As
the days grow shorter, it’s time for some hard-core writing to be done. I have
the guts of a novel in place and yet I’d reached a stage where I felt
publication might forever be beyond my grasp. The ogre of doubt who leans heavily
on my shoulder was growing louder … Your
writing’s not good enough. What are you doing? You should find a proper job.
What was needed was some focused time, away from family distractions, with others
who understand this crazy urge to keep tapping away no matter what. So I set
off for Moniack Mhor …
WHAT'S SO SPECIAL ABOUT MONIACK MHOR?
Located high
in the Scottish mountains near Inverness, it’s a writing retreat I’ve been lucky enough to visit a couple of times. Whilst the vistas it
offers are awesome (sorry – I’ve spent the summer with teenagers), the peaceful location makes the wider world seem distant, making it easier to concentrate on
writing.
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| The Hobbit House where workshops take place |
THE DREAM TEAM
But
the main reason I chose this particular retreat was because of the opportunity
to learn from two fabulous tutors. Nathan Filer’s debut novel, The Shock of the Fall, became an award-winning
bestseller. A multi-talented writer, he also tutors at Bath Spa University. His latest non-fiction book, The Heartland: Finding and LosingSchizophrenia, quashes myths, offering a fresh perspective on mental health.
Whilst
Francesca Main, editor and associate publisher with a list of bestselling fiction and non-fiction titles at Picador - including Jessie Burton’s The Miniaturist, Adam Kay’s This is Going to Hurt, as well as Dear Mrs Bird by A J Pearce – was
someone I knew I would learn from.
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| Nathan Filer and Francesca Main - our tutors - the Dream Team |
WHAT DID WE DO?
The
weekend opened with some meditation before we moved outdoors to write a
personal reflective piece. Being a part-time yogi (I practice when I remember),
I loved that mediation could help writers, or anyone, access thoughts that might
otherwise remain stubbornly out of reach. It’s definitely a practice I will use
again.
The next
two days followed a set pattern, optional workshops in the morning examining
character and structure, followed by one-to-one tutor feedback with time to
write in the afternoon.
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| The quirky inside of the Hobbit House |
READY, STEADY ... COOK
As
well as learning and writing at Moniack Mhor, participants are also expected to
help prepare dinner – during which there was so much laughter that it was a minor miracle that a
tasty meal for seventeen was served. A highlight of the weekend was when the skirl
of bagpipes announced the arrival of the haggis, which was ceremonially carried to the table, addressed then toasted with a tot of whisky.
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| Addressing the haggis |
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| Hmm - Cranachan, made using cream with a dash of whisky |
NEXT STEPS …
Nathan
and Francesca’s generous sharing of their expertise has helped bolster my shaky
confidence. It’s now time to put their editing tips into practice.
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| Our final evening before we take our next steps ... |
WHERE IS MY OGRE NOW?
And my ogre of doubt - he opted to stay in the Scottish Highlands. Let’s hope he
takes up residence there, leaving me in peace for a while!
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| An early morning farewell to Moniack Mhor |
So
how do you control your pesky ogre?
I’d love to know …
Happy
autumn,
Rae x
