Write from the Heart
Wednesday 4th October, 2023
10.00am – 5.00pm
(Limited places)
As an author, I know from experience how life can get in the way of our creative goals, which is why I've been inspired to create this Writers’ Retreat day. (You'll find more about me at the end of the page.)
Whether you have yet to put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard) to begin your masterpiece, have it languishing part-finished and gathering dust because life has just got too darn busy, you would cherish time and space to focus solely on your work in progress, or you simply want to come and play, this is the perfect opportunity to take time-out for a day of inspiration, creativity, and writing.
Our venue is the lovely and characterful Henge Shop located in the centre of Avebury village at the heart of the magical, mystical stone circle, where we will have sole use of the gallery, situated on the 1st floor of the shop. Our day will start with a meditation to settle us into this sacred time and space, connect with the flow of our heart and soul, and set our personal and group intentions for the day. Then it's time to get creative.
Tables and chairs will be set out and there are also some easy chairs available, because I know that not everyone can, or wants, to write at a desk. For me, my most creative moments come when I'm sprawled on the sofa with my notepad and pencils, and a mug of coffee and some chocolate biscuits at hand. If the inspiration takes you – and our temperamental English autumn weather permits - you will also be welcome to wander outside and write amongst the magic of the stones.
Although this is not a teaching event, I will be on hand all day to help with questions and advice, based on my own 15-year writing journey.
PRACTICAL MATTERS
Venue: The retreat is being held in the upstairs gallery of the characterful Henge Shop, located in the village of Avebury and in the centre of the magical stone circle. We will have exclusive use of the gallery, which is a warm and inviting space.
Parking: Parking is in the National Trust car park on the edge of the village. Parking is free for National Trust members, current fees for non-members are on the National Trust website (https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/wiltshire/avebury).
Breaks: There will be a set morning & afternoon break of around 15 mins; however, tea, coffee and water (& cakes/biscuits) will be available throughout the day. As a writer, I know how the munchies can strike out of the blue when I’m busy being creative.
Lunch: I would suggest bringing a packed lunch with you and eating it out and about amongst the stones if the weather is kind to us. If wet, there is a comfortable room next to the gallery for lunch/breaks.
Other options:
- There is a small village store next to the Henge Shop that sells sandwiches, drinks etc.
- There is also a National Trust café within a couple minutes' walk.
- The Red Lion pub serves meals. Tables in the restaurant must be pre-booked (https://www.chefandbrewer.com/pubs/wiltshire/red-lion)
What to bring:
Required:
- Your writing tools. Whatever works for you, whether a laptop and/or notebook and a supply of pens/pencils. These will not be available to borrow.
- Any writing aids
- Enthusiasm and creativity
Optional:
- Music. However, you will be required to keep the volume low and to wear headphones so as not to disturb the other participants.
- Crystals and anything else that inspires you, gets the energy flowing, and helps you to write.
- As already suggested above, lunch. Plus any personal snacks/drinks (in addition to those available) that help your writing process flow.
- Blanket & cushion for meditation
Getting there: This is the link to the National Trust page with details on how to get there, as well as a lot of other useful practical information: Getting to Avebury
Cost: £60.00.
- A £30.00 non-refundable deposit secures your place, with payment of the balance due by Friday 29th September 2023.
Refunds: If for any unforeseen reason I have to cancel the retreat, all deposit and balance payments received will be fully refunded. I regret that due to my upfront expenses, deposit refunds will not be made for any other reason.
Any cancellation by a retreat participant notified to me by 5pm on Friday 29th September will receive a full refund of any balance amount that has been paid. I regret that cancellations received after this time cannot be refunded. Deposits will not be eligible for refund.
Book your place: Email me at mail@dkhenderson.com, putting WFTH in the subject line if it doesn't autofill. I will then forward you a Paypal invoice. Your booking is confirmed as soon as I receive your payment.
MORE ABOUT ME
Hello. I'm Dawn Henderson, author, storyteller and spiritual mentor and I love to write and share my stories with the world. To date, I've published 10 books - 6 in the much-loved Skull Chronicles series, the short novel Heel Lead and the non-fiction Forgotten Wings and Starspeak volumes.
I've always loved to write but the idea of writing an actual book, and having it published, never entered my head until I was in my mid-forties when I began work on Forgotten Wings. I was fortunate enough to find a publisher willing to take it on and in 2010 it was published through 'O'-Books/John Hunt Publishing.
I started the Skull Chronicles series with Lost Legacy in 2011 - not what I had intended. Up until then I doubted I could write fiction well enough - and indie-published it early in 2012, with the next 5 volumes in the series emerging over the next 10 years. In between, I released Heel Lead, my short novel in a totally different genre, and the 2 non-fiction Starspeak books.
I've already shared that I love to write and feel fortunate that I am able to do so but, like so many people, life often gets in the way of achieving as much as I'd like, whether because of essential commitments like family - and sleep! - or because I get side-tracked by all the fascinating rabbit-holes I discover when I'm searching the Web. So when the idea to offer this retreat came to me, it felt right. I very much hope it feels right to you too.
I look forward to seeing you in October.