LES GETS FRENCH ALPS WRITING RETREAT JUNE 2018

 In the stunning French Alpine town of Les Gets in June, a small group of writers and songwriters moved in to The Alpine Lodge for 5 days of exploration into the craft of prose and lyric storytelling. We were a varied bunch, ranging from a lyricist to a screenwriter to a novelist, some starting projects, some working their way through them -  all there to use the time and inspirational space set aside to concentrate on our writing. 

Every day I hosted two workshops, one on lyric writing and the other on story writing as well as one to one tutorials tailored to individual projects. Some attended both workshops, others just the discipline they were working within.  It was such an integrated collective learning experience; we all learned from each other and all of our shared experience informed and inspired the group. 
There are more pictures and feedback from the group on the facebook page
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Our hosts provided us with amazing breakfast and evening meals, the standard of the food and drink surprised and delighted us all.  Check out this link
​ www.chalets-lesgets.com/catered-holidays/chalets/the-alpine-lodge.php 
If this kind of retreat is something you're interested in, get in touch on the contact page or at sansonregan.com
Take control of your writing dream. Be inspired. 

Testimonials from Les Gets Writing Retreat 2018
 
What a wonderful week!
I hadn't written a word for over 25 years. This was the kick start I needed.
Working with a great group of 10 people (ideal number), it was so good to see how everyone had their own style, their own way of working. Sitting with Colum, being prompted and guided by him in a very encouraging atmosphere was really helpful,
It was also great fun!
Each one of us made headway and we all want to come back next year to share how we are doing, get feedback and push along from Colum, enjoy some wonderful French cuisine in a lovely chalet set in the French alps.
 Anne Maire Slane
 
Naturally, I had been a little apprehensive about feeling judged by competitive strangers. I had even planned that I could spend extended days out walking the Alps if things got stressful - it was only for six days, I reassured myself - be brave.
 Absolutely no need to have to have worried about a thing. Scribblers, and, as it turned out, a brace of musicians too, are a very nice bunch of people. Lovely company and, it needs to be said, a fabulous environment. The chalet was very spacious, well located and the food truly superb.
 Colum set the tone. We gelled, even before taking off, into an informal and mutually supportive bunch. They say that shared adversity helps build camaraderie, so maybe now is the time to explain that French Traffic Controllers pushed back our flight 20 hours after we had already checked in at the airport. Colum remained calm and kept us on track and tranquil. He plays a mean acoustic guitar and sings a bit too so he and our two new musicians entertained the entire lounge of displaced travellers with an impromptu concert. (note to airport "Why not provide entertainment to calm down your customers?).
 
So, (it's fashionable to begin with "so"), by the time we arrived at our Chalet the tone was already set. Encouraged by Colum we fell into an informal group which became reasonably productive but without a hint of pressure. If you wanted to take a walk that was ok. Sleep in once or twice - ok.  Wear a silly wig in the hot tub - ok. Say something mean about somebody - it just never happened, everybody has a lovely time. Except I did think Colum was rubbish on the kazoo but I never told him!
 Colum's teaching exercises, and constructive remarks and suggestions were always well received and helped us all to appreciate how we might approach any difficulties that we might be experiencing. Everybody would chip in and that also helped us all to think a bit more about what works and how to approach things with more awareness than might otherwise be the case.
These cohesive groups don't happen entirely just by happy accident. Colum led us along an exciting journey without us being aware at the time that we were even being led. I heartily recommend the whole experience.
Gordon Harrop
 
 
The Les Gets Writing Retreat was inspiring, informative and a lot of fun.  The organisation and advice Colum gave us about the journey and the 5 day stay, including flight information and transfers from Geneva airport, was exceptional – this made the whole experience easy from the start. 
Colum ran two writing workshops each day, one for song/lyric writing and the other for prose fiction.  All of the sessions I went to consisted of examples, serious discussion, writing prompts and the opportunity to give each other advice.  Participants were free to join in the workshops as they wished.  In between there was plenty of time to write, but we could also choose to walk in the beautiful area, visit the town or use the hot tub and other facilities in the chalet. I found it very easy to get into the writing groove despite all the interesting people who I was with. It was really nice that I could join in with the group sometimes, but also find a quiet space to be creative. The rapport between us all was very successful.
The chalet was exceptional. It was beautifully decorated and kept. We had a two bed room with an ensuite which was very comfortable and clean. The food was amazing and I think we all looked forward to each meal, even the continental breakfast always had a surprise element.  There was a bit of fun in each of the delicious evening meals that were prepared for us too.  Special dietary requirements were well looked after.  The chalet was also full of wine and beer – writers generally enjoy a drink, I find.
We had a brilliant week and I can’t wait for the next writing week Colum runs.  Many thanks.
Barrie Llewellyn
 
I thoroughly enjoyed Colum's Writer's Retreat in Les Gets. As I mentioned to Colum beforehand, I felt I had the right ingredients for my writing but kept on getting the recipe wrong. Throughout the week, Colum provided the right tools to better direct my writing and was diligent in asking the right questions to move my writing forward. This, combined with a constructive and receptive group (there were about ten of us) made it a very valuable week. I feel I am better equipped to develop my script after attending this Writers Retreat. Same again next year!
Wathik Alaaraji
 
Idyllic picturesque spacious surroundings atop the les gets mountain range in France. In the freshest invigorating open air, staying in a beautifully crafted wooden lodge on the les gets ski resort during the hiking and biking summer months.
The cuisine is 1st class breakfast and main meals self catering in the afternoon.
Very well run friendly attentive workshop that encourages to work on strengths and build on weaknesses tailored with a sharing and group helping attitude in mind.
Leigh Simpson
 
I am not quite sure what I was expecting from the retreat, and going away with a group of people you don’t know is quite scary!
The experience was fantastic, joyous and very liberating. Perhaps it was enhanced by our enforced bonding in the airport due to a cancelled flight, but by the time we were being taxied to Liverpool I knew it was going to be a great time. I laughed so much on that taxi ride.
 To be in such beautiful place as Les Gets, away from demands on you other than to be respectful of the people you are with and supportive of their endeavours was amazing. I feel very lucky to have met such a lovely bunch of people. I think I now understand why people go on retreats of various sorts.
There were workshops for song lyrics and prose. Although I did not attend the former, it was wonderful to hear the lyrics. Pure poetry.  The prose workshops were well constructed and yet gave opportunities for discussions that arose from within the group.   There was ample opportunity to sit and write at other times, either in your room or in the large living area,   and to wander in the village which was beautiful with fantastic views.
The alpine Lodge was stunning, offering a very comfortable environment and food that was out of this world. We shared very sociable mealtimes and I enjoyed the wonderful singing and music on a few of the evenings. I was amazed by the talent.
What did I get from the experience?
I wrote a little, continuing with my project attempting to take on board issues that were discussed in workshops, but  perhaps more than this, it was an opportunity to believe in yourself and think  “well why not?”
Would I go again? The only thing that would put me off was that it was such a positive experience; could it be matched again?
Thank you Colum for organising it.
Lynn