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Presenting Jo Parfitt

Course dates:
  • 5 July - 12 July 2025
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Writing your life stories

Jo Parfitt is an author, journalist, teacher, blogger, conference speaker and poet. She has published 32 books herself, has helped more than 250 authors get into print and more than 2,000 people to begin writing.

Jo’s a compassionate, inspiring, and encouraging teacher: her motto is ‘sharing what I know to help others to grow’.

The Write Your Life Stories creative writing course is designed to help you produce your best work, to find your true writer’s ‘voice’ and to write authentically. Among other things, you’ll discover the secret of SPICE, the seven steps to writing life stories. Jo says: “The course at the watermill will provide a safe haven in which to unlock your creativity, write from your heart and hone your writing craft. You will be empowered to write in a compelling way, bringing your experiences to life.”

The workshop will include several methods and genres and is perfect for anyone wanting to write about their own lives for an effective journal, memoir or blog. If you would enjoy an injection of inspiration in a calm and supportive environment, this course is for you. It is appropriate for students of any level. Here are some comments from guests on Jo’s previous courses at the Watermill: “The most magical trip to Tuscany, which will stay with me forever!” “It is a very special and beautiful place, and everything was organised so perfectly. Jo is a great tutor and we all had an amazing time.”

Praise from some of Jo’s previous students

Exceptional workshop holiday in beautiful Italian retreat. We attended a one week ‘writing your memoir’ course at this idyllic location. Lois and Bill have created something which is truly magical. Sense of being welcomed and the relaxing environment is among the best we have ever known in our extensive travels. Everything is included and nothing is too much trouble. It was an exceptional week with the retreat element being calm and the teaching sessions very stimulating. We met a diverse group of like-minds and hope to stay in touch for a very long time.

J & PL

What an invigorating week it was for me~ sweet dreams & soft pillows, lively conversations on the vine (wine) terrace, out-of-this-world food and natural beauty around each curve. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

CB

I had a really brilliant time at Posara, everyone was so hospitable and Jo is a brilliant tutor. What a joyful and inspiring world you and Lois have created there.

RM

Jo has been an inspirational teacher. I am heading home with a head full of writerly plans. This week has been an absolute delight. The setting magnificent, food sublime, and our hosts charming. The attention to detail and beauty are a sure recipe for a wonderful stay.

SR

Thank you for a wonderful week at the beautiful Watermill. I’ve had the best time and have returned home with lovely memories of time spent in Italy with such an inspirational group of people. I couldn’t have asked for better hosts… This trip for me has been a massive tick off my bucket list and it was made even better by the lovely group of people whom I’ve had the privilege to share the week with. It was an absolute delight, I enjoyed every minute.

KH

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