Middlewick Story Summit
Writers-In-Residence
September 3— November 4, 2023
Middlewick, Glastonbury, UK
Write Your Story in the Heart of Legend . . .
Your Creative Sanctuary Awaits
Many of our Summiteers have requested a beautiful and energizing environment in which to write so they can complete a big chunk of their project and be with fellow writers for companionship, conversation, and adventure.
We have listened to those requests. This autumn at the gorgeous Middlewick property in Glastonbury, UK, we are organizing our first-ever Writers in Residence Program from September 3 to November 4, 2023.
Come to a magical place of quiet, comfort, and beauty. When you've finished your daily writing, hang out and explore the countryside and iconic sites with a group of like-hearted writers.
There are mountains to climb, wells and springs in which to wade, and even a swimming pool to do laps. Enjoy healthy living, eating, and being in one of the most inspiring places on earth while possibly writing some of the most legendary passages of your lifetime.
The Glastonbury Chronicles
For the last four thousand years, the remarkable Glastonbury (formerly Glastonshire) has been a font for the human imagination. Richly steeped in myth, history, and folklore, Glastonbury is surrounded by the most iconic standing stones on the planet, including Stonehenge, Stanton Drew, and Avebury. The location has been an inspiration for some of the great world authors, including William Blake, Sir Thomas Mallory, Geoffrey of Monmouth, and Marion Zimmer Bradley. Just around the corner is Bath, where Jane Austin wrote many of her classic novels.
Glastonbury can be a font of inspiration for you. The village holds one of the richest and most mysterious hills known to mankind—the Glastonbury Tor. Even in the modern era, it is not known whether the Tor is man-made or part of the natural landscape. Many believe the Tor is the isle of Avalon featured in Arthurian mythology.
The Middlewick Tales
If ever there was a writers' haven, it would be Middlewick. Set within a scenic working farm (yes, there are goats, sheep, horses, and dogs) writers can enjoy the tranquillity of the surroundings and take in the breathtaking views of rolling hills, lush green fields, and the nearby Tor.
The stone and wood cottages, some dating back to the 17th century, exude a warm and welcoming atmosphere for writing and living, with tasteful decor and modern amenities.
The charming “village” includes a spa, swimming pool, an organic market for the self-catering kitchens, and a café that serves delicious, healthy, and reasonably priced plated meals.
Middlewick was founded by author Jill Barker, who started the eco-friendly parenting movement with her non-fiction book, Green Baby. A soulful entrepreneur, Jill grew Green Baby into a collection of London stores, then sold it, purchasing Middlewick with the proceeds. Jill settled in with her husband John and her family. That family now includes dogs, cats, goats, sheep, and horses. The village is completely pet-friendly, and if you want to bring your pet, it has become incredibly easy with microchipping and an International Health Certificate.
Middlewick is but a walk away from town and the Tor. And what a walk it is! Before you even realize it, the immersive sojourn to and from town has put 10,000 steps on your digital counter.
Writers in Residence
Everyone, including mentors, are attending Middlewick to write. This is a write-cation—a place and time to get away to a beautiful and inspiring place.
Imagine the ideal of writing four hours a day, every day, every week. We are suggesting that writers attend for a two-week minimum, if possible. We realize that may not be the case for everyone. On any given day, we may have few as ten writers at Middlewick or as many as thirty.
One writer is planning to attend the full nine weeks while turning her American home into an Airbnb to offset costs for her write-cation.
Every night, there will be gatherings to read aloud the work from the day and receive encouragement and constructive criticism. At lunch, you can meet up with fellow writers and mentors to brainstorm, work out a challenging creative issue, or just share experiences or plans for day trips.
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What Would a Typical Day Look Like?
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Mentors Attending
On any given week, there will be at least two mentors on the premises. You'll never be alone . . . unless you want to be.