Testimonials

From booking to arrival at Docklow Manor, communication with Jane and Brian was efficient, with a warm touch!

The website doesn’t do justice to the splendour and space of the venue, never mind the ambience, company and the warmest of hospitality. The group was interesting, diverse, fascinating, inspiring, at times jaw-dropping, enveloping and supportive.

The weekend structure is expertly crafted. Reading the novella and discussing it together was a special touch. By the time we had bonded as a group, we were ready to read our ‘writing ‘ to each other. What could be a daunting experience was transformed into a constructive and supportive one.

Jane and Brian are so self-effacing about their impeccable credentials as published writers. They imparted their knowledge and expertise of their craft, and experience of the publishing business, in an absorbing and fascinating way.

I came away with a buzz, lots of new thoughts and ideas, and a plan about how I might take my writing, based on what I had gleaned from the weekend. Also, Jane’s food is wonderful! Her next career will be hosting cookery courses at Docklow!

JS

The Writers Inc experience was excellent from start to finish. From first contact with Jane and Brian to saying farewell after the writers’ weekend, I felt cared for as a writer.

Jane made sure we were well-fed, and the meals we had all together as a group were just right. The whole weekend was relaxed with just the right amount of ‘push’ towards discussion and with time set aside for writing too.

Being with other writers, talking with other writers, and learning from other writers is absolutely key for me, and I feel like I could not have asked for a better use of my extremely precious time off from my very busy day job.”

Docklow Manor is a fabulous place to write, and the fact that it is the hosts’ own home counts for a lot. The room I stayed in was comfortable, welcoming, and entirely conducive to maintaining focus on writing, with its well-stocked bookshelves and a desk well-placed in front of windows which overlooked the expansive grounds of the manor.

It was a pleasure to be welcomed into Jane and Brian’s home. The weekend provided a perfect mix of peace, space and informal conversation.

It gave me time to think and reflect on the ideas that I have for my writing, and provided some honest and valuable knowledge about an industry I know very little about.

The sessions reminded me of university seminars, with loose structure to promote conversation and queries. This suited me and I think was a great way to get your experiences of being authors across.

The tasks set were clear and well thought out – it was nice to be able to have an assignment to share and receive feedback on.

The informal feel of the retreat meant I felt comfortable sharing ideas and work which was nice: it did not feel harsh or overly critical.

I found Jane’s lived experience of the publishing industry enriched discussions of contemporary literature and I was delighted, though not surprised, with how widely and passionately everyone who attended read.