A couple of weeks ago UK Feminista hosted a fabulously original fundraising event called Women’s Words. There was an array of talented women writers who read from their own work and discussed women in literature and the media. I learned a lot that evening and was also thoroughly entertained. We heard readings from Hannah Poole of her account meeting her biological family in My Father’s Daughter, Louise Doughty read from her new book Whatever You Love about a mother’s revenge, and Kate Mosse talked about the significance of the Orange Prize for literature. I have to confess that I didn’t even know it was only for women!
It was only a few days later after this event of incredible women that I found out about a retreat that is specifically aimed at helping writers of all abilities to develop their skills. It is the Chalet La Giettaz Bespoke Writers’ Retreats set in the French alps.
Novelist, critic and broadcaster Bidisha hosts the retreats, which are open to anyone interested in writing. Writers can choose to attend small group workshops, as well as one-to-one tutorials. Solo, tailor-made retreats with individual mentoring can also be arranged. Bidisha promises that she can take your work from first draft to agent-worthy, with editing, advice and personal guidance. For more information you can check out the website. Although the retreat is aimed at everyone Bidisha told me that she is particularly keen to help support women writers. So if you’re a budding Orange prize winner than maybe this is for you!
Visit www.chalet-la-giettaz.com
Progressive Women are always interested in women’s writing. So if you have a book that you want to tell us about or review why not let us know at caroline@progressivewomen.org.uk