All my writing workshops and retreats are suitable for anyone with an interest in writing, from beginners to published authors.

A writing workshop or retreat is *your time*. All the exercises I offer are optional, and you can take them at your own pace. If one particular workshop or exercise sparks your creativity and you’d prefer to spend more time on it instead of moving on with the group, then feel free! Nothing on the programme is compulsory, and you can take a break at any time. I will be guiding the workshops as someone who has been a professional writer and teacher for over twenty years, but we’re all different people, with different ways of working, different focuses, different projects, different intentions, different methods, so nothing I say will be an “instruction” or “how writing should be”. Take the workshops in the directions that are most fulfilling *for you*. It’s your time; your workshop; your writing.  

I am a writer of creative non-fiction, and many of my example texts will be taken from creative non-fictional genres. However, the majority of the workshops and exercises will be relevant to writers of all genres, from poetry to screenwriting. You’ll be very welcome, whatever you’re writing.

I (Rachel Hewitt) am a best-selling, award-winning author of four non-fiction books: Map of a Nation, which traced the history of Britain’s national mapping agency, the Ordnance Survey; A Revolution of Feeling, which explored contemporary attitudes to emotion and traced them back to political revolutions over two hundred years ago; In Her Nature, which shines a light on women’s experiences of outdoor adventure from the nineteenth century to the present; and The Last Bastion, a history of women in sport from 1984 to 2024. I am a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature, and I have taught creative-writing workshops and masterclasses for well over a decade, at the Universities of Oxford and Newcastle, and under my own name. I love teaching and know that it makes me a better writer, so I’m excited about working with you.  You can read more about me by clicking here. 

These are the titles of sessions I’ve given in the past. They are intended to provide a flavour of how I teach, but the actual sessions that comprise the one-day workshop will likely differ.

Magic Eye: Observing the World Through a Feminist Lens

Feminist Approaches to Writing About the Natural World

The Place of Personal Experience in Feminist Writing

The Personal to the Political: Transitioning between Memoir and Context

Researching and Writing Herstory

The Silent Woman: Negotiating Gaps in the Historical Record

Representing Men and Violence 

Writing About Emotion: Personal Experience or Social Symptom?

Broadbrush Beginnings: The Stories We Might Tell

Collecting and Recycling Part 1: Observing our Bodies

Collecting and Recycling Part 2: Collecting Stories in the Landscape

The Survivor’s Voice: Writing About Adversity and Trauma

Mother Tongue: Forging Female-Friendly Language

Changing Scale: Shifting from the Personal to the Political

Please contact me if it would be helpful for you to receive workshop slides in advance of the retreat taking place.

All components of the retreat are optional and you are welcome to leave any workshop any time, if you feel you need some space. The workshops are intensive, but I have been careful to build in time for activities to freshen and rest our minds.

All online workshops will be recorded, and the content will be shared with participants after the event. Please contact me to request transcripts of the recordings. 

The workshops will use Zoom, which enables participants to use automated captions if they wish, as well as changing the caption size and language. For more information, please click here. 

Online Workshop Terms and Conditions

Particulars

The Workshop

The Workshop Title: As specified on Your Booking Confirmation
Specified Period of The Workshop: From the Arrival Date and time until the Departure Date and time
Arrival Date: As specified on Your Booking Confirmation
Departure Date:As specified on your Booking Confirmation

Booking Confirmation is the email sent from the Workshop Organiser confirming your payment and booking details and You confirmed is subject to these terms and conditions.

Workshop Organiser

Rachel Hewitt

[email protected]

Workshop Leader

Rachel Hewitt, [email protected]

Subject to the provisions herein The Workshop will be primarily led by the Retreat Leader/s

Parties to the Contract

1. This Contract is between “Workshop Organiser”, and the individual person/s, identified as the “Client Participant” “the Parties”
2. References to “You” or “Your” or “Yourself” are references to the Client Participant/s
3. Only communications, including payments, by and to the Client Participant/s will be deemed to be made in accordance with this Contract.
4. Capitalised terms not defined in these Terms and Conditions have the meanings given herein.
5. These Terms and Conditions and Annexures together constitute the entire agreement between You and the Workshop Organiser, the “Contract”.

Purpose of the Contract

1. This Contract is for the provisions of services for The Workshop, for the Specified Period as set out above the terms and conditions herein.
2. The Client Participant/s shall be responsible, jointly and severally, for the conduct and behaviour of all Client Participants within this booking.

Client Participants

1. Client Participants are those named in the Booking Form submitted by the Main Contact upon booking.
2. Full Details of all Client Participants in this booking to be provided in the Booking Form by the Main Contact.
3. The Client Participant who completed the booking will be deemed the Main Contact for all Client Participants in the relevant booking if not specified in the Booking.
4. Communication with the Main Contact will be deemed to be communication with all Client Participants members of the group.  It is the Main Contact’s obligation to ensure that all communication is passed to all the Client Participants in this booking forthwith and any relevant information is provided by them to us in relation to the Client Participants in this booking.  All relevant terms of this contract will apply to each Client Participant .
5. The Main Contact confirms that they have the full authority to enter into this contract on behalf of all Client Participants within this booking and will ensure they comply with all the terms herein.

Payments

1. All Workshop Fees and prices are quoted in £GBP and are exclusive of VAT unless otherwise stated.
2. All Client Participants understand that The Workshop offering and prices do not include any travel of any form, to, from or throughout The Workshop e.g. flights, car hire or transfers, taxi etc. which remain the sole responsibility and risk of the Client Participant to arrange, and pay for and complete.
3. Full payment of the Workshop Fee (as specified) payable upon booking.
4. The Workshop Organiser reserves the right to change the Workshop Fees and the terms and conditions at any point of time in the future
5. Changes to Workshop Fees will not affect bookings already confirmed at the time of the change

Cancellation by You

1. To cancel Your booking the Client Participant must do so in writing by email to the Workshop Leaders email address shown above. A cancellation will not take effect until the Workshop Leader receives written confirmation from You except as otherwise provided elsewhere in this contract.
2. If You cancel Your Workshop booking:- 
   i.  more than 10 days before the Workshop Date, the Workshop Organiser will grant a full refund minus an administration fee of £25; or
   iii. less than 10 days before the Workshop Date, the Workshop Organiser will be entitled to retain the whole Workshop Fee Balance.

Cancellation by Workshop Organiser and/or Workshop Leader and service interruption

1. The Workshop Organiser reserves the right to cancel this Contract at any time if circumstances beyond its reasonable control make it impossible or commercially unviable for the Workshop Organiser or Workshop Leaders to make the Workshop available to You.
2. The Workshop Leaders will contact You as soon as is reasonably practical and inform You of any such cancellation.
3. In the unlikely event that the Workshop Leaders cannot complete the contracted service (illness, disability death etc.)  The Contract Organiser will discuss the option of finding another instructor/coach/trainer/practitioner or amending the Workshop Schedule with the Client Participant so that the service can be completed satisfactorily.  If in the opinion of the Workshop Organiser this cannot be reasonably arranged, a pro-rata refund of The Workshop Fee will be returned to the Client Participant as appropriate.
4. The Workshop Organisers and Workshop Leaders will not be responsible for any temporary defect or stoppage in the supply of public services during the Workshop, such as internet.
5. If the Workshop Organiser or Workshop Leaders feels for any reason at their absolute discretion deem that this retreat is not suitable for you or your inclusion will adversely impact the intended environment or experience of The Workshop or any of the other participants then it can refuse to accept or cancel your booking and will refund you any Workshop Fees paid for The Workshop within 28 days of such cancellation subject to the terms herein.
6. In the event of a cancellation in accordance with this clause the Workshop Organisers and Workshop Leaders only liability to You will be to refund any Workshop Fees paid by the Client Participant for The Workshop pro-rated for the proportion of the event or services not completed, less a fair proportion of any non recoverable costs and admin fees of the Workshop Leaders and Workshop Organiser.
7. Any refunds or pro-rated proportions are to be decided by the Workshop Organiser acting reasonably and are final.

Your General Obligations

1. You shall:-
2. comply with this Contract;
3. comply with any applicable laws and regulations concerning the attendance of the Workshop including any applicable travel or health restrictions or requirements;

iii. Respect the reasonable rules advised by the Workshop Leader relating to the Workshop

Limitation of Liability

1. Except in respect of death or personal injury caused by its negligence, the Workshop Organiser and Workshop Leaders aggregate liability to You under this Contract is limited to a sum equivalent to the relevant Workshop Fee per Client Participant.
2. You agree to indemnify the Workshop Organiser and Workshop Leaders in respect of any claims brought against the Workshop Organiser and Workshop Leaders by any Client Participant in connection with your attendance or behaviour.

Complaints

1. If You have any problems or concerns of any nature You must let the Workshop Leaders know straight away, and in all cases before the end of the Workshop, so that they can be investigated and where reasonably possible resolved.
2. In the unlikely event that any issue cannot be reasonably resolved before the end of the Workshop, You must write to the Workshop Leaders with full details within 7 days of the Workshop’s end so that the issue can be investigated.

Confidentiality

1. The material contained in these terms and conditions and The Workshop represents proprietary, confidential information pertaining to Workshop Organiser and its associates services and its methods. The Client Participant hereby agrees that the information in this proposal shall not be disclosed outside of the Client Participant and shall not be duplicated, used or disclosed for any purpose other than to evaluate this proposal or attend the Workshop.
2. It is understood that client data is confidential and will not be shared with anyone other than the appropriate practitioners, Workshop Leaders and suppliers at or working with Workshop Organiser responsible for enabling or delivering the service.
3. Workshop Organiser’s privacy policy can be found in full at its website www.rachelhewitt.org
4. Workshop Organiser undertakes to keep all “Confidential or Proprietary Information” pertaining to the Client Participant obtained or otherwise received in the course of this engagement confidential.
5. Proprietary and Confidential Information includes but is not limited to: information communicated by the Client Participant to be confidential before sharing it and any session notes, analytics or assessments, conclusions, presentations, data, trade secrets and know-how, curriculum vitae, draft and final client reports and other material not available to the general public.
6. This restriction shall continue to apply after the completion of the project without limit in point of time but shall cease to apply to any such information which may come into the public domain other than through unauthorised disclosure by the Workshop Organiser.
7. This restriction shall not prevent Workshop Organiser from publicising its relationship with the Client Participant in line with the Publicity clause and
8. This restriction shall not prevent any information or data form being used anonymously for the purposes of analysis, research and/or publication.

Copyright and Intellectual Property Rights

1. Except where otherwise specifically provided in writing, all images and content contained within the Workshop Organiser services and the rights contained therein, including copyright, remain the sole and exclusive property of Workshop Organiser and its practitioners and or Retreat Leaders.
2. The client may not copy, reproduce, republish, download, post, broadcast, transmit, make available to the public, or train or teach anyone else in the material content or practices or otherwise use Workshop Organiser or Workshop Leader content framework or materials in any way except for personal, non-commercial use.  The client will not adapt, alter or create a derivative from any Workshop Organiser content except for personal, non-commercial use.  Any other use of Workshop Organiser content requires express prior written permission.
3. Where the Workshop Organisers and Workshop Leaders provides You with any copyright materials, including photographs, You acquire no ownership in these materials and may only use these for the purposes of attending the Workshop and for your personal use only thereafter.

Non Competition

1. As a dedicated Workshop Organiser and Workshop Leaders, we value the diverse skill sets and expertise our Client Participants bring to our Workshops. We understand and appreciate that many of our Client Participants may be professional experts or practitioners in fields that overlap or compete with those of the Workshop Organisers and Workshop Leaders. In recognition of this, we require that you abide by the following stipulations:
2. Should you provide any services or operate a business that are similar to or competes with those offered by the Workshop Organiser or Workshop Leaders, you agree not to solicit business from any participant of The Workshop, during The Workshop or for a period of the following 12 months. This extends to all participants, Client Participants, and Workshop Leaders.
3. This restriction can be waived only by obtaining express written consent from the Workshop Organisers. Your adherence to this clause is appreciated and vital in maintaining the cooperative environment we strive to provide at our Workshops.

Disclaimer and Limitations of Liability

1. Workshop Organiser services are not intended to replace consultations or treatments by licensed physicians, psychologists or other healthcare professionals.  Retreat Organiser and its Retreat leaders are insured for Professional and Public Liability with a limit of indemnity of £1 million.
2. However, under no circumstances will Workshop Organiser or its practitioners or Workshop Leaders be liable for any of the following losses or damage (whether such losses were foreseen, foreseeable, known or otherwise and based on advice given by Workshop Organiser): (a) loss of data; (b) loss of revenue or anticipated profits; (c) loss of business; (d) loss of opportunity; (e) loss of goodwill or injury to reputation; (f) losses suffered by third parties; or (g) any indirect, consequential, special or exemplary damages arising from the use of Workshop Organiser services, regardless of the form of action.

Photos Video Training Publicity and Marketing

1. Respectful and mindful photos, audio, videos or timelapses maybe taken on the Workshop and classes and sessions for the purposes of feedback training and learning by our team and for marketing on our website, social media or other forms of advertising and you agree to their usage, you may share these on your social media but you must tag @drrachelhewitt on Instagram, @drrachelhewitt on X, @rachelhewitt.bsky.social on BlueSky, and @rachelhewitt on Substack, or please tag Rachel Hewitt if posting elsewhere
2. The Workshop Organisers and Workshop Leaders reserve the right to also record the sessions for sharing on their website or other media as practices or workshops after The Workshop for the Client Participants or other clients.
3. The Client Participants agree they have no right to ownership, use or licence fees and grant a fee free licence in perpetuity to the Workshop Organiser and Workshop Leaders for the use of all photos videos, timelapses and audio recordings of any kind taken by the Workshop Organiser and Workshop Leaders or others on their behalf.
4. Client Participants are not permitted to record audio or video or automatically transcribe in any Classes, sessions workshops or one to ones (unless as part of a workshop or exercise invited by the Workshop Organiser or Workshop Leader).  You may take notes of insights or actions for your personal non commercial use only.
5. Both parties to this agreement shall be free reasonably and accurately to publicise the commercial relationship constituted by this agreement, including any feedback, comments or recommendations or testimonials given in connection with the event or any of the services provided and used anonymously for the purposes of research and/or publication.
6. The images and text used in the Workshop Organisers and Workshop Leaders website social media and marketing materials for the Workshop and service provided illustrate the general style of the Workshop but they represent only a snapshot in time and the Workshop Organiser and Workshop Leader does not guarantee that all or any individual activity product or service shown, equipment or appliances or facilities will be available during Your particular Workshop.

Classes Sessions Workshops Outdoor Activities One to Ones and Additional Services (Class or Classes) Conditions

1. The Timetable for The Workshop as shared from time to time is indicative only and is subject to amendment to enable the Workshop Organiser and Workshop Leaders at their absolute discretion to flex the design, quantum of sessions and timings to meet the overall intention and spirit of The Workshop taking into account all prevailing conditions at the time.
2. All classes sessions workshops one to ones outdoor activities and Additional Services are optional for the Client Participants.  If the Client Participant chooses not to attend any such Classes then no substitute will be offered and no refund will be due.  If you are 15 mins or less late for a scheduled session no additional time is due.  Being more than 15 minutes late for a scheduled class or Additional Service will be deemed as a Cancelled Session by You and no substitute will be offered and no refund will be due.
3. You are responsible for assessing Your own fitness and health, including mental health. By booking The Workshop, You confirm that You recognise that creative writing can be psychologically and emotionally challenging. You affirm and acknowledge that The Workshop does not provide medical treatment, psychological treatment or therapy.
4. Occasionally, The Workshop might suggest that conduct a writing exercise outdoors. By booking The Workshop, You affirm and acknowledge that You have been fully informed of the hazards and risks associated with being outdoors, including hiking and trail-running and other outdoor activities, as well as transportation of equipment related to the activities, and travelling to and from the activity sites, in which You are about to engage. These hazards and risks include but are not limited to:

1. Risk of injury from the activity and equipment utilised, which can be significant including the potential for permanent disability and death.
2. Falling, causing broken bones severe injuries to the head, neck and back which may result in severe impairment or even death.

• All “act of nature,” including but not limited to avalanche, rock fall, inclement weather, thunder and lighting, severe and or varied wind, temperature and other weather conditions.

1. Risks associated with crossing, climbing or down-climbing of rock, snow and/or ice.
2. Risks associated with river crossings, fordings, or portaging.
3. Possible equipment failure and/or malfunction of my own or others’ equipment, which may have been rented, borrowed, or personally owned.

• Your own negligence and/or the negligence of others, including employees, agents, independent contractors or representatives of including but not limited to operator failure.
• Cold weather and heat related injuries and illness including but not limited to frostnip, frost bite, heat exhaustion, heat stroke, sunburn, hypothermia and dehydration.

1. Attack by or encounter with insects, reptiles, and/or animals.
2. Accidents or illness occurring in remote places where there are no available medical facilities.
3. Fatigue chill, and/or dizziness, which may diminish Your reaction time and increase the risk of accident

• Your sense of balance, physical coordination, and ability to follow instructions.

You affirm that You understand the description of these risks is not complete and that unknown or unanticipated risks may result in Injury, illness, or death.

5. Release of Liability, Waiver of Claims and Indemnity Agreement: in consideration for being permitted to participate in any way in hiking and related activities, You hereby agree, by making a booking onto The Workshop, that You acknowledge and appreciate that:
   1. You hereby release and hold harmless with respect to any and all injury, disability, death, or loss or damage to person or property, whether caused by negligence or otherwise, of the Workshop Leader/s and Workshop Organiser/s.
   2. You release the releasees, their officers, directors, employees, representatives, agents, and volunteers, from liability and responsibility whatsoever and for any claims or causes of action that You, Your estate, heirs, survivors, executors, or assigns may have for personal injury, property damage, or wrongful death arising from the above activities whether caused by active or passive negligence of the releasees or otherwise. By booking onto The Workshop, You agree to hold the releasees harmless and indemnify them in conjunction with any injury, disability, death, or loss or damage to person or property that may occur as a result of engaging in the above activities.

• By booking onto The Workshop, You affirm that You are not relying on any oral or written representation or statements made by the releasees, other than what is set forth in this Agreement.

1. Outdoor workshops will not be refunded if cancelled due to the weather or done indoors.
2. When you attend ANY Workshop session, in person, online or use recordings supplied by the Workshop Leaders you agree that:

1. You do so at Your own risk, and You are responsible for Yourself
2. You book and attend knowing that You are responsible to make sure You are fit and well enough to join.  Please seek appropriate medical or psychological advice prior to booking.
3. That You will tell the instructor if You are unsure of any guidance given, that You stop if You experience any discomfort, and You alert the instructor if You need assistance, clarification, modifications or support at anytime.
4. Ensure You always work within Your body and mind’s own capability and do not do more than Your body mind is able to do safely.
5. Ensure any equipment You use, whomever supplied it, is checked by You prior to and during class or session to ensure it is fit for purpose.
6. You are respectful to any other Client Participant attendee guest and Your instructor/s

1. If You need to leave any session or The Workshop early please let the instructor or Workshop Leaders know beforehand

Non transferable

1. This contract is for the Client Participants specified and The Workshop and at the dates and times delineating the Specified Period only and is not transferable by the Client Participant.
2. A Booking onto the Workshop by one Client Participant is ONLY for use by that Client Participant, and must not be shared with others.

Governing law and Conflict Resolution

1. In the event of any conflict arising out of this agreement both parties agree to enter in good faith into conflict resolution with an independent professional mediator within two months of the dispute arising
2. At all times including failing to reach any such mediated agreement this agreement shall be governed by English Law and English courts shall have exclusive jurisdiction in dealing with disputes arising from this agreement.

Force Majeure

1. The Workshop Organiser and Workshop Leaders shall not be liable for any delay or non-performance of its obligations under this Agreement arising from any cause or causes beyond its reasonable control including, without limitation, any of the following: act of God, governmental act, war, fire, flood, explosion or civil commotion.

Entire Agreement

1. This Agreement contains the entire agreement of the parties with respect to the subject matter of this Agreement and supersedes all previous written and oral agreements, understandings and arrangements between them relating to that subject matter

Early Bird (booking deadline is 23:59 on 6 Aug 2026): £90

Full Price (booking deadline is 23:59 on 7 Sept 2026): £120

Paid Subscribers (Annual and Founding Members only) to my Substack will receive 10% off both Early Bird and Full Price fees. Please click here to subscribe. 

Please note that the live version of this workshop is female-only. After the workshop has taken place, recordings will be made available to everyone. 

Please click here to book