It all begins with your story ideas...
“…far from the madding crowd…”
You’ll arrive with three concepts you’re interested in writing about. With the help of our mentors, you’ll narrow the choices and select the one that’s not only pleasing to you but has the best shot at development into a viable screenplay.
You’ll shape your ideas into your writing. Unwind, unleash the muse, nurture new ideas. Dunskey Estate is a playground for your imagination, with action around every manicured corner.
Arrive by private coach at the beautiful, secluded Dunskey Estate in Scotland! Get settled into your comfortable room, relax and refresh, then meet for champagne or mocktails and canapés and a tour of the property. We’ll enjoy a wonderful welcoming dinner and introduce ourselves to the group, setting our intentions for the week. You will then give a quick pitch of your three concepts.
Day One
After an optional hike or morning yoga session, have a delicious breakfast and then meet with your mentors for a stimulating lecture and guided writing exercises. Time to announce your chosen concept. Afterwards, you’ll have a farm-fresh hot picnic lunch within a walled garden and, inspired by the ideas presented by your mentors, have plenty of quiet writing time in the afternoon. Choose an optional hike to the lighthouse or book a Swedish massage. Evening finds us with another sumptuous dinner and a fun game of “Freda” in the library.
Day Two
Your energy-filled days will fall into a consistent pattern. Greet the day with a nutritious breakfast, enjoy talks/workshops with mentors, and use your free time to write, interact with other writers, or enjoy the opportunities the estate offers: hikes, cold plunges/sauna, afternoon teas, foraging in the forest, and more! Evenings will find us enjoying wine/mocktails and a stimulating after-dinner talk, a film viewing, or a surprise (Broadway karaoke, anyone?).
Days Three-Four
Let the fun begin! After our morning lectures/workshops, we will welcome working actors, who will jump in with both feet to read scenes from your script. There’s nothing like turning your pages over to professional actors to hear the words you’ve written come to life. After our final celebratory dinner, you’ll ready yourself for your departure tomorrow, having made new friends with shared experiences.
Day Five
Parting is such sweet sorrow… after breakfast, the coach will depart for Glasgow. We’ll say au revoir to new friends with plans to meet again, and as you do…
Day Six
Y0u will walk away with a clear vision & a solid structure to complete your script
or
There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.
Maya Angelou