The
~Story and Voice~
Mini Writing Retreat
Write a Short Story in a Weekend
- Available to Download Now -
A little time. A little space. A story waiting to be told…
Have you ever thought, “I'd love to write a story…” but never quite known where to begin?
Perhaps you've had an idea in your head for ages. Perhaps something has happened in your life that you'd love to turn into a story. Or perhaps you simply love reading and have always wondered whether you could write one yourself.
You don't need to think of yourself as a writer.
You don't need any previous writing experience.
And you don't need to arrive with a brilliant idea already worked out.
You just need a little time, a little imagination, and the willingness to give yourself permission to begin.
Your Mini Writing Retreat
This gentle, self-guided writing experience is designed to give you the space, structure and encouragement to discover the story that's waiting to be told.
Over a weekend, a few days, or simply at your own pace, you'll work through a series of guided milestones that take you from that first spark of an idea through your characters, your story's heart and its shape — until you have a complete first draft of your own short story.
You'll have practical guidance, carefully crafted prompts and plenty of encouragement along the way.
No pressure. No previous experience. No need to get it right first time.
Just a little time set aside for you and your story.
Let me tell you a little more ...
Your Mini Writing Retreat - £47
Give yourself the joy of finally writing the story you've been thinking about.
And how about gifting the Mini Writing Retreat to a woman you know who would love it?
It might be the most imaginative gift she's ever received.
It's easy to gift: simply choose the date you'd like the Retreat to arrive, add the recipient's email address,
and it will land in her inbox on the day you choose.
“There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.” - Maya Angelou
“Writing is its own reward.” - Henry Miller
“Every story begins with a moment when we decide it deserves to be told.” - Annie Cook
Ready to Take Your Writing Further?
Get the guidance, encouragement and practical support you need to turn your ideas into stories you're proud to share.
You Don't Have to Write Your Story Alone.
My live, interactive, 8-week online Short Story Writing Course offers a more in-depth, guided experience, with structured teaching, feedback and encouragement
as you develop your writing.
Want to hear a bit more about it?
It's Coming This Winter...
Starting 6th January 2027
"Winter Writing"
When the excitement of Christmas is over, the decorations have been packed away, and New Year's Eve has come and gone, the winter nights can feel long. So why not give yourself something creative to look forward to, until it's time to come out of hibernation?
Starting 6th January 2027, my live, interactive, online Short Story Writing Course will take you through the winter months and into the beginning of spring, giving you the structure, encouragement and support to turn your ideas into a finished short story.
Over eight weeks, you'll learn the essential elements of short story writing while developing your own idea, finding your voice and building confidence in your ability to tell a story.
Whether you're completely new to creative writing or have already started but need some guidance and momentum, you'll be joining a small, supportive group of writers who are all there for the same reason: to write.
And there's a little extra...
Everyone who enrols on the January 2027 course will receive a
complimentary copy of my latest novel.
A creative start to a brand-new year.
Give yourself something to look forward to this winter—and by the time spring arrives, you could have a finished story to be proud of.
This guided, online short story writing course provides practical support to help you start writing and see your project through.
You don't have to be an experienced writer to join. You don't even need to have a pre-formed idea of what you want to write.
All you need is a willingness to show up and see what's possible for you to create.
In just eight weeks, you'll go from a blank page to a completed short story in a small, supportive group designed to help you write with confidence and create a piece of work you can be proud of.
What you’ll get...
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Dedicated, real-time support and guidance
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8 live weekly 1-hour sessions
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A small, supportive group (maximum 6 participants)
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Short pre-recorded 'sound bites' emailed each week to help you prepare for each module
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Guided exercises and prompts each week
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Ongoing encouragement, objectivity and support throughout the course
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Certificate of Completion
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An exclusive 1:1 'feedback' hour with Annie at the end of the course
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Signposting to potential publishing opportunities
What you’ll gain...
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The confidence to begin writing — even if you’ve never done it before
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Clear guidance on how to find and develop a story
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Simple, step-by-step structure so you don’t feel lost
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A small group (maximum 6 people), so you’re well-supported to build your expertise
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Weekly input before each session to help you prepare
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Targeted feedback to help you improve and keep moving forward
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The satisfaction of completing a piece of writing that means something to you
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The knowledge of how to pitch it for publication if you desire
What You Don't Have to Worry About...
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You don’t need any previous writing experience
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You don’t need to have a “good idea” before you start
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You don’t need to share anything you’re not comfortable sharing
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You don’t need to get it right first time
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You don’t need to keep up with anyone else
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You don’t need to feel confident — that’s something we'll build together
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You won't be judged on anything you write or find daunting
Course Details
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Running weekly on Wednesday evenings from 7.00pm (UK time - BST) for 1 hours per week, for 8 weeks
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Start Date: Wednesday 6th January 2027
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Finish Date: Wednesday 24th February 2027
Investment
Earlybird Rate £397 - Available until 3oth November 2026
Standard Rate £497 - From 1st December 2026.
Bonus For Winter 2027 Cohort Participants; Receive a complimentary copy of my most recent novel* and discover how the storytelling principles we'll explore in the course come together in a published work.
Click here for Course Terms and Conditions
Testimonials
"I recently did the course with Annie because I wanted to increase my confidence and I thought this would be a good place to start. I wasn't wrong. Annie was so warm and totally understood how daunting it was for me because I’d never written anything before. I wanted to write a personal story, but it wasn't an easy subject, and I didn’t really know where to start. The structure of her course took me from being a wobbly novice to feeling really good because I’d actually written something that felt worthwhile. Annie’s feedback on what I wrote was helpful too and it made me feel like I can carry on and write more personal stories with more confidence."
Janice P.
Australia
"Annie Cook's short story writing course was interesting and useful. She covered an impressive amount over the eight weeks, from finding and developing an idea and creating believable characters, to structure, point of view, editing and bringing a story to a satisfying conclusion. As an inexperienced writer I appreciated the detail in the sessions. There was always something new to think about and lots of practical advice that I could take away and apply to my own writing. I ended up discovering another story within my story, which was very unexpected and interesting for me. Annie explains the craft in a way that is easy to understand, whatever your level of writing experience."
Gretel E.
South Africa
"I really enjoyed Annie's interactive short story writing course. Having done a writing course previously, I can honestly say this was a hundred times better. I got a lot more out of it. Annie covered the different elements in a lot of depth, but explained everything in a way that was easy to understand and, importantly, easy to put into practice. I particularly enjoyed the work we did on perspective and character and tension development . The exercises gave me lots to think about in my own writing. Annie is extremely knowledgeable, but also warm and encouraging, which made the course a pleasure to be part of. I'm now inspired to expand my story still further, and I'd definitely recommend this course to anyone wanting to improve their short story writing."
Jackie W
United KIngdom
Not Quite Ready?
Register your interest here for the Winter 2027 course and receive course updates, writing tips and priority notification of future courses.
