CREATIVE WRITING BREAKS
Reflection, Literature, and the Shape of Experience
The Creative Writing Breaks at Prajna Path offer a period of quiet reflection through literature and writing.
Drawing on novels, short stories, and poetry, these retreats explore how attentive reading and reflective writing can deepen our understanding of experience. Through conversation, reading, and guided writing exercises, participants are invited to look again at memory, perception, and the unfolding shape of a life.
These retreats are not traditional creative writing workshops. The emphasis is not on technical instruction or producing polished work, but on writing as a practice of reflection and attention.
At present, Creative Writing Breaks are held at the Green Park Hotel in Pitlochry, Perthshire, whose atmosphere of quiet hospitality provides an ideal setting for reading, writing, and thoughtful conversation.
Each retreat explores a particular literary theme such as memory and time, identity, place, or the meaning of ordinary experience while remaining grounded in the shared ethos of Prajna Path: attentive living, reflective understanding, and the careful examination of experience.
Details of forthcoming Creative Writing Breaks are listed below.
Creative Writing Break: Reflections on Memory and Time
Memory often changes with time. Moments we once overlooked can later reveal unexpected significance, while familiar experiences may appear very different when viewed from a distance.
This reflective writing break explores how memory and time shape the stories we tell about our lives. Drawing inspiration from literary works including The Remains of the Day by Kazuo
Ishiguro, along with short stories and poetry, participants will reflect through discussion and guided writing exercises.
The break offers a thoughtful and relaxed environment in which to develop your writing while exploring how time deepens our understanding of experience.
Dates
Friday 19 – Tuesday 23 February 2027
Venue
Green Park Hotel
Clunie Bridge Road
Pitlochry
Perthshire
PH16 5JY
United Kingdom
A welcoming country house hotel overlooking Loch Faskally in the Scottish Highlands.
What We Will Explore Participants will explore:
• How memories change meaning over time
• Moments whose significance only becomes clear later
• How hindsight reshapes the stories we tell about our lives
• Reflective writing inspired by literature
• Thoughtful discussion in a relaxed and supportive setting
Literary Texts
The break draws inspiration from a small number of literary works, including:
• The Remains of the Day Kazuo Ishiguro
• The Garden Party” Katherine Mansfield
• The Bear Came Over the Mountain” Alice Munro
• Dockery and Son” Philip Larkin
Participants are strongly encouraged to read The Remains of the Day before arriving, as it forms an important part of our discussions.
Structure of the Break
- Friday evening
Reception and dinner - Saturday
Morning session: Memory and the stories we tell
Afternoon: discussion and writing time - Sunday
Morning session: Time, perspective and hindsight
Afternoon: discussion and writing time - Monday
Writing time and optional individual tutorials - Tuesday
Breakfast and departure
Group Size
Maximum 12 participants.
Price
£644 per person
Includes four nights accommodation and meals.
Booking
Booking for this writing break is handled directly by the Green Park Hotel.
You can view full details and reserve a place here:
Green Park Hotel – Creative Writing Break
Telephone: +44 (0)1796 473248
Email: bookings@thegreenpark.co.uk
Continuing Your Writing Journey
This writing break forms part of Prajna Path’s Reflective Writing programme. For those who wish to continue developing their work afterwards, Darren also offers one-to-one Writing Mentorship, providing ongoing support and guidance for reflective and creative writing projects.