Back from Arvon

I disappeared off the radar last week to attend in a five day Arvon residential writing course in deepest rural Devon and I am still buzzing from the amazing time I had. Not only was the setting spectacular (an ancient thatched-roof manor house to sleep and eat in, a wattle and daub style barn to work in, and plenty of lowing cattle all around to provide the soundtrack), but the company was second to none. There were sixteen participants from all over England (I got to represent Scotland), each one passionate about writing books for children. When you are used to working in a solitary way most of the time, being with others who share your enthusiasm and sense of humour is a pretty heady experience. We could not have asked for more organised and switched-on tutors in the form of Julia Green and Steve Voake, both highly accomplished children’s writers who also teach on Bath Spa University’s MA course in Writing for Young People. It was fantastic to watch participants’ writing evolve and confidence grow in such a short time.

One of the high points of the week was an evening visit by Tim Bowler. I was mesmerised by Tim’s impassioned talk and the beautifully nuanced readings he gave. It is a long time since I felt as transfixed by someone and as riveted to his words. Several times he referred to “the whisper in his head”, the urge to tell a story that cannot be pushed aside or ignored. This intensity is what gives his books their edginess and pace as well as their detailed sense of place. I very much recommend Tim’s books for teenagers, especially Frozen Fire and River Boy.
My suitcase was jammed with a few signed copies of Steve and Julia’s books when I left. I am currently enjoying Steve’s debut, The Dreamwalker’s Child,and Julia’s recent book, Hunter’s Heart. Her current book, Breathing Underwater,is a very moving story with a stunning setting and I highly recommend it.
Arvon courses are very popular and sell out quickly, so if you are interested in joining one, the best way is to sign up to their mailing list so you are ready to go when next year’s courses are announced in January. I was lucky enough to get the last free place on my course!