GUIDED
WRITERS' RETREAT
5 DAYS WITH C.C. HUMPHREYS
10-16 NOVEMBER 2024
limited to 12 writers
"C.C. Humphreys brings a unique talent to the literary world, not only does he clearly understand the nuance of writing historical fiction with a blend of action, narrative and sensuality – but he delivers this information with a presentation style that reflects his background as an actor."
Deborah Schneider
author, RWA Librarian of the Year 2009
"As Program Chair and President of the Pacific Northwest Writers Association, C.C Humphreys is the type of author who makes my life a dream come true. Not only is he a talented and versatile author, as well as generous with his time, but his workshops and keynote addresses pack the house and inspire a standing ovation. He is always the first author I invite back to our conference. "
Pam Binder
President PNWA
"CC Humphreys’ address was highly entertaining and smart. He also was side-splittingly funny and just a little bit edgy – the audience didn’t know exactly what might turn up around the next corner of his performance. One of the best!"
Elizabeth Wales
Agent
The retreat
Join us this November at Olive Garden Kabak for a guided writing retreat with best selling author C.C. Humphreys.
Over the course of five days, he'll take you on the journey of turning inspiration into written pages, and reveal the secrets of successful book writing. Discover how to begin the book you've always wanted to write - and finish it too!
Whether you are dreaming of bring a story into the world but don't know where to start, or there's a book you've already began but can never find the time or focus to complete, we invite you to immerse yourself in an environment of inspiration and tranquility far away from distractions.
Spend a week enjoying daily group workshops on topics ranging from character development to historical research, dedicated time blocks for writing, opportunities to work through your questions on plot, character, style, etc. with your fellow writers, a panel discussion on different ways of publishing your work, opening and closing celebrations, and hikes in the surrounding forest and mountains, or swimming in the warm waters of Kabak Bay.
Break away from routine, be energised by nature, and take the steps towards your dream.
"Thanks to the first Master Class I attended taught by Chris,
I accomplished something I’d previously thought I’d never be able to do — I completed the first draft of my novel."
— Leina Pauls
The teacher
C.C Humphreys is a bestselling author, actor, audiobook narrator and playwright. He's published 22 novels, including bestsellers "Chasing the Wind", "Vlad" and "Some Day I'll Find You". His novels include historical fiction, crime thrillers and young adult fantasy and are published in more than ten languages.
Born in Toronto, Canada and raised in London, England, he started his career on the stage and spent 20 years in theatres, television studios and film sets - from the west end to Hollywood. He's played Hamlet, been a gladiator in Tunisia, and featured in both the Bill and Coronation Street.
His first novel, The French Executioner, was published in 2002 and he has stopped not writing since. Chris is passionate is unlocking the same ability to start and finish books in other authors, and has become an acclaimed creative writing teacher, in addition to his writing and acting careers.
He lives near Vancouver, on Salt Spring Island, with his partner, who owns and operates the island's renowned antiquarian bookstore, Black Sheep Books.
Reviews
"Thrilling, funny, well researched and, at times, painfully poignant."
INDEPENDENT ON SUNDAY
"Totally immersive and impossible to put down."
DIANA GABOLDEN, author the Outlander series
"Humphreys' expressive writing style and ability to weave a tale from these engaging characters' respective points of view makes for a rich and addictive read, ideal for fans of historical fiction"
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
"C.C. Humphreys is a world-class teacher. His presentations are engaging, informative, and memorable."
— Kate Ristau, Executive Director Willamette Writers
Who the retreat is for
The retreat is suitable for writers in every stage of development, from those who have dreamed of writing a book but don't know how to start, to more experienced writers who find themselves stuck, and of course anyone looking for an opportunity to write in a beautiful setting, free from the distractions of a daily life and with an engaged community with whom they can share ideas and sharpen their focus.
Though aimed at fiction writers, this retreat will guide people in all genres from memoir to children's book - because ultimately every book is all about the story, and getting clear on your story and your path through it, will allow you to get it written, whatever the genre.
"One of the excellent points is that Chris’ workshops can be helpful at all stages of a writer’s career. He was a great mentor to have and very helpful when it came to getting my first novel published, as well as developing subsequent books.
— Brian Wyvill, author of ‘The Second Gate’
The programme
Sunday 10 November: Arrival and Welcome
Upon arrival at our retreat centre, you’ll be warmly welcomed by our friendly staff and fellow writers. Get settled into your cabin and take some time to explore the picturesque surroundings.
At sunset, watch the mountains turn deep red. And as dark falls, join us for a delicious welcome dinner where you’ll have the opportunity to mingle with your fellow participants and share your writing goals for the week ahead.
11 - 14 November: Workshops and Inspiration
Start your day with a traditional Turkish breakfast on our terrace overlooking the blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea. Over the next four days, dive into a series of engaging workshops as C.C. Humphreys covers book structure, characters, how to use research, dialogue and many other essential subjects - even about how to successfully pitch your book to a publisher.
After the structured sessions, enjoy your dedicated writing intervals. Take advantage of the hotel’s library - personally collected by the owners - and find what inspires you: from literary classics to travelogues, history and nature, sultans to western explorers. Clear your head with a hike through the forest down to the beach, or just put your feet up and relax in a hammock with a traditional Turkish coffee.
15 November: Reflection and Farewell
As our retreat draws to a close, take some time to reflect on your writing journey and the memories you’ve created during your time in the Olive Garden. Think of yourself in a few months when your book is complete. Share your work, or your hopes about your work, with your fellow participants during a special farewell gathering, celebrating the progress you’ve made and the connections you’ve forged. Depart feeling inspired, rejuvenated, and ready to continue your writing journey with newfound passion and purpose.
"We had a full day with Chris, and his workshop was packed with useful insights. I particularly enjoyed hearing about the oscillation process he uses to generate character-driven stories, as well as his practical suggestions for what to focus on in first, second, and third drafts and how to organize revision plans in a chart. He is a personable, interactive teacher, and I hope to take other workshops from him."
— Liz Walker.
"I always learn best from a combination of anecdotes, humour, tips, and discussion—and that's exactly what Chris Humphreys delivers. We covered a lot of ground and I got over a dozen pages of helpful notes, tips, self-editing approaches, and further reading recommendations. The time absolutely flew by and I was left revved and rarin' to get back to writing. I would definitely attend more of his workshops!"
— Astra Crompton
His advice proved invaluable not only as I wrote that first draft, but also as I worked on subsequent drafts. Recently, I was able to attend another workshop he offered and, again, I found his instructions, insights, and tips to be invaluable. The beauty of Chris’s approach to teaching lies in the fact that his extensive knowledge can be applied to beginners, but the layered nuances of the experience he shares is equally valuable to writers no matter where they might be in the process.
— Leina Pauls
Booking your place
Course runs 7pm Sunday 10 November - 3pm Friday 15 November 2024
Olive Garden Kabak, nearest airport Dalaman
£850 per person
£700 early bird tickets (by 15 June 2024)
Price includes single occupancy of a standard cabin and three meals and soft drinks each day
Travel to Olive Garden Kabak and insurance are not included
Payment schedule:
50% deposit to reserve a place
Remainder due 15 October, 2024
Payments are non-refundable
Get in touch with us