Every Writers' Lab holiday at the Skyros Centre provides an indepth 3-hour course and early morning yoga every weekday. There are also events for the whole community facilitated by Skyros Centre and Atsitsa Bay tutors, and 'A Taste of Greece' programme. The centre is half board, usually breakfast and lunch. Optional individual treatments are available.
Below you will see the holiday dates, prices and a list of courses available. Select the course title and facilitator's name for more information.
Alice Jolly believes that writing is like cooking. ‘Anyone, anywhere, can’, she says.
The course will be suitable for beginner writers and also more experienced writers who are hoping to improve their work-in-progress. It is primarily intended for fiction writers but it could also be helpful to life writers or poets. We will be looking at how to get started and how to keep going. We'll also be looking at some aspects of craft - description, structure and dialogue. Workshopping sessions will enable participants to receive feedback on their work. Time will also be available for individual sessions in which we can look in more detail at work produced during the week or work-in-progress.
Alice Jolly has published two novels - What the Eye Doesn't See (2003, Simon and Schuster) and If Only You Knew (2006, Simon and Schuster). Her prize-winning short stories and poems have been published in a wide range of anthologies and magazines.
She has broadcast for Radio 4 and has written a prize-winning play. Her articles have appeared in The Guardian, The Mail on Sunday, The Bulletin and The New Writer.
Alice teaches creative writing at Oxford University, leads writing workshops in schools and is currently working on a new novel.
Wk 1: Aspects of Novel Writing Sat 15 - Fri 28 May 2010 WL2
Have you ever dreamt of writing a novel but not known where to begin? Each day will focus on a different aspect of novel-writing, from getting started to developing characters and plot so that, by the end of the week, you will have all you need to get on with writing that novel. This course is aimed at beginners and those with some writing experience.
Wk 1: Aspects of Novel Writing Wk 2: Keep on Keeping on
WL2 Sat 15 - Fri 28 May 2010
Jennie Rooney's first novel was published in 2008 and was shortlisted for the Costa First Novel Award, as well as being featured on Richard and Judy's New Writers Book Club. She lives in London, where she also works for First Story (a school-based writing project) and runs creative writing courses. Her second novel is to be published in June 2010.
Wk 2: Keep on Keeping on Sat 15 - Fri 28 May 2010 WL2
A course aimed at developing a piece of work by the end of the week, offering a zoom-in on style, structure, character and plot along the way. There will be practical writing exercises and experimentation in a relaxed and supportive workshop environment, alongside feedback on individual projects. This course would complement the previous week's course or could be taken on its own, and is aimed at beginners and more experienced writers.
Wk 1: Aspects of Novel Writing Wk 2: Keep on Keeping on
WL2 Sat 15 - Fri 28 May 2010
Jennie Rooney's first novel was published in 2008 and was shortlisted for the Costa First Novel Award, as well as being featured on Richard and Judy's New Writers Book Club. She lives in London, where she also works for First Story (a school-based writing project) and runs creative writing courses. Her second novel is to be published in June 2010.
Cuban Salsa
John has been teaching partner dances for 12 years and has a gift for teaching beginners how to Salsa and Tango. He has led numerous dance based holidays to Cuba and Argentina and has taught in Spain, Egypt, USA, UK, Ireland and New Zealand. His highly accessible instruction style and natural enthusiasm both inspires and empowers dancers and non-dancers alike.
John Harris, who has studied Systemic approaches since 2002, has furthered his studies at the CSISS in 2007-2009. He also teaches Argentine Tango and Cuban Salsa and is a Hatha Yoga teacher. John has a gift for teaching beginners how to Salsa and Tango thanks to his highly accessible instruction style and natural enthusiasm.
AND Wk 2: Free the Spirit Sat 15 - Fri 28 May 2010 WL2
This course will help participants open up to their inherent creativity by finding the mutual note that draws them into the field of their potential. The imagination is a healing force and Hazel will guide participants through a variety of creative arts including: Bodywork, Movement into African Dance, Voicework into Singing and Theatre, Poetry and Elements of Psychosynthesis to playfully and gracefully free your spirit.
Hazel Carey, an international voice and movement teacher and psychosynthesis counsellor, works with visualisation, African dance, Qi Gong and voicework.
Fantasy Writing - Ideas Sat 29 May - Sat 5 Jun 2010 WL3
Fantasy is one of the most popular genres in the world, appealing to readers of all ages and backgrounds. The phenomenal success of fantasy writers such as J.K. Rowling, Stephanie Meyer, Christopher Paolini and Robert Jordan in recent years means that publishers all around the world are searching for writers of fantastic fiction (pun intended!)
If you like to make up stories about witches, elves, dragons, magical spells and high adventure, then this is the course for you! This course will follow the art of writing fantastic fiction from the first flash of inspiration to finding a publisher for your work.
Kate Forsyth is the internationally bestselling author of more than twenty books for children and adults, including The Puzzle Ring, The Gypsy Crown, The Starthorn Tree, and the bestselling fantasy series ‘The Witches of Eileanan’ and ‘Rhiannon’s Ride’. Offering an escape into worlds filled with adventure, wonder and magic, her books have sold nearly 1 million copies across twelve different countries. She has a BA in Literature, majoring in Children’s Literature, from Macquarie University, and a MA in Writing from UWS.
Helen brings a wealth of songs to her workshops – songs from all around the world, gospel, chants, her own award-winning compositions. She teaches by ear, ensuring everyone is included regardless of experience, and prides herself on getting everyone to sing! Her infectious enthusiasm leaves no one doubting their own voice or ability, and spreads the joy of singing in harmony together.
Helen Yeomans has been directing and composing for Glorious Chorus, a 60-strong a-capella choir from Devon, England. She also runs other choirs where she teaches an eclectic mix of songs.
Wk 1: Your Writer's Voice Sat 5 - Fri 18 Jun 2010 WL4
This course is for anyone, beginner or more experienced, who wants to explore creativity and develop a personal voice. We'll look at all aspects of style and narrative, including using memories, imagining characters, describing settings and using dialogue. The emphasis is on enjoyment and fun, and ideas are adaptable to any genre from poetry to novels. Crysse will also offer one-to-one sessions to discuss and advise on personal work.
Crysse was inspired by a Skyros Writers' Lab session to make a career change, and is now a full-time free-lance writer. Hodder & Stoughton published her two novels; she also writes short fiction and poetry and has a regular style column in Writing Magazine. She is an experienced creative writing tutor and has led courses throughout the world.
Writing is a skill that improves with practice, like every other creative craft. We will explore various stimulus and techniques to develop a habit of writing practice that will transfer to your working life despite constraints of time or self-criticism. An ideal follow-on from the previous week, this course is also suitable for interested beginners.
Crysse was inspired by a Skyros Writers' Lab session to make a career change, and is now a full-time free-lance writer. Hodder & Stoughton published her two novels; she also writes short fiction and poetry and has a regular style column in Writing Magazine. She is an experienced creative writing tutor and has led courses throughout the world.
Painting inner and outer landscapes on this island of outstanding beauty - we will visit sea locations painting the ever changing mood of the turquoise sea. Using techniques derived from abstract painting we will learn to 'free up' our style by painting Mandalas (round paintings), which connect us to a deeper sense of ourselves. We will also construct sculptures using materials gathered from nature and present an exhibition of our work. This course is good for beginners to advanced artists. Please bring paints, canvas and/or paper if you have them, otherwise materials will be provided.
Susie Self is a singer/songwriter and performs at Covent Garden, Glyndebourne and co-starred with Jasper Carrot in the West End. She leads voice and sound healing retreats in USA and Skyros. Her latest album is Seachanges.
AND Wk 2: Free the Spirit Sat 5 - Fri 18 Jun 2010 WL4
This course will help participants open up to their inherent creativity by finding the mutual note that draws them into the field of their potential. The imagination is a healing force and Hazel will guide participants through a variety of creative arts including: Bodywork, Movement into African Dance, Voicework into Singing and Theatre, Poetry and Elements of Psychosynthesis to playfully and gracefully free your spirit.
Hazel Carey, an international voice and movement teacher and psychosynthesis counsellor, works with visualisation, African dance, Qi Gong and voicework.
Wk 1: Writing from Life Sun 20 Jun - Sat 3 Jul 2010 WL5
One of the best routes into writing – both fiction and non-fiction – is through our personal experiences and memories, and some of our most interesting material lies right under our noses, in other words in our own lives. Week 1 will concentrate on memoir and biography, while week 2 will move into travel writing. Using games and exercises, we will look at openings, finding a voice, moving between summary and scene, description, and polishing up our prose. Trips around Skyros Village will provide further inspiration. Both courses will explore techniques of using our material to tell our stories as well as we can. The course will appeal both to beginners and to more experienced writers.
Helena has published many novels including Looking for George and written for a range of newspapers. She is currently a Royal Literary Fund Fellow at Exeter University.
Wk 2: Memoir Writing Sun 20 Jun - Sat 3 Jul 2010 WL5
One of the best routes into writing – both fiction and non-fiction – is through our personal experiences and memories, and some of our most interesting material lies right under our noses, in other words in our own lives. Week 1 will concentrate on memoir and biography, while week 2 will move into travel writing. Using games and exercises, we will look at openings, finding a voice, moving between summary and scene, description, and polishing up our prose. Trips around Skyros Village will provide further inspiration. Both courses will explore techniques of using our material to tell our stories as well as we can. The course will appeal both to beginners and to more experienced writers.
Helena has published many novels including Looking for George and written for a range of newspapers. She is currently a Royal Literary Fund Fellow at Exeter University.
Cuban Salsa
John has been teaching partner dances for 12 years and has a gift for teaching beginners how to Salsa and Tango. He has led numerous dance based holidays to Cuba and Argentina and has taught in Spain, Egypt, USA, UK, Ireland and New Zealand. His highly accessible instruction style and natural enthusiasm both inspires and empowers dancers and non-dancers alike.
John Harris, who has studied Systemic approaches since 2002, has furthered his studies at the CSISS in 2007-2009. He also teaches Argentine Tango and Cuban Salsa and is a Hatha Yoga teacher. John has a gift for teaching beginners how to Salsa and Tango thanks to his highly accessible instruction style and natural enthusiasm.
AND Wk 2: Flirtshop Sun 20 Jun - Sat 3 Jul 2010 WL5
Flirtshop
Do you want to want to find your inner Casanova or submerged Mae West? Or just have more fun and less fear in your communications with others? Flirtshop is a crash-course in self-awareness, a guide to coming out of your shell, suspending self-censorship, selling your assets, and relating to others with ease and cheerfulness.
Games, exercises, role-play, coaching and discussion encourage you to make the first move and keep the confidence flowing. We’ll look at eye-contact, body language, opening gambits, knowing what you want, and how men and women differ in approach and response.
It won’t hurt a bit, you’ll meet new people and we’ll really enjoy the process. Then you can go out and test your new risk-taking self.
‘I haven’t laughed so much in ages….people were raring to get back into the real world and start flirting for England’ Sally Shalam, Sunday Express
Alison Goldie is an actor, theatre director, broadcaster and facilitator. She has worked as a stand-up comic, TV presenter and corporate trainer. She is currently touring her one-woman show, Lady, in Bed, to great acclaim.
Wk 1: How to Write Short Stories Sun 4 - Sat 17 Jul 2010 WL6
How to write short stories for magazines and get published This course will provide tips and tricks of the trade to help you get a short story published. It will include how to get good ideas; how to create convincing characters; how to plot; how to dissect dialogue; how to de-mystify viewpoint and more.
Wk 1: How to Write Short Stories Wk 2: How to Write Short Stories
WL6Sun 4 - Sat 17 Jul 2010
Sophie King, a teacher of Creative Writing at Oxford University (CE), is the author of the best selling novels The School Run and Mums at Home. As a journalist she has written for many publications.
Wk 2: How to Write Your First Novel Sun 4 - Sat 17 Jul 2010 WL6
How to write your first novel. This course is also suitable to writers who have already written one novel but not got published. It will cover how to find the right idea for a page-turning novel; how to draw characters that will drive the plot; how to structure a novel; how to create dialogue; how to show the novel through one or more character's eyes and so on.
Wk 1: How to Write Short Stories Wk 2: How to Write Short Stories
WL6Sun 4 - Sat 17 Jul 2010
Sophie King, a teacher of Creative Writing at Oxford University (CE), is the author of the best selling novels The School Run and Mums at Home. As a journalist she has written for many publications.
Born in Spokane, Washington, Laura’s family come from Romanian/Polish and Italian Heritage, with three generations in the United States. She studied composition at the C.U.N.Y Graduate Center on a fellowship in the PhD program in music composition.
In 2006, she was selected as one of four fellows for master classes with composer Yehudi Wyner (Pulitzer Prize Winner 2006) at the Atlantic Center for the Arts.
Laura also enjoys collaborative arts projects and has worked with visual artist on art installations in New York City and Lima, Peru.
AND Wk 2: Playing with Colour Sun 4 - Sat 17 Jul 2010 WL6
Like the islands summer’s breeze, colour will take you on a vibrant journey through the rainbow. Colour harmony, colour psychology, the healing qualities of colour as well as your birthday colours that shape you and your relationships, are explored step by step. A great source of inspiration for art, movement and sound, colour will arouse the artist within.
Theresa Sundt is a professional artist and art teacher focusing her work on the therapeutic qualities of colour. She gives colour workshops all over the world that vibrate with enthusiasm and life changing creativity.Her newly published book The Art of Colour Therapy, has been translated in four languages.
Wk 1: Experiment & Exploration Sun 18 - Sat 31 Jul 2010 WL7
WHAT KIND OF WRITER ARE YOU?
A poet? A novelist? A journalist? A playwright? Maybe even a travel writer? Joyce Dunbar tried all of these genres for 15 years, with limited success.
Then she saw a drawing which inspired a children's book. The hero was a jug, of all things. Into this jug, she poured all sorts of ideas she had no idea were lurking in her imagination. One simple drawing was the trigger.
The book was published in 1980, and since then, she has published 80 more and is one of today's best known children's writers.
Joyce is a former Writing Fellow at UEA, as well as being a visiting tutor in a new M.A. course in Creative Entrepeneurship. This will be her ninth session in Skyros. At present her 12 step guide to writing can be found on the BOOKTRUST website in BOOKBITE. She is currently working on a memoir. You can find out more on her website: www.joycedunbar.com
Her daughter, Polly Dunbar, once a Skyros participant on Joyce's course, is continuing the tradition with spectacular success.
Whether you want to write a memoir or a short story, the course offers a chance to explore different genres in a relaxed and playful manner - with deeply serious intent (and often comic side effects). Come and surprise yourself - and others.
At the age of 21 Joyce Dunbar decided she was a writer, but she didn't know what sort. For the next 15 years she wrote poetry, fiction, journalism, and radio talks on a range of subjects, with limited success, while teaching literature to adults.
It wasn't until she was 35 that she wrote her first children's book, inspired by an illustration. Since then she has published 80 more. She also teaches creative writing, is a former writing fellow at UEA, and at present her 12 step guide to writing can be found on the BOOKTRUST website in BOOKBITE. She is also writing a memoir.
The course will explore different genres to help you discover the kind of writer you truly are...
A poet? A novelist? A journalist? A playwright? Maybe even a travel writer? Joyce Dunbar tried all of these genres for 15 years,
with limited success.
Then she saw a drawing which inspired a children's book. The hero was a jug, of all things. Into this jug, she poured all sorts of ideas she had no idea were lurking in her imagination. One simple drawing was the trigger.
The book was published in 1980, and since then, she has published 80 more and is one of today's best known children's writers.
Joyce is a former Writing Fellow at UEA, as well as being a visiting tutor in a new M.A. course in Creative Entrepeneurship. This will be her ninth session in Skyros. At present her 12 step guide to writing can be found on the BOOKTRUST website in BOOKBITE. She is currently working on a memoir. You can find out more on her website: www.joycedunbar.com
Her daughter, Polly Dunbar, once a Skyros participant on Joyce's course, is continuing the tradition with spectacular success.
Whether you want to write a memoir or a short story, the course offers a chance to explore different genres in a relaxed and playful manner - with deeply serious intent (and often comic side effects). Come and surprise yourself - and others.
At the age of 21 Joyce Dunbar decided she was a writer, but she didn't know what sort. For the next 15 years she wrote poetry, fiction, journalism, and radio talks on a range of subjects, with limited success, while teaching literature to adults.
It wasn't until she was 35 that she wrote her first children's book, inspired by an illustration. Since then she has published 80 more. She also teaches creative writing, is a former writing fellow at UEA, and at present her 12 step guide to writing can be found on the BOOKTRUST website in BOOKBITE. She is also writing a memoir.
The course will explore different genres to help you discover the kind of writer you truly are...
AND Wk 1: Music & Creativity Sun 18 - Sat 31 Jul 2010 WL7
Music
We will be playing songs, forming a band, having a laugh, bonding, performing, and then splitting up due to musical differences. No previous experience necessary, all levels of musicians and singers welcome.
Creativity (bring instruments, cameras, anything with which you would like to express yourself)
The courses could take any form but they are essentially about self-expression through creativity. We might play or sing together, or use writing, drawing, photography, or film or any other creative form to show something of who we are and what we want to say in a safe environment. We allow ourselves the luxury of low expectations, and are learning to listen to and go with our instincts, attempting to silence the critical voices, and overcome old blocks, which may be reducing our contentment.
Richard Lewis is a musician, film maker and writer who has worked for many companies including Microsoft, Skype and Oxford University Press. He believes everyone is creative through music, words and images.
Sun 25 - Sat 31 Jul 2010 Richard Layzell is an award-winning artist, writer and teacher. His current exhibition, The Manifestation, (with Tania Koswycz) is touring the UK, and their dialogues, Cream Pages, is due to be published this year.
Wk 1: Writing for Your Life Sun 1 - Sat 14 Aug 2010 WL8
Our lives are full of stories; sometimes it takes a little digging inside ourselves to find them. Develop useful tools to help unlock your creative writing life, while learning to mine your own experiences to produce meaningful work.
Amanda Smyth is Irish-Trinidadian and was educated in England. She completed an MA in Creative Writing at UEA in 2000. Her short stories and poetry have been published in New Writing, London Magazine, the TLS and broadcast on BBC Radio 4 as part of a series called Love and Loss. Amanda was awarded an Arts Council grant for her first novel, Black Rock, published by Serpent’s Tail.
VS Pritchett defined the short story as seizing a fragment of life, something ‘glimpsed from the corner of the eye in passing.’ Through deconstructing some of the best short stories by writers like Raymond Carver, Richard Ford and Flannery O’Connor, we will unwrap helpful techniques and offer tools and guidance on writing your own best short story.
Amanda Smyth is Irish-Trinidadian and was educated in England. She completed an MA in Creative Writing at UEA in 2000. Her short stories and poetry have been published in New Writing, London Magazine, the TLS and broadcast on BBC Radio 4 as part of a series called Love and Loss. Amanda was awarded an Arts Council grant for her first novel, Black Rock, published by Serpent’s Tail.
AND Wk 1: Style & Image Sun 1 - Sat 14 Aug 2010 WL8
Most of us spend a great deal of time, energy and money on our appearance. Those who don't have often given up on what seems like an impossible task. The Secret of successful dressing and wardrobe management lies in wearing and buying cloths that reflect YOU, your personality, body shape and your colouring. In my workshop we will look at "what is Image" "what makes up image" and "why is image significant". We take a look at Body Language & Communication styles and the key factors in selecting clothes for your life style.
We then get down to the nitty gritty of body shapes (not a tape measure in sight). This part of the course will involve you looking at your overall shape and how clothes sit on your frame.... there is no right or wrong frame - we are all unique. This work is done as part of the group and may require some wearing of swimsuits for a very short time. Tights and thin leggings with a swimsuit would also work. Men you will ideally have some shorts with you. We then look at your style type and how you project your personalities through the clothes you wear. We then look at garments, the cut that best suits your shape and accessories ie: glasses jewellery. Men if you wear suits for work, please bring one and ladies please bring a typical outfit that you wear for work and both men and ladies do bring an item of clothing that you find difficult to wear so it sits at the back of your wardobe. If we have time we will also look at wardrobe management/planning and of course shopping effectively.
We have lots of fun, learn how to save tons of money and enjoy shopping again. When you get home you will be able to analyze your clothing and plan a workable and wearable wardrobe. No more time-wasting shopping trips and you will also feel good about your appearance.
Andrea Gates has over 12 years experience in the image business. She will advise on colour and style, enabling participants to highlight their individual personalities through what they wear.
AND Wk 2: Theatre & Mime Sun 1 - Sat 14 Aug 2010 WL8
Exploring the power of Improvisation to develop flexibility and adaptability in dealing with the unexpected and expanding your comfort zone. Develop your skills in using voice and body to deliver an effective message, experiment with breath, listening, and eye contact as powerful tools in communication. Mime illusion technique revealed and made easy! Return from your holiday knowing how to do the wall, mime walk, moon walk and climb an invisible ladder. Memorise, rehearse and perform your very own Shakespearean monologue.
David Zucker is a professional actor, mime artist, playwright, director, author and teacher of T’ai Chi and Qi Gong. He facilitates workshops for managers with The Ariel Group.
Wk 1: Craft of Fiction Sun 15 - Sat 28 Aug 2010 WL9
This is a crash course in the craft of fiction: we will cover some basic ideas around showing and telling on the page, character and characterisation, place, dialogue and plot.
For those who want to have a good look at what underpins the writing of a novel or short fiction, this is the course for you.
Monique Roffey's latest novel is The White Woman on the Green Bicycle. She is an ex Arvon Centre Director and Royal Literary Fund Fellow. She teaches Creative Writing for English PEN, Arvon and is a guest tutor on the Goldsmiths MA in Creative Writing.
Monique has just been short-listed for the prestigious Orange Prize for Fiction award that is awarded to a female author of any nationality for the best original full-length novel written in English, and published in the United Kingdom in the preceding year. The Orange Prize forms part of the "trinity" of UK literary prizes, along with the Man Booker Prize and the Costa Book Awards.
Monique Roffey's latest novel is The White Woman on the Green Bicycle. She is an ex Arvon Centre Director and Royal Literary Fund Fellow. She teaches Creative Writing for English PEN, Arvon and is a guest tutor on the Goldsmiths MA in Creative Writing.
Monique has just been short-listed for the prestigious Orange Prize for Fiction award that is awarded to a female author of any nationality for the best original full-length novel written in English, and published in the United Kingdom in the preceding year. The Orange Prize forms part of the "trinity" of UK literary prizes, along with the Man Booker Prize and the Costa Book Awards.
AND Wk 1: Songwriting & Singing Sun 15 - Sat 28 Aug 2010 WL9
If you can talk, you can sing! Join this course, run by an exceptional singer with three number one dance hits in the UK, and experience the power of sound and song. Whether you are new to singing, or have some experience, this course will be an exciting journey of vocal discoveries. Using breath, movement, dance, song, improvisation, harmony, toning and more, you will be given the opportunity to sing and create. Free your voice, increase your confidence, enjoy self-expression, ignite your creativity and stimulate healing on all levels.
Sarah Warwick is an internationally acclaimed singer, songwriter, performer and recording artist with 3 number one dance hits in the UK and the US. She also runs voice workshops.
AND Wk 2: Photography Sun 15 - Sat 28 Aug 2010 WL9
Digital camera technology is now so advanced that most of the photos we take will be properly exposed and sharply focused. But there is still one thing the camera can’t do – it can’t provide the ‘eye’ of the photographer, and the ability to compose an image that is artistically satisfying. Finding a beautiful subject for a photograph is only half the battle – the challenge then consists in making a picture of that subject which goes further than a mere record and becomes a piece of art. We’ll be exploring that challenge together! In this course I will encourage you to expand your creative vision, looking at ideas about how colours behave and interact with each other, how different types of natural light will affect your image, and how you can create an exciting and visually balanced composition.
Sue Bishop is an award winning photographer and an inspiring lecturer and workshop leader. She is the author of three books about photography, 'Photographing Flowers', 'Digital Flower Photography' and 'Colour Light & Composition.
Wk1: Writing Poetry Sun 29 Aug - Sat 11 Sep 2010 WL10
Writing Poetry - The Grit in the Oyster
Poetry is the foundation of all good writing – at its best it is the most efficient and effecting form of written communication. Whether you are an aspiring poet, novelist or non-fiction writer, your writing will benefit from learning the discipline, precision and power of poetry. Writing from the heart, via accessible and engaging activities, you’ll bypass any technical anxieties to create poetry with passion. Over the week we’ll work with personal ‘grits in the oyster’ – personal experiences, insights, snapshots of time – to create ‘pearls’ to be proud of. Stunning setting and sensual experiences will provide inspiration – with senses fully alive, you’ll fill your well of poetry to the brim and share its contents in supportive and constructive workshop sessions.
Kevan Manwaring is a writer of fiction, poetry and creative non-fiction who lives in Bath, Somerset. Holder of an MA in the Teaching and Practice in Creative Writing from Cardiff University, he teaches creative writing for the Open University. He also runs freelance courses in storytelling and various aspects of the writing process to a wide variety of students. As a professional storyteller he has appeared in numerous shows in Britain and abroad (USA, Italy and Malta). He is the author of The Bardic Handbook, Lost Islands, The Way of Awen and the ongoing Windsmith novels. His poems and articles have appeared in several magazines and anthologies. In 1998 he won the Bardic Chair in his adopted city. He co-runs the Bath Writers Workshop and is the founder of Awen Publications.
Wk 2: Life Fiction Sun 29 Aug - Sat 11 Sep 2010 WL10
Life Fiction - Transforming the Personal into the Publishable
Upgrade your fiction in this week exploring the possibilities of autobiographical material in short story and novel-writing. Whatever genre you are working in, this approach will give your writing greater authenticity and emotional depth. How far you fictionalise is up to you – but by drawing on life experience, you are giving yourself a head start. With life as research, nothing is wasted. Even the most painful of experiences can be redeemed by writing – and others can benefit from hard-won lessons. How much you wish to disclose is up to you – all will be transformed through the lens of fiction, affording the personal and the private a degree of protection. Looking at character, setting, dialogue, plot, point of view, themes and tone in the light of our own ‘personal research database’ will enrich them all – transforming your writing into something resonant and distinctive.
Kevan Manwaring is a writer of fiction, poetry and creative non-fiction who lives in Bath, Somerset. Holder of an MA in the Teaching and Practice in Creative Writing from Cardiff University, he teaches creative writing for the Open University. He also runs freelance courses in storytelling and various aspects of the writing process to a wide variety of students. As a professional storyteller he has appeared in numerous shows in Britain and abroad (USA, Italy and Malta). He is the author of The Bardic Handbook, Lost Islands, The Way of Awen and the ongoing Windsmith novels. His poems and articles have appeared in several magazines and anthologies. In 1998 he won the Bardic Chair in his adopted city. He co-runs the Bath Writers Workshop and is the founder of Awen Publications.
AND Wk 1: Photography Sun 29 Aug - Sat 11 Sep 2010 WL10
Digital camera technology is now so advanced that most of the photos we take will be properly exposed and sharply focused. But there is still one thing the camera can’t do – it can’t provide the ‘eye’ of the photographer, and the ability to compose an image that is artistically satisfying. Finding a beautiful subject for a photograph is only half the battle – the challenge then consists in making a picture of that subject which goes further than a mere record and becomes a piece of art. We’ll be exploring that challenge together! In this course I will encourage you to expand your creative vision, looking at ideas about how colours behave and interact with each other, how different types of natural light will affect your image, and how you can create an exciting and visually balanced composition.
Sue Bishop is an award winning photographer and an inspiring lecturer and workshop leader. She is the author of three books about photography, 'Photographing Flowers', 'Digital Flower Photography' and 'Colour Light & Composition.
AND Wk 2: Music & Singing Sun 29 Aug - Sat 11 Sep 2010 WL10
Tsivi creates a very warm and supportive environment, encouraging even the shyest of people to participate.
This will be a unique and inspiring experience, developing your understanding of the creative process and combining thorough warm up exercises, and musical theory with fun practical exercises to foster learning and creativity.
Tsivi Sharett, a London jazz musician whose classical training echoes through her work, composes, performs with her band the TS Ensemble, and leads workshops.
Wk 1: Your Life Story Sun 12 - Sat 25 Sep 2010 WL11
Everyone is talented, original, and has something important to say. Come and discover your voice. Come and be surprised! Everyone can do this.
Writing is a transformative art, a healing art. As we re-member and allow our stories to flow down our arms and out through our pens, so we transform ourselves. We come to know ourselves more deeply; to make the unconscious conscious; to gather the fragments of our unique experiences, insights, dreams, thoughts, observations and begin to weave a tapestry. We also leave a legacy of our history for our children and grandchildren..
This is a journey to the self and into the sea of images, cultural memories, ancestral voices that is our birthright - a celebration of our uniqueness.
In this workshop we will experiment with a fund of ways to uncover and express the stories that live in us. We work as a group, using reminiscences, sense memories, poetry and visualization, encouraging and supporting one another.
Wk 2: Character & Plot Sun 12 - Sat 25 Sep 2010 WL11
“How do you get your ideas?” A question every writer is asked. In this fun and friendly week we will explore loads of ‘ways-in’ to stories - building on simple ideas, personal experience of life and journeys into the territory of the imagination.
Some of our course time will be spent going in to Skyros village, sitting in cafes, sharpening our powers of observation and absorbing the atmosphere. We will come together each day to share our material and to support and encourage one another.
AND Wk 1: Music Making Sun 12 - Sat 25 Sep 2010 WL11
Creative Music Making with Colin & Carly
Explore the 'Art of Jamming' and develop your sense of groove. Colin and Carly are experienced musicians who will share and explore in a simple and fun way some of the basic principles of building interesting rhythms, melody and lyric writing. Working as a group this course will give participants the opportunity to perform together through creation of an original piece. (No previous music making experience is required, and participants may bring their own instrument).
Carly Marie Head is a professional Saxophonist, Flautist and Clarinetist, playing Latin/Jazz, Funk and African music. She is also a composer of Latin Style music and musical director of a 30-piece Latin/Funk band.
AND Wk 1: Music Making Sun 12 - Sat 25 Sep 2010 WL11
Creative Music Making with Colin & Carly
Explore the 'Art of Jamming' and develop your sense of groove. Colin and Carly are experienced musicians who will share and explore in a simple and fun way some of the basic principles of building interesting rhythms, melody and lyric writing. Working as a group this course will give participants the opportunity to perform together through creation of an original piece. (No previous music making experience is required, and participants may bring their own instrument).
Colin has long experience in the field of creative digital music-making and currently runs a recording studio in Bristol. In Skyros he will give participants the opportunity to create original pieces of music.
AND Wk 2: Jewellery Making Sun 12 - Sat 25 Sep 2010 WL11
Jewellery from found objects
Learn to use jewellery wires and a few beads to create earrings, necklaces and pendants. The main focus will be on collecting unusual pebbles, sea glass or even twigs that can be incorporated into the pieces that are made. The techniques that are learnt can be used in more conventional bead jewellery making at other times.
Sara Withers has been designing and making jewellery for many years. Her work concentrates on the use of beads – either self made, commissioned from glassworkers or sourced from interesting suppliers. She has taken part in exhibitions in many different places and her work is sold in a selection of shops and galleries throughout Britain.
She is the author of six and a half books of bead jewellery projects! The most recent being ‘The Encyclopedia of Beading Techniques’ co-authored with Stephanie Burnham and, a new departure, ‘Button Jewellery’. She is currently working on ‘The Encyclopedia of Wire Jewellery Techniques’
Sara teaches bead making and jewellery making in several arts centres amongst them West Dean College; Zantium; Farncombe Estate and the Oxford Summer School.
There are three rules of comedy. Unfortunately no one can remember what they are. In these sessions we shall do our best to recover them and to bring out the funny in every student. Whether you wish to write gags, sitcoms or plays you will find something here to stimulate you. At the end of the course we will present a comedy night to the other students. ‘Laughter is the one true metaphysical consolation’ (little Jimmy Osmond).
Arthur Smith is a comedian, writer and broadcaster; He has performed comedy all over the world and has written every form of comedy from stand up to one-liners to full-length plays and screenplays. His play An Evening with Gary Linekar ran for several years in the West End. He appears regularly on Radio 4 but finds that he is best known for BBC’s Grumpy Old Men, his acclaimed autobiography My Nameis Daphne Fairfax was published last summer.
AND Jewellery Making Sat 25 Sep - Sat 2 Oct 2010 WL12
Jewellery from found objects
Learn to use jewellery wires and a few beads to create earrings, necklaces and pendants. The main focus will be on collecting unusual pebbles, sea glass or even twigs that can be incorporated into the pieces that are made. The techniques that are learnt can be used in more conventional bead jewellery making at other times.
Sara Withers has been designing and making jewellery for many years. Her work concentrates on the use of beads – either self made, commissioned from glassworkers or sourced from interesting suppliers. She has taken part in exhibitions in many different places and her work is sold in a selection of shops and galleries throughout Britain.
She is the author of six and a half books of bead jewellery projects! The most recent being ‘The Encyclopedia of Beading Techniques’ co-authored with Stephanie Burnham and, a new departure, ‘Button Jewellery’. She is currently working on ‘The Encyclopedia of Wire Jewellery Techniques’
Sara teaches bead making and jewellery making in several arts centres amongst them West Dean College; Zantium; Farncombe Estate and the Oxford Summer School.
Atsitsa Bay
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