Sharon runs courses on Creative Imagination techniques for writers — unique courses that combine her skills as a psychologist and her skills as a writer. Courses will be taking place later in 2008 at the beautiful Moniack Mhor Arvon Centre in Inverness-shire (pictured above) but if you would like her to run a course for you in a different location, please contact her.

Sharon is also an experienced speaker in both formal and informal settings and has presented on a variety of publishing and writing topics to a wide range of audiences. Drawing on her experience as a psychologist and specialist in narrative therapy and the use of creative writing and storytelling techniques in health and therapy settings, Sharon has also carried out accredited professional training in these techniques for health and psychology professionals. Please contact her for more information and for bookings.

Sharon is registered to give workshops, readings etc. under the Scottish Book Trust's Live Literature scheme. (SBT funding is for half of the author's fee plus their travel and expenses. Each author is paid £150 per session — generally lasting an hour. Successful applicants — host organisations — will pay £75 plus VAT per session.) For more information, see http://www.scottishbooktrust.com/node/3864

FORTHCOMING COURSES

Friday October 3 - Sunday October 5, Moniack Mhor Arvon Centre, Inverness-shire
The Writing Zone
A course to develop the creative imagination

Course description:

How many times have you gone to write and just found yourself staring at the computer screen or the blank page, unable to access your ‘writing zone?’ Or maybe you’ve been able to begin, but found yourself not knowing where to go next with your story, novel or poem. Or struggling with ways to create a vivid, realistic imagined world through your writing. This course will teach you practical techniques to break the blocks and gain inspiration; show you how to unblock images and fully enter the imaginative worlds you create. We will aim to fully engage with the creative process and, through the course of the weekend, generate new writing and new forms of writing.

This is a course that focuses on creativity as a way of life.

The course is suitable for all writers: fiction, non-fiction and poetry. Writers of all experience are welcome.

Venue:

Moniack Mhor Arvon Centre, Teavarran, Kiltarlity, Beauly, Inverness-shire IV4 7HT

Moniack Mhor is a traditional croft house commanding panoramic views over Highland landscapes with forest walks nearby. Close to Loch Ness, the house is surrounded by Strathfarrar’s heather and silver birches, and the table plateau of Ben Wyvis, one of Scotland’s highest mountains. Kiltarlity village is four miles away. Moniack Mhor has three computers and three printers, and a hearing induction loop. The main work/living space is fully accessible and the centre can accommodate a personal assistant. Moniack Mhor is 14 miles from Inverness, which has mainline rail and coach stations and an airport which includes links to Gatwick, Heathrow, Luton, Birmingham, Manchester and other regional airports. Moniack Mhor is managed by The Moniack Trust, with the support of The Arvon Foundation.

Cost:

£265 fully residential. Moniack Mhor has a mix of single and twin rooms but our aim is to provide as many attendees as possible with a single room. If it is necessary for you to share then a reduction of £35 will be applied to your course fee. If you are not prepared to share then please make a note on your application form. If you are travelling with someone and would like to share with them, please note that too. If you would like to come along on a non-residential basis, please email Sharon for costs and other details.

How to book:

Please print off and fill in the booking form and post it with a cheque for the full fee of £265 made payable to Sharon Blackie at the address on the booking form. Alternatively you can pay a 50% deposit of £132.50 with the balance payable in full by Friday August 29. You are advised to book early, as places at Moniack Mhor are limited. Alternatively, you can send the details to sharon[at]sharonblackie[dot]com and follow up with a cheque by post. If you have problems printing off the booking form please contact Sharon by email and we'll send you one as a Microsoft Word attachment.

Cancellations will be accepted up to Friday August 29 with a non-refundable administration fee of £50 (the remainder of your deposit will be returned to you). If a place is cancelled between Saturday August 30 and Friday September 26, the deposit of £132.50 will be retained and the remainder of your fee refunded. If a place is cancelled after September 26 the full fee will be retained.