Four-Day Creative Writing Masterclass
Tuesday 13th May - Friday 16th May 2025
Humans are born storytellers. You are a born storyteller. Some theorists are convinced that storytelling is a human capacity genetically hardwired into our brains. They place it next to language itself as the distinctive human trait. Whenever we make excuses, or fantasise, or plan our days in terms of outcomes, we are writing stories. Every unexpected event in a day is a beginning; dealing with its consequences is a middle; resolving the conflicts of those consequences is an end. We instinctively ‘begin-middle-and-end’ every aspect of our lives, and we constantly strive for better endings. We are the species defined by language and storytelling, and so your desire to write is part of your make-up as a human being. Accept your desire as genetic, as your birth-right. It’s not a whim. It’s nature surfacing. So where will your stories take you? Start their journeys here. What to expect Join David Tomlinson for an immersive four-day masterclass in Creative Writing that takes a step-by-step look at storytelling structure and style, covering Narrative Technique, Premise & Plot, Character & Narrative Perspective, Themes, Imagery, and Show, Don’t Tell. To help understand these elements of storytelling, we study the works of great writers, from Shakespeare to Toni Morrison, and then practise them through a series of guided exercises. The masterclass is suitable for all levels and covers the elements of storytelling that are key in any medium, whether fiction or non-fiction. At the end of the four days, there is also a brief introduction on how to find and impress an agent. Materials A writing kit will be provided, but feel free to bring your own favourite pens and any other materials you like. Optional Accommodation Participants can enhance their experience with an all-inclusive stay at Ampleforth Abbey. Immerse yourself fully in the serene and contemplative atmosphere of this historic setting while enjoying comfortable lodging and nourishing meals. Accommodation will cost from £520 per person for a four-night stay.
Cancellation Policy
All Classes, Courses, Workshops and Masterclasses are priced including VAT charged at 20%. By completing this purchase you are securing a place for the Masterclass ONLY. If you would like to book accommodation please provide details on the booking form and a member of the North Yorks Art School team will contact you within 24 hours of your booking to discuss accommodation options. We understand that plans can change, so we’ve outlined our cancellation and rescheduling policies for our masterclass and accommodation at Ampleforth Abbey to ensure clarity and flexibility. Masterclass Rescheduling: You can reschedule your booking up to 4 weeks before the start of the masterclass. We will transfer your booking to an alternative date and provide written confirmation of the change. Cancellations: You may cancel your booking up to 4 weeks before the masterclass for a full refund, which will be processed to your original payment method within 3–5 business days. Within 4 Weeks of the Event: Cancellations made less than 4 weeks before the masterclass will not be refunded. However, if we are able to rebook your place within the 4 week period we will be able to process a full refund. Accommodation Rescheduling: Accommodation can be rescheduled up to 6 weeks before your stay, subject to availability. We will confirm the new booking details in writing. Cancellations: You may cancel your accommodation booking up to 6 weeks before your stay for a full refund. Within 6 Weeks of the Stay: Cancellations made within 6 weeks of the arrival date will incur a 50% cancellation fee. If we are able to rebook your accommodation, we will refund the remaining balance to your original payment method. Your Right to Cancel If you are a customer living in the United Kingdom or the European Union you have the right to cancel your contract to purchase services from us within 14 days of purchase without giving notice. The cancellation period will end 14 days from the date of purchase when you purchased a service. To exercise your right to cancel you must inform us of your decision to cancel within the cancelation period. To cancel, contact us by email at info@bookaclass.org.