Bournemouth Writing Sanctuary to support writers of all levels and is the Festival's take on a Writing Retreat.
Writers looking for dedicated time, expert guidance, and creative inspiration can now immerse themselves in their words at the Bournemouth Writing Sanctuary, a brand-new three-day writing experience designed to help authors at every stage of their journey.
Taking place from 27th–29th June 2025 at Patch in Bournemouth, the Sanctuary provides a distraction-free environment where writers can work on their manuscripts with the support of writing professionals. Whether you’re starting a novel, refining a draft, or looking to strengthen specific elements of your writing, this experience offers the perfect balance of structured workshops, independent writing time, and networking opportunities.
On Friday, Claire Fuller (Costa Novel Award winner, Women’s Prize for Fiction finalist and Bridport Prize judge), will guide writers in honing their storytelling craft and key plot points.
On Saturday, in a series of short, drop-in workshops, Judith Heneghan (award-winning author, former editor, and MA Creative Writing programme leader at the University of Winchester) will address character, setting and dialogue, while Emma Scattergood (author, mentor, former editor and founder of Bournemouth University’s MA Creative Writing & Publishing) will steer writers towards perfecting “Show, don’t Tell”.
On Sunday, Sanctuary writers can continue to develop their work in a quiet, supportive space, with Emma plus author and Festival Director Dominic Wong, on hand to offer expert guidance.
Set in Bournemouth’s newest creative co-working space, the event includes expert-led workshops, one-to-one support, lunch, refreshments, dinner, beach walks and evening networking events.
Writers just wishing to write in the sanctuary surrounded by other writers can buy individuals days to focus on their words at a reduced price.
Emma Scattergood, author and writing coach, says:"Many writers struggle to carve out time and space for their work. The Bournemouth Writing Sanctuary is designed to remove those distractions, offering both expert guidance and a supportive community so that writers can truly focus on their craft."
Dominic Wong, Festival Director, adds:"The Sanctuary is an extension of our mission at the Bournemouth Writing Festival—to inspire and support writers at every level. It’s a chance to step away from daily pressures and immerse yourself in writing, with expert help on hand to push your work to the next level."
Writers can book the full experience for £399 for all three days or attend individual days without workshops or access to experts for £79 per day.
Spaces are limited for this exclusive opportunity to focus on writing without distractions.
For more details and booking, visit: www.bournemouthwritingfestival.co.uk/bournemouth-writing-sanctuary-retreat
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