Fri 5 Nov - Sun 7 Nov 2021 (2 nights)
At a glance
Always wanted to write your life story but didn’t know where to start? This course will lead you in a series of fun and interesting life-writing tasks. From your earliest memories, those tales of your school days and siblings, pets and pursuits, through the rites of passage, work and marriage: you will be able to tell about the triumphs and the tragedies on your personal timeline, and see the whole story laid out as a screenwriter might plot the film or a novelist plan the book.
All the sights, sounds and smells of your childhood will be conjured up, while you play with the characters of your real-life friends or foes, and practise technical skills around writing in past and present tense, first or third person. Working in prose, poetry or script, whichever you prefer, we’ll even explore where you got your name from, and experiment with ideas that may have come from dreams.
As well as meeting the muse of ancient Greece, our discussions will include possible avenues of publication and routes to readership, and Alison will be able to offer individual advice on your writing during the course. This creative writing class is likely to touch on memories which may be painful: you won’t have to read aloud unless you are happy to. The activities are designed to be comfortable and enjoyable, and will allow you to produce first drafts of short stories, articles, poems or scripts; with the potential to develop a full-length memoir or semi-autobiographical novel based on the story of your life (so far).
About
Skyros attracts mostly solo travellers from all over the world. Although all ages are represented, approximately 70% are between 35 and 65. The Grange is a stunning Georgian country house, surrounded by greenery and close to Shanklin's sandy beach, cosy pubs and restaurants and the local train station.
Accommodation
Share a room with a friend or family member or choose single occupancy of a room. The supplement for single occupancy is £70 for two nights.
Inspiring Courses
Your course weekend includes six hours of tuition across two days. This leaves plenty of time to explore the island on coastline walks or enjoy health and beauty treatments (where available, book in advance). The holidays and courses will operate in accordance with government guidelines for hospitality.
Food & Drink
Holidays are inclusive of breakfast, lunch and dinner with regulations in place according to government guidelines at the time.
Guide Itinerary
Friday
16.00: Arrivals
18.30: Welcome
19.30: Dinner
Saturday
08.00 to 10.00: Breakfast
10.30 to 12.30: Course
13.00: Lunch
17.00 to 19.00: Course
19.30: Dinner
Sunday
08.00 to 10.00: Breakfast
10.30 to 12.30: Course
13.00: Lunch
Average Temperature
As with much of the UK weather is changeable - although the Isle of Wight does boast a micro-climate and is one of the sunniest places to visit. Fingers crossed for good weather!
Location
Summary
What's included?
- Six hours of course time over the weekend
- Twin shared 4-star guest accommodation (single upgrades available)
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Local walks and opportunities for excursions
Travel
The easiest way to reach The Grange is usually by train. Buy a return rail ticket to Shanklin via Portsmouth Harbour and your ticket will include crossing the Solent in 15 minutes by FastCat. An island train meets the FastCat at Ryde Pier Head and takes you on to Shanklin in 25 minutes. Outside Shanklin station, take a cab for the 3-minute journey to Eastcliff Road or walk to The Grange in around 15 minutes.
If you decide to drive then book your crossing online with Wightlink or Red Funnel Ferries. Call 01983 867644 or email us at stay@thegrangebythesea.com for ferry discount codes.
