Solus Or Writing Retreat

02/09/2026

Virtual retreats and critique group can often be a bit like this ...

https://www.facebook.com/ICanHasCheezburger/posts/pfbid0npmgtqrBqyNFHjqcJC3Ph23fMpTwHw3ArNuZgNCP7K9D5uz3ZkG72rSNXLZhdQsl

Cats are mandatory

30/08/2026

I know it's only August, but it's already that time of year when I get the shiny new diary and year planner and start thinking about the Solus Or programme for 2027.
We're going to re-run the New Year 'Hit The Ground Running' retreat in January, since everyone seemed to really enjoy that one. (Exact date TBC.)
But what would you like us to offer in 2027? If there are particular subjects or genres you'd like to see covered, please let us know.
We will be staying online only, but happy to look at slightly different formats and times, eg short evening workshops, if there's enough interest.
I'll make a note of any suggestions and take them into consideration when I start putting the programme together.
Thanks, and Happy (planning) New Year!

24/08/2026

Just under four weeks to go! Thanks to everyone who has already signed up. Anyone else who wants to join us, please let me know.

19 and 20 September – It’s Not All Hearts and Flowers virtual retreat

Love and romance, but not just for romance writers. The retreat will also be suitable for people writing in other genres who may wish to include a romance sub-plot. We’ll also look at the dark side of romance.
Zoom sessions will focus on -
Why write romance?
Why include a romance sub-plot in other genres?
The darker side of romance
Happy ever after. Or is it?
Final thoughts and Q & A.
This virtual retreat is suitable for anyone who wants to include a romantic element in fiction of whatever length.
Only £30.

Also coming up …
17 and 18 October – Let’s write an anthology
Recently, a few people have expressed an interest in being involved in creating a Solus Or anthology. The theme will be Solus Or (meaning golden or bright light), and it can be interpreted in any way you wish for any genre. We’ll be looking for short stories, flash fiction, poetry, or creative non-fiction such as memoir, travel or nature writing.
The weekend will be full of writing exercises and prompts, as well as craft based sessions. We’ll look at beginnings, middles and ends, writing to a theme, and titles.
Any profits from the anthology will go to charity. (To be decided.)
You don’t have to attend the retreat in order to contribute to the anthology, but it will be a great starting point.
14 and 15 November – Something ghostly this way comes …
We always like to do something spooky in November. If you want to come to this one and have any specific areas of ghost/supernatural writing you’d like to see covered, please let me know.
These virtual retreats will be £30 each.
27 December – The totally FREE one day Twixtmas retreat. Fun writing exercises and an opportunity to talk about what you got for Christmas! No charge for this one, but you will have to book.
Further details of all of these will be available nearer the time. If you wish to receive information as soon as it’s available, please let me know and I will add you to my list.

09/08/2026

More developments at the wildflower meadow. According to my phone the small white flower is either a speedwell or a white forget-me-not. The pale pink one with the deep pink and yellow heart is a poor man's orchid, and the unopened orange bud is some sort of marigold. Stay tuned for more updates. Or just ignore me if you're a bit bored of this all now.

08/08/2026

Me: I think I'll just take some photos of flowers to use during the 'It's Not All Hearts And Flowers' virtual retreat weekend.
Lily: I'm a flower.

08/08/2026

The wildflower meadow still isn't looking as pretty as I'd hoped, but it's certainly doing its job.

06/08/2026

More great feedback on Thirteen Deadly Intentions. https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=pfbid02h8RfYaUfsH9AVFYGBWrE5SrUsCxcUu8DUWyKyzUFkSDpogeKUTWWJ9cK8T29zxPHl&id=61574314830666

03/08/2026

19 and 20 September – It’s not all hearts and flowers
Full information for this one is now available, and everyone who requested it should have received it today. No hurry for payment!
Anyone else who's interested, please let me know.

Love and romance, but not just for romance writers. The retreat will also be suitable for people writing in other genres who may wish to include a romance sub-plot. We’ll also look at the dark side of romance.
Zoom sessions will focus on -
Why write romance?
Why include a romance sub-plot in other genres?
The darker side of romance
Happy ever after. Or is it?
Final thoughts and Q & A.
This virtual retreat is suitable for anyone who wants to include a romantic element in fiction of whatever length.
Only £30.

Also coming up …
17 and 18 October – Let’s write an anthology
Recently, a few people have expressed an interest in being involved in creating a Solus Or anthology. The theme will be Solus Or (meaning golden or bright light), and it can be interpreted in any way you wish for any genre. We’ll be looking for short stories, flash fiction, poetry, or creative non-fiction such as memoir, travel or nature writing.
The weekend will be full of writing exercises and prompts, as well as craft based sessions. We’ll look at beginnings, middles and ends, writing to a theme, and titles.
Any profits from the anthology will go to charity. (To be decided.)
You don’t have to attend the retreat in order to contribute to the anthology, but it will be a great starting point.
14 and 15 November – Something ghostly this way comes …
We always like to do something spooky in November. If you want to come to this one and have any specific areas of ghost/supernatural writing you’d like to see covered, please let me know.
These virtual retreats will be £30 each.
27 December – The totally FREE one day Twixtmas retreat. Fun writing exercises and an opportunity to talk about what you got for Christmas! No charge for this one, but you will have to book.
Further details of all of these will be available nearer the time. If you wish to receive information as soon as it’s available, please let me know and I will add you to my list.

03/08/2026

So, how are things down at the wildflower meadow, I hear you all* ask. (*literally nobody asked)