Wells Cathedral
Stories, Myths and Legends–Feed Your Muse in Wells, England
Writing workshop in Wells England, May 9-16, 2026
“What an amazing workshop Debbie and Charlotte led in England. The gorgeous medieval city of Wells spawned new creativity in my CNF work. That creativity took new flight, nurtured and guided by master teachers Charlotte and Debbie as I dipped my toe into fiction writing for the first time. I loved working alongside the other writers in our group, experimenting and workshopping throughout the week. The Let’s Go Write gathering in Wells was unforgettable. I hope to return next year.”
Courtney Gulbro, Huntsville, Alabama
Come write with us in Wells, a lovely small English city full of warmth and charm. It has inspired us and our students since 2022 and we’re excited to return in 2026 for another workshop there.
Wells has it all—a glorious cathedral (the “most poetic of English Cathedrals,” according to various internet sources), the Bishop’s Palace with peaceful gardens and a moat graced by elegant swans, a lively high street, and the Vicars’ Close, said to be Europe’s oldest residential street with original buildings intact.
Did we mention the town crier? The swan whisperer? The pubs and cafes and excellent restaurants? Nearby Glastonbury, where you’ll find more crystals than you dreamed possible? Accessible trails through gorgeous green countryside? The ancient megalith of Stonehenge a few miles up the road? These and the other wonders of Wells will nourish your writing—and possibly change your life.
The creative writing workshop will follow our usual format, with a bit of the magic of the region for added spice. Each morning we’ll meet from 9:30 to 12:30 for the “class” portion of the experience – a writing workshop format of mini-lectures from Debbie and Charlotte, in-class story writing exercises, and discussion of the pieces each of you will submit. (Yes, we will give you writing assignments at the end of class each day.) We’ll also assign a book or two for you to read ahead of time. In class we’ll discuss how the assigned books relate to our writing.
We’ll have a group cocktail hour (with wine and other beverages and optional writerly talk) each day at around 6:00, so from 12:30 till then you can eat, write and explore as you wish.
THE DETAILS:
Cost:
Price is $3150.
A deposit of $500 saves your spot.
Early-bird special: Register with deposit by November 1, 2025, and you pay only $3000. Or pay in full by November 1 and pay only $2900.
Returning weeklong workshop students get an additional $100 off.
Price for a couple both taking the workshop is $4000, or $3800 if you register with deposit of $750 by November 1.
If a partner or companion wants to come and not participate in the workshop, a small supplemental fee will be charged.
Payment in full is due by December 31, 2025.
The price of the program covers lodging, tuition, breakfast and four dinners. Lunch and other dinners are flexible – a mix of meals at home and in restaurants– with the cost shared among participants.
What’s included:
Seven nights lodging in Wells.
Six morning workshops.
Breakfast and four dinners.
Evening gatherings to discuss writing, travel, and more.
One-on-one coaching session with Debbie and/or Charlotte.
Optional activities included in price:
Swan whisperer lecture
Writing community—connection with other writers that will last beyond your workshop experience.
“The encouragement and camaraderie os a group of aspiring writers; the guidance and support of two experienced workshop leaders; and all of this in a beautiful small city full of warmth and charm and stories of its own going back over many centuries. Creativity, fun, and excitement—what more could you want? This was my fourth year with Debbie and Charlotte in Wells and I can’t wait to get back there again in 2026.”
Jenni Gainsborough, Vancouver, Washington
How to apply: Send us a short statement (250 words or fewer) about where you are in your writing now and why you would like to join the workshop and what you hope to get out of it. The program is limited to eight participants.
What to expect: Please bring a computer with word processing capability. The houses where we stay have internet access; you will be expected to send your writing to other class members each day via email. We will discuss student writing as a group, focusing on each day’s subject matter. We encourage constructive discussion of how to improve the writing.
Physical fitness: Okay, we won’t make you do pushups or run a marathon, but you should be aware that there will be stairs, there will be hills and there will be walking. It’s not terribly strenuous, but be advised.
Cancellation policy: The $500 deposit is not refundable. Once you have paid the balance of the cost, we will provide a full refund (less deposit) if you cancel before March 15. If you cancel thereafter there is no refund unless you find a replacement student for us.
Travel insurance: It’s relatively inexpensive; we strongly recommend you purchase it. Allianz is one company we’ve used; MH Ross Advantage plan is recommended by our travel agent friend.
Let us know you’re interested on our contact page or at chardixon@comcast.net or dguyol@aol.com
