Clouds Hill courses create a 'literary salon' atmosphere where writers can come to experiment and exchange ideas. Our courses range from those for complete beginners to experienced writers looking to progress a serious body of work. Place can really influence creativity, so we choose our venues carefully.
We aim to provide charming accommodation where we can nurture your potential whilst you write, relax and meet other writers.
Come on one of our courses and you will undertake writing exercises and receive feedback from published authors. Workshops will help 'kickstart' your writing or find ways forward with existing projects, as well as giving you guidance on the writing process. Our tutors will encourage constructive criticism from peers as well as provide personal one to one support. Time is also set aside for writing alone. You may wish to find a deserted spot in the gardens, or join fellow students around the kitchen table to write.
All this takes place against a backdrop of outstanding natural beauty amongst people who share a love of writing. With two tutors allocated to each course and a team to take care of all your needs, including a menu of healthy and delicious food, you will go home feeling refreshed and inspired.
The Clouds Hill Ethos
Clouds Hill was founded by Grace Dugdale who holds an MA in Creative Writing. Grace is a first time novelist who found herself wanting to escape somewhere inspirational to work amongst people who share her love of writing.
We think it is vital that the venue is right too. Part of the motivation is to provide a range of courses in wonderful settings where we can shut out the outside world and be creative. Every detail is taken care of: from crisp white sheets and pristine bathrooms, to views that take your breath away.
Drawing on personal experience, Grace has selected tutors who will offer you the best tuition, in places that will make you feel like writing.
Grace Dugdale studied Molecular Biology and Genetics as an undergraduate and writes contemporary fiction influenced by her scientific background. She has lived in a variety of places in the UK, as well as France, New York and California and uses sense of place and relationships in families to explore interpretations of identity.
Grace has a thorough understanding of learning psychology developed through university-based research work, as well as extensive experience of designing learning programmes from her previous senior commercial roles, including as a director of an e-learning company. She has attended novel-writing courses at the Arvon Foundation and holds an MA in Creative Writing from Bath Spa University.
