Residential Workshops & Courses in South West France

Workshop overview

This three day workshop includes master classes, readings, time to hone writing skills, and the opportunity to work alongside Roger McGough, who knows all too well the hardships of writing, the misery of rejection and the joy of creation! Morning sessions involve writing exercises, aimed at stimulating students, are fun and noncompetitive, and will inspire further writing. There will also be practical advice and guidance about how to present work to publishers and agents.

The afternoons are free for further writing or relaxing, walking, swimming, cycling, visiting local markets or just a chat by the pool, whilst Roger will continue discuss individual participants work on a one-to-one basis. Workshop feedback and presentation of work in progress takes place in the evenings before breaking for supper. Roger says: "Be prepared to work hard, challenge yourself, re-work drafts, take criticism, give advice, support your colleagues but most of all find joy and satisfaction in the art of writing poetry. Afternoons will also give me the opportunity to have one-to-one sessions to discuss the progress of individual's work."

On the first evening before supper, Roger will give a reading of his own work. Other late afternoon/early evening sessions might include students reading out poems by their favourite authors or an 'anonymous poetry' session (whereby students read and offer critical judgement on their fellows' work). The eventual structure of the timetable will be determined to some extent by the dynamics of the group. The final event will be a reading by the participants of work they have completed during the workshop. 

Find out more about Roger McGough