Horror & Gothic Writing Workshop

Workshop applications are currently CLOSED. Thanks to all who applied. 

[ SPINE ] is launching our first week long residential workshop at Crag Pit Studios.

From the 03-07 November 2025, we’ll bring a cohort of 9 writers together in the English countryside to focus on GOTHIC & HORROR WRITING. But we’re not approaching this through a strictly genre lens. If you’re the next Stephen King, get in touch. But we’re also looking for writers who are pushing the boundaries of what horror is or can be. Uncanny literary fiction, dark fantasy, dystopia, and genre-defying tales that play on our fears are just as welcome as body horror and haunted house stories.

About the Workshop

This workshop is aimed at developing your craft and helping each writer build a toolbox of techniques that will carry them from the early stages of their projects through to final edits. Each day will feature peer workshops, a craft session about a different part of the writing process, and dedicated free writing time to encourage everyone to make progress on their manuscript through the week.

Literary horror writer Cecil Fenn will lead this week’s workshop, including offering 1-to-1 tutorials and industry advice to help emerging writers on their path to publication.

The [ SPINE ] Community

[ SPINE ] literary is committed to building community and supporting the writers who work with us. All workshop participants and authors published in our magazines will be a part of our writing network, receive bulletins on upcoming writing opportunities, regular writing and industry advice, invitations to [ SPINE ] literary events, and participation in a moderated post-workshop/publication community. As [ SPINE ] grows, our authors will have opportunities to apply for paid reading fellowships and workshop leading opportunities.

Crag Pit Studios

The workshop is located at Crag Pit Studios, a peaceful home and arts space nestled in the English countryside, right near the sea. With lots of cozy workspaces to write, private rooms, and communal spaces, its an ideal location to focus on your practice. The house also overlooks a wildlife sanctuary and has a distant seaview. Take a break from your work and enjoy the autumn landscape – it feels like being right in the centre of a gothic novel.

Applying

To apply for the workshop, please fill out this form.

Applicants will need to provide us with an artist’s statement and a 2000 word writing sample. Applications will close at MIDNIGHT 17th October. All successful applicants will be contacted by 22 October.

In your artist’s statement, please tell us a little about yourself, your writing journey or past experience, your writing values, what you’d like to work on during your residency, and why you’re interested in writing horror or horror adjacent fiction.

Your writing sample can be one continuous piece or a collection of short work. We’d prefer to see horror, dark, or gothic work, but it doesn’t have to be the piece that you plan to develop during the workshop.

We are offering ONE fully funded place on the course. All bursary applications are also considered for general admission (you do not need to submit a separate general application). Submissions for all places will be reviewed, and every effort will be made to matchmake a group with varied but intersecting creative interests. There is no fee to apply.

[ SPINE ] and Crag Pit Studios are committed to creating a welcoming and diverse environment. Applicants must be 18 years older to apply. This workshop is appropriate for people at all stages of their writing journey. Don’t self-reject!

Fees

The workshop, including catering and accomodation, costs £790 for a room with a shared bathroom, or £820 for a private ensuite. One free bursary place is available.