IMPROVISATION ON PAPER: A DIFFERENT KIND OF WRITING RETREAT WITH MANDY WHEELER - 27th to 29th JANUARY 2025
To lighten the dark days of January, we're offering this light-hearted three-day retreat in which you’ll learn a set of improvisation techniques and experiment with using them in your writing.
When you apply the techniques of improv to writing, interesting things happen. Your writing frees up, the ideas tumble out and your voice emerges. Working on and off the page, award-winning writer Mandy Wheeler will introduce you to a practice that will kickstart your creativity and bring spontaneity and playfulness to your writing. It’s an opportunity to get inspiration and explore new ways of expressing yourself, whether you’re just starting out or have been writing for years.
Drawing on her years of experience coaxing creativity out of hiding. Mandy will help you to get out of your own way and explore your imagination. She’ll encourage you to develop spontaneity and a sense of ease, so that you can hear your voice and access your unique take on the world.
If you are someone who wants to write but find it hard to get started, this retreat will give you the jump-start you need. If you lack confidence, it will make you braver. If you feel you don’t have any subject matter, you’ll leave with your pockets bulging with ideas. Or, if you just fancy having a go for the fun of it, you will be surprised and delighted at how creative you can be.
There’ll also be the option of a guided walk around the local village and countryside, finding inspiration for your writing on the way (weather permitting). There is also the opportunity to book a massage in your room at the end of the day with a highly recommended local therapist.
A reasonable level of fitness is needed for this retreat. Whilst you don’t need to be match fit, we move around quite a bit. Unfortunately there is no disabled access to the room we work in as The Bell is an historic listed building and it is just not possible to accommodate.
No previous experience necessary, just an open mind.
Cost of the course is £420 for 3 days starting at 10am to 4.00pm, includes a beautiful box of writing prompts, a light lunch and refreshments on each day.
Here is just one of the great reviews we have had for this retreat from Dominic Knowlson - 5 stars.
I attended the fantastic Curious House 'Improvisation on Paper' writing retreat at the end of January and met an amazing group of new friends.
Innovative and fun writing techniques were passed on and practiced in an inclusive and safe space to learn, with the emphasis on practical takeaways for writers at all levels of experience. These have had an immediate and lasting impact on the flow and ease of composition of my writing.
The retreat was elegantly hosted at the beautiful Bell Inn at Ticehurst, with superb facilitation and support from Philippa King at Curious House.
Our tutor, Mandy Wheeler, was absolutely first class and delivered uniquely tailored content and insights in a fun and memorable way. What a pro.
Best thing I've done in ages and such a laugh too. I can't thank you both enough, or my wife for getting this for me as a present!
ACCOMODATION
For a very special experience, accommodation is offered at The Bell in Ticehurst, which is where the retreat is hosted. Rooms are from £145 per room per night, including a slap up breakfast. I suggest you book from the Sunday, 21 January for 3 nights - or more should you wish. For those staying, Mandy and I will meet you for a drink on Sunday evening to welcome you. THESE ROOMS ARE BEING HELD FOR US UNTIL EARLY DECEMBER SO WON’T APPEAR ON THE WEBSITE. PLEASE CALL 01580 200300 TO BOOK DIRECT STATING THAT YOU ARE ATTENDING THE RETREAT.
If you would like to bring a partner who doesn’t want to do creative writing, there are plenty of great things to do locally - see the Retreat Beyond page on the website.