Write Now! Creative Writing in Portugal - Contributed

Workshop Venue - Holiday Inn Algarve, Armação de Pêra

Date: Saturday, 27 October - Monday, 29 October 2012

Time: 10.30AM - 5.00PM (Sunday - Monday only)

Length of course: 2.5 days

Cost: €230 (double room, 2 sharing). €255 (single room). Non-resident: €185


WHAT sort of writer are you? What sort of writer do you dream of becoming? Have you found your writing voice? If you have not written before, do you want to find out what that voice might be?

This exciting workshop in the heart of the Algarve will help you develop your creative skills and explore your unique powers of expression. The course incorporates exercises that enable you to free your imagination and develop the voice that is uniquely your own. This weekend course will include:

• four 2.5 hour workshops
• techniques to start writing or develop work-in-progress
• a chance to initiate pieces that lead to more extended works of prose or poetry
• the opportunity to have writing done in the workshop read and discussed
• Open Mic evening session for those who wish to share work already written (voluntary)

LEVEL
The workshop is open to anyone with a desire to write, from beginners to experienced writers. Sessions will be conducted in a friendly, constructive atmosphere.

LOCATION
Holiday Inn Algarve is situated in southern Portugal in a prime beachfront location with stunning panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean.


ACCOMMODATION
Guest room prices are all landview. Interconnecting rooms are available on request. Shared rooms are 2 people to a room. Seaview room: If you would like a room that faces the ocean, you can upgrade directly with the Holiday Inn at least a week prior to your arrival. The seaview supplement is 20 Euros per night per room.

SHARED ROOMS
You may request a shared room, however if there is no one to share with you, you will have to pay the single room rate. You will need to pay the difference between the shared room rate and the single room rate directly to the Holiday Inn on your arrival.

FOOD
The Holiday Inn Algarve can cater for vegetarian and vegans. Please provide information on any special dietary requirements when booking.

RECREATION
You'll be kept busy writing during the workshop itself, but you may choose to extend your stay in Portugal either before, or after, the course. Tennis and horse riding facilities are nearby, as well as Zoomarine where visitors can interact with dolphins.

WHAT YOU'LL NEED
Bound notebook, pen & a spare. Clipboard (optional)

HOW TO GET THERE
Air: Ryanair, easyJet, Monarch and British Airways all fly to Faro International Airport. Road: The Holiday Inn Algarve is 262 kilometres from Lisbon (approximately 2 hours driving time) and 244 kilometres from Seville, Spain (driving time approximately 2 hours).

DO I NEED A VISA?
If you are a passport holder from a country outside the EU, you will need to check if a visa is necessary to enter Portugal. Students are responsible for obtaining any visas, or other travel documents, necessary to enter the country. You are advised to travel with a passport which has a minimum of 6 month left before its expiry.

TRANSPORT FROM FARO AIRPORT
The Holiday Inn have a transfer service (approx €40 each way for up to 4 people). Taxi: approx €60 each way for up to 4 people. Car hire: Students travelling from Faro Airport to the Holiday Inn Algarve are eligible for preferential rates. Click here to send an email to the Holiday Inn for more information. Bus: You can book a shuttle bus from Faro International Airport to Armação de Pêra by clicking here.

FACT SHEET HOLIDAY INN ALGARVE
If you'd like more information on the Holiday Inn, click here to download a 2-page PDF.


ARRIVAL
Residential course members can check in after 2.00PM on Saturday. Our first dinner together will be at 7.30PM. There won't be any tuition on Saturday night, just the chance to get to know each other a little before the course kicks off on Sunday morning. I would encourage all non-residential members to join us for this meal as it's a relaxed way to be introduced to the course, myself and the other participants.

OPEN MIC NIGHT
After dinner on Sunday, 28 October there will be the opportunity to share prepared work. If you wish to participate, you will need to bring photocopies which will be returned to you. Word limit: 1300

WHAT IS INCLUDED
• 2 nights' full board at the Holiday Inn for course residents
• Course fee for workshops

• Tuition, two lunches and two evening meals for non-residents

NOT INCLUDED
• Flights to/from Faro

• Ground transportation to/from Holiday Inn Algarve

• Seaview room supplement
• Drinks
• Personal travel insurance

YOUTUBE VIDEO OF 2011 ALGARVE COURSE

If you'd like to see the venue and get a feel for the course, click here to see a video of last year's October workshop.

BOOKING & PAYMENT METHODS
By post or bank transfer: Download a postal booking form to complete and be returned with your cheque. Payment in full is due by 14 September. Please contact us if you would prefer to pay in pounds. Online: You can use your credit or debit card to pay below. Course fee: €230 per person (shared accommodation, 2 sharing), €255 (single room), €185 (non-residential). To view Terms & Conditions, click here.