They say everyone has a book in them.

If you’ve always wanted to get yours out on paper, an upcoming writer’s retreat could be just what you need to begin.

Writers of all levels of skill and experience will be heading west to Skibbereen at the end of March for a Creative Writing Weekend at West Cork College.

Led by Kim Arnold and Dr. Niamh Hehir, who have extensive experience teaching English literature and writing at third level, the retreat has been specifically designed to enhance creativity in a place of peace and tranquility, away from the distractions of everyday life.

And you don’t need to be John Grisham or Marian Keyes to pack a weekend bag and join in the fun; emerging and aspiring writers who are actively engaged in any form or genre of creative writing are welcome.

Topics explored will include genre and theme, narrative structure, dialogue, descriptive writing, setting, mood and atmosphere and symbols, imagery and metaphor – all the know-how you need to get that first draft together.

Participants are asked to bring along a current writing work-in-progress or a detailed outline of a proposed writing project and get stuck in.

Morning and afternoon group activities and discussions will be followed by personal writing time, feed-back, support, and one-to-one mentoring and you can attend on a daily or residential basis.

The cost is €165 for the two-day workshop including lunches.

Who knows, it could be your first step towards the bestsellers list.