Writing Life

with writer and producer, Paul Dodgson

APRIL 26 – 29, with an optional retreat extension to May 1.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     

Have you ever wanted to write about your life but do not know where to start?

In this intensive three day workshop you will be introduced to techniques of memoir writing, led by UK based writer and producer Paul Dodgson.

With a mixture of workshops and tutorial sessions, we will investigate the nature of memory; establishing style and tone; creating a sense of time and place; and writing believable dialogue.  We will test our storytelling skills as well as the peculiar relationship between truth and fiction.  On this course I will show you how learning to write well will help you draw from out of your story what will make it compelling to us all. 

You will:

  • Learn techniques to recover memory of past events
  • Take part in exercises to inspire creativity
  • Look at examples of dynamic writing in published memoirs
  • Write short pieces that are shared with the group in a mutually supportive environment
  • Explore the ethics of writing down personal stories
  • Gain the confidence to continue writing

REGISTER

 

Sliding Scale Price: $320 - $450 + HST (including instruction, meals and course materials for three days). Fees paid above $320 is considered a donation to the Windhorse Education Foundation scholarship fund to provide financial assistance towards a participant who cannot afford the minimal fees. More info:

Windhorse Education Foundation scholarship fund

Optional Accommodation: $180 + HST for three nights in the beautiful Juniper Lodge. 

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Extend Your Stay. We are offering a 20% lodging discount for participants who want to come early and relax before the program begins or stay an extra day or more when it ends to reflect on your experience. Contact us to book your stay —> 

Extend you retreat! Stay after the workshop to continue  with a writing retreat of your own.  Paul Dodgson will be available until May 1 to provide one-on-one consultations and for group circle discussions once/day. This will provide an opportunity to go deeper into your writing practise.   

Everybody has a story to tell, so come along with an open mind and start to write the story of your life.
 

INSTRUCTOR:

Paul Dodgson is a UK based writer, composer, producer and teacher.  He has written and produced many plays and screenplays for BBC Radio and television in England, some of which have been transmitted in Canada and the USA.   For the last two years Paul has been writer-in-residence at Exeter University in the South-West of England where he developed his successful life writing workshops delivered at writing centers and literary festivals all over the country.   Paul’s latest play is a radio memoir called You Drive Me Crazy and will be transmitted by the BBC in January.  

“I found the unblocking, clustering and recall techniques brilliant.  I was also amazed about how much detail, re-action could be taken from such a tiny moment in time… Thank you for an inspirational day."

“Excellent communication, feedback and inspiration.”

“Very enjoyable, informative and supportive.  The group was led in a professional way with authority, whilst still allowing space in which to be creative.”

“It was an excellent workshop that has inspired me to write more.”

“I haven’t tried writing before, but this was really great.  I did not feel out of my depth.”

 

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