In a setting of outstanding natural beauty, an opportunity to spend time creatively; word spinning, story writing, myth making.  A chance to write, to be inspired, to travel within and explore beyond; to dream deeply and take the dream further. For just a few weeks each year, arts and travel organisation World Spirit is dedicated to exploring the world of Poetry and Writing within the inspiring natural resource of South West Crete - one of the most beautiful parts of Europe.  The village of Loutro is intimate, ancient, friendly, and tranquil - equally good whether alone or in company.  Loutro and it's surrounding environment serves as our centre.  Bounded by this positive, nurturing energy, our writing courses bring together people, experts, ideas and artistic creativity.

Mimi Khalvati has published six collections with Carcanet Press. Her most recent, ‘The Meanest Flower’ (2007), was a PBS Recommendation and shortlisted for the TS Eliot Prize. She is the founder of The Poetry School where she teaches. She received a Cholmondeley Award in 2006 and is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature.

Tolstoy, standing on his doorstep in a short early 20th century film clip, declares; “Just do what is right!” A character’s search for fulfillment, for the truth of their own life, for a sense they are living right, lies at the heart of great fiction. Immersing oneself in character requires an honesty and openness right at the heart of the writing process. The attitude and disposition of the writer are crucial. Whilst looking at the way that characters are taking shape in your works in progress, we will
exercise our imagination through working on some unlikely subjects and through various Zen based mind awareness techniques.

A writer needs to be both Hera and Poseidon, able to gaze down upon their creation from on high while also teasing vital secrets from its depths. On this course, we’ll use Crete’s rich tapestry of myth to travel higher and deeper into our imaginations — and to return with the secrets that drive great fiction. Using extracts from film and fiction, the tutor will help you to launch new projects and jump-start pieces that may have stalled. Expect high standards and good humour in a course designed for both novelists and writers of short fiction, whether experienced or beginners.

Linda Chase, an American poet and experienced workshop leader who is a tutor and the coordinator of the Poetry School, Manchester. She also hosts a long standing poetry and music series called Poets and Players. Her two collections with Carcanet Press are, ‘The Wedding Spy’ (2001) and ‘Extended Family’ (2006). Her poetry performances are touching, tough and sexy.

Lesley Glaister is the author of 12 novels, as well as numerous short stories, radio dramas and a stage play. Her first novel, ‘Honour Thy Father’ (1990) won both a Somerset Maugham and a Betty Trask Award. Her latest novel, ‘Chosen’ will be published in May 2010. Lesley lives in Edinburgh, and teaches Creative Writing at The Open University.

Martin Lucas arrived at the world of haiku after initial studies in literature, religious studies and Zen. He is the author of the critically acclaimed ‘Stepping Stones: a way into haiku’. He holds a PhD from Cardiff University for his study of haiku as creative writing, and since 1996 has been Editor of the haiku magazine Presence.

Brenda Mallon is the author of sixteen books, including ‘Venus Dreaming’, ‘Women’s Dreams and Nightmares’, ‘A Year of Creativity’ and ‘The Mystic Symbols’ (2007). Brenda is an experienced creative writing tutor and internationally recognised dream therapist. Brenda’s recent TV series ‘Dream On’ interviewed Toyah Wilcox, Brian Keenan & Robin Gibb who all spoke of the importance of dreams in their creativity. Her enthusiasm, sensitivity and penchant for having a good time make her an inspiring workshop leader.

Course based feedback & work in progress sessions ( 1-2 hrs ) take place each evening, except on one of the middle evenings of the course, for writing time. At the discretion of the course leaders, short private tutorials may be offered. Within these arrangements, World Spirit supports whichever way a tutor conveys their ideas, whether highly structured or deeply intuitive.

Evenings are leisurely and sociable, with course participants tending to meet up at various of the local restaurants and bars. At the end of each course, we often arrange a night time boat trip to a nearby bay for readings of course work, food, wine, moon, stars etc…

Fortnight’s Writing Holiday - The course dates and contents offer maximum flexibility for those staying for two weeks. You can choose between Poetry & Poetry, Writing & Writing, Poetry & Writing or Writing & Poetry. For those booking two consecutive courses, there is a £50 discount payable upon completion.

Climate - Apart from an occasional windy cool day, there is a 90-95% chance of perfect weather with highs of 27-33°C in both June & September. Evenings and nights can be cooler in June, for which jackets, sweaters and scarves might be appropriate.

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