I’ve recently discussed, with friends, some tutors who have provided less-than-ideal experiences and have felt incredibly disappointed. People invest time, money – and hope – when they book onto a retreat or workshop. I’ve been there too and experienced some out-and-out rude and hurtful tutors too. It’s awful that they don’t realise or respect the trust put in them. And a travesty that writers, at their most vulnerable when revealing their work, suffer as a result.
So - here’s my take on what to look for in writing mentors, workshops, and retreats.
So - here’s my take on what to look for in writing mentors, workshops, and retreats.
Often people will embark on a retreat with an admired author and hope that some magic will rub off: you’ll soak up their wisdom and something will click and your words will finally flow free and effortless into your future as a celebrated writer.
Ha. It doesn’t work like that.
If a course promises you this, run fast, run far! No matter how great this writer is, no matter how much their advice clicks for you – to achieve your writing dreams, you’ll still have to put work and time into your own writing, both on the course and when you return home.
Writing isn’t always easy but be reassured, it’s in tackling a challenge that we find the greatest sense of achievement.
The writer/tutor
Now, admittedly, I’m biased – I’ve no Nobel Prizes or Man Booker nominations to my name. But I’ve a lifetime of writing, twenty years of teaching, over ten years of mentoring writers, and Masters degrees in education and creative writing under my belt. As an eternal student, I’m also a writing workshop addict (both leading and taking part). So as well as pride and respect for the profession of teaching, I’ve got a fair bit of experience to draw on. And what that experience has told me is that writing and tutoring are two very different skills, sometimes at odds with one another.
Generally, great writers are great writers because they are supremely focused on their own writing. Often in one specific genre. That’s a good thing.
For a writer. It doesn’t always make for a good tutor.
Five days of being “on” requires dedication and passion – for helping others as well as for writing. It takes a lot of nurturing energy that many writers would rather put into their own work.
Who and what to look for
Someone who’ll consider your needs and care enough to respond and adapt, a tutor who can anticipate and balance up the desires for rigor and success with the very real need to relax (creativity needs all of these). You’ll have others on the retreat at the same time and it takes great skill to facilitate and allow space for the many voices in the room.
I’d also hope for a tutor who is knowledgeable but unpretentious, as well as supportive to your interests, whether that’s Literature with a capital “L” or romantic fan-fiction (hey, fan-fiction worked out quite spectacularly for E.L James, whatever your opinions of the standard of writing in 50 Shades). I chat with groups and individuals about my experience of traditional vs indy publishing and the wide range of novel genres I have written, in varying stages of completion. Of course, as Stirling Makar, I support poets too.
To help you decide on a tutor and retreat, research a range of word-of-mouth experiences. Realistically, not every tutor will suit every person. Find out from those similar to yourself whose opinions you respect. You could also ask about contacting the tutor before you book.
Why consider a retreat?
Writing in your own dedicated space at home, or in a coffee shop or library can be brilliant. But your writing time can still be easily disturbed by the usual hustle and bustle. Nothing refreshes your creative energies like a writing retreat. You can set one up on your own for yourself or with friends, or you can book one in an organisation.
I’ve just returned from Gartmore House. It’s a uniquely beautiful place and perfect for writers. Just imagine – days with all your needs catered for. The food is hot and hearty, the people warm and friendly. Comfortable beds, no distractions and inspiring views. You have your own space, professional advice and peer support.
Writing retreats hold so much potential when handled well. You’ll get a great rest, but you also produce new writing, meet new friends (even long-term writing allies), and receive professional advice and feedback.
You might overcome the barriers that have been preventing you from starting or finishing a novel, or you might simply have a little fun with the writing exercises provided. When you find the right place and the right person, you’ll pack up on your last day, refreshed and ready to set off fearlessly for new horizons.
-----
I truly-madly-deeply love helping writers. Soothing the emotional vulnerability that so many of us struggle with. Addressing, with sensitivity, fun and humour, the barriers that cause procrastination. Being there at the genesis of a new writer, story or poem. It’s incredibly rewarding to have helped light a writer up again with confidence and enthusiasm!
I’m grateful to have had the chance to support so many writers over the last twelve years. Thank you for placing your trust in me.
Happy writing!
Laura
P.S. If you’ve attended my workshops or retreats in the past, please do pop a review on Facebook here: Laura Fyfe - a Page in the Life of a Writer (facebook.com) or on this Google form:
https://forms.gle/gdBr7fhBErvGoCof6.
It’s important to me to do my job as well as possible and feedback is essential in helping me do this. It also helps other writers see whether what I offer might suit them or not.
P.P.S. I’m also lucky to be invited by writing groups to lead the odd workshop (contact me for details or see the Scottish Book Trust to book a partially funded workshop).
P.P.P.S. I also thoroughly enjoy helping writers one-to-one. Contact me to book a session or series of mentoring sessions.
P.P.P.P.S. Here's a great online article with writing retreat advice:
https://screencraft.org/blog/7-essentials-for-a-perfect-writing-retreat/
Ha. It doesn’t work like that.
If a course promises you this, run fast, run far! No matter how great this writer is, no matter how much their advice clicks for you – to achieve your writing dreams, you’ll still have to put work and time into your own writing, both on the course and when you return home.
Writing isn’t always easy but be reassured, it’s in tackling a challenge that we find the greatest sense of achievement.
The writer/tutor
Now, admittedly, I’m biased – I’ve no Nobel Prizes or Man Booker nominations to my name. But I’ve a lifetime of writing, twenty years of teaching, over ten years of mentoring writers, and Masters degrees in education and creative writing under my belt. As an eternal student, I’m also a writing workshop addict (both leading and taking part). So as well as pride and respect for the profession of teaching, I’ve got a fair bit of experience to draw on. And what that experience has told me is that writing and tutoring are two very different skills, sometimes at odds with one another.
Generally, great writers are great writers because they are supremely focused on their own writing. Often in one specific genre. That’s a good thing.
For a writer. It doesn’t always make for a good tutor.
Five days of being “on” requires dedication and passion – for helping others as well as for writing. It takes a lot of nurturing energy that many writers would rather put into their own work.
Who and what to look for
Someone who’ll consider your needs and care enough to respond and adapt, a tutor who can anticipate and balance up the desires for rigor and success with the very real need to relax (creativity needs all of these). You’ll have others on the retreat at the same time and it takes great skill to facilitate and allow space for the many voices in the room.
I’d also hope for a tutor who is knowledgeable but unpretentious, as well as supportive to your interests, whether that’s Literature with a capital “L” or romantic fan-fiction (hey, fan-fiction worked out quite spectacularly for E.L James, whatever your opinions of the standard of writing in 50 Shades). I chat with groups and individuals about my experience of traditional vs indy publishing and the wide range of novel genres I have written, in varying stages of completion. Of course, as Stirling Makar, I support poets too.
To help you decide on a tutor and retreat, research a range of word-of-mouth experiences. Realistically, not every tutor will suit every person. Find out from those similar to yourself whose opinions you respect. You could also ask about contacting the tutor before you book.
Why consider a retreat?
Writing in your own dedicated space at home, or in a coffee shop or library can be brilliant. But your writing time can still be easily disturbed by the usual hustle and bustle. Nothing refreshes your creative energies like a writing retreat. You can set one up on your own for yourself or with friends, or you can book one in an organisation.
I’ve just returned from Gartmore House. It’s a uniquely beautiful place and perfect for writers. Just imagine – days with all your needs catered for. The food is hot and hearty, the people warm and friendly. Comfortable beds, no distractions and inspiring views. You have your own space, professional advice and peer support.
Writing retreats hold so much potential when handled well. You’ll get a great rest, but you also produce new writing, meet new friends (even long-term writing allies), and receive professional advice and feedback.
You might overcome the barriers that have been preventing you from starting or finishing a novel, or you might simply have a little fun with the writing exercises provided. When you find the right place and the right person, you’ll pack up on your last day, refreshed and ready to set off fearlessly for new horizons.
-----
I truly-madly-deeply love helping writers. Soothing the emotional vulnerability that so many of us struggle with. Addressing, with sensitivity, fun and humour, the barriers that cause procrastination. Being there at the genesis of a new writer, story or poem. It’s incredibly rewarding to have helped light a writer up again with confidence and enthusiasm!
I’m grateful to have had the chance to support so many writers over the last twelve years. Thank you for placing your trust in me.
Happy writing!
Laura
P.S. If you’ve attended my workshops or retreats in the past, please do pop a review on Facebook here: Laura Fyfe - a Page in the Life of a Writer (facebook.com) or on this Google form:
https://forms.gle/gdBr7fhBErvGoCof6.
It’s important to me to do my job as well as possible and feedback is essential in helping me do this. It also helps other writers see whether what I offer might suit them or not.
P.P.S. I’m also lucky to be invited by writing groups to lead the odd workshop (contact me for details or see the Scottish Book Trust to book a partially funded workshop).
P.P.P.S. I also thoroughly enjoy helping writers one-to-one. Contact me to book a session or series of mentoring sessions.
P.P.P.P.S. Here's a great online article with writing retreat advice:
https://screencraft.org/blog/7-essentials-for-a-perfect-writing-retreat/
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