It’s time to write your own story. Book your place now on this weekend retreat in beautiful, peaceful surroundings, knowing you won’t have to lift a finger to cook or clean, or think about anything except for your writing. Leave feeling refreshed and inspired, with a plan of how to commit to your work when you return to normal life, and what to do next.
Whether you are new to writing or stuck somewhere along the way, writing fiction or non-fiction, for commercial or more personal reasons, the Find Your Focus writing retreat may be just what you need.
Your host will be Katharine E. Smith, independent author of twenty novels, member of the Society of Authors, and founder of Heddon Publishing (Est. 2012, Partner Member of the Alliance of Independent Authors). Having worked with many authors writing in different genres and for a host of different reasons, for more than a decade, as well as writing and publishing twenty novels of her own, Katharine is perfectly placed to help advise on any issues you are experiencing in writing, and to help plan your next steps.
There will be plenty of time and space to work, discover and develop good new habits, meet fellow writers and build confidence in your abilities and what you can achieve.
White House Health and Wellbeing is set in a beautiful spot in the Welsh Marches and is run by Helen and Anne-Marie, who are experts at making guests feel incredibly welcome and relaxed, not to mention providing delicious home-cooked food (catering for most diets as required). Snacks and hot and cold drinks are available throughout the day to fuel your creativity. There are many quiet spots where you can hide away and write, and lots of outdoor space for walking or quiet contemplation if you are looking for some inspiration. If the weather is not so kind, there are lots of indoor spaces to make use of too, including a cosy living room with a wood-burning stove. Socialising in the evening is very much welcome but by no means expected. This will be your weekend, for you and your writing.
The retreat participants will have exclusive use of the large, comfortable house and the tranquil grounds, including the magical woodland dingle, are yours to explore, as well as many local permissive footpaths. Inspiration is guaranteed in this tranquil environment shared with all the birds and wildlife that this quiet mid-Wales hideaway encourages and enjoys.
Running from Friday 2nd May to Sunday 4th May 2025, the retreat will cost £500/£560 per person*, for all accommodation, food and refreshments. Rooms are en suite or with a dedicated bathroom. There are five bedrooms available inside the house, each costing £560 per person for single occupancy. If your preference is for more of an outdoor experience, there is also the option to stay in a yurt or a pod set in the beautifully kept gardens. Both of these are heated and have some power for lighting etc but toilet and washing facilities are inside the main house. To stay in either the pod or the yurt will cost £500.
You can secure your place here: https://bit.ly/bookmayretreat
Prices are based on each person having their own individual room/space. If you wish to share a room please contact Katharine by email – katharine@heddonpublishing.com
There are seven single accommodation spaces available on this first retreat so act fast to express your interest.
Below is an idea of how the weekend will run…
FRIDAY 2nd May
Arrive in time for afternoon tea and to find your room, look around the beautiful grounds and meet your hosts and fellow writers.
There will be a group session with Katharine, to discuss challenges and ideas relating to writing, editing and development, etc, followed by free time in which to write, walk, get planning, or even have a little power nap knowing that in the evening a delicious dinner awaits you.
After dinner there is the opportunity to socialise but this is by no means expected. A weekend retreat is a chance for you to do as you please, so make the most of it in whichever way you prefer!
SATURDAY 3rd May
This will be the main day for writing and there will be a number of 60-90 minute sessions where you will be encouraged to lay aside any distractions (yes that means put your phone away!) and get your head down. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks are provided, with hot drinks freely available all day. There will also be the option for a one-to-one session with Katharine if you have ideas to discuss or questions to ask, about writing or publishing.
There will be plenty of downtime too, with breaks between sessions and the chance for walking or just enjoying the White House grounds. In the evening there will be more social time after dinner, if wanted.
SUNDAY 4th May
Breakfast will be followed by two writing sessions with a break in between and a further chance for a short one-to-one session with Katharine.
Lunch will be provided and followed by a chance to meet as a group once more to discuss the weekend. By this point you will have proved to yourself just how much you can do when you structure your day and set aside pure writing time.
You can head home with renewed energy, new ideas and a firm focus on how to proceed and achieve your writing aims, as well as some fantastic memories and hopefully one or two new, like-minded friends.
You can book your space here or please feel free to email Katharine: katharine@heddonpublishing.com with any questions.