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HOW TO GET PUBLISHED,
FREE YOUR CREATIVITY,
EVEN WRITE A BESTSELLER


THE COURSE

‘Philippa has a true talent of unlocking the hidden writer within you. Her unique approach means that you are sure to leave feeling truly inspired’
– Sabiha

‘The course was fantastic: packed with wonderful insights and amazing exercises which were a joy to complete’
– Jo, former participant

‘I have worked with Phil Pride for upwards of twenty years, and know of no one in the writing and publishing business who is better equipped to talk about and teach the art and craft of writing’
Stephen King, author of On Writing
and The Shawshank Redemption


Imagine a week in the magical setting of an olive grove or a French Chateau; a week to explore the book inside you; a week to lie in hammocks, walk in the pine forests or country lanes, swim in a natural stone pool and gaze at the stars. Treat yourself to time – time to write and to let your ideas emerge.

Welcome to the Book Doctor™ Writing Course where you will have an opportunity to discover what goes on in the world of publishing and how you can write a winning book.

Philippa Pride, an accomplished book editor, offers a unique course of professional tips for getting published, advice on structuring your book and inspirational exercises for freeing creativity and getting started on / continuing the book inside you.

During her 20 years experience as a commissioning editor with one of the major publishing houses in Britain, Philippa has worked with some of the biggest names in the business. She is also a Life Coach, with a great deal of experience in helping writers of all kinds to find the voice and shape that they are looking for in their work.

The course is designed for anyone with a story to tell – fiction, non-fiction, diary or blog – whether a newcomer or established writer.

August bank holiday weekend in a beautiful French Chateau in the heart of the Dordogne:  arrive teatime 26 August and leave morning 31 August, 2010.  £595/625 for accommodation, three meals a day and the course – based on single occupancy (just a couple of rooms still available so book quickly).  See VENUES below.


A week in the Spring in a glorious olive grove in the Lycian region of Turkey, above the Torquoise coast2-9 May, 2011.  Early bird discount (bookings taken by 1 November, 2010) of £550 for accommodation, three delicious meals a day and the course itself. See VENUES below.


WHAT PARTICIPANTS HAVE SAID

From course participants:

'Join a group in paradise where a professional publisher/angel will show you to polish and present your potential novel'
– Betty

'Great atmosphere, great course! Where a vague wish to write will become a concrete goal. It's the only course where you will receive information on the publishing world'
– Nicole


'I had forgotten what a joy it is to write: to feel free with expression, to simply indulge in words and creativity. Philippa Pride's unique talent in encouraging and supporting every individual on this wonderful, practical course is unsurpassed. I would recommend it to anyone who has a passion for writing and appreciates the profound effect that expert nurturing can have.'
– Sarah

‘The course and experience as a whole was wonderful. Philippa was superb and the best I have come across. I think her position as an editor means she’s interested in everyone, like a gardener is with plants. She has a warmth which spread to all of us and we feel very encouraged. The course was a great boost'
– Martin


‘An inspiring, fun and life-changing week’
– Daniel


'I was seriously stuck with my second novel when I discovered Philippa Pride and her writing holidays. Within a couple of days, I was back firing on all four cylinders. It was like magic! Philippa’s gift was to make me feel writing could be fun again. She is hugely supportive of all the writers who are lucky enough to cross her path – and she might just have saved me from being a one-book wonder.'
– Sally Nicoll


'For anyone who loves writing and wants to get to their next level, there is nothing more informative nor inspiring than spending a week with Philippa Pride'
– John



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DAY BY DAY

2 hours training in the morning, 1½ late in the afternoon, will leave you free in the middle of the day to reflect, draw on what you have learned, write, swim, walk, lunch, siesta and let your book come on its own. Philippa will give individual feedback on excerpts of some work presented before the week.


For both the aspiring writer and published author, the course will comprise:


Exercises for creativity - enjoy the writing process

• How to access your ideas
• Getting started, keeping going, taking stock
• Turning setbacks into advantages
• How to become fully present – get into the flow state
• Overcome obstacles and switch off your inner critic
• Painting and dancing with words
• Visualisations – the magic of imagery and metaphor
• Find your unique voice
• Become the hero of your writer’s journey


Tips for writing – build & develop a toolbox
• What makes good story – how to shape your book
• Create narrative drive and keep those pages turning
• Set goals and a writing schedule to suit your life
• Structuring your book - the benefits of a chapter breakdown
• Moving from concept to final draft
• Plot, empathetic characters, dialogue, description
• Modelling on successful strategies


An insider’s view of publishing – stepping stones
• How to present and submit your script
• How to approach an agent or publisher
• Understanding the publishing process and basic legal matters
• Discover what editors are looking for
• Working with the Publicity, Marketing and Sales departments
• Building your writing identity – how to keep growing book to book


 

There are also wonderful trips available and an optional opportunity to read a short extract from your work in progress for feedback from the group.


PHILIPPA PRIDE

Phil in yurt

Philippa Pride, THE BOOK DOCTOR™, is a Publishing Consultant, Creative Coach and Book Editor. 

With 20 years experience as a commissioning editor with one of the major publishing houses in Britain, PHILIPPA PRIDE has worked with some of the most successful writers today, including world superseller Stephen King and No.1 bestseller Mike Gayle.

She continues her connection with Hodder & Stoughton as Stephen King’s British editor and has branched out into coaching; she is a certified NLP Practitioner, Master Practitioner and NLP Executive and Life Coach. She also does one-to-one training with writers and runs regular weekend workshops in her artisan studio in London’s Portobello district.

Hodder MD Jamie Hodder-Williams describes her as having ‘a reputation as a talented spotter of new fiction, a creative editor with flair and vision, a nurturer of writers’ careers and a terrific champion of her authors both inside the business and to the outside world. She is also a benchmark in standards of thoroughness.’

'Philippa is an inspirational coach; I was stuck about three quarters through a book and Philippa's skilled questioning and good common sense cut straight through my writer's block. She combines empathetic coaching skills with a vast experience of the publishing world. It's an irresistible mix. I would encourage anyone who is wrestling with a book, or even just thinking about writing one, to spend time with Philippa.'
- Fiona Wright

 

VENUES

To book your place contact: Philippa

August bank holiday weekend in a beautiful French Chateau in the heart of the Dordogne:  arrive teatime 26 August and leave morning 31 August, 2010.  £595/625 for accommodation, three meals a day and the course – based on single occupancy (just a couple of rooms still available so book quickly).  www.chateaudefayolle.com Travel:  book own flight to Bergerac or train to Angouleme.

A week in the Spring in a glorious olive grove in the Lycian region of Turkey, above the Torquoise coast2-9 May, 2011.  Early bird discount (bookings taken by 1 November, 2010) of £550 for accommodation, three delicious meals a day and the course itselfSingles available with supplement.  www.huzurvadisi.com  Travel:  book own flight to Dalaman which is 40 minutes away.


HUZUR VADISI, meaning peaceful valley, is set in the stunning surroundings of the pine covered mountains of Turkey’s ‘turquoise’ coast. It will be an inspirational haven for nurturing your writing talent.

To the sound of cicadas and the smell of pine needles, you can walk to spectacular views of the coast or the mountain range, swim in the natural stone pool, compose in the traditional wooden Kosk or lie in hammocks under the olive and fig trees.

There is a touch of magic as you fall asleep to the call of night owls in the traditional nomadic yurt gazing at the ‘eye of heaven’ through the opening to the stars. Fully equipped with cushy beds, mosquito nets and electricity, the accommodation combines the best of eco and luxurious mod cons. The cuisine is delicious, dishes of fresh produce are provided at breakfast, lunch and supper.


‘Total peace, delicious food, wonderful environment and great company’
– Lesley Gillilan, Independent on Sunday

‘A very special place’
– Rose Rouse, Guardian


‘This unpretentious retreat is a delicious place to escape the stresses of life at home…the food is legendary’
- Harpers and Queen


‘One of those rare jewels that you want to keep secret but don’t because you’d feel too selfish. Idyllic, nestled in the most beautiful scenery, the hospitality is unequalled and the food worth the trip itself’
– Michele Pernetta, Bikram Yoga College


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At table

Swimming







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