When are we returning?

The short answer: we don’t know.

We are hoping to start back up with mini-haunts but even then we are still waiting for the covid-19 situation to stabilise. If you’re interested in our event you can follow our newsletter or on social media (links below).

What kind of writing retreat is it?

I strongly believe that everyone has the ability to produce great fiction. When you throw in a lush Victorian House set in a National Park, workshops delivered by experienced and inspiring guests, and enough food and games to keep everyone happy, I have no doubt that we can work on some seriously good fiction together.

If you're the kind of person who loves the idea of an immersive and inspiring environment (think wood-panelled rooms, open fire places, and a private woodland) this is the writing retreat for you.

Broadly, the retreat is ideal for anyone working on horror, fantasy, thriller, or historical fiction, although I have no doubt that the setting will provide inspiration for any form of fiction. The nature of the house lends itself to authentic, engaging experiences. If you're looking to learn how to add tension and suspense to your writing and would welcome the opportunity for serious, focused time to work in a stunning location, this is the retreat for you.

We aim to run a relaxed event where everyone has a good time as well as learning lots and getting some writing done. We have full access to our venue for the weekend, and encourage attendees to explore Northmoor’s nooks and crannies. Attendees are welcome to spend all day in their PJs, if that’s what makes them happy and comfortable. Meals are informal and attendees are welcome in the kitchen, where the (team dogsbody) organisers can often be found. We do not ask attendees to cook or wash up, although we do ask that they keep the place generally tidy.

What is the ethos of The Writing Haunt?

What can I expect?

Workshops run by industry experts covering a range of writing and publishing technique:

  • At least eight workshops, including one with our special guest author

  • Ghost stories by candle light

  • Critique groups

  • Hearty meals and plenty of snacks

  • Open and friendly discussion about the writing process and craft

  • Lots of time to get down to writing in a unique location

We will usually wait until the majority of our places are booked, then survey our attendees for what they hope to gain from the experience and if there are any areas of writing, editing or publishing that they would particularly like to learn about. We build our workshops around these requests to ensure that the topics will be interesting to our attendees.

When will the program be re-leased?

What's the accommodation like?

Northmoor House is a beautiful Victorian country house, deep in Exmoor National Park. The house retains many original features such as the servant’s bells and the butler’s bath, still stowed in its cupboard, and has been restored sensitively with the period in mind.

The house sleeps up to 28 guest in 14 bedrooms, with 7 bathrooms. Not all bedrooms have an en suite, but there is at least one bathroom on each floor. Rooms are also not fitted with locks.

Click here to see a floor plan of the house. 

The retreat will be fully catered for three meals a day plus snacks as and when requested. Guests are welcome to also bring their own snacks. There are not drink-making facilities in the room, but guests will have access to the kitchen and tea, coffee and squash will be provided. Unfortunately, we are not able to stretch to providing alcoholic drinks, but attendees are welcome to bring their own.

So far we have catered for people who are Halal, diabetic, coeliac, vegan and lactose intolerant, and everyone has been well-fed! We go to every effort to make sure that no one is left out and everyone can eat the main meals prepared. Menus are circulated among attendees two weeks before the event, so any concerns can be raised in advance. If you are concerned, drop us an email.

What will I eat - do you cater to dietary requirements?

Northmoor house is accessible. There is a bedroom on the ground floor with a bathroom that is fitted with disabled facilities, so those in wheelchairs or have general issues with stairs can enjoy the weekend too.

Please inform us during booking whether you require the accessible room so we can allocated it accordingly.

Is the house accessible? 

We will have the run of the whole house during the retreat and it’s rather large, so the aim is to keep a 'quiet' room with tables and chairs for silent writing, as well as a social room for writing in a chattier atmosphere, or playing games and networking. There will be a separate space for our workshops.

What if I need quiet to work?

Not at all! We think that many different authors will benefit from a weekend at Northmoor, including historical, horror, thriller and fantasy writers - but any writer is welcome to come and soak up the atmosphere. Most of our workshops will not be genre focused.

Is the Haunt just for horror writers?

Can I bring my partner/friend even if they aren’t a writer?

This is certainly fine, the more the merrier! Their ticket will be a surcharge of £200 and they are still welcome to participate in evening activities, such as the guest author Q&A or ghost stories by candlelight.