Ideal for those new to writing, come along to expand your creative toolkit, find space for new ideas and develop those that are already percolating in the back of your mind. Explore your interests and ambitions as a writer, whether you know you want to write but don’t know where to begin, or you need the motivation and tools to get started with the idea you already have.
Working with experienced novelists and non-fiction writers Kim Sherwood and Wyl Menmuir, you’ll have the chance to engage in a series of fiction and non-fiction exercises, developing your skills during workshops and one-to-one tutorials.
Whatever your ambition – to make a start on that novel or memoir, nail a few short stories, or simply explore and expand your voice as a writer – we’ll ignite your curiosity and confidence, and equip you with new creative techniques to keep going once you’ve begun.
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