Paying close attention to our senses and learning to put language to our experience of them, we can develop our writing into something rich and vivid for the reader, addressing that universal aim to write with the senses.

Exercises in taste, smell, sight or sound will give you opportunities to focus on the sense in question and then translate that into evocative prose. Taking particular notice of your sense of taste, for example, you will immerse in flavour and then learn how to communicate that to others. The story might tell you that they had sausages and mash for tea, but can the reader taste it! Putting language to our experience of taste allows us to develop stronger links between our senses and our expression of them.

As you turn to writing, you will use these sensory exercises to drill down into the moment, the individual image and word. You will have the opportunity to work without judgement and critique. There will be discussion of the creative experience, but no demand to share work in progress. This makes the course a place for both experienced writers and those just beginning their writing journey to work with confidence. For all, there is great value in the creation of work for one’s own pleasure and development. The intention of the course is to help you, as writers, to develop the writing and creative practice that most excites and fulfils you.

Included

On this course the tutor will supply most of the materials, including scent and taste samples.

The college will provide an A4 notebook and pencil per student.

What students need to bring

• Any writing materials you wish to use, e.g. pens/pencils
• Laptop (optional)

Additional information

You will taste samples supplied by the tutor as part of the course. Chocolate will be part of it. Please let the college know in advance if you have any allergies.

Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes stout covered footwear (no sandals or open toes).

Arrival day
Residential students can arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 7.15pm for registration. Students arriving earlier are welcome to purchase dinner in the College Dining Room from 6pm.
Students meet their tutor in the Bar at 7.30pm prompt to go to studios.
First Teaching session: 7.30pm - 9pm (attendance is essential)

Daily timetable
Course teaching: 9.15am - 5pm
Morning session: 9.15am - 12.45pm including coffee/tea break
Lunch break: 12.45pm - 2pm*
Afternoon session: 2pm - 5pm including coffee/tea break
Teaching finishes: 5pm
Evening working: students may have access to workshops until 9pm, but only with permission from the tutor and provided any health and safety guidelines are observed.

Departure day
Course teaching: 9.15am - 3pm
Teaching finishes: 3pm

Residential students will need to check out of rooms by 10am. Please note, the tutor may make slight variations to the daily timetable as required.

*Lunch can be purchased on campus, view options

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