Our 6-day Creative Writing course, led by author and professional tutor Katherine Clements.
This residential course is designed to reignite your creativity, boost your confidence and help you make meaningful progress with your writing – whether you’re just starting out or have been writing for a while.
Through daily workshops and expert guidance, we’ll focus on generating new ideas and exploring key elements of craft and process – from building a sustainable writing practice, to finding your voice, developing character and editing your work.
This course is ideal for writers of fiction and creative non-fiction, but you’ll find inspiration whatever you write. The emphasis is on growth and experimentation in a small, supportive group, with plenty of opportunities to share work in a safe, encouraging space.
The programme includes three-hour daily workshops, one-to-one tutorials, and a relaxed participant reading and celebration evening. You’re welcome to bring work-in-progress for feedback or simply arrive with a notebook and an open mind.
You’ll also have free time to write, relax in the grounds or find inspiration in the beauty of the region, perhaps walking or cycling along the nearby Canal du Midi.
An evening restaurant visit is included as well as an afternoon visit to the stunning medieval walled city of Carcassonne.
May 30 – June 4, 2026 (6 days – 5 nights, starting Saturday)
All-inclusive price per person £1,125.
£80 supplement for single room occupancy (for single participants wanting their own double bedroom).
Non-participant sharing bedroom with participant: £100 discount.
Returning client: £50 discount.
During this course, the emphasis will be on informality. You may be a beginner or a more seasoned writer; either way, you will not be expected to conform to any particular genre or style.
Whether your chosen form is poetry or prose, fact or fiction, the focus will be on creating character, atmosphere and coherent structures. Discussions will cover topics such as plotting, pacing, dialogue, imagery, point of view, power and economy of language, punctuation and editing.
The course programme includes daily group sessions, one-to-ones and an after-dinner feedback focus one evening. Participants are encouraged to bring with them one or two of their works for one-to-one and group discussions but this isn’t a requirement.
‘Thank you for the support, Anne. I've really enjoyed the course and I'm pleased with the results. I've also found the feedback very helpful.’ – Student attending Anne’s OU course 2022
‘To have the opportunity to concentrate solely on writing for a week without the usual diversions has been wonderful. To be among like-minded souls and encouraging tutors has been great for confidence and self-belief and the workshops and tutorials have been inspiring and helpful. I leave feeling fired up and enthusiastic about pursuing my writing.’ – Arvon Course Participant
Katherine Clements is a novelist and writing coach best known for her dark, atmospheric fiction. She has published three novels, the most recent of which – The Coffin Path – was nominated for the HWA Gold Crown Award and is currently in development for the screen. Her latest book, Turbine 34, was published in November 2025 by Wild Hunt Books.
A highly experienced tutor and accredited coach, Katherine was a Royal Literary Fund Fellow at Sheffield and Manchester universities and is a Fulbright Scholar, for which, as part of the scholarship prize, she was able to spend almost a year in New Orleans as research for a novel.
She lives in West Yorkshire, England, where she runs her own business supporting other writers through editing, coaching and workshops, and hosts The Inkwell on Substack – a flourishing community of ambitious authors.
Click here to enquire about availability and for further information about this exciting tutored retreat!
