Creative Writing Workshops with Jan Henley

Creative Writing Workshops

Jan is taking some time out from regular term-time workshops with Northbrook College, the WEA and the University of Sussex to do some travelling, research and more writing. She will however, still be running some workshops – including a summer school at Missenden Abbey in 2010, a writing holiday in Spain in June 2010 and a course on writing women’s fiction at Sussex university in May 2010. For more details of these courses or other forthcoming events, please contact Jan by e-mail.

Some comments about the workshops…

‘Many thanks for a really great day!’

‘You encouraged everyone to get involved and comment with no fear of being put down.’

‘Jan is an exceptional teacher and seems to bring out the best in all of us.’

‘She makes me want to write.’

‘I enjoy every moment of your class.’

Writing Holiday

in the Sierra Almijara, Southern Spain

Date: 28th June – 5th July 2010

7 days of writing-time and me-time
Guidance, advice and motivation from experienced creative writing tutor, mentor, and widely published author
Individual appraisal of work
Constructive group workshop sessions
Tranquil and beautiful surroundings
Small hotel in stunning location with patios, gardens and swimming pool
Large & comfortable, single occupancy rooms with ES facilities & air-con
Full board, tea and coffee provided
Al fresco lunches and dinners at the hotel and at local restaurants
Air conditioned work room
Internet access and use of PC
Minibus transfer from Malaga airport to the hotel
Help given with booking flights if desired

Feedback from last year’s writing holiday in Spain

“The best group holiday I’ve ever been on. I enjoyed every moment.”

“I hadn’t written anything for months. During this week I started writing again. I was inspired. Thank you so much.”

“Money well spent, time well spent, much learnt and much enjoyed. Jan's creative writing course was just that... creative.”

“Brilliant.”

“Jan’s inspiring tutorship and her relentless enthusiasm and encouragement, combined with the support of fellow writers and the breathtaking beauty of the surroundings, created a truly invaluable and unforgettable retreat. Please may I come again?”

The Venue and Location

Finca el Cerrillo is a restored 200 year old farmhouse situated close to the traditional Andalucian villages of Canillas de Albaida and Competa, high in the foothills of the Sierra Almijara, Southern Spain. The Finca was a working olive mill until the mid 1960’s and has been carefully restored to preserve the charm and character of old Andalucia whilst providing the modern comforts of a small and charming hotel.

Circular walks from the hotel pass through shady olive groves, orchards and vineyards ending in whitewashed villages. And from its terraces there are magnificent views of the valley below and of the nearby national park. The Natural Park, with its wild flowers, forests of Corsican Pine and aromatic, shrub-covered hillsides has spectacular views of the mountains and the sea.
The Finca’s individually styled, spacious rooms have tea and coffee-making facilities and there are plenty of places inside and out to sit and write or just relax and enjoy the ambience. The terraced gardens with carob and palm trees surround both sunny and shaded patios, the Finca has its own olive grove, and the swimming pool and deck areas have stunning views - as you can see from the photos on the web site: www.hotelfinca.com which details the full range of facilities available. Food served at the Finca is freshly prepared and delicious with most of the produce bought locally from the two nearest villages. On warm evenings dinner is served on the candlelit terrace. The hotel is an hour’s drive from Malaga airport and provides a minibus for stress-free transfer.

The writing course.

The course is ideal for those working on a writing project and needing some uninterrupted writing time in order to focus and get some editorial feedback, and also for writers who are looking for the motivation or ideas to begin a writing project.

The group will be a maximum of twelve and we will meet in the morning for writing motivation exercises designed not only to source new ideas but also to develop more depth in existing work. Every day there will be a particular theme and writing issue to focus on but participants are also invited to bring their own ‘writing problems’ to the table… Late afternoon we will meet to share work, get constructive feedback and discuss writing issues that have emerged during the day. The rest of the time will be free for individual writing and your tutor/ mentor will be available to read and appraise your work and discuss it with you individually during the week.

There will be a free day mid-week when we are planning to visit the Alhambra Palace in Granada. The cost for this excursion will be approx £30 if pre-booked.

What it will cost

The cost is £720 for single occupancy ES. Twin rooms ES at a reduced rate (£605) will be available (depending on demand); maybe there are 2 of you who would be happy to share. We will also welcome partners/ friends who are not participating in the writing course (fee for shared room w/out course is £505). Although it can be very warm in late June/ early July, please note that the hotel bedrooms and work studio are fully air conditioned. A deposit of £150 will secure your place; balance is payable by 20th April 2010.

What it will include

7 nights at the hotel with buffet breakfast
Lunch on 5 days (the other day we will be in Granada)
3 course dinner every day – some at the Finca, some at local restaurants.
tea and coffee-making facilities in rooms
full use of all the facilities at the hotel (see website) including pool and library with PC and internet access; also free wi fi access for laptops.
the writing course
transfers to and from the hotel/ airport and to local restaurants.

The flight will be extra, but there are many bargain flights available to Malaga from the UK and we are happy to liaise with you to help you book one.

If you would like to register interest in this course, please contact Jan by e-mail at jan.henley1@gmail.com or phone 07899728176.

Courses at Missenden Abbey

Residential or non-residential available

The Course
As writers, how can we make our story or novel one that people will want to read? Through individual and group writing exercises, tutorial sessions, and friendly, constructive workshops we will be looking at ways to develop character, theme, symbolism, dialogue and narrative voice and structure in our creative writing.

This course aims to… enable students to improve their knowledge of narrative technique in the writing of fiction which they can use to work on and develop their own stories/ novels.
It is for… beginners and more experienced writers; anyone interested in writing fiction.

During the course… through a series of individual and group writing exercises, tutorial sessions and workshops, students will cover a range of narrative techniques. Topics will include the development of character and internal thought, the use of dialogue, ways of developing themes and symbolism, story structure, narrative voice and style.

The Venue
You can find out more about Missenden Abbey by going on to their web site: www.arca.uk.net/missendenabbey

All workshops to be led by Jan Henley.

Missenden Abbey provides a glorious setting. The Abbey is luxurious and there are lots of walks in the grounds and surrounding countryside. Students have the option of staying at the Abbey or attending workshops as a ‘day student’.

For more details and a brochure please contact Missenden Abbey. Tel: 01494 862904 or e mail: adultlearningchil@buckscc.gov.uk

Courses at Alston Hall, Preston.

The course
In this friendly workshop we shall be exploring the art of characterisation.
Through exercises, group work, discussion and tutorials we shall develop
character profiles and see how using character action, dialogue and
introspection can produce exciting, three dimensional fictional characters
and page-turning stories.

The venue
Accommodation: Hand & Bath towels and soap are provided in each room along
with tea & coffee making facilities. Not all rooms are en-suite but public facilities are available on the same floor as the standard accommodation. A member of staff will be on duty throughout your stay.

Catering: With prior notification, we can cater for vegetarian, vegan, low
fat, medically recommended and religious restricted diets. Please inform
the college of any changes to your dietary requirements. We record your
dietary requirements on our database for future reference.
Transport & Travelling: If you are travelling by road there is a full map
on the reverse of the brochure. The College minibus will pick up on request
only from the Meeting Point at the side of Preston Railway Station & from
Stand 41 on Preston Bus Station.

Alston Hall is a friendly and inspirational setting for a creative writing course. It is situated in beautiful countryside. And the food is absolutely fabulous...

For more details contact the college Tel: 01772 784661
email alstonhall@ed.lancscc.gov.uk web www.alstonhall.com

Winchester Writers Conference

Many workshops and talks feature in this conference at the end of June. Mine is a mini-course entitled Pitch and Presentation with Julia Bryant, aimed specifically at novelists who want to find out how best to pitch and present a novel to agents.
www.writersconference.co.uk Tel: 01962 827238.

Writing Holidays in Spain 2009

Days of uninterrupted writing-time and me-time, in a place of tranquillity, with good food, warm weather and like-minded people. (And no housework…)

The Venue
The venue is a 3 star hotel set in a stunning location in the Natural Park Sierra de las Nieves, Spain. This hotel is a 40 minute drive from Malaga airport, and sits in the mountains overlooking the charming spa-town of Tolox. It has magnificent panoramic views of the mountains, streams and pine forests of the area (check it out on www.cerrodehijar.com ). It has an outdoor swimming pool (with mountain views), very comfortable rooms with full en-suite facilities, and lots of areas – indoors and out –for writing. If you want exercise, there is excellent walking from the hotel and if you want to explore the village of Tolox, taxis are available to take you there and back. Best of all is the sense of tranquillity that you will find here – it’s a perfect writing retreat.

6 day writing course.
The course will be ideal for those working on a writing project and needing some uninterrupted writing time in order to focus and get some editorial feedback, and also for those writers who are looking for the motivation or ideas to begin a writing project. The group will be a maximum of ten and we will meet in the morning for (optional) writing motivation exercises designed to focus on developing a sense of place, characterisation, narrative voice etc. These exercises can be used to find new ideas but also to develop more depth in your existing work. Late afternoon there will be a workshop in which we will meet to share work, get constructive feedback and discuss writing issues that have emerged during the day. The rest of the time will be free for individual writing and I will be available to read and appraise your work and discuss it with you during the week.

What it will cost
The cost will be 845 euros (£670) for a single room ES. Twin rooms at a reduced rate (790 euros - £628) will be available (depending on demand). I am happy to welcome partners/ friends who are not participating in the writing holiday (fee for double or twin room without course is 640 euros - £508. There may be optional art trips for those not writing (at a small extra cost and depending on demand). We can benefit from this year’s prices by booking the hotel this year. I will be asking for an immediate deposit of 150 euros to secure your place, with the balance payable in February 2009. (Fee is payable in euros because of currency fluctuations, but you are welcome to pay at the current English currency rate of the time before Feb 2009 if you are concerned about this).

What it will include
• 6 nights at the hotel
• full board (a buffet breakfast, lunch, 3 course dinner)
• tea and coffee or juice throughout the day.
• the writing course
• meet and greet at Malaga airport
• transport to and from the hotel/ airport.

The flight will be extra, but there are many bargain flights available to Malaga from the UK and I am happy to liaise with you to help you book one.

If you would like to register interest in this course, contact me by e-mail.

Top of Page






	*Creative Writing Workshops* Jan is taking some time out from regular term-time workshops with Northbrook College, the WEA and the University of Sussex to do some travelling, research and more writing. She will however, still be running some workshops – including a summer school at Missenden Abbey in 2010, a writing holiday in Spain in June 2010 and a course on writing women’s fiction at Sussex university in May 2010. For more details of these courses or other forthcoming events, please contact Jan by e-mail. Some comments about the workshops… ‘Many thanks for a really great day!’ ‘You encouraged everyone to get involved and comment with no fear of being put down.’ ‘Jan is an exceptional teacher and seems to bring out the best in all of us.’ ‘She makes me want to write.’ ‘I enjoy every moment of your class.’ *Writing Holiday* in the Sierra Almijara, Southern Spain Date: 28th June – 5th July 2010 7 days of writing-time and me-time Guidance, advice and motivation from experienced creative writing tutor, mentor, and widely published author Individual appraisal of work Constructive group workshop sessions Tranquil and beautiful surroundings Small hotel in stunning location with patios, gardens and swimming pool Large & comfortable, single occupancy rooms with ES facilities & air-con Full board, tea and coffee provided Al fresco lunches and dinners at the hotel and at local restaurants Air conditioned work room Internet access and use of PC Minibus transfer from Malaga airport to the hotel Help given with booking flights if desired Feedback from last year’s writing holiday in Spain “The best group holiday I’ve ever been on. I enjoyed every moment.” “I hadn’t written anything for months. During this week I started writing again. I was inspired. Thank you so much.” “Money well spent, time well spent, much learnt and much enjoyed. Jan's creative writing course was just that... creative.” “Brilliant.” “Jan’s inspiring tutorship and her relentless enthusiasm and encouragement, combined with the support of fellow writers and the breathtaking beauty of the surroundings, created a truly invaluable and unforgettable retreat. Please may I come again?” The Venue and Location Finca el Cerrillo is a restored 200 year old farmhouse situated close to the traditional Andalucian villages of Canillas de Albaida and Competa, high in the foothills of the Sierra Almijara, Southern Spain. The Finca was a working olive mill until the mid 1960’s and has been carefully restored to preserve the charm and character of old Andalucia whilst providing the modern comforts of a small and charming hotel. Circular walks from the hotel pass through shady olive groves, orchards and vineyards ending in whitewashed villages. And from its terraces there are magnificent views of the valley below and of the nearby national park. The Natural Park, with its wild flowers, forests of Corsican Pine and aromatic, shrub-covered hillsides has spectacular views of the mountains and the sea. The Finca’s individually styled, spacious rooms have tea and coffee-making facilities and there are plenty of places inside and out to sit and write or just relax and enjoy the ambience. The terraced gardens with carob and palm trees surround both sunny and shaded patios, the Finca has its own olive grove, and the swimming pool and deck areas have stunning views - as you can see from the photos on the web site: www.hotelfinca.com which details the full range of facilities available. Food served at the Finca is freshly prepared and delicious with most of the produce bought locally from the two nearest villages. On warm evenings dinner is served on the candlelit terrace. The hotel is an hour’s drive from Malaga airport and provides a minibus for stress-free transfer. The writing course. The course is ideal for those working on a writing project and needing some uninterrupted writing time in order to focus and get some editorial feedback, and also for writers who are looking for the motivation or ideas to begin a writing project. The group will be a maximum of twelve and we will meet in the morning for writing motivation exercises designed not only to source new ideas but also to develop more depth in existing work. Every day there will be a particular theme and writing issue to focus on but participants are also invited to bring their own ‘writing problems’ to the table… Late afternoon we will meet to share work, get constructive feedback and discuss writing issues that have emerged during the day. The rest of the time will be free for individual writing and your tutor/ mentor will be available to read and appraise your work and discuss it with you individually during the week. There will be a free day mid-week when we are planning to visit the Alhambra Palace in Granada. The cost for this excursion will be approx £30 if pre-booked. What it will cost The cost is £720 for single occupancy ES. Twin rooms ES at a reduced rate (£605) will be available (depending on demand); maybe there are 2 of you who would be happy to share. We will also welcome partners/ friends who are not participating in the writing course (fee for shared room w/out course is £505). Although it can be very warm in late June/ early July, please note that the hotel bedrooms and work studio are fully air conditioned. A deposit of £150 will secure your place; balance is payable by 20th April 2010. What it will include 7 nights at the hotel with buffet breakfast Lunch on 5 days (the other day we will be in Granada) 3 course dinner every day – some at the Finca, some at local restaurants. tea and coffee-making facilities in rooms full use of all the facilities at the hotel (see website) including pool and library with PC and internet access; also free wi fi access for laptops. the writing course transfers to and from the hotel/ airport and to local restaurants. The flight will be extra, but there are many bargain flights available to Malaga from the UK and we are happy to liaise with you to help you book one. If you would like to register interest in this course, please contact Jan by e-mail at jan.henley1@gmail.com or phone 07899728176. Courses at Missenden Abbey Residential or non-residential available The Course As writers, how can we make our story or novel one that people will want to read? Through individual and group writing exercises, tutorial sessions, and friendly, constructive workshops we will be looking at ways to develop character, theme, symbolism, dialogue and narrative voice and structure in our creative writing. This course aims to… enable students to improve their knowledge of narrative technique in the writing of fiction which they can use to work on and develop their own stories/ novels. It is for… beginners and more experienced writers; anyone interested in writing fiction. During the course… through a series of individual and group writing exercises, tutorial sessions and workshops, students will cover a range of narrative techniques. Topics will include the development of character and internal thought, the use of dialogue, ways of developing themes and symbolism, story structure, narrative voice and style. The Venue You can find out more about Missenden Abbey by going on to their web site: www.arca.uk.net/missendenabbey All workshops to be led by Jan Henley. Missenden Abbey provides a glorious setting. The Abbey is luxurious and there are lots of walks in the grounds and surrounding countryside. Students have the option of staying at the Abbey or attending workshops as a ‘day student’. For more details and a brochure please contact Missenden Abbey. Tel: 01494 862904 or e mail: adultlearningchil@buckscc.gov.uk Courses at Alston Hall, Preston. The course In this friendly workshop we shall be exploring the art of characterisation. Through exercises, group work, discussion and tutorials we shall develop character profiles and see how using character action, dialogue and introspection can produce exciting, three dimensional fictional characters and page-turning stories. The venue Accommodation: Hand & Bath towels and soap are provided in each room along with tea & coffee making facilities. Not all rooms are en-suite but public facilities are available on the same floor as the standard accommodation. A member of staff will be on duty throughout your stay. Catering: With prior notification, we can cater for vegetarian, vegan, low fat, medically recommended and religious restricted diets. Please inform the college of any changes to your dietary requirements. We record your dietary requirements on our database for future reference. Transport & Travelling: If you are travelling by road there is a full map on the reverse of the brochure. The College minibus will pick up on request only from the Meeting Point at the side of Preston Railway Station & from Stand 41 on Preston Bus Station. Alston Hall is a friendly and inspirational setting for a creative writing course. It is situated in beautiful countryside. And the food is absolutely fabulous... For more details contact the college Tel: 01772 784661 email alstonhall@ed.lancscc.gov.uk web www.alstonhall.com Winchester Writers Conference Many workshops and talks feature in this conference at the end of June. Mine is a mini-course entitled Pitch and Presentation with Julia Bryant, aimed specifically at novelists who want to find out how best to pitch and present a novel to agents. www.writersconference.co.uk Tel: 01962 827238. Writing Holidays in Spain 2009 Days of uninterrupted writing-time and me-time, in a place of tranquillity, with good food, warm weather and like-minded people. (And no housework…) *The Venue* The venue is a 3 star hotel set in a stunning location in the Natural Park Sierra de las Nieves, Spain. This hotel is a 40 minute drive from Malaga airport, and sits in the mountains overlooking the charming spa-town of Tolox. It has magnificent panoramic views of the mountains, streams and pine forests of the area (check it out on www.cerrodehijar.com ). It has an outdoor swimming pool (with mountain views), very comfortable rooms with full en-suite facilities, and lots of areas – indoors and out –for writing. If you want exercise, there is excellent walking from the hotel and if you want to explore the village of Tolox, taxis are available to take you there and back. Best of all is the sense of tranquillity that you will find here – it’s a perfect writing retreat. 6 day writing course. The course will be ideal for those working on a writing project and needing some uninterrupted writing time in order to focus and get some editorial feedback, and also for those writers who are looking for the motivation or ideas to begin a writing project. The group will be a maximum of ten and we will meet in the morning for (optional) writing motivation exercises designed to focus on developing a sense of place, characterisation, narrative voice etc. These exercises can be used to find new ideas but also to develop more depth in your existing work. Late afternoon there will be a workshop in which we will meet to share work, get constructive feedback and discuss writing issues that have emerged during the day. The rest of the time will be free for individual writing and I will be available to read and appraise your work and discuss it with you during the week. *What it will cost* The cost will be 845 euros (£670) for a single room ES. Twin rooms at a reduced rate (790 euros - £628) will be available (depending on demand). I am happy to welcome partners/ friends who are not participating in the writing holiday (fee for double or twin room without course is 640 euros - £508. There may be optional art trips for those not writing (at a small extra cost and depending on demand). We can benefit from this year’s prices by booking the hotel this year. I will be asking for an immediate deposit of 150 euros to secure your place, with the balance payable in February 2009. (Fee is payable in euros because of currency fluctuations, but you are welcome to pay at the current English currency rate of the time before Feb 2009 if you are concerned about this). What it *will include* • 6 nights at the hotel • full board (a buffet breakfast, lunch, 3 course dinner) • tea and coffee or juice throughout the day. • the writing course • meet and greet at Malaga airport • transport to and from the hotel/ airport. The flight will be extra, but there are many bargain flights available to Malaga from the UK and I am happy to liaise with you to help you book one. If you would like to register interest in this course, contact me by e-mail. Top of Page