“Natalie gives generous, honest, thoughtful and individual feedback on everyone’s writing. Her knowledge and capacity to pluck references or reading recommendations for each person based on their individual writing style and theme is impressive and exacting. I will definitely do this retreat again., I can’t recommend it enough. “ Tania, (DYBI retreat) Portsmouth, UK, May 2026
“I really recommend for anyone interested in deepending their practice. Thanks so much!” Wemmy, (Poetry & Place) Sheffield, UK, June 2026
“A magical week. The heat made it feel like being tempered in a furnace, and I came out of it with a real sense of clarity. I can now say “I’m a poet” without the self-doubt! I loved how open and accepting everyone was. It felt transformative, like a return to play, connection, and being with others in an alive and authentic way.” Abby, (Poetry & Place) Exeter, UK, June 2026
“ I could truly focus on writing and forging new writing friends. I look forward to returning soon!” Angie (Poetry & Place) Ilfracombe, UK, June 2026
“Visiting poets on the last two days made the experience even richer. A fantastic group came together with an excellent tutor whose workshops created the space for great poetry. Our hosts provided the most delicious meals. Every detail was attended to with the utmost care re writing, nourishment , comfort, and rest. It was perfect” Barbara (Poetry & Place) Kent, UK, June 2026
“Thoughtful, generous hosts who clearly care deeply about making the retreat a special experience. The land here is truly magical - a place of deep peace, wonder and rest. It was such a privilege to be hosted by them and to share the writing experience with a group of inspiring, encouraging women also doing DYBI,’. Chloe (DYBI retreat) London, UK, May 2026
“Thank you for opening up your home and for creating an environment that sparks magic.” Rosie, London, UK, May 2026
‘‘There is generosity in this place.’ Najiba, Bristol, UK, May 2026
‘An amazing retreat - such a fabulous combination of stimulating, relaxing, encouraging and inspiring! ‘ Tamsyn, (DYBI retreat) Devon, UK, May 2026
‘I had a wonderful time on the DYBI writing course in Devon. The hosts have built a beautiful and creative space to work in. My fellow writers were generous and kind with their insights and knowledge, learning and sharing with them was a privilege. The whole retreat was just what I needed, it gave me space to think and write.’ Beth, (DYBI retreat) London, UK, May 2026
‘A truly wonderful and inspiring week !’ Eve, (DYBI retreat) Winchester, UK, May 2026
“The venue is exceptional. The vegetarian and vegan food delicious, fresh and cooked to everyone’s dietary needs, including gluten free. The hosts are generous with their home, the surrounding land, which included woodland, a view over a field of cows, a pond with dragonflies and a jetty, exactly the right size for my temporary writing spot with a camping table and chair I’d brought with my motorhome. The motorhome pitch had an electric hook-up and a drinking water tap but no toilet or waste disposal facilities. Natalie gives generous, honest, thoughtful and individual feedback on everyone’s writing. Her knowledge and capacity to pluck references or reading recommendations for each person based on their individual writing style and theme is impressive and exacting. I will definitely do this retreat again., I can’t recommend it enough. “ Tania, (DYBI retreat) Portsmouth, UK, May 2026
I wanted time to get back to the basics of writing and to share ideas with other writers. I liked the cost, location and the friendly and helpful hosts. We had plenty of time to do independent writing and the mealtimes and two reading evenings provided opportunities for sharing. A chance to escape city life and experience the calm of the country.” Jean, Deer Lake, Newfoundland, May 2026
“The perfect place for anyone seeking time to work on their writing project” Jo, Nottingham, UK May 2026
“I have never written so much in a week, nor eaten as well. I stayed in Nurserymans Cottage, and views from there are astounding, I loved the walks. It was a great opportunity to reconnect with nature and shake city life from my bones. Starting the day with an hour of yoga was a new experience, but I felt rejuvenated, both in body and mind. Watching deer frolic on the hillside was a particular highlight, as was meeting Quique the cat! ” Adam, London, UK, May 2026
“A perfect place to switch off, slow down, and focus on writing. I lost the urge to doom scroll. Meals were all freshly prepared and delicious. Morning yoga was a real highlight for me. The sauna and cold plunge were fantastic, especially after a day of writing. Great value for money, compared to other retreats. “ Vaqas, Huddersfield, UK, May 2026
“Absolutely lovely retreat. The place is gorgeous, nestled in nature and it gave me a total reset. It was informal and relaxed, giving you time to focus on your own work while feeling supported and looked after with all meals included. The food was also excellent, super healthy - even sugar-free homemade ice-cream! Will definitely go again. ” - Nancy, Bristol, UK, May 2026
I had a great time at Devon Writing Retreats . The environment was gorgeous and the surroundings provided plenty of inspiration. The evening dinners were convivial. The stay was fantastic value l compared to other writing retreats I'd researched. I'd definitely like to come back.” Sabina, London, UK, May 2026
“I found the DYBI course completely inspiring. It helped me turn an idea I liked but wasn't enthused by into something I was excited to write, thanks to the supportive group, the insightful feedback, and the focused activities that helped me understand what I needed to do. I now feel able to turn my dream of writing a book into a reality!” - Carina , Southampton, UK, Nov 2025
'What a beautiful place to stay. We immediately felt at home here, surrounded by peace, nature, and quiet. The house is full of charm, with authentic wooden beams and a warm, calming atmosphere. We ate outside on the terrace almost every day, exercised in the fresh air, and took countless walks through the authentic countryside. At night, we marvelled at the star-filled skies, the silence of the old trees, and the distant sounds of cows. From the window or from the terrace we regularly saw deer passing by – truly magical." Maarten, Amsterdam, NL, Aug 2025
“I was surprised by how effective and constructive the DYBI workshop was. I expected it to be useful and interesting but it was remarkable how the weekly sessions really pushed me (us all) to improve and develop not just our ideas but our writing. The programme has given me a real sense of motivation and encouragement . ”Susan, Switzerland, Nov 2025
“I never imagined that I would get so much from it." Find Your Voice 2025 attendee
“Working with Natalie completely changed my writing life.” Josephine Hagard, mentee, 2022-25
"It was an impulsive decision to sign up for the DYBI course and I'm so glad I did. I felt stuck with my writing and unsure of how to get my book idea to a place where I was excited by it. Now, thanks to Natalie's valuable feedback, the structured exercises, and being part of a warm and encouraging group, I have learned so much about story-telling and that spark of excitement I had has turned into a bright flame!" C Buckley, 2025 Develop Your Book Idea attendee
"This course will push you out of your window of tolerance and help you to grow. The course was friendly, and welcoming, and I got to meet some amazing people." Marcia Banham, 2025 Develop Your Book Idea attendee
"Natalie helped me to discover my own unique voice and mine the rich seam of my own experiences for writing. Thank you, Natalie!" Mira Ho
“Simon and Natalie were very kind and helpful hosts. The place was spotlessly clean, with everything thoughtfully provided.
It was wonderful to do yoga early in the morning next to the balcony in the little valley area it’s located in, surrounded by birdsong and silence. We enjoyed a gorgeous walk around Fingle Bridge and Castle Drogo, which was absolutely stunning, and even had a refreshing wild swim in the river there — highly recommend!' Mandy, Aug 2025
"The course has left me eager for more, I suspect I may be looking for support of this nature again soon as the encouragement provided by participating in a small group is invaluable." Find Your Voice 2024 attendee
"Natalie helped me to feel the freedom to unwrap my voice and dare to share." Susan Dudman
"I absolutely loved it. I felt heard and respected and loved the feedback and seeing how it improved my work." Fiona Houston
"I loved the course with Natalie. She made me feel like I could do this. I have come away feeling encouraged as a writer." Diane Woodrow
“Never before have we wanted more: books to read, ideas to seed, and workshops with Natalie.”…Sasha Busbridge, Find your voice, 2026.