Revitalise your writing.
Rediscover yourself.
Write it Wild
at Monkton Wyld, 9-12 May 2025
This retreat gave me so much more than I’d hoped... It was a kind of return to innocence and source, which was such a great jumping off point to write. It connected me to parts of myself that I don’t always access in the busy-ness of life... Writing can so often feel solitary, so to create a safe community of support over one weekend was an absolute delight. It was a gift - for my writing and for my soul.
To do your best work, you need time and space...
Discover a unique blend of personal and group writing time, 1-to-1 mentoring, writing workshops and time in nature to reenergise you and your writing project.
Designed specifically for those writing nonfiction, particularly business and self-help books, this retreat is also suitable for anyone who craves headspace and focused time together with expert support, and to be in beautiful surroundings with a small group of like-minded people.
Nourish your mind, your soul and your body.
Write more joyfully and powerfully than ever before.
Get ready to Write It Wild!
You'll be working with...
Alison Jones, publisher, podcaster and author of Exploratory Writing: Everyday magic for life and work and This Book Means Business: Clever ways to plan and write a book that works harder for your business, will introduce you to powerful exploratory writing techniques that will help you reconnect with your natural creativity, clarity and energy.
Dawn Thomas, outdoor learning expert and wild swimmer, will lead nature experiences to complement and deepen your writing practice and boost your wellbeing and creativity. Research has shown that reconnecting with nature helps us not only feel better, but think better: you'll discover just how true this is.
In a very special place...
Monkton Wyld Court, a Grade II-listed 19th-century Neo-Gothic rectory in an idyllic location in Dorset. A centre for sustainability, the mansion is surrounded by 11 acres of land, set in a secluded valley within walking distance of Lyme Regis and Dorset’s Jurassic coast. All food is locally sourced wherever possible, including milk, yoghurt and cheese from the Jersey cows on the site, homemade preserves and hand-pressed apple juice.
Accommodation is simple but comfortable in single-occupancy rooms, each with its own table for private writing.
All meals are provided, and all dietary requirements accommodated.
The flexible programme includes time for individual writing sessions, group sessions and workshops, free time, and nature-based activities. And weather permitting, we'll end each day around the campfire, because that's where the best conversations happen.
Be part of it.
Next retreat 9-12 May 2025 - limited places available
FAQs
We've got A's for your Q's
Where will I be sleeping?
In a comfortable single-occupancy room with a writing desk. Rooms at Monkton Wyld are not en-suite, though some have sinks, but there'll be a toilet and/or bathroom or shower-room very close by. Bedding and towels are provided.
What do I need to bring?
We suggest:
* A selection of pens/pencils for writing – those you feel most comfortable with (notepads and writing paper for exploratory writing sessions will be provided)
* Warm clothes and waterproof jacket/trousers
* Hat and gloves (you never know)
* Swimwear and/or running kit (optional morning sessions)
* Toiletries
What's the programme?
We'll confirm the exact programme at the venue, depending on the weather forecast and participants' goals, but to give you an idea, here's how a typical day might look:
7am – run /wild swim (optional)
8.30am breakfast
9.30am – group exploratory writing session
10.15am – nature session
11am – coffee/solo writing time/1-to-1 sessions
12.45pm – lunch
1.30pm – group exploratory writing session
2.15pm - group or solo writing time/1-to-1 sessions
4pm – nature session
5pm – free time/1-to-1 sessions
6pm – dinner
7.30pm – firelighting and campfire conversation, hot chocolate etc
10pm – bedtime/freetime
(NB This is YOUR retreat; if you need time alone at any point that’s fine.)
What if I have special requirements?
We can accommodate most dietary requirements with notice (although NB all food is cooked in the same rectory kitchen). Just let us know.
Monkton Wyld is a Victorian rectory and the bedrooms are all accessible via stairs, there are no lifts.
If you have any specific concerns or questions, just ask!
What kind of writing project is suitable?
This retreat is perfect for anyone working on a non-fiction book, particularly a business or self-development book, as that's Alison's publishing and concept development expertise. However the flexible nature of exploratory writing and the personal time and space make it suitable for pretty much any major writing project. Previous participants have also worked on content strategy and training materials.
More questions? Just email alison@alisonjones.com.
©2024 Alison Jones. All rights reserved.