Developing and Pitching a Commercial Novel – writers retreat with tutoring
Apr 11th – 15th 2023 (4 nights)
Perfect course for beginners. It sold out in 2021. £659pp, own room.
Beginner author Anita said, “I’ve been on lots of workshops and Rosemary’s was definitely the best I’ve been on. Her handouts were a godsend and made everything really clear. I’m really inspired now.”
So what’s it all about?
Rosemary Dun is an experienced tutor, incl The Open University. She is a published novelist, and speaks from experience. This workshop is targeted at writers who need help to wade their way through the book writing maze. But with an interesting spin…
Increasingly novelists look to Hollywood for lessons in plot and examining film scripts can teach us a good deal. Readers are very much informed by film and television, and an agent or editor is always on the lookout for a novel with potential for signed film rights. So during this writer’s retreat, we will take inspiration from plots from movies, some recommended reading and viewing is below. Then you can not only develop your novel, but also consider how to make it more commercial, and the opportunity to receive one-to-one feedback.
You can have a go at writing the all-important synopsis and to consider your pitch. These days it makes sense to write a synopsis even before you begin: partly because it helps keep you on course, and partly because if you are already signed, your agent/ publisher will want one before giving you the go ahead.
This 4-night retreat will have a daily workshop, plenty of opportunity to write, the chance to discuss works-in-progress, plus one-to-one feedback on work submitted before the course. (You will be asked to submit before the deadline for this tutored retreat, but it is optional, especially if you have never completed anything you’d like to show anyone. Details will follow after booking).
Most importantly you’ll get the chance to meet fellow writers, and – yes – have fun! A bit like the Nearly-Famous Five (Writers) Go To Devon!
Rosemary Dun has navigated the choppy waters of both traditional and independent publishing and can discuss the merits or otherwise, of both. She is a tutor on the MA for Creative Writing at The Open University, has tutored creative writing to undergraduates for fifteen years, and teaches her own course “Writing The Commercial Novel” at an adult education centre in Bristol. She has run workshops at Cheltenham Literature Festival, Leicester Festival of Literature, and The Writers Conference in Winchester, and can offer freelance mentoring and critique.
Rosemary Dun is author of “The Trouble With Love” pub. Sphere 2016, and “Only Hummingbirds Fly Backwards” pub. Troubadour Feb 2022.
She is a published and prize-winning writer of short stories and poetry, has four poetry collections, and is a sometime performance/ slam poet. She wrote and performed a one-woman show at How The Light Gets In festival at Hay, writes comedy songs on her ukulele and has done stand-up comedy. Yes, really. She apologises for her website which, for several reasons, is not very good – yet.
If you would like to talk to Rosemary beforehand that is also possible, just ask Debbie.
Remember you will have your own cosy room with writing space, tea/coffee making/dressing gown/deluxe bedding. Ensuite supplement, these go first so apply early. Self service Breakfast, buffet lunch, afternoon tea/coffee/cake, supper with wine and a cosy fireside chat afterwards in the quaint lounge with massive fireplace. Beautiful countryside to walk in and me-time galore, no chores!
For further information go to: https://www.retreatsforyou.co.uk/events/developing-and-pitching-a-commercial-novel-apr2023/
