writers attending solo, or with family or friends. Beginners who have never written before, and novelists with manuscripts in the final stages. Writers wishing to focus entirely on their creative work, and others who combine our workshops with daily sightseeing tours.

Our retreat in York, UK is ideal even for people who have not traveled before, since the city is one direct train ride from the international airport at Manchester, and can be accessed directly from central London.

Whoever you are, wherever you live, you’re welcome.

Click here to find out more information about our beautiful location in York, UK

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“I felt so content and safe throughout my stay. This is the most relaxed and peaceful I have ever been.”

Also check out our Writing Retreat in Mexico!

Join us for an experience of a lifetime at our urban creative writing retreat in Merida, Mexico. Click here to see more information.

Creative Writing Retreats: Feedback from Participants

Running creative writing workshops in fabulous and inspiring locations is a passion for us! Check out what previous participants have to say about our writing retreats. All these reviews – and more – can be found at https://www.facebook.com/centauriwritingretreats/reviews What our writers say about the community atmosphere of our writing retreats: “I have been to the retreats in Costa Rica and Merida. I have built friendships with fellow writers, received affirming feedback, felt supported and encouraged, laughed hard, and loved every moment.” – Ingrid A. “My fellow attendees were incredibly passionate people who enjoyed holding each other up and encouraging creativity [...]

Why join our creative writing retreat in Costa Rica? Here’s six reasons!

Serenity in Nature… While you Write Costa Rica is the perfect place to unwind and get creative, inspired by the wonders of nature. At our boutique hotel just outside Quepos, you’ll be greeted by toucans in the morning and squirrel monkeys in the evening. You’ll breathe in the lush rainforest air one moment, and the soft ocean breeze the next. Work on your novel, memoir, poetry, short story or writing fragments at one of the hotel’s lookout points, on the beach, in a café at the marina, or in the little coffee shop overlooking the pool. Writing Retreats Are Great for [...]

Join us for our Next Creative Writing Retreat to Costa Rica!

Our next Costa Rica Writing Retreat (Saturday 19th to Saturday 26th January 2025) is held in partnership with a boutique hotel in Quepos, just 2.5 hours south of the international airport at San Jose. Like all our retreat, it’s suitable for beginner and experienced writers of fiction, poetry and memoir! About Our Hotel Our base for this trip is Las Cascadas Boutique Hotel - https://www.lascascadasthefalls.com/. Located in rainforest, Las Cascadas is just  a 5 minute walk from the new marina at Quepos, which has a wealth of restaurants and cafes overlooking the ocean. Our writers stay in private rooms within gorgeously-decorated [...]

Spotlight on our Mexican Creative Writing Retreat Destination: Luz en Yucatan, Merida!

A Creative Writing Retreat in Mexico requires a very special location. It must be somewhere relaxing, inspiring, with a wonderful ambience. It should be somewhere with ample nooks and crannies for writers to relax and write. It should have great food, appealing cocktails (!!) and staff who know how to make you feel at home. It should be quiet enough that creative writing workshops can take place in the right atmosphere, yet close enough to interesting places, so our writers can explore in the afternoons. Luz en Yucatan, the base for our creative writing retreats in Mexico, has all these things. [...]

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Discover your inner writer in a beautiful setting with experienced, published tutors. Our residential and day courses offer a chance to explore your voice and build on a range of writing techniques with like-minded people.

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Whether you are a new writer or wrestling with your work-in-progress, Inkwell courses will allow you to hone and practise your skills in drama, poetry and prose.

All tutors are successful, published writers. Residential courses are joined by another critically acclaimed guest writer. Workshops focus on developing craft and style through a variety of prompts, and are designed to appeal to writers in any genre. Emphasis is placed on the importance of critique and feedback in a supportive and safe environment.

Meals and accommodation are included on residential courses, with a complimentary glass of fizz on the first night. At whatever writing stage you happen to be, whether that is on the point of publication or at the beginning of your writing journey, allow yourself peace and space to release your creative energy. In a world that never stops strutting and fretting, take time out to find your own words.

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Welcome 2024

Welcome to our 2024 schedule of courses, tutored retreats and untutored retreats at The Garsdale Retreat!

2023 has been another phenomenal year – a few places short of being fully booked. It felt rather like Glastonbury when we opened for bookings last November with half the places going in the first week and two retreats selling out on the first day.

Once again, we have been delighted to welcome back many ‘returners’ as well as newcomers. All speak of the unique, nurturing atmosphere of The Garsdale Retreat and the special feel of being in a writer’s home. We also learnt this year of an entire poetry course group meeting up for a weekend’s writing together. Firm friendships are often formed and last way beyond the duration of courses or retreats.

As usual many participants also suggest they would come back to Garsdale for the food alone! Rebecca’s cordon bleu cooking certainly goes from strength to strength with many demands being made for a new set of recipe cards. ‘Seven More Soups’ or perhaps ‘Seven Salads.’ Who knows what the winter might bring!

The remote beauty of our Yorkshire Dales location has again been very much appreciated. Most people have enjoyed walks in the National Park and a few intrepid souls have enjoyed swimming in the Clough!

It has been wonderful to once again greet people from around the globe including Canada, Australia, Singapore, Malta, Spain, Germany, France, USA, Turkey and the Republic of Ireland. We feel we are a truly international centre!

We are excited to introduce a writing poetry for children course this year and are delighted to offer another broad range of courses: poetry, fiction and memoir with an outstanding line-up of tutors and guest readers, not to mention our ever popular untutored retreats.

Rebecca and I hope you find a course or retreat to suit your creative needs and look forward to welcoming you to Garsdale in 2024.

Hamish Wilson

Our 2024 Virtual Workshops

Our popular virtual workshops will be back in Winter 2024

Our Midsummer 2024 Residential Retreat*

14th to 17th June in Herriot Country

Deposits being taken now

We are delighted to announce our Midsummer 2024 residential retreat; based in the beautiful and historic Holy Rood House, Thirsk, North Yorkshire. Close to inspiring gardens, walks, museums and the glorious market place. 

*A non residential option is available

We guarantee to get you writing

We offer Support and encouragement

Inspiring material

Novelist Clara Challoner Walker and poet Janet Dean created Awakening the Writer Within in 2014, to share their passion for creative writing and literature with like-minded people.

Now, ten years later, a welcoming community of writers has been forged and the virtual and face to face retreats, courses and workshops in Yorkshire and in South West France have received outstanding participant feedback, from both novice and established writers......

Our Courses

Our midsummer 2024 retreat in Herriot Country, North Yorkshire

14th to 17th June 2024

Our residential retreats are  ideal for those looking to start, develop or finish a writing project with peace, quiet, inspriration and support

NOTE - a non residential option is available for those with alternative accommodation within reach of Thirsk

Residential writing retreats in glorious locations

Thank you for joining us in the Spring. We're back again later in 2024

Our half-day, virtual workshops offer the inspiration and opportunity for writing, stimulated by inspiring prompts, delivered throughout the.afternoon, Zoom calls for collaboration and interaction and an...

Prices from £ 12 pp ​

Our 2024 Virtual

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Our writing Community 

Our online is a platform providing monthly inspiration and prompts directly to your inbox with sharing opportunities and encouragement too. Helps you to connect with likeminded people to improve your writing...

Testimonials

"It couldn't have been better! You and Clara make a harmonious team, your preparation paid off spectacularly, and the breadth and depth of content was just what I wanted"

"The two of you as a partnership have something very special to give and I especially appreciated the extremely kind and sensitive way you made everyone feel they had something worthwhile to contribute without any pressure"

"You both helped me so much. I learned an amazing amount and walked away really inspired to do more writing"

Our first anthology 'First Awakening' was published in May 2020.

All contributions are from previous participants on our workshops including established writers and those new to writing.

Critical Appraisals

Contact us if you are looking for individual support for your writing

The Creatrix Walking and Writing Journey

Walking and Writing Courses, Workshops and Retreats to unlock your inner writer and raise the collective consciousness step by step….

We provide walking & creative writing courses to connect soul-led women who are changemakers, coaches, healers and creatives back to the source and their creativity so that they can write the words that need to be written.

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Creative Walking & Writing Course

Join  Awaken the Creatrix  from anywhere in the world to write, walk and create. Join the sacred circle for six weeks to activate your inner creatrix and tap into creating word magic.

Writing Workshops & Retreats 

Attend our   in person walk and write retreats and workshops  to walk and write, connect to the source. Attend these powerful in person events and retreats to get back in touch with nature and your creativity.

Writing Coaching & Mentoring

Working with Claire Winter on sharing your soul-led words, story and mission, which will change lives one story at a time. You can book a complimentary call here .

The Creatrix Journey

The Creatrix Journey was born to help bring together nature and creativity. The combination of walking and writing provides an opportunity to escape from daily life and draw inspiration from fellow students and the nature surrounding you.

Run by professional writing coaches, our courses, workshops and retreats offer opportunities for new, emerging and experienced writers to spend time in nature and write the words that need to be written.

Our dream is to help you to return to nature, ignite your creativity and provide a haven for creative writing.

Suffering with writer’s block?  Download our super simple how-to guide  that will help you to find your passion, improve your writing and unleash your inner writer.

Testimonials

Kelly vikings shares her experience of the awaken the creatrix circle.

We provide inspirational walking and writing Workshops, UK writing retreats and creative writing courses tutored by professional writers to help you develop your inner creativity.

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Cambridge Creative

Writing Company

Writing a novel can be like navigating an unknown landscape without a map. You're all alone and, after a while, supplies and morale are low. You know the destination you want to reach; you're consulting your compass and making progress, but it's proving harder than you thought. Landmarks are missing and instructions are vague - what you need now is a wise, kindly guide to show you the way.

Together we've helped hundreds of aspiring writers along the road to publication. Perhaps you're just at the beginning, with a good idea but no idea of how to spin it into a book. Perhaps you're in the middle but have stalled. Perhaps you're close to the end, looking for that next level of polish. Wherever you are in your journey to publication, we have the perfect tools to help you taking your writing to the next level!

We provide insightful, motivational, and interactive small-group dayschools to support you in honing your writing skills and to jump-start your next fiction or non-fiction project. Our classes are led by internationally published authors and University of Cambridge tutors in creative writing  Menna van Praag  and  Emily Winslow . All are held in-person at Jesus College in  Cambridge’s historic city centre .  

See what we have coming up on our Classes & Events page,  or learn in the comfort of your own home with Emily's brilliant book: Time to Write . 

“Emily and Menna are a brilliant teaching team.” Simon Clarke

© 2022 by Emily Winslow and Menna van Praag. Proudly created with Wix.com

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Looking for a place to stay and write, or an opportunity to spend focussed time on a project? We are pleased to announce a range of Norwich UNESCO City of Literature residency and retreat opportunities for writers and translators.

Whether you’d like to apply for a Dragon Hall retreat, take part in our circular residency exchange with Québec UNESCO City of Literature, or join us online as a virtual resident, we can offer you the unique and valuable gift of time, space, and freedom, allowing you to produce you best work

Dragon Hall Retreats

The Dragon Hall Cottage is available for retreats for creative writers and literary translators, providing the perfect space to work from our Literature House, here in Norwich UNESCO City of Literature. Our first Retreats in the cottage have proved so popular that we are offering two more Retreats in August 2024.

The Retreats are open to creative writers and literary translators at any stage of their career, offering the chance to focus on work in progress, carry out research in the region, or maybe come as a pair to collaborate on a project.

We have set aside time for two 12-day retreats in August 2024. You can apply via our website , with a deadline of Monday 8 April 2024 .

The Retreat was incredible. I have never had the opportunity to solely focus on my work for that amount of time… to have no responsibilities from home or work was a true gift.

Québec City UNESCO residency

Image © Llamaryon

Norwich is part of a new circular residency exchange project initiated by Québec City with other UNESCO Cities of Literature around the world. The aim of this exchange is to forge links between the partner cities, their literary ecosystem and their writers and translators, as well as to raise the profile of the UNESCO City of Literature designation. In 2024, Norwich is hosting a writer or a translator from Krakow, and Québec City is hosting a writer from Norwich.

We are now open for applications for the writing residency in Québec City, which will run from 1 to 31 August 2024. This opportunity is open to published writers based in England. Writers applying for this residency should have some connection with Norwich, whether they’ve lived, worked or studied in the city, or featured it in their writing.

During their residency, in addition to working on their own creative project, the visiting writer will be asked to write a short text that captures their experience of the host city. The writing residency will be hosted by the Maison de la littérature, in the heart of Québec City’s historic district. In addition to the writing residency, the Maison de la littérature houses a public library, writing rooms, a graphic novel studio, a creative studio, and a theatre, which stages a programme of literary events.

For more details about the residency and the application process, check out the call on our website . The deadline for applications is Monday 25 March 2024 .

You can read about our previous virtual residency exchange between writers in Norwich and Québec City in the Imagining the City section of our website .

I made new writing friends and was invited to the studio and home of a local artist. It was an honour to be considered the ‘Writer in Residence at NCW’

Visible Communities virtual residencies

NCW has offered virtual residencies as part of our Visible Communities programme since 2021. You can read commissions, listen to podcasts and watch events with previous translators in residence on the Visible Communities section of our website .

In 2024, we would like to appoint three translators in virtual residence for the Visible Communities programme. The three residencies will run simultaneously for three months, from September to November 2024. We will pay a fee of £3,000 per residency.

The aim of the virtual residency is to support literary translators to work on a project that addresses in some way the concerns of the Visible Communities programme, outlined on our website. We will commission our virtual residents to write a piece for the NCW website about their project and to curate a translation-related Meet the World event during the residency.

We will programme regular online meetings with the three translators in virtual residence, offering an opportunity for them to share work in progress and gain feedback from each other. This year, we will also be offering each translator in residence a mentoring session with an experienced literary translator who will give feedback on work and advice on a career in literary translation.

The Visible Communities residencies are open to UK-based Black, Asian and Ethnically Diverse literary translators working from any language into English. We are particularly interested in collaborating with literary translators and writers who translate from or have some knowledge of the diaspora and heritage language communities within the UK.

For more details about the residency and the application process, check out the call on our website . The deadline for applications is Monday 22 April 2024.

‘I’ve been privileged to undertake two residencies with NCW in the last few years – the first a translation, the second an oral history project. Both these residencies, in different ways, have helped me reconfigure my own engagement with the literary scene in the UK, and consider how I might move forward in this regard. As a published writer and literary editor in Nepal, where I grew up, returning to the UK to take up a fulltime job as a copywriter/editor was a challenge. Engaging with NCW has allowed me to refresh myself and branch out into translation. Thank you for the opportunity!’ – Rabi Thapa, translator in virtual residence, 2023

Funded residency time is the best thing that can be offered to emerging translators and helps remedy some of the issues within the literary translation industry.

Korean-English literary translation residency

We have partnered with the Literature Translation Institute of Korea since 2019 to offer residencies in the Dragon Hall Cottage to literary translators working from Korean to English, whether based in the UK or elsewhere. Former residents include Anton Hur , Mattho Mandersloot , and three of the translators involved in the IYAGI series of chapbooks published by Strangers Press – Clare Richards , Soobin Kim and Paige Aniyah Morris .

This year, the residency is open to an experienced literary translator working between Korean and English and based anywhere in the world. The residency will run from Monday 1 July to Saturday 27 July 2024 and will offer focused time to work on a translation project, with support from a UK-based mentor. The Korean translator in residence will also have the opportunity to attend plenary sessions at the BCLT summer school , which will take place online in 2024.

For more details about the residency and the application process, check out the call on our website . The deadline for applications is Monday 25 March 2024 .

A residency provides two of the most valuable elements to any translator’s or writer’s practice: time and (at least temporary) freedom from financial concerns. These elements are essential for creativity. The residency is also an incredible and unrivalled opportunity to connect with a literary community and converse with fellow literature lovers and creators.

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Victoria Adukwei Bulley offers five tops tips for thinking about and applying for opportunities

25th November 2019

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Residential Writing Retreat

Creative writing workshops, one-to-one mentoring, freedom to write is a creative writing venture run by yvonne jewkes and andy west. we are already looking forward to 2025..

Our aim at Freedom to Write is to help you to write from your experience. When writing goes well, it can be intensely satisfying and fulfilling. We want you to experience that feeling of excitement when the writing flows, or when you read it back and think appreciatively, did I write that?!

Our main event is the annual summer writing retreat held at Mad Dogs and Vintage Vans in Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire. Places get booked up quickly, so if you’d like to register for this wonderfully relaxing and inspiring three-night residential creative writing experience, we advise you book early. More details can be found on the ‘Retreat’ pages – link at the top.

We also run one-day writing workshops at a private members club in Soho and are hoping to extend these to the beautiful city of Bath later in 2024. They include a mixture of writing, tutoring and lots of sociability and support from the group. A delicious lunch will be enjoyed in The Union Club’s renowned restaurant. Click on the ‘Workshop’ link above. We were also thrilled to appear at The Bath festival on 20th May 2024 and are very much hoping to be invited back in 2025. 

If you would like help getting started, getting going, or getting finished – or if you would appreciate being guided through your whole creative writing journey – check out our ‘Mentoring’ page to find out about 1:1 mentoring and editorial services.

We teach creative writing in prisons too and are currently Writers-in-Residence at HMP Grendon, funded by Arts Council England and Friends of Grendon. Any small profits we make from the retreats and workshops are used to support our work in prisons and with people who have been to prison or who have had a family member who has served a prison sentence.

Whichever event you sign up for, at Freedom to Write we will help you get started or overcome common mental blocks. Wherever you are on your writing journey, we will meet you there, and we’ll support you in taking the steps to write the story you are uniquely placed to tell.

Email us at [email protected]  if you’d like to join our mailing list and be kept up to date with developments.

This is perfect. I would do it again, preferably for longer. I can imagine writing my book in this setting, with support of others, engaged tutors and freedom from the rest of my life…if I was rating it, I’d be giving it all the stars!

REGISTER INTEREST

NEXT RETREAT

MAD DOGS & VINTAGE VANS

20-23 JUNE 2025

NEXT WORKSHOP

One-to-one mentoring .

Writing Retreats | © Freedom to Write | Site by Radius

Need to get away from it all? Welcome to writing heaven.

Easy to reach.

20 minute taxi from a mainline station (Newton Abbot in Devon).

Your own room

No sharing! (Unless you want to share with a friend/partner – supplement applies).

No workshops or classes

Just days on end of blissful writing to focus on your own project.

Six or three nights and days of glorious writing

Arrive at 6pm on your first day and leave up to 4:30pm on the last day to maximise writing time.

All food included (and some wine!)

No cooking, no cleaning. I look after you so that you can focus on writing.

Peace and quiet

Well, except for the odd donkey/cockerel. It’s the countryside, after all.

A room of one's own

Bedrooms range from cute little singles to huge kingsizes with claw-foot bathtubs. And no need to share.

Space to think

Escape from chores and all the everyday junk that takes up your headspace, so you can finally think straight.

En-suite Rooms

An en-suite double in the attic, all for you.

It has a huge kingsize bed, an armchair and a table you can write at.

There’s also a little window seat and a bathroom, including a free-standing slipper bath with hand-held shower.

An en-suite double in the attic that’s all yours.

It has a huge kingsize bed and an armchair. There’s an old sewing machine table you can write at, or I can provide a folding table.

There’s also a little window seat and a bathroom, including a free-standing slipper bath with hand-held shower.

A large family room with an en-suite bathroom, all to yourself.

It has a kingsize bed, a single bed in the corner, a sofa, armchairs and a big window seat. I can bring in a folding table if you want to write in your room.

Please note that the ensuite is down a few stairs and round a corner, if mobility is an issue.

lA small room with a big bed, above the kitchen at the back of the house.

It’s a bit quirky – you do get noise from the kitchen and the bath can be slow to fill, but it has its own large bathroom with a nice deep bath (no shower), and the kingsize bed is new and comfy.

It has a deep windowsill that some writers find convenient to use as a desk.

Non-ensuite rooms

A cosy attic room with a little window seat.

It’s small and sweet, with a single bed and a shared bathroom.

There’s no desk, but I can bring a small folding desk that will fit in front of the window.

A pretty single room with a huge window.

It’s small, with a single bed and a shared bathroom.

There’s no desk, but I can bring a small folding desk for you, and some writers find the deep windowsill works for them to write on too.

A huge room with a kingsize bed all to yourself, a chaise-longue, window seat and an armchair.

There’s also a small round occasional table if you’d like to write in your room (or I can find a larger folding table for you). At the moment, this room is assigned a private bathroom down the hall.

Autumn/Winter 2024

Dates go up in batches, so pop your details in the big turquoise signup box below to hear about new dates. Only dates listed here are available as my dates depend on when the venue can fit us in.

Writers who have been before get priority booking but if the date you want is sold out just ask me to  put you on the waiting list,  as spaces do occasionally come up.

Monday 23rd  – Thursday 26th September 2024

3 night retreat. Arrival is at 6pm on the Monday, departure at 4:30pm on Thursday

Friday 27th September – Thursday 3rd October 2024

6 or 3 night retreat. Arrival is at 6pm on the first day, departure at 4:30pm on the last day

Monday 4th – Sunday 10th November 2024

6 retreat. Arrival is at 6pm on Monday, departure at 4:30pm on Sunday

Friday 6th – Thursday 12th December 2024

**PLEASE NOTE THIS RETREAT IS LIKELY TO BE VEGETARIAN OR PESCATARIAN**

Dates for winter/spring 2025 will be released around November

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Get new retreat dates.

Find out about new dates, courses and free resources.

Semi-regular newsletters also contain cheerleading, encouragement and random stuff to make writers happy (sadly no unicorns though).

PRICES SPRING 2024

Supplement for additional person in your room: £200 per 3 nights.

• Important booking information

Rooms are first come-first served. I’ll do my best to allocate you the type of room you request, but you’re asked for 2 choices and I’ll let you know the options if there are any problems. Please make sure you check availability before filling in the booking form.

Once you’ve booked, I’ll email you (this can take a few days) to confirm I’ve got your request and to send an invoice, and you’ll then have a week to transfer the money in order to secure your room. Rooms can’t be held without payment.

Cancellations and date changes must be made six weeks ahead of your retreat start date for a refund. If you cancel or change dates between three and six weeks ahead of your retreat date you’ll be entitled to a 50% refund. After this date, no refunds or changes are possible. All cancellations and booking changes are also subject to a £30 admin fee.

Please make sure that you have travel insurance now in case you’re unable to come to the retreat at the last minute, have trouble on the journey, etc.

You’ll arrive in the evening of your first day (from 6pm) and you may have to vacate your room after breakfast on your last day so that your room can be prepared for new arrivals, but you don’t have to leave until 4:30pm so that you get the maximum possible writing time.

Please note that I’m a home cook and can’t deal with severe food intolerances or particularly difficult requirements. If you think you might fit into this category, please contact me before booking.

What's included?

Will i get my own room, is there a room-sharing discount, are there any covid-19 precautions in place.

The situation with Covid-19 can change quickly. While such measures are not in place at the time of writing, in order to protect the group members we reserve the right to insist that writers who wish to attend take precautions, which might include confirming a negative lateral flow test before arrival (and potentially midweek), wearing masks in public areas, requests to sanitise hands,etc.

If appropriate at the time of your retreat, we may also put measures in place like additional cleaning, eating in the larger dining room and keeping windows open in communal spaces.

Writers who feel unwell should take a Covid-19 test and not attend if it is positive. If you are unwell during the retreat you may be asked to take a lateral flow test and leave if positive (or indeed if you are unwell with another condition that puts other group members at risk). You must make sure that you have travel insurance that will cover this eventuality.

If a group member has to leave because they have Covid, it is likely that the retreat will continue. If, however, your retreat is cancelled, you will receive a pro-rata refund for your remaining retreat time. We are only able to refund monies paid directly to Urban Writers’ Retreat, so please ensure your travel insurance covers associated costs such as travel.

Can you deal with my food allergies/intolerances/weird aversion to broccoli?

What's the house like and is it accessible.

It’s a comfortable 7-bedroom grade II listed farmhouse with a large dining room to write in. Think country-style and relaxed – it’s lovely and homely rather than 5* luxury. Being so old, it’s also pretty creaky and you will be able to hear people walking overhead or talking loudly. I ask people to be considerate of noise for this reason.

I’m really sorry, but the house isn’t accessible or wheelchair-friendly. It’s on a steep hill and has many stairs (the attic rooms are up quite steep stairs). I’d love to run retreats in an accessible house, so if you know of one I might be able to hire with at least 6 bedrooms that might work for a retreat, please let me know!

Er, how about you tell me about the writing now?

How do i get there, is there wifi, what are the arrival and departure times.

Write Retreat UK

A tranquil writing and thinking space by the beach

Retreat dates and prices 2025

Writing retreats in 2024

Apologies all 2024 places at Write Retreat are now are now booked.  However I  am available to visit Universities to facilitate retreats throughout the year.

Retreats in 2025

Friday April 25- Sunday April 27 – (2 places available) 2 nights -£325   Book

Friday 9 May – Monday 12 May  – (2 places available) 3 nights – £480   Book

Monday 19 May – Thursday 22 May – 3 nights -(2 places available) £480 Book

Sunday 15 June to Wednesday 18 June  Fully Booked

More June, July and September dates to follow.  More information

Group bookings (Choose your dates) 

Groups of 3 people can book exclusive use of the retreat . Group retreats are particularly effective as a way of completing co-authored papers/books, preparing research bids and preparing documentation for validations/revalidations.  I can usually book accommodation close by and host larger groups (up to 5 people).

All rooms have a double bed and a comfortable work space.  The bathroom, shower room and toilets are shared. The price includes unlimited tea and coffee, continental breakfast, buffet-lunch and evening meal.

Cancellation Policy 

You can cancel up to 8 weeks before the retreat and I will provide a full refund of any money paid.  If you cancel between 6-8 weeks I can refund 50% or postpone your booking until another time.   If less than 6 weeks then I can’t refund any money unless I am able to fill your space.

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The Creative Writing Breakfast Club Sunday 8th Sept 2024

Join writer Laurie Bolger for Creative Writing Breakfast Club, a chance to get scribbling from the comfort of your own space via Zoom.

Date and time

Refund policy, about this event.

• Event lasts 1 hour

The Creative Writing Breakfast Club as featured in Time Out is a Free Flow Creative Writing hour with writer Laurie Bolger.

This session is about letting your creativity lead the way, generating new and exciting writing in your own unique style.

During this 60 minute workshop Laurie will take you through fast paced writing exercises to boost mindfulness. All you need is a pen and paper and somewhere chilled to sit and let your imagination do it’s thing.

Laurie Bolger is a London based writer & the founder of The Creative Writing Breakfast Club. Laurie’s work has been widely anthologised & has featured at Glastonbury, TATE & Sky Arts. Laurie’s first publication Box Rooms celebrated community & her W10 roots.

Laurie was the winner of The Moth Poetry Prize & was shortlisted for The Sylvia Plath, Bridport & Forward Poetry Prize. Her latest books include Makeover & Spin celebrating the resilience of working class women, autonomy & love.

Laurie has collaborated with global brands, charities & organisations such as Google, Small Luxury Hotels of the World, Liberty, Penhaligons, Nationwide, Glastonbury, Choose Love, Mind UK, TATE & Sky Arts.

Laurie has been teaching creative workshops for over a decade bringing people together to celebrate their own unique voices & scribbles.

“ If you ever want a cosy, creative, calming place to explore writing, Laurie's workshops are perfection…My heart is so full (I know what that means now)” Breakfast Clubber 2024

"My first workshop of Laurie's & definitely won’t be my last… ideas exploding all over the shop - thank you, loved it"

Writing: Water Participant 2023

“Laurie’s workshops are a safe & at the same time dangerous place for writing..."

Writing The Seven Deadly Sins Workshop Participant 2022

"Probably the best, most productive w/s I've ever attended. Fantastic. Thank you!"

Writing The Body Participant 2023

“If I could jump inside her poems I would…I imagine it’d be lovely & warm in there” Hollie McNish

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Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writingm, Distance Education (MFA)

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Creative Writers are at the heart of our cultural industries. Poets, novelists, screenwriters, playwrights, graphic novelists, magazine writers: they entertain, inform and inspire. For more than 15 years, UBC's Creative Writing program has been educating writers through distance education in a program which complements our long-standing on-campus MFA program.

A studio program with the writing workshop at its heart, the distance MFA focuses on the work created by students as the primary text. Through intensive peer critique and craft discussion, faculty and students work together with the same goal: literary excellence.

The MFA granted to distance students is the same degree as granted to on-campus students, and the same criteria of excellence in multiple genres of study apply.

For specific program requirements, please refer to the departmental program website

What makes the program unique?

UBC's Optional-Residency (Distance) MFA was the first distance education MFA program in Canada and remains the only full MFA which can be taken completely online. It is designed to be uniquely flexible, allowing students across Canada and around the world to study writing at the graduate level while still living in their local communities and fulfilling career and family obligations.

The program is unique globally for its multi-genre approach to writing instruction: students are required to work in multiple genres during the course of the degree. As a fine arts program rather than an English program, students focus on the practice of writing rather than the study of literature. Students may work on a part-time basis, taking up to five years to complete the degree.

My time in the Creative writing grad program at UBC has given me the discipline and focus I need to complete long-form writing pieces and larger poetry projects.

Kwaku Darko-Mensah Jnr.

Quick Facts

Program enquiries, admission information & requirements, program instructions.

The optional residency MFA (distance) program only has a July intake.

1) Check Eligibility

Minimum academic requirements.

The Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies establishes the minimum admission requirements common to all applicants, usually a minimum overall average in the B+ range (76% at UBC). The graduate program that you are applying to may have additional requirements. Please review the specific requirements for applicants with credentials from institutions in:

• Canada or the United States
• International countries other than the United States

Each program may set higher academic minimum requirements. Please review the program website carefully to understand the program requirements. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission as it is a competitive process.

English Language Test

Applicants from a university outside Canada in which English is not the primary language of instruction must provide results of an English language proficiency examination as part of their application. Tests must have been taken within the last 24 months at the time of submission of your application.

Minimum requirements for the two most common English language proficiency tests to apply to this program are listed below:

TOEFL: Test of English as a Foreign Language - internet-based

Overall score requirement : 90

IELTS: International English Language Testing System

Overall score requirement : 6.5

Other Test Scores

Some programs require additional test scores such as the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Graduate Management Test (GMAT). The requirements for this program are:

The GRE is not required.

2) Meet Deadlines

3) prepare application, transcripts.

All applicants have to submit transcripts from all past post-secondary study. Document submission requirements depend on whether your institution of study is within Canada or outside of Canada.

Letters of Reference

A minimum of three references are required for application to graduate programs at UBC. References should be requested from individuals who are prepared to provide a report on your academic ability and qualifications.

Statement of Interest

Many programs require a statement of interest , sometimes called a "statement of intent", "description of research interests" or something similar.

• Supervision

Students in research-based programs usually require a faculty member to function as their thesis supervisor. Please follow the instructions provided by each program whether applicants should contact faculty members.

Instructions regarding thesis supervisor contact for Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writingm, Distance Education (MFA)

Citizenship verification.

Permanent Residents of Canada must provide a clear photocopy of both sides of the Permanent Resident card.

4) Apply Online

All applicants must complete an online application form and pay the application fee to be considered for admission to UBC.

Tuition & Financial Support

Financial Support

Applicants to UBC have access to a variety of funding options, including merit-based (i.e. based on your academic performance) and need-based (i.e. based on your financial situation) opportunities.

Scholarships & awards (merit-based funding)

All applicants are encouraged to review the awards listing to identify potential opportunities to fund their graduate education. The database lists merit-based scholarships and awards and allows for filtering by various criteria, such as domestic vs. international or degree level.

Graduate Research Assistantships (GRA)

Many professors are able to provide Research Assistantships (GRA) from their research grants to support full-time graduate students studying under their supervision. The duties constitute part of the student's graduate degree requirements. A Graduate Research Assistantship is considered a form of fellowship for a period of graduate study and is therefore not covered by a collective agreement. Stipends vary widely, and are dependent on the field of study and the type of research grant from which the assistantship is being funded.

Graduate Teaching Assistantships (GTA)

Graduate programs may have Teaching Assistantships available for registered full-time graduate students. Full teaching assistantships involve 12 hours work per week in preparation, lecturing, or laboratory instruction although many graduate programs offer partial TA appointments at less than 12 hours per week. Teaching assistantship rates are set by collective bargaining between the University and the Teaching Assistants' Union .

Graduate Academic Assistantships (GAA)

Academic Assistantships are employment opportunities to perform work that is relevant to the university or to an individual faculty member, but not to support the student’s graduate research and thesis. Wages are considered regular earnings and when paid monthly, include vacation pay.

Financial aid (need-based funding)

Canadian and US applicants may qualify for governmental loans to finance their studies. Please review eligibility and types of loans .

All students may be able to access private sector or bank loans.

Foreign government scholarships

Many foreign governments provide support to their citizens in pursuing education abroad. International applicants should check the various governmental resources in their home country, such as the Department of Education, for available scholarships.

Working while studying

The possibility to pursue work to supplement income may depend on the demands the program has on students. It should be carefully weighed if work leads to prolonged program durations or whether work placements can be meaningfully embedded into a program.

International students enrolled as full-time students with a valid study permit can work on campus for unlimited hours and work off-campus for no more than 20 hours a week.

A good starting point to explore student jobs is the UBC Work Learn program or a Co-Op placement .

Tax credits and RRSP withdrawals

Students with taxable income in Canada may be able to claim federal or provincial tax credits.

Canadian residents with RRSP accounts may be able to use the Lifelong Learning Plan (LLP) which allows students to withdraw amounts from their registered retirement savings plan (RRSPs) to finance full-time training or education for themselves or their partner.

Please review Filing taxes in Canada on the student services website for more information.

Cost Estimator

Applicants have access to the cost estimator to develop a financial plan that takes into account various income sources and expenses.

Career Options

Graduates of the MFA program have found success in varied fields related to writing and communication. The MFA qualifies graduates for teaching at the university level and many graduates have gone on to teach at colleges and universities in Canada, the United States and overseas as well as holding writing residencies. Many publish books and win literary awards. Others go on to work in publishing, and graduates have become book and magazine editors.

Although the MFA is a terminal degree, some graduates go on to further study in PhD programs in the US, UK and Australia.

The Optional-Residency MFA is particularly well suited to teachers: our teacher-students have been able to gain an advanced degree while continuing their careers.

• Research Supervisors

This list shows faculty members with full supervisory privileges who are affiliated with this program. It is not a comprehensive list of all potential supervisors as faculty from other programs or faculty members without full supervisory privileges can request approvals to supervise graduate students in this program.

• Belcourt, Billy-Ray (Fiction; Nonfiction; Poetry)
• French, Whitney (memory, loss, technology, and nature)
• Hopkinson, Nalo (Creative writing, n.e.c.; Humanities and the arts; Creative Writing: Speculative Ficton, Fantasy, Science Fiction, especially Other Voices)
• Irani, Anosh
• Koncan, Frances
• Leavitt, Sarah (Autobiographical comics; Formal experimentation in comics; Comics pedagogy)
• Lee, Nancy (Fiction; Creative Writing)
• Lyon, Annabel (Novels, stories and news)
• Maillard, Keith (Fiction, poetry)
• Marzano-Lesnevich, Alex (Nonfiction)
• McGowan, Sharon (Planning of film productions from concept to completion)
• Medved, Maureen (Fiction, writing for screen)
• Nicholson, Cecily (Languages and literature; Poetry)
• Ohlin, Alix (Fiction; Screenwriting; Environmental writing)
• Pohl-Weary, Emily (Fiction; Writing for Youth)
• Svendsen, Linda (Script development; Novels, stories and news; Writing for Television; Fiction)
• Taylor, Timothy (fiction and nonfiction)
• Vigna, John (Novels, stories and news; Fiction, Literary Non-Fiction, Creative Writing)

Related Programs

Same specialization.

• Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing (MFA)

Same Academic Unit

• Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing and Theatre (MFA)
• Master of Fine Arts in Film Production and Creative Writing (MFA)

At the UBC Okanagan Campus

• Master of Fine Arts (MFA)

Further Information

Specialization.

Creative Writing combines the best of traditional workshop and leading-edge pedagogy. Literary cross-training offers opportunities in a broad range of genres including fiction, poetry, screenplay, podcasting, video game writing and graphic novel.

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Departments/Programs may update graduate degree program details through the Faculty & Staff portal. To update contact details for application inquiries, please use this form .

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Take a break from studying with opportunities at your fingertips. Whether you want to settle down in a café or take your research outdoors, we have a place for you.

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