Mindful Writing & Journaling
Unleash your creativity with
an all-inclusive arts & crafts holiday
Available Dates
DATES 2023/2024
All of our craft or activity holidays run for 5-nights from Sunday to Friday and start from £879 per person.
The above is based on single occupancy. A £100 per person discount is applied for art, craft and activity guests on a shared occupancy basis.
2023
2024
“I knew I needed to find a creative writing course near me to help with my first draft and Gartmore House really came through.”
About The Course
Perfect for those with no experience of writing or meditation, as well as those who wish to enrich existing projects and practices with greater depth, insight and perspective.
Having studied Buddhism for over ten years, and having tutored writers of all ages and experiences for nearly twenty, our tutor Laura specialises in running warm, welcoming and supportive retreats.
Throughout your time here, you’ll engage with sources of inspiration across a broad spectrum! We’ll use mindful exercises and journaling to encourage your creativity, boost your imagination and nurture your wellbeing.
This break is suitable for writers who enjoy working on poetry, novels, stories and/or non-fiction (including memoir). Cultivating a mindful awareness of the world and your reactions to it brings greater sensitivity, compassion and intimacy to the writing process - and to life! Come along and learn a wealth of gently transformative, artistic and fun journaling strategies to use at home.
Laura draws on an abundance of knowledge and experience in order to support writers on their individual journeys. Writers with specific projects in mind may, by all means, contact Laura before they arrive to request sessions on specific aspects of writing, related to novel writing, poetry and memoir (eg. character, structure, description).
Over the course of your time here, you'll gain a greater understanding of how to overcome blocks, so often caused by fear, perfectionism or self-criticism. You’ll leave Gartmore House feeling refreshed and rejuvenated, because you’ll have written exciting new work and gained more confidence than you ever thought possible.
Outline:
Mornings: 10am – 1 (with coffee break)
- Mindfulness/awareness practice
- Writing exercises
- Discussion
- Sharing work and feedback
(sharing of work is encouraged but by no means compulsory)
Afternoons: 2-4pm (with coffee break)
- One-to-ones with Laura
- Individual/group writing time
Course Inclusions And Coverage
This course is an all-in-one package which includes the following:
Tuition
Booking for this course includes 4 days of specialist tuition from Laura Fyfe.
Equipment
All specialist equipment will be supplied but there will be a few essential items that you will need to bring. Please see our terms and detailed information section below.
Food & Accommodation
Full board catering and 5-nights accommodation are included when you book.
Transfers
Complimentary transfers are included when you book - subject to certain conditions.*
* Transfers from Stirling train station are available on the arrival and departure days (pick-up from the station at 15:30, departs Gartmore House at 9:15). Transfers from Glasgow or Edinburgh Airports are available at an additional cost.
Here's what a previous participant has to say about this course:
“I didn’t know what to expect… but really enjoyed it! The creative stimulants were excellent, also the creative challenges.” – Evening workshop on defeating procrastination and increasing creativity.
Picture Gallery
tERMS & DETAILED INFORMATION
If you’re coming on one of our holidays and would like to bring a friend, partner, or member of your family, then we have you (and them!) covered. Accompanying guests will enjoy full board catering and shared accommodation with you. We also have a full programme of day trips and activities on offer for them. Please add them and day trips at the checkout stage.
How to book
To book online, please click on your preferred date above.
For any questions or to book direct please call 01877 382 991 or email mail@gartmorehouse.com
If you have any questions, you may like to take a look at our FAQs but if you have any further queries, please contact our team directly.
TERMS & CONDITIONS OF BOOKING
To confirm your holiday:
A non-refundable 25% deposit is required to secure your booking.
Payment of your holiday:
The balance of your payment must be received no later than 3 months (90 days) prior to the commencement of your holiday. In the case of non-payment, we reserve the right to cancel your booking and any cancellation fees will apply.
If you cancel your booking:
All deposits are non-refundable. Should you need to cancel your booking up to 3 months (90 days) prior to the commencement date, we will refund any monies paid, less your deposit. If you cancel less than 3 months (90 days) prior to the commencement date, no refund will be given.
We do advise you to take out holiday insurance for this reason.
More Reviews...
I enjoyed the opportunity to write, rather than just learn about writing. Lovely tutor, friendly participants – more of the same please.
Afternoon procrastination and inspiration workshop
What worked for me today were the spurts of creative writing interspersed with nuggets and tips on building good writing habits. Laura creates a very warm and relaxed environment which is a very important part of the creative process. Thank you!
Inspiration Igniter Workshop
I wasn’t sure what I was expecting before I came along but my expectations have definitely been met – I’m really enjoying it! I like the variety so far. I love it!
Weekly course of workshops
Please note: The above reviews come from past workshops and courses run by the tutor out with Gartmore House.
Your Course Tutor: Laura Fyfe
Award-winning poet and novelist Laura Fyfe has supported writers for twenty years, travelling Scotland to facilitate writing workshops in settings such as writing groups, schools and prisons for writers aged 9 to 90. She has a veritable library of experience and material to draw on, across a plethora of topics.
“There are few things more thrilling than helping someone realise their own potential! I love to inspire, encourage and support fledgling writers and those who’re just a bit stuck.”
Laura’s work has been published in Butcher’s Dog, Postbox and Northwords Now and was shortlisted for the 2022 Bridport Poetry Prize. Her collection 'The Truth Lies' is published by Red Squirrel Press. She has a number of novels in various stages of development. She lives in river deep, mountain high Stirlingshire and is the Stirling Makar.
Find out more about Laura and her writing here:
Faq
Where can I find out more about the course?
If you need any further information about your course that is not on our website, please get in contact with us and we can provide you with the tutor’s contact details who can assist with your query.
What do I need to bring on my art, craft and activity break?
Your required kit list for your specific break is shown on each course’s webpage. Your tutor will also be in contact with you, prior to your course to confirm kit lists and questions you have.
Should you have any queries, then please feel free to contact us.
What is the art, craft and activity holiday booking terms and conditions?
To confirm your holiday a non-refundable 25% deposit is required to secure your booking.
The balance of your payment must be received no later than 3 months (90 days) prior to the commencement of your holiday. In the case of non-payment, we reserve the right to cancel your booking and any cancellation fees will apply.
All deposits are non-refundable. Should you need to cancel your booking up to 3 months (90 days) prior to the commencement date, we will refund any monies paid, less your deposit. If you cancel less than 3 months (90 days) prior to the commencement date, no refund will be given.
Holidays are subject to availability and subject to change. There is a minimum number of guests required to run each course. If a course is cancelled due to low numbers, you may transfer any monies paid to an alternative date or a full refund will be issued. We do advise you to take out holiday insurance for this reason.
What time do your transfer services for the art, craft & activity holidays operate?
We offer a complimentary transfer services to and from Stirling train station. Collection is at 3:30pm from the station on the day of arrival, and our drop-off service departs from Gartmore House at 9:15 am on day of departure.
The closest airports to us are Glasgow and Edinburgh airports. If you require a transfer to and/or from either airport, please select this option at the time of booking. Transfers to/from Glasgow and Edinburgh airports are available at an additional cost. After booking your flights, please update your Customer Portal with the time you wish to be collected from the airport on the day of arrival and the time of collection at Gartmore House, returning to the airport, on the day of departure. Please allow 60 minutes for your transfer between Gartmore House and Glasgow Airport, or 90 minutes for your transfer between Gartmore House and Edinburgh Airport.
Can I bring a partner/friend to stay with me while I am on an art, craft or activity break?
If you’re coming on one of our art, craft or activity holidays and would like to bring a friend, partner, or member of your family, then we have you (and them!) covered. Accompanying guests will enjoy full board catering and shared accommodation with you. Please add them at the checkout stage.
Spots on this course are limited!
Book your spot now and join us at Gartmore House. We are confident it will deepen your understanding of Creative Writing.