Thursday 11 August 2016

WRITING AND SAILING RETREAT - SPAIN


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Adm Wyeth

Here's something marvellous from writer Adam Wyeth. He is conducting this magical writing and sailing trip around the Balearic Islands this October. I spent two weeks on Majorca many years ago (one of two 'sun' holidays I have taken) and it is a stunning part of the world. All details below:

Kingfisher Sailing Boat

If travel turns us into storytellers, what better tale than a story of the sea. From the birth of Western literature with The Odyssey, to contemporary narratives, the sea continues to inspire. For those who dream of being a writer, Kingfisher Sailing is offering the ultimate travel package to help unlock that potential.

Bespoke

Family-run business, Kingfisher Sailing, has announced the first in a series of new sailing experiences available this year. Whether you’re an aspiring writer looking for practical tips or a complete beginner looking to find your voice, the company is offering a unique opportunity to enjoy a week’s sailing combined with a creative writing workshop devised and facilitated by an award-winning writer. Sailing among the beautiful Balearic Islands on the 3rd – 9th October 2016 (£895 per person, full board) the trip includes the opportunity to become an active member of the yacht’s crew, no previous sailing experience is required.

The package comprises of a week on-board a beautiful yacht with award-winning poet and playwright Adam Wyeth, author of two books Silent Music (2011) and The Hidden World of Poetry: Unravelling Celtic Mythology in Contemporary Irish Poetry (2013), and just ahead of the publication of his third book The Art of Dying.

The Balearic Islands, rich in history and myth, have been drawing writers for centuries. The trip combines a sense of exploration, along miles of unspoilt coastline, with specific locations designed to support the course material. With onshore visits to ancient sites and villages, such as Taulas of Menorca with its ancient stone megaliths and the cultural centre of Palma, there will be plenty of opportunity to fire up the imagination.

Drawing inspiration from these stunning locations, Adam will explore key writing topics, including general hints and tips, plot development, characterisation, sensory perception in descriptive writing and the role of metaphor and myth, to name a few. The workshop will be conducted through a series of group sessions and one-to-one tutorials, with Adam on-hand to help with any problems. Under his expert eye, participants will have the opportunity to explore style and ideas with someone who understands the process, whilst getting a unique insight into the life of a writer and his much anticipated third book.

Accommodation is on-board the beautiful 65 foot yacht, Klaus Störtebeker, recently launched back into service following an extensive refit which has returned the boat to her former glory, creating contemporary accommodation for up to ten people. As well as writing and sailing, there will be plenty of time for other activities, as the pace is set by each individual. There will be time to swim, explore or simply relax.

Adam Wyeth comments:

“In literature the sea is a symbol for the unconscious so the connections with writing run very deep. The course aims to give practical advice whilst allowing time to explore different texts. Like an ocean voyage to new worlds, every writing exercise is a trip to the unknown, you never know quite where you’ll end up but you know you’ll come out of it a new person in some way. Writers are navigators of the imagination. The trip promises to be a fascinating experience and the ultimate escape.”

Retreat
This could be you in October!

Creative writing Balearics

7 days • 3-10th Oct 2016  • £995pp • 8 places available

Great writing is all about imagination and surprise and there’s no better way to free your mind than to escape to sea.

On this unique vacation you’ll be an active crew member as we sail around the beautiful Balearic Islands while taking part in a exciting creative writing workshop devised and facilitated by award-winning poet, playwright and essayist Adam Wyeth. No previous sailing experience is required.
These islands, rich in history and myth, have been drawing writers for centuries. Adam has created a unique series of workshops with fun exercises and games, many of which will be inspired from the sea and mythology. With onshore visits to ancient sites and villages, there’ll be plenty of opportunity to fire up the imagination.

The atmosphere will be inclusive and creative, and as intensive or laid back as participants wish to make it. Group sessions will be complemented by one-to-one tutorials. Adam will be informally on hand to help with particular problems that students may encounter.

This creative writing sailing holiday is suitable for those with some previous experience and for complete beginners. All you need is paper and pen and your imagination. As well as writing and sailing, there will be plenty of time for other activities: to swim, explore or simply relax.

Some of the of the workshop exercises will include:
  • The art of speed writing or stream of consciousness writing
  • Finding your voice
  • Keeping it symbol. Exploring how symbolism can deepen your work.
  • Plotting and shaping a short story or novel
  • Characterisation, conflict and angle
  • Avoiding cliché and subverting it
  • The importance of myth and giving it a modern twist.
  • Tackling poetry forms
  • Looking at metaphor and simile
  • Rewriting, editing, polishing
  • Using literature as models and springboards for writing
An unforgettable week exploring the imagination and the beautiful Balearic Islands. Prepare to be inspired.

Please note, we require a minimum of 4 guests to run this retreat. If you're interested in joining us and would like to receive more information once dates are confirmed, then please contact us.

For further information or to make a booking visit Kingfisher Sailing.

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