The Writers' Summer School at Swanwick has taken place every August since 1949 and has been attended by many thousands of writers of all abilities in the years since then.

Swanwick exists to give writers at all levels of experience an opportunity to learn from expert tutors and excellent speakers in a comfortable and friendly atmosphere.

Some 300 writers, from absolute beginners to established best-sellers, attend the six-day school at The Hayes Conference Centre, Swanwick, Derbyshire, each year.

In keeping with the relaxed atmosphere, there are no strict curricula to follow. Each may do as much, or as little, as they choose.

Many well-established writers attend just to mingle with like-minded souls and to catch up on writing gossip.

Each writer may build a personal programme around their choice of courses and optional attendance at talks given by invited speakers. A number of two-part workshops on various subjects were introduced in recent years to add to the choice and have been very popular.

A relaxed afternoon is scheduled for mid-week. Organised excursions are available for those who want them while a home-grown pantomime and nightly dancing sessions for all ages and tastes contribute to the enjoyment that makes Swanwick a place to which writers return year after year.

A registered charity, the school is organised by a committee elected each year at the AGM held during the week, at which all members can express their views.

Swanwick 2009 August 08 to August 14
email: swanwick here