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Plot Your Novel
Creative Writing Holiday

Near Barcelona/Girona, Spain
Sept 12th-19th 2008, 7 nights.

with Maggie Hamand, Author, Publisher & Tutor and winner of the first World One-Day Novel cup.

Based in El Torre de Dalt near Banyoles lake.



Mas Dalt, Banyoles, Spain

£675 per person
(£450 for partners sharing a room)

Places are limited on this popular holiday - book now.

Includes:

-Daily writing workshops
-Individual en-suite rooms
-Continental breakfast
-Buffet lunch
-3 course evening meal with wine
-Swimming pool & vistas


This inspiring course will help you to structure your story or novel, from an opening that hooks you in through to a satisfying ending. Maggie will look at narrative drive, pace, the interaction between character and plot and how to create narrative tension and suspense. She will also look at sub-plots, point of view and time-frames. Afternoon 'reading sessions' will allow space to share work or discuss writing in an a more unstructured (poolside) location.

All levels of writer from beginner to experienced are welcome on the holiday.

 

The venue is a 16th century Baronial stone house; carefully renovated with en-suite bathrooms and lots of space. There is a beautiful covered terrace that overlooks the swimmingpool - both with views down the green valley. It is close to Girona and the lake of Banyoles, on our Feb Booklover's holiday we strolled down to the lake through the beautiful verdant valley (2 hours) and had coffee watching rowers and boats on the turquoise tinted water.

Daily Workshops
Below are examples of subjects covered. Full and final details for each day to be confirmed.

Day 1- 'Character is plot' - the interaction between character development and narrative structure
Day 2 - Openings and set-up - the inciting incident - defining the central narrative question
Day 3- Creating narrative drive and suspense - using techniques such as a 'gap in the narrative' and more complex time structures
Day 4- Sub plots, weaving in different narrative threads, handling increasing conflict and confusion
Day 5- Climax, resolution, endings

The format of the week is informal and you can spend as much or as little time as you wish on your writing. There are workshops on 5 mornings with plenty of time for poolside reading or walks. Also, informal afternoon sessions on work in progress plus time to relax by the pool or walk in the Catalan countryside. The property is a large stone countryhouse near woods and walks with a beautiful swimming pool with views!! There are healthy homecooked meals every night and local wines included.

Previously on Plot...


Just a few lines to thank you for your care and hospitality.

I really enjoyed the course, the accommodation and the company and would recommend it to anyone who like me has ideas but does not quite know how to put them on paper and get them into the public eye.
Barry Crofford


While I rather enjoyed being the only American amongst Brits, Scots and people from Wales, I will encourage colleagues and friends I know at “home” to participate in this very worthwhile opportunity to explore the craft of writing with an expert and to learn from others who are at various stages in writing the next great novel. Plus, the living arrangements were superb and the camaraderie grand. Thank you!

Davida Hartman USA


I really valued the care and your presence on the week, the nightly ritual of the 3 bottles and the warm atmosphere that you created. Made for a very special time.

Militza Maitland


Maggie's teaching style is very clear & analytical and her classes well thought out. She is a very skillful tutor on structure and plotting and personally I found her very helpful too. For me the course was a huge success as it got me completely focussed on the right track for plotting and writing a long piece of fiction.

The chance to really get to grips with how to create plot and structure in your stories in a group of diverse, fascinating people in a lovely, relaxing setting - and to have gorgeous food supplied as well. Listening to other people's work and hearing how the course was helping them to alter the way they write.
Jane D' Aulby


It's like being a guest in a country house... good conversation with people who have the common thread of an interest in books - interesting combination of being very relaxing while stimulating at the same time.... The food was fantastic.
Isobel - Booklovers Tales, February 08