Creative writing course

with highly acclaimed published author and tutor Leigh Russell

2012 dates to be arranged - please contact us for details.

Leigh runs successful workshops for the Society of Authors (for published authors), London Writers Cafe (for writers seeking publication), Get Writing 2011 Conference (for writers seeking publication).

 

'a brilliant talent' - JEFFERY DEAVER
'psychologically acute' - THE TIMES
Shortlisted CWA New Blood dagger 
CUT SHORT, ROAD CLOSED, DEAD END

To see what Leigh is doing, read her blog

http://leighrussell.blogspot.com

 

 

 

Format for the week

The daily format is a 3-hour group workshop in the morning, afternoon free for personal writing work (or to relax and do your own thing), and after dinner an evening gathering for discussion on a particular writing theme, or a sharing of work in progress.

In addition Leigh will offer 1-1 tutorials in the afternoons so that each writer has the chance to have detailed feedback from Leigh on their own work.

A typical group size is between 6-12 participants.

 

In the afternoon there is the opportunity to do some sight seeing. We can take you out to look at some of the local churches, villages etc.  We can also arrange a visit to the outdoor thermal baths at St Thomas.

http://www.bains-saint-thomas.fr/

This may help with the creative juices and plot lines or just give the brain cells some time to rest and re-charge.

 

 

Accommodation & Meals

Mas Saurine offers a tranquil setting and a creative atmosphere that is ideal for developing your literary ideas.

Situated only 30 minutes from Perpignan, near the villages of Joch and Vinca and within easy reach of Prades and Ille-sur-Tet, Mas Saurine is a Catalan farmhouse dating from 1840, which has been lovingly restored over the past few years to give comfortable modern accommodation whilst retaining its charm and character.  Approached by a quiet country lane, with stunning views of Mount Canigou and other mountain ranges in the distance.

 

Guests are accommodated in the main Mas and gite adjoining. We have a selection of double, single and twin rooms available. Non-writing partners are welcome.

Meals are made by using locally sourced and as far as possible organic ingredients.  We can cater for special diets if notified at the time of booking.

 

 

Communications

We do have high-speed internet connection and wifi and a telephone for guests to use. We do not provide PCs for guests' use so do bring your own laptop if you need a computer for your writing.

 

Mas Saurine offers a tranquil setting and a creative atmosphere that is ideal for developing your literary ideas.


The cost for the week is 600 Euros per writer or
520 Euros each for two writers sharing a room.
Non participating partners 425 Euros per week

Included in the price is: The writing workshop, accommodation, delicious meals made with locally grown ingredients and served with Rousillon wines.  Afternoon sight seeing tours and visit to the mountain thermal baths are included in the price, there is an entry fee for going into the baths of about 5 Euros each.  We have swim towels for hire at a cost of 2 Euros per person. Under French regulations only "speedo" type tight fitting swim wear is permitted for men but can be hired at the baths if you wish.

Collection from Perpignan airport and station is included but there is an addition fee for collection from Girona airport.

Flights and holiday insurance are not included.

If you need help or advice with your travel arrangements we will be happy to help you.

Testimonials from people who have been on previous workshops.

Society of Authors

 

 “Excellent workshop. Thanks for making us feel at ease... Very interesting and good value.”

Sheila Cornelius, London

 

“It was a really stimulating day and I’m very glad I went.”

Robert Crompton, Cardiff

 

“Very useful and good value”

Alison Marlow

 

“Very useful and good value. I thought Leigh Russell was excellent.  The passages she read from her own work were carefully chosen to demonstrate the points she was making, and she was friendly, helpful, and created an entirely non-threatening atmosphere.   Some writers didn’t seem to want to read out their work, and she didn’t press them, which was good.    Those who did the exercises, and wanted to read, were given the opportunity, and her comments were pertinent and useful”

Shirley Hughes

 

 

London Writers Café

 

“a very informative session. It answered a lot of everyone's burning questions and curiosities.” - Lisa

 

“very helpful!”- Laura

 

“Leigh Russell was brilliant” – Puja

 

“I've already started making improvements to my synopsis based on Leigh’s advice” – Samantha Almon

 

“It was very helpful and she was great” – Ruth Horner

 

“It was really useful and I picked up lots of excellent tips” – Maeve

Leigh's book reviews

 "well-written, soundly plotted, psychologically acute" 
THE TIMES
"a deft hand developing her characters" 
SAN FRANCISCO BOOK REVIEW
"perfect character building... cleverly written" 
BEST BOOKS
"a gripping, fast-paced read, pulling you in from the very first tense page and keeping you captivated right to the end with its refreshingly compelling and original narrative" 
NEW YORK JOURNAL OF BOOKS
"a gritty page turner from the start"
STAR MAGAZINE
"A natural ability to build a solid plot and people it with intriguing characters"
AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION
"I could not put this book down"
NEW BOOKS MAGAZINE
"sure to win fans"
US PUBLISHERS WEEKLY