Writing in the Dark 2023

We are delighted to be holding a second Writing into the Dark event. Last year’s was an outstanding success (see some of our reviews) and places on the 2023 course are very limited as a result of re-bookings.

In the run-up to Halloween, we’ll be providing a series of playful and practical creative writing workshops exploring character, setting and things that go bump in the night. Whether you want to heighten the suspense in your psychological thriller or confront your ghosts, this supportive tutored retreat will offer you the skills and tools to make your readers shiver.

Once more, we will be joined by the brilliant Megan Taylor for this course. Megan has a fantastic reputation both as an author of gothic horror and as a superb teacher. The group will be taught – mostly by Megan and occasionally by Anstey Harris – from 10am till 12:30/1pm every day with the afternoons free for walks, group activities, or writing. There will be a programme of evening entertainment including a ‘night walk’ looking at the sights and sounds of the night-time outdoors, and readings. We will repeat last year’s star experience (in every sense of the word) with a Dark Sky Tour led by The Freelancer Ranger.

The retreat is fully catered (from afternoon tea & supper on Monday till breakfast on Saturday – and lots of cake in between) with a vegetarian menu (although other dietary needs can be met).

Last year, participants brought a haunted object of their choice: there will be a similar session this year, with details of what you need to bring to be announced nearer the time.

The cost of the course is £775 and places can be secured with a £250 deposit (email info@writesouthwestscotland.com for more details). There is also a shared room at £595 per person (based on two sharing).

All courses are Covid-dependent and, in the case of it being imprudent to run the course, full refunds will be given.