De Hoop Collection is delighted to announce that it is hosting a Creative Writing residency – Writing Life – Writing Experience with the celebrated author Lesley Beake from Sunday 11 to Wednesday 14 July 2021.

“I named this residency after what I do – Writing Life. The inspirations are everywhere, all around us, and the desire to write is universal. And in the tranquil surroundings of the magnificent De Hoop Nature Reserve where we are surrounded by glorious nature and pristine landscapes, the inspiration is right there on our doorstep”, says Lesley.

The two-day residency will cover the basics of good writing – it will show you how to get the words down and get them to ‘dance to the right tune’. These words – atmosphere – ambience – sensuality – empathy – are key to developing a strong writing style. It will have you writing from the heart – with all the inevitable obstacles, distractions, difficulties, and occasional triumphs that come with that, and the considered use of these four elements – colour – light – music – texture will enrich as well as inform your work. It will not only teach you how to write well and what is required to be a writer it will also make you smile – ultimately it will be about having fun with writing, while maintaining a dedication to excellence, which is what makes a good story great.

“There are two things I’d like you to know before you start”, says Lesley.  “One – writing isn’t about beginning the great novel. It can be a small fragment of memory – and be beautiful. And two – writing can be about the very small, meaningful moments, as well as the great events in life.”

The Writing Life – Writing Experience Residency:

  • Dates: Sunday 11 to Wednesday 14 July 2021 (three nights)
  • Price: from R3 945 per person sharing an equipped Cottage to R6 225 per person in an Opstal Suite
  • Package includes:
  • full board – three nights’ accommodation at either an equipped Cottage or an Opstal Suite
  • all meals – 3x dinner, 3x breakfast and 2x lunch  (excluding drinks)
  • writing workshop fees

Ts & Cs apply.

Writing Life – Writing Experience bookings: Samantha Jooste – [email protected]

De Hoop Collection

Phone 021-422 4522 or email [email protected]

www.dehoopcollection.com

Pictures: De Hoop Collection

 

Article written by

Anita Froneman