The ideal writers’ retreat, in my mind, would offer 4 essentials: An inspiring environment, to stimulate the imagination. A friendly comfortable venue, with delicious food, to nourish the body. A small group who share a passion for words, to provide encouragement, support, and positive critiquing. And finally the opportunity to meet in a relaxed atmosphere to develop the individual ‘voice’ within every writer.

Finca el Cerrillo had it all. Gordon and Sue Kind, our wonderful hosts, have developed this old ‘finca’ – rural house – into a haven of tranquillity in the hillsides of southern Spain. Each morning, after breakfast al fresco above the lovely gardens, the Writing Magazine holiday group met in the cool studio to spend each morning absorbed in light-hearted story-writing exercises, all designed to explore techniques and encourage ideas. In this supportive group everyone quickly became happy with the idea of sharing their words, and reached into places that often surprised us all. We looked at creating and developing characters, at aspects like dialogue, viewpoint, and narrative pace, and we found the three hours flew by.

After lunch there was time for private writing and reading, or relaxing beside – and in! – the irresistible cerulean pool. At 6.30 we met again, either in the salon or on cushions beneath the carob tree, for our ‘Aperitif session’- an hour of readings and discussion. As well as developing their fiction skills, each of the participants had also turned to poetry, and these evening sessions were an absolute delight. On the final night, Finca’s other guests asked to be our audience, and the group agreed. “If anyone had told me at the beginning of the week I’d be reading my work aloud to strangers by the end, I wouldn’t have believed it!” said one participant as appreciative applause and congratulations filled the air. I’m delighted that these talented people could go home with a full notebook, happy memories, and the confidence that they can indeed call themselves writers.

Crysse Morrison
Creative Writing Tutor, Finca el Cerrillo 2009

If like Collette and Elaine you would like to hear about future Writing Magazine writing holidays then please send us your details now!

To read the poems created by Collette Caffrey and Elaine Burke on this holiday, use the following links to Finca El Cerrilo, Hang On and Elaine Burke.