Writing Holiday in the Sun

They say we've all got a book inside us. The trouble is finding the time to write a short story, let alone a full-length novel. And when you're sitting on your own with the rain lashing at the windows, inspiration tends to dry up.

One wet day last summer, I decided I had two choices. Stop writing, and start building an Ark - or escape to the sunshine and go on a writing holiday.

Checked www.noah.com, for ark-building information, but drew a blank. So I booked a flight to Lanzarote instead, and joined a WriteSun Break in Arrieta - a traditional fishing village on the unspoilt north coast.

The week was based on terrace workshops covering every type of writing from poetry to sitcom, short stories to novels. The people in the group came from all parts of the UK - and we even had a chap over from Australia. They were mainly beginners, though a few were struggling with a full-length book - and we all found loads of friendly help and professional support from the resident team.

Lanzarote proved to be an extraordinary island, and in between writing sessions, we went on private sightseeing tours to the Sunday market in Teguise, the lunar landscape of Timanfaya National park and to visit artist Cesar Manrique's home. It was built around a series of volcanic lava bubbles, enhanced by gardens and tropical pools, like Jameos de l'Agua, another must-see attraction, with a salt water lake, first class restaurant and concert hall - all underground.

We stayed in two-bedroom self-catering bungalows and apartments around Arrieta - and everyone had a room of their own, without single supplement. Now there's a novelty. And we had free use of a swimming pool beside the sea.
WriteSun have just published their programme of writing holidays for 2001, which include one-to-one tuition with guest tutors. Easter week (April 12-19) Hilary Johnson, a leading authors' advisor and scout for a literary agent will be there, offering individual help to bring your work up to publishable standard. Willie O'Hara a comedy writer and script editor for the BBC will be there from July 5-19, and Sue Wilson, a theatre and BBC radio producer will be on hand from July 19 to August 2.

If the idea of combining writing with relaxation appeals to you, give WriteSun a try. I finished the book when I got back, but I'll be there again next year - making a start on the sequel.

Brenda Howley

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