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Arvon Residential Writing Week: Fiction


  • Totleigh Barton Manor Beaworthy, England, EX21 5NS United Kingdom (map)

How do we ensure the stories we tell are modern, exciting and fresh?

This week of workshops and tutorials for writers of all levels will explore the different forms and structures appropriate for penning a contemporary tale.

Exercises, reading and guidance from acclaimed novelists Ashley Hickson-Lovence and Sophie Mackintosh will foster your confidence to be bold and dynamic with your form and subject. You’ll be encouraged to think beyond traditional literature and push yourself to respond in new and creative ways, as you enjoy workshops, discussions, exercises and one-to-one time with your tutors. The special guest for this week is award-winning debut novelist Tice Cin, author of Keeping the House.

The goal is for you to come away from the week with a renewed and intensified sense of possibility in your work, and a greater understanding of how to create compelling, exciting fiction.

Cost: Single room: £845 / Concessions: £591.50 (grants also available)


Accessibility Statement: We do not currently recommend this house if you are a wheelchair user. Totleigh Barton is a sixteenth-century manor house and has many steps and tight corners. In the future we hope to redevelop the property to provide level access. For additional detailed information on physical access in bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchen, dining, shared spaces and the grounds please visit our dedicated access page.

General Access Information for Residential Writing Weeks
Available on all courses for those who are Deaf, Partially Deaf or who have significant hearing loss:

  • We provide BSL interpreters on some courses. If you require this please check whether the course you are interested in offers this facility. Or get in touch on our dedicated access email: access@arvon.org

  • We have a portable hearing loop system.

  • We have a vibrating pillow pad linked to our fire alarm system.

  • Available on all courses for those who are blind, partially sighted or who have significant sight loss

  • We welcome guide dogs

  • We can provide information in large print and other formats, such as word documents or PDFs.

  • We can provide large print handouts for workshops

  • We can provide additional desk lamps

There is external lighting for navigating around the property, fixed to the external elevations of the main house, front and back, as well as external buildings. Lighting is switched on and off manually by staff each day.

Available on all courses for those who have Dyslexia:

  • There’s no need to worry about spelling, grammar or handwriting on our courses, the focus is on creativity.

  • We can provide information on coloured paper

  • We may be able to make arrangements such as sourcing audio of suggested reading

  • You are welcome to use any supportive technology during the sessions, such as a dictaphone or laptop

Available on all courses to those who identify as Neuro Divergent

  • Arvon is committed to providing a supportive and welcoming environment to all

  • We can provide information on coloured paper

  • We may be able to make arrangements such as sourcing audio of suggested reading.

  • You are welcome to use any supportive technology during the sessions, such as a dictaphone or laptop.

  • If you need to take some time out to rest, or be alone, you’re welcome to do so. Participation in any activity is entirely at your discretion.

Our grants scheme may be able to cover a portion of your course fees. Disability costs and additional living/support costs are taken into account when considering your grant application. You may also be entitled to concession pricing on selected courses.

For additional detailed information on how we can support people with learning difficulties, mental health issues, and those with special diets and allergies, please see our dedicated access page.

If you have any questions or concerns and want to chat to a member of staff prior to booking please contact us on access@arvon.org

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Haiflu Ever After - Liv Torc

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18 May

Book the Babysitter Open Mic - Mum Poem Press + Bookbag