For my birthday, my gorgeous husband put down a deposit for me to attend a special writing retreat in Pembrokeshire hosted by Holly Rigby and guest tutor, playwright Eva Claire O’Connor.
The perfect place to unplug and write, Holly’s retreat wasn’t an ‘off the peg’ experience. It felt uniquely special – a home from home, upgraded, with Bread & Flowers cooking us outstanding vegetarian meals three times a day, gorgeous Alchemy Yoga, and the company of some brilliant writers working across genres.
Holly offers bursary places to activists and frontline workers, and our conversation throughout the week fused personal and political. I was deeply moved by the thinking and writing we shared. The schedule included plenty of silent work time with yoga, walks, sea dips, workshopping and reading around the fire. I enjoyed staying an extra night in Fishguard where I walked the moody coastal path and saw a fab performance of Under Milk Wood at Theatr Gwaun.
Home now, I am recharged and eager to complete my work in progress. I’m also making a rare recommendation for those of you who write to book yourself in! Holly is an expert teacher, a skilled ‘holder of space’, and an activist herself. Her retreats foster connection, creativity and relaxation – I found participation a genuinuely transformative experience, in a stunning location.