Indie authors from across Shropshire and beyond have been brushing up on their creative skills at an annual writing retreat in Whitchurch.

Seventeen delegates attended the three-day event, from November 17-19, hosted by Team Author UK at Alkington Grange Barns.

Among them were several authors who have published books spanning a range of genres including Shropshire-based children’s author Emma Blantern.

It is the second writing retreat of its kind to be held by the Team Author alliance, which supports writers to become published authors.

Bestselling children’s author Jude Lennon, who runs the retreat along with Team Author UK founder Sue Miller, was delighted with how it went.

“Five authors went onto publish their own books following the last retreat in March including Emma,” she said 

“Some of those writers returned at the weekend to either start or finish off their next project.

“We also had writers attending for the first time, some of who are now preparing to publish their work, which is just fantastic.

“The retreat offers support and friendly feedback to writers on their work but, above all else, it helps to build confidence and give delegates the time and space they need to collate ideas and actually put pen to paper.

“Many writers are juggling full-time jobs and have busy lives so it’s often difficult to dedicate the hours required to pen a book and I think that’s why the retreats are proving so popular.”

Jude said because of demand for the courses, Team Author UK would be hosting another retreat in March.

She added: “We have received lots of requests to run additional retreats throughout the year so we’re delighted to announce that we have plans for another retreat in March.

“We are in the process of finalising the details and more information will be available in the new year.”

For further information about Team Author UK visit the website www.teamauthoruk.co.uk or follow @teamauthoruk on Facebook.