Rosie’s Reinvention Retreat

11:00am – Welcome
Arrive at Lainston House and leave your bags with the team before heading to the Drawing Room. Here, you’ll enjoy a welcoming coffee as you meet your fellow guests and begin to relax into your retreat. Bedrooms will be ready from 3pm.

12:00pm – Introductions and goal-setting with Rosie
Rosie will introduce the retreat, outlining the journey ahead. You’ll set personal goals for your time here and sign up for your 1-1 chats with the team, paving the way for a focused and inspiring experience.

1:00pm – Lunch
Enjoy a light buffet lunch while getting to know your fellow guests. It’s the perfect time to share your writing ambitions and start forging connections that will enhance your creative journey.

2:30pm – Crafting your writing
In a private room, Jill Dawson will lead the first session, exploring the core themes of your writing journey. Dive into the heart of character development as you get to know your main character more intimately.

4:00pm – 1-1 Sessions and writing time
Take the opportunity for a 20-minute one-to-one session with Rosie, Jill, or Jenny to discuss your specific writing project. Afterward, enjoy some quiet time to reflect and work on your writing.

6:00pm – Optional cooking class or more writing time
Take a break from the writing and join an optional cooking class at Season cookery school outside kitchen for a burst of culinary inspiration. Alternatively, stay in the flow and enjoy more uninterrupted writing time.

7:00pm – Drinks, canapés and dinner
End your first day with a relaxed and intimate evening. Share drinks, canapés, and a delicious three-course dinner, exchanging insights and experiences with your fellow writers.

From 7:00am – Breakfast at leisure
Start your day at your own pace with a relaxing breakfast, allowing you to enjoy a moment of calm before diving into the creative process.

10:00am – Building your world: Minor characters and setting
Jill will guide you in developing your supporting characters, including your nemesis, and how they interact with your protagonist. You’ll explore how these characters shape your story and propel the plot forward. Plus, learn how to craft immersive settings and places that enhance your narrative, adding depth, atmosphere, and a sense of place to your writing.

11:30am – Coffee break
Enjoy a refreshing break with tea, coffee, fruit, or homemade treats as you mingle with fellow writers.

11:45am – Crafting dialogue: Finding your characters' voice
Jill will guide you through the intricacies of writing authentic dialogue and discovering the unique voice of each character. Explore how to make your characters’ conversations feel true to their personalities, ensuring that their interactions drive the plot and reveal deeper emotional layers within the story,

1:00pm – Lunch
A delicious buffet lunch while continuing your conversations with fellow guests and exchanging insights.

2:00pm – Getting an agent and publishing your novel
Jenny will provide invaluable advice on securing an agent, understanding your audience, and navigating the publishing world. She’ll share practical tips and insider knowledge on how to get your novel noticed and build meaningful connections within the industry. Gain insights into the submission process, and learn how to effectively pitch your work to agents and publishers.

3:00pm – Promoting yourself as an author
Learn how to build your personal brand and elevate your presence on social media with Rosie’s expert tips. She’ll show you how to promote yourself, your writing, and connect with readers. Rosie’s guidance will help you create an online presence that resonates, establishes your author identity, and drives engagement across platforms, ensuring your work reaches its full potential.

3:30pm – Free time to write and afternoon refreshments
Take some time to focus on your writing, with afternoon refreshments available to keep you refreshed and inspired.

5:30pm – In conversation: Rosie talks with Jessica Bull
Join Rosie for an engaging fireside chat with Jessica Bull, author of Miss Austen Investigates. Discuss writing, inspiration, and historical fiction, followed by pre-dinner drinks to reflect on the day's insights and connect with fellow writers in a relaxed setting.

7:00pm – Dinner in The Wellhouse
Enjoy a delicious feastng menu dinner, paired with wine, as you continue to share experiences and connect with your fellow writers.

7:00am – Breakfast at leisure
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast at your own pace before the final day of the retreat.

10:00am – Structure: your plot and narrative
Explore the essentials of plot, narrative arcs, and structure to create compelling stories. Jill will guide you through the process of building a solid foundation for your novel.

11:30am – Coffee break & check-out
Take a moment to refresh with tea, coffee, and a homemade treat while checking out of your room.

12:00pm – Editing, rewriting & preparing your pitch
Refine your manuscript with expert editing and rewriting techniques. Led by Jill, you’ll learn how to polish your work, enhance your writing, and craft the perfect pitch to present to agents and publishers.

1:00pm – Lunch
Enjoy a light, nourishing lunch while sharing insights with fellow writers.

2:00pm – Pitch to the agent
Put your skills to the test with a pitch session led by Jenny. She’ll offer tips on delivering a strong pitch to agents and provide feedback to enhance your submission.

3:00pm –A plan of action
Reflect on your writing journey and create a roadmap for moving forward. With guidance from Rosie, Jill, and Jenny, you’ll develop a clear plan to continue progressing. This uplifting session will inspire you to keep going, leaving you motivated, ready for the next steps, and excited to celebrate your achievements from the retreat.

4:00pm – Until we meet again…
As the retreat comes to a close, reflect on the transformative experience and the progress made. Depart with new insights, renewed inspiration, and lasting connections from your time here.