HOW TO WRITE A NOVEL A 3-Morning Residential & Non-Residential Workshop, in Dungarvan, Co. Waterford -

with Faber Academy’s Fiction Programme Director, Richard Skinner

24 -26 May, 2019

Colligan Falls is delighted to host this 3-morning Workshop with Richard Skinner, on Friday 24 th, Saturday 25th and Sunday 26th May, 2019. Skinner is a writer working across fiction, life writing, essays, non-fiction and poetry. He has published three novels with Faber & Faber, three books of non-fiction and three books of poetry. His work has been nominated for several prizes and is published in eight languages. As Director of the Fiction Programme at Faber Academy, London, he created the flagship “Writing a Novel” six-month course, in 2009 and since then has helped hundreds of writers find their voice. Writing a Novel – Bring your ideas to life the Faber Academy way was published in 2018 and lauds Skinner for having “a singular gift for communicating the magic and machinations of writing.”

Suitable for writers of every level this 3-morning Workshop comprises a set of 3 Masterclasses on Setting, Plotting and Editing.

Setting: This Masterclass will look at the vital role a place plays in a story, with specific reference to The Sheltering Sky, Wuthering Heights and The Outsider as perfect examples of a ‘fusion’ between character and setting. Using moodboards, Existentialist quotations and writing exercises, you’ll practise the subtle art of setting.

Plotting: What is the difference between story and plot? This Masterclass explores this question, so crucial to understand for any writer, new or otherwise. Using maps of the London Underground, Mike Figgis’ Dramatic Situations and a long plotting exercise, you’ll practise the deft art of how to lead a reader through a story.

Editing: This Masterclass will try to answer those daunting questions when it comes to editing your ms. How do I know when to start or stop editing? What does editing mean, really? Using editing exercises on the

theme of Swimming and one by Joseph Conrad, you’ll practise answering these questions in a practical way by editing each other’s work.

THE VENUE: Colligan Falls, Currabaha, Colligan, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford .……

Immerse yourself in the creative surroundings of this stunning woodland valley – the location for your “How to Write a Novel” workshop…… Set on 13 acres, Colligan Falls is a private, gated property located just ten minutes’ drive from the harbour town of Dungarvan, and a four minute walk from the entrance to the beautiful Colligan Wood (with its marked national trail routes.) Comprising a terrace of two-storey, newly refurbished cottages, the property is also home to a 19 metre outdoor coldwater swimming pool and an outdoor, 6-person hot tub.

The townsland Colligan means “Hazel Abounding Place”and the Colligan river - a salmon spawning river - flows, beyond a line of Poplars, through Colligan Falls, allowing residents to enjoy uninterrupted river views and in-season river fishing. The Colligan’s picturesque Salmon Leap and stunning waterfalls are also located on the grounds.

Colligan Falls…….“Wash Your Spirit Clean”

Accommodation Gallery

Follow us on Instagram @colliganfalls ……………………………

“HOW TO WRITE A NOVEL” 3-MORNING WORKSHOP WITH RICHARD SKINNER

24-26 MAY, 2019

ITINERARY & PRICES

Residential Participants

Thursday 23 May: Arrival & Check in from 4p.m. onwards…… Meet & Greet Reception at 9p.m.

Friday 24 May: 7.30a.m.: Guided Silent Forest Walk (optional)8a.m.: Continental Breakfast in your cottage/ in the woods (weather dependent) 9.30a.m. – 1p.m.: Welcome Coffee & How to Write A Novel Masterclass 11.15p.m. – 2.30p.m.: Light Lunch2.30p.m. – 7p.m.: Free Time……. to write, rest, walk, reflect, use amenities, explore the local area etc. 7p.m.: Communal Dinner

Saturday 25 May: 7.30a.m.: Guided Silent Forest Walk (optional)8a.m.: Continental Breakfast in your cottage/ in the woods (weather dependent) 9.30a.m. – 1p.m.: Welcome Coffee & How to Write a Novel Masterclass 21.15p.m. – 2.30p.m.: Light Lunch2.30 – 7pm: Complimentary Massage (½ hour) (optional) Free Time……. to write, rest, walk, reflect, use amenities, explore the local area etc. 7p.m.: Communal Dinner

Sunday 26 May: 7.30a.m.: Guided Silent Forest Walk (optional)8a.m.: Continental Breakfast in your cottage 9.30a.m. – 1p.m.: Welcome Coffee & How to Write a Novel Masterclass 31.15p.m. – 2.15p.m: Light Lunch & Farewell & Check Out

€695pp includes 3 nights’ accommodation*, meals, 3-morning masterclasses with Richard Skinner, 1 x ½ hr complimentary massage (Sat pm only/non-transferable), use of all amenities including outdoor coldwater swimming pool & outdoor Lay-Z-Spa Hydrojet® Hot Tub etc. *private bedroom in a 3 bedroomed cottage, shared bathroom (Shared-bedroom options are available at the reduced rate of €600pp –min 2-person reservation req’d @ time of booking) (Private, 1 person cottage rental also available €1,600pp, subject to availability.)

Non-Residential Particpants

For participants within driving distance of Colligan Falls, there are a limited number of daily, master class-only places (9.30-1pm each day, Fri, Sat, Sun) (€300pp)

To Book, or for further information, contact Clodagh Beresford Dunne at Colligan Falls

086-8629283 or clodaghberesford@yahoo.com