Arvon Reviews 9

I went to one of their courses in 2011 Toby Jones + Adam Le Bor. T. Jones told me to 'delete' my book! No reason just that what I had written was garbage! Unfortunately, for him when I read out 15 minutes from my book I got a standing ovation from about 120 people there! No apology from the foaming at the mouth lefty T. Jones or his side kick Adam LeBor who told me off for pointing out T. Jones rank hypocrisy and bias! They really left a bad taste in my mouth! Incapable of being impartial if their life depended on it!? TERRIBLE experience!

Had a great experience at arvon (The Hurst). The food was a stand out, the experience of cooking & eating together really helped my cohort of writers bond. Its fantastic to have multiple spaces to write walk and courses to get involved with - a gem of a space/idea/experience.

Wonderful week of support and encouragement to write, and to write better. Excellent tutors and inspirational guest speaker (Kamila Shamsie). Delicious meals, beautiful setting, and plenty of laughter with a lively and varied group of other participants. Altogether an extraordinary and memorable treat.

What made it good: the friendly and talented group of writers, the food, the outdoor space and (with only minor reservations) the workshops and tutorials.

I've just returned from the Editing Fiction & Non-fiction course at The Hurst. All I can say is: wow. What an incredible experience, from the very first moment to the last. I was given the warmest welcome by an amazing team of staff. Jo, Rachel, Michelle and all of the other staff members were so friendly, accommodating and supportive.

The building was impressive, the surroundings were idyllic, the selection of books in every room was inspirational and the people were amazing. I could feel the creative energy as soon as I walked in. The entire facilities were spotless and I was pleasantly surprised by how large my room was on the top floor, and how large and clean the shower facilities were. The lift was also so helpful. I was worried being a vegan that the food selection might have been pretty basic; but that couldn't have been further from the truth. I'd say 80% of the food caters for both vegans and meat eaters, with a great selection of fresh food every day. Cooking meals was another worry, but it was so much fun and so straight forward. The meals are so well prepared and the staff go out of their way to try to accommodate all dietary types.

In terms of the tutors, we had Claire Fuller and Mike Parker—both accomplished authors and two of the nicest and most supportive people you could hope to meet. There wasn't a question that either of them couldn't help with and they went above and beyond my expectations time and time again. The workshops were insightful, varied and fantastic. The line editing modules in particular really opened my eyes to how every word needs to earn its place on the page. The one-to-one sessions were the most supportive and constructive feedback I've ever received. It was truly inspirational and they were generous with their time. The fellow writers were amazing and each of them were so talented and added so much to our group sessions. I can see why Arvon has such an incredible reputation.

From start to finish, there wasn't a single thing that wasn't thought of or hadn't been planned for. I could tell that they'd gone the extra mile and I felt the warmth and kindness with every interaction. It felt like a family and I found myself sad at having to leave, but eager to get back home and apply everything I'd learned. If you're wondering whether it'll be worth it for you to attend, I think that every experience depends on where you are in the writing process and what you take away from it. However, many of us took away a lot of gems and renewed vigour and inspiration, as well as technical skills and insights on the industry from two acclaimed authors.

Arvon gave me an unforgettable experience and I don't usually leave reviews, but I had such a fantastic time that I felt compelled to write about it. I can't wait to return and experience the Arvon magic again in the future. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to anyone, as I think that any writer at any stage can benefit hugely from attending. Personally, it was a profound experience, and I feel like a whole new world has opened up to me. Thank you Arvon and I hope to see you again soon.

The week with Arvon at Totleigh Barton was one of my best learning experiences ever. Friendly, knowledgeable tutors and enthusiastic and supportive participants in a glorious Devon setting. The food was healthily delicious too! I recommend Arvon very highly.

Arvon supports writers of all types and skill levels - they create incredible opportunities for writers to learn and focus on the craft and fun of writing. I've participated in three residential week-long workshops at different locations spanning ten years and each has been a fabulous experience. The instructors have been good, the guest speakers interesting, the houses run well (we were always well fed), and the settings spectacular. I've left every workshop inspired. I hope I get to participate in another again soon!

I've tutored at Arvon courses for a number of years, so you might think I'm a bit biased. And I am - in Arvon's favour. If I were to organise a week's residential writing course, on any area of writing, fictional or non-fictional, songs or screenplays, I'd base it in the Arvon template. I'd make sure there were a couple of tutors in sympathy with one another, but with differing approaches to writing - so those attending got two clear views on their writing. I'd have a guest writer come in midway through, to bring a third voice. I'd make sure that as well as going off to write by themselves, the group came together in smaller sub-groups to do something for one another (cooking's the obvious thing). And I'd have an evening at the end where work and stories were shared. All of the Arvon centres are wonderful places to stay and write, and all of them have become increasingly comfortable over the years. So I can't do anything else but give five stars, and encourage anyone thinking of attending a course to try it - or seek out someone who has. If you don't trust me, see what they say.

Was lucky enough to attend a residential writing trip here with my school. Although it was some years ago it remains one of the most special and exciting times of my life, working on developing my creative writing skills with some of the most talented and knowledgeable writers in the country.

If I ever have the chance and the time, I would return in a heartbeat. I can't recommend this enough.