Everything I’m Learning About Poetry – My Arvon Course

I wondered if it could be true – if Arvon was as good as they said it was. If it was the real deal. Well I’m back to tell you categorically, without hesitation, it’s not only the real deal but the best deal. It’s the best money I’ve spent in a long time and possibly the best ever spent on my writing.

Last week, on the first ever short-course at Arvon, which was held at Lumb Bank, with tutors Kate Clanchy and Carol Bromley I went from sceptic, scardey- cat,  to happy convert – and all in just three days.

Tutors are key to a great writing experience and Carole and Kate were the best! Both published, practising, poets of acclaim, dedicated teachers who worked extraordinarily hard in the short  time we had together and who were utterly inspiring. (Take a look at their work and the work they do with others and note this weekend Kate was awarded an MBE for services to literature.)

Not only were Kate and Carole inspiring and enabling but they took care to make it a safe place in which to share work. As did the group itself. This was by far the kindest, most supportive, most talented and most fun writing group I’ve ever been a part of and I’m so happy that we are all still in touch.

I wouldn’t have thought it possible to produce so much and to learn so much in three days. I couldn’t have anticipated how inspired I would feel coming back, how eager to continue on this new journey into poetry.

It was a privilege to be there, with those people, those tutors and in that house perched high on the side of a wooded valley  with its beautifully tended gardens in which to enjoy the view, the company and a well-deserved early evening glass of wine. Big shout out for the food too which was delicious.

If you’re serious about your writing whether it be poetry, short fiction, play-writing novels, what ever it is then Arvon is the way to go. Don’t hesitate and leave it as long as I did.