Residential Writing Retreat with Janet Gover
2026-07-07 - 2026-07-11 | Retreats For You, The Court, The Square, Sheepwash, Beaworthy, Devon, EX21 5NE, United Kingdom
The End is just the beginning: finishing your novel and finding your readers.
Retreats for You – Tuesday July 9th – Sat July 11, Retreats for You , Devon.
This course is aimed at new writers who have finished (or almost finished) a book and want to get it out into the world and at published writers who wish to give their writing career a lift, or take it in a new direction.
Submit work for appraisal and each attendee will have one to one time with Janet, to help you find the heart of your story and prepare it for readers.
Plus there’ll be plenty of writing time, and a chance to talk about books and writing with the only other people who truly understand – other writers.
Tuesday: Arrive 2 pm, in time for afternoon tea. After meeting everyone, there’s time to settle in before the welcome dinner and a getting to know each other chat around the fire.
Wednesday: Morning Session: 9:30-11:00: Finding the best words – that final polish. Using themes and imagery.
Afternoon Session: 2:00-3:30: The first 100 words sell this book. The last 100 words sell the next book. These are the last words you’ll write – then STOP.
Outside the sessions, work on your novel or spend one to one time with Janet.
Evening discussion of all things writerly – let Janet know if you have specific topics you want to talk about.
Thursday: Morning Session: 9.30-11:00: Working with an editor – the dreaded revision letter and publisher edits. When to change the book and when to say no.
Afternoon Session: 2:00-3:30: Working with agents and publishers. What to expect from them and what they will expect from you.
Evening discussion of all things writerly.
Friday: Morning Session: 9:30-11:00: Finding readers – publicity, social media and personal appearances.
Afternoon Session: 9:30-11:00: Staring the difficult 2nd (or 3rd or 10th ) novel. Handling rejection, success and deadlines. Writing as a job rather than just for enjoyment.
Evening discussion of all things writerly.
Saturday: Depart late morning, and follow-up with Janet as appropriate.
