Happy new year to you all, and let’s hope 2020 is the year you reach your writing goals, whatever they may be. I’m optimistic, but then I always am at this time of year 
.
.So, to kick 2020 firmly into gear, here are five writing activities I’m offering in the first quarter of the year.
1. Critique Group:
I am setting up a new critique group to complement the ones I am currently running. This new group will run on a Thursday evening at The Boslowick Inn, Falmouth. These groups can be fluid, and they run for rounds of six weeks, so nobody has to commit to too long a stretch at a time. The sessions will run from 7.15pm to 9.45pm.
The dates for this round will be:
Thursday 6th Feb
Thursday 13th Feb
Thursday 20th Feb
Thursday 27th Feb
Thursday 5th March
Thursday 12th March
In each session, half of the group will bring work (enough copies for the whole group) and the group will read and critique that work for them, with guidance from me as tutor. This is an enjoyable (honest) and powerful process, which will not only improve the particular piece of writing you might be struggling with, but will also massively develop you as a writer and a master of your craft.
A round of six sessions costs £75, payable in advance, and you can book onto this by emailing me at katmorgan2@btinternet.com. (Do enquire if you’d like to join a group but can’t do these dates, as I run several groups at different times).
2. Workshop – Finding a Publisher
I have a one-day workshop coming up at adult education in Falmouth – Submitting to Publishers – on Saturday 15th February, 10am to 3.30pm. This course is about how to get a traditional publishing deal, which these days involves trying to land an agent first. The day will explain the processes involved, what agents are looking for, and how to compile a submissions package – what it is, why it is, and how to make sure yours gets you through to the next stage.
You can book this course via the adult education website or call 0300 1231 117. Do bring a packed lunch and your own mug – there is a kettle in the room and I will provide tea and coffee.
3. Winter Sundays with The Writing Retreat
The Writing Retreat, which I run with my writing partner, Jane Moss, has a few places left on two Winter Sunday events coming up. These will take place in Devoran, and start at 10am and finish at 4pm. As these events are run by The Writing Retreat, they tend to be indulgently catered 
so just bring yourself, a notebook and a pen.
so just bring yourself, a notebook and a pen.- The first is on Sunday 9th February – When a writer isn’t writing: how to keep your writer’s larder well stocked.
- The second is on Sunday 8th March – Choosing the form: when you know what to say but not how best to say it.
The cost for these retreat days is £45 each, payable via bank transfer to The Writing Retreat. Email us at thewritingretreat@btinternet.com to book your place and to let us know if you have any food allergies or intolerances that we should be aware of when preparing the snacks and lunch.
4. Retreat at The Old Sawmills – Crafting the Short Story
If you really want to treat yourself, we have spaces left on our 5 night retreat in March at this stunning location near Fowey. This retreat provides the time and space to write, far away from the distractions and demands of everyday life, while enjoying good food and wine in the company of other writers. You can find out more about this retreat here.Email us at thewritingretreat@btinternet.com if you would like to book a place on this retreat. Don’t worry if you’re not a short story specialist; the skills you will learn are applicable to all creative writing, and you will have a fabulous time.
5. One-to-One: mentoring, editing, critiquing
I will be continuing to work one-to-one with a small number of clients on their novels, short stories, life writing, academic work, non-fiction books, articles or any other writing needs. Email me at katmorgan2@btinternet.com if you would like some more individual support with your writing.
And in between all that, I’ll be getting on with my own writing, full of new year optimism as I am!
Happy scribbling all,
Kath Morgan
