Holiday Facilitators: Diane Connell
skill, experience, warmth
Biography
Diane Connell was born and educated in New Zealand and has lived and worked in Japan, France and the UK. She began her writing career in a newspaper office in Tokyo before becoming an advertising copywriter and writing for the international non-profit sector. For many years she lived in Paris, where she began writing as a novelist. She later moved to London, where her first two books, Julian Corkle is a Filthy Liar and Sherry Cracker Gets Normal, were published under the name of D.J. Connell. She now lives in Sydney.
What people say about Diane Connell and her courses:
Fantastic teacher, joyful, relaxed and determined to bring out the best in us all. She kept the group giving and exploring and working hard but for a good reason as she found gold in us all.
Diane’s course is perfect for taking a formless idea and whipping it into shape - you’ll come away with a workable structure and outline, plus an idea of how much you should be writing per day to flesh it out.
Diane Connell is an excellent writing tutor with a store of guidance, practical tips and inspiring exercises.
Diane is unfailingly supportive and confidence-boosting; helps you focus floaty ideas on form and structure. Genuinely excited for your ideas.
Absolutely fantastic course for a first time or even an experienced writer. Everyone was able to get something out of the course and I’m amazed at how much I was able to get done through the exercises Diane took us through. Would highly recommend! Thank you!
I liked Diane's clear feedback and structure.
Diane's course of building a novel really helped me understand the 'how' of it. It was exactly what I was looking for.
Where does Diane Connell facilitate?
Sun 2 Jun - Sun 9 Jun 2024 (7 nights)
At a glance
Atsitsa Bay is a holistic holiday centre set in a stunning, natural location, right on the bay and surrounded by pine forest. With a wide range of courses and activities and an outstanding team of facilitators, it's the perfect place to be inspired and try something new. Diane Connell is directing this week in Atsitsa.
Find out more about the courses and activities during this week below in What's On.
About
Skyros attracts mostly solo travellers from all over the world. Although all ages are represented approximately 70% are between 35-65. A huge majority - over 80 percent - report that the Skyros holiday experience had a lasting positive effect on their lives. Nearly a third of guests come back again and again - even after they have said that Skyros was the 'holiday of a lifetime'.
Accommodation
Most people choose to live simply and comfortably in twin-shared rustic huts in the gardens. Or stay in Atsitsa's main house, subject to availability. See more about accommodation in Atsitsa here >>
Inspiring Courses
Courses and activities are introduced to you at the beginning of each week. Choose your favourites from a wide range including yoga, writing, art, kayaking, windsurfing, personal development, singing, comedy and more.
Food & Drink
All meals are included and served as a buffet. Special diets are always catered for. Teas and coffees are available throughout the day. Other drinks and snacks can be purchased at Atsitsa's bar.
Guide Itinerary
07.15: Morning drop-in classes
08.30: Breakfast
09.00: Demos (news of the day)
10.30: Oekos (home groups)
11.15: Mid-morning courses
13.30: Lunch
15.00: Siesta/beach time
17.00: Afternoon courses
19.00: Sunset classes
20.00: Dinner & evening activities
Average Temperature
July and August are the hottest months in Skyros with temperatures averaging around 30 degrees Celcius. Light showers are possible but rare.
Location
Summary
What's included?
- More than three courses per day over four to five days each week
- An unrivalled and vibrant community atmosphere
- Fun evening activities and events
- Three delicious Mediterranean meals each day
- Twin shared rustic accommodation in Atsitsa's gardens
What's On
Travel
To travel to Skyros Island you must go to Athens. We have organised transfers from Athens (detailed below) to take the stress out of your journey.
Domestic Travel (Athens – Skyros, return)
Flights to Skyros island are limited so we recommend booking as soon as possible with Aegean Airlines. For this session we recommend –
- OUT: Departing Athens on the 2nd June at 2.35pm, arriving to Skyros at 3.15pm
- RETURN: Departing Skyros on 9th June at 3.35pm, arriving to Athens at 4.20pm
If the flight to Skyros sells out for these dates we will organise an overland transfer.
International Travel (to/from Athens)
- OUT: Arrive to Athens Airport on or before 12.35pm on the 2nd June in time to catch the connecting flight to Skyros. Many choose to arrive the day before (on the 1st June) for a more relaxed journey.
For those arriving in Athens on the 1st June we have an organised transfer including an overnight stay in Central Athens. If many arrive in to Athens at a similar time we will arrange a courtesy coach (minimum numbers required) departing Athens Airport to the hotel where you can relax and meet others joining the session. The following day the bus will return to Athens Airport in time for the flight to Skyros. To join this transfer, select Single/Twin Share at the Dorian, Transfer to Athens Airport & Transfer to Atsitsa when booking.
For those arriving in Athens on the 2nd June you will only require a transfer from Skyros Airport to Atsitsa. To secure this please select Transfer from Skyros Airport to Atsitsa only when booking.
- RETURN: We have an organised transfer from Atsitsa to Skyros Airport in time for the flight to Athens. To join this organised transfer, select Transfer to Skyros Airport when booking.
We recommend allowing at least two hours in Athens Airport by booking an international return flight after 6.20pm on 9th June.
