Heartfelt thanks to our regular writers for their wonderful comments:

— Myszka is a horse whisperer for fragile writers. Human penicillin!

- Openness, supportive and sociable approach from Myszka brings the sessions alive.

- I enjoyed your [Novel Writing Course] session so much last night. Felt first positive energy within - bubbling away. So appreciate what you do!

- Thought provoking and well thought out sessions to develop thinking and skills equally

- Light in mood, deep in content, every time! Thank you!

• Interesting and diverse workshop - thank you!

- Welcoming and fun atmosphere, paired with guided writing sprints that moved our characters forwards

A good mixture of writing and stimulii to engage us all differently

- What a great new adventure - looking forward to more!

- Nice ethos, non-judgemental, sharing and discussion is safely encouraged.

- Connecting with such interesting people in these socially impoverished times is wonderful - everyone is really helpful and chilled.

- Really looking forward to the next session - they are not 'just' writing, they are therapy - I feel incredibly safe and brilliant. This is brightening my Autumn and Winter!

Feedback on different aspects of Foxes’ Retreat, as it has evolved..

Online Writing Courses

Thanks so much. Definitely the best course I’ve been on in all my years of scribbling (Novel Writing Course) — Debbie, February 2022

Wonderful! Thanks, Myszka. My brain is buzzing. I learnt so much about editing — Alison, January 2022

Just wanted to let you know how useful I found attending the Writing Rooms. It was fascinating how much of a mindshift it prompted. To think of my writing as being something worth making time for rather than fitting in after everything else is done was a revelation. Thank you so much for providing that opportunity — Maria, January 2022

Just a heartfelt note to thank you, and Mr Fox and all who contributed to the Online Retreat. It has made such a difference to me mentally and emotionally. Also I've got into the habit of putting my writing first - not above family, job and friends but right up there instead of in a secretive little shoe box somewhere at the back of a cupboard. A fellow writer told me this week that 'it will take a miracle' to get my protag out of his latest mess, so I still need the writing room, thank you for that too — Jennie, January 2022

Myszka is an amazing leader in all types of writing class/exercise. From journaling, short story and novel, she embraces all with humour, candour and sheer genius hidden behind humility and genuine love and passion. Whether you are new to writing or a seasoned writer with blocks or something in between, Myszka will tease you out, release your inner creative and get you hooked on writing again. All the courses I have attended so far have been virtual however I am relatively local to Foxes Retreat and I can imagine how idyllic it would be to attend a full retreat in person. If only for her baked goodies and free range eggs So, what’s stopping you? There are one day, half day and short courses that open doors. You can dive in, as I am now doing, and hoping to find the novel within come September. - Rhiannon, Ashbourne, June 2021

Thank you for helping me to relax more into my writing on the novel writing course and letting it unfold without needing to know where it’s going. I think I have learnt more about myself in the process, about letting go of fixed ideas which I have done with your guidance. - Mel, Stafford, May 2021

Myszka gives (and gives and gives) you the skills and knowledge yes, but most importantly, the ability to find your own voice, develop it and become confident enough to write. She does that with her infectious (perhaps not the right word in a pandemic) enthusiasm for the craft of writing and life in general, but also by creating and caring for a community of writers sharing their work in a very safe and supportive space. Priceless. - Adri, Barcelona, April 2021

Thank you so very much for a wonderful novel writing course and for all your help and support which has been invaluable. All your input has been thought-provoking and constructive and I very much look forward to continuing to work alongside you - Karen, Essex, April 2021

I really enjoyed the Short Story Writing course, so glad I signed up. Thanks for your questions from the last exercise we did on Saturday - they really helped! - Kirsten, Newport, March 2021

Great feedback, thank you! I feel completely different when I write - it is magical! -

Rhiannon, Derbyshire, March 2021

Thank you so much Myszka for everything. I loved every minute of the course and learnt so much. It was great to work with you and the others in our group - I am sad it had to end - I really liked our group. I will definitely be joining the open writing zooms. My dream is to do one of your retreats when travel is back to normal - Jemma, Ukraine, March 2021

I have such gratitude for this experience. Every part of it exceeded my expectations. Thank you so much. I loved the convenience of being at home but feeling I was with you in your kitchen. 6 Weeks was a great length of time/ I certainly got value for money. I learned so much and I actually finished a piece of work which I know I wouldn’t have done had I not done the course. I felt a huge sense of achievement. Each week built on the last and was so carefully prepared and timed. I never felt like I couldn’t ask a question and I met wonderful talented writers who had the same feelings about the writing as I did. My best memory will be how utterly happy I was participating every single week. - Marie A Martin, Ireland, July 2020

Myszka is a wonderful tutor - I've just completed a course of workshops with her on short story writing and from start to finish I have managed to write my first full length short story aimed at adults. I am so pleased! - Mel, Staffordshire, July 2020

Myszka is so enthusiastic and generous - I just wished I could have been there in body, not just virtually! - Catherine, Ireland, July 2020

I really enjoyed the course as a sustained gateway into the imagination, and appreciated how inspiration grew over the weeks and unexpected discoveries were made along the way -

Dougie, Scotland, July 2020

It made me create time for writing, and helped me through the sticky moments with clean and effective advice. Getting a range of perspectives on my work was invaluable. If felt like a very accepting space with moments of connection with my classmates, insights and questions, wish I could have spent more time with everyone there. The exercises were so good, I didn’t want to miss any of them. Thank you for creating such a positive, practical space to focus on creating stories. This was a huge step for me and so encouraging. I would happily take a short story course again, as I have many other ideas and the momentum of working in a group is really helpful.

Phyllis, Scotland, July 2020

Just thank you for making this course available online. It’s been such a wonderful way to learn and work together, I feel very privileged to have had the opportunity. I particularly liked the organic nature of the learning. At no stage did I feel I was being lectured; everything took place through mutually respectful, open conversation. It was lovely to have the sense that we were all learning together, and able to discuss ideas in a safe and supportive environment.

Emma, Swindon, August 2020

Residential Writing Retreat Guests

This place is an absolute oasis. And so are you, Myszka. Thank you!

Colin, November 2021

“I have just returned from one of the best retreats of my life. It was the Festival of Writing Retreat with Myszka at Foxes’ Retreat. I discovered her through zoom in lockdown and she and the other writers made me feel so welcome. You don’t need any experience. (All levels of nervousness and excitement welcome). Through Foxes’ Retreat I have found a wonderful tribe of fun supportive creative people.

Even if you don’t fancy writing, there are lots of other nurturing retreats and courses and she does accommodation too. For icing on the cake there is wild swimming near by and chickens, dogs and horses to look out. So if you fancy an inspiring, fun magical break this is the place.”

Trish - August 2021

How grateful I am. From the very roots of my heart. It has been an incredible gift for my family. Thank you Mrs Fox. Thank you Mr Fox. Intelligence and kindness was embedded in everything we did. I felt safe to reach for something waiting to wake up -

Shannon, Somerset, February 2020

I feel relaxed yet energised; inspired; motivated and all those things…Tranquility. The whole week felt safe, nurturing and supportive. I hope to be back - Julia, Northampton, February 2020

It was fab! (It wasn’t long enough!!) I loved the excitement everyone had about exploring stories and characters. Some of the best memories. Can we come again next year? - Rosa, Somerset, February 2020

The mystery of our lives here in this shared reality never ceases to amaze me: Fresh angles, sharing, relaxed professionalism, listening, positive criticism in feedback, not feeling isolated - friendship, laughs, animals… - Theo, Somerset, February 2020

I had such a welcome, which lasted right up until I left! There was opportunity, with space and calm, to develop my writing and generous support to indulge in that calmness. I feel much more positive now about the project - thank you - a bit like when I first started! I will be asking for more of the same! - Colin L, Milton Keynes, February 2020

A thoroughly enjoyable experience. Plenty of time for writing and reflection in quiet country retreat, with advice and encouragement from Myszka. The food was delicious. Coffee and tea whenever needed. Comfortable nooks to settle and allow the creative juices to flow -

Steph, Derbyshire, October 2019

It is the perfect place for quiet reflection.  Myszka & Adam are a lovely couple who provide a welcoming home to stay in, and provide lovely home cooked meals. The area is very peaceful, with fabulous walks around the house. There are some popular walks.  I had a wonderful time at my writing retreat & look forward to doing it again when possible -

Katrina, Uttoxeter, October 2019

Community Writing Group Members

Thanks to you for hosting such a lovely, interesting & fun evening! I thoroughly enjoyed meeting such a great group of people, & getting those creative juices flowing too! Looking forward to next month already - Sue, Derbyshire, January 2020

Thank you for organising and hosting a wonderful fun and enjoyable creative writing experience. It was lovely to meet you all and hear about your writing achievements. Feeling inspired by you all and really looking forward to the next gathering - Linda, Wirksworth, January 2020

This has been a lifeline during lockdown; going onto Zoom fortnightly - Penny, Staffordshire, January 2020

Student English Language Homestay Visits

My 14 year old daughter spent 1O days with Myszka and Adam in October 2019 and 2 weeks in June 2020. It was an amazing experience, having fun, riding horses, making art and craft projects, sewing a courture outfit and playing outside while chatting in English all the time,.
She also had English lessons every day which gave her the chance to improve her writing and grammar. Now she just want to go back again to visit Myszka and Adam again … and she will! Sabine, Paris, July 2020

My daughter first went to Michelle for two weeks when she was 13 years old, in 2018. It was a great experience for her. She loved her stay in the countryside surrounded with animals. Lessons in the mornings, and for the rest of the time, biking, riding, swimming, bowling, canoeing, cooking...with Myszka, even flying with Adam. She loved having to participate in taking care of the animals, horses, dogs, cats, hens. As soon as she came back to France, she wanted to return for 3 weeks - which she did in August 2019, and again in 2020 before starting boarding school in England. She is now so at ease in her class with her English. Big thanks to you, Myszka. Brigitte, France, August 2020

The Hayloft Holiday Apartment

“We have just had another magical break in the Peak District at Foxes’ Retreat, and this one was even better than our first visit last summer! Our teenagers came along this time and we all loved the walks recommended to us, and relaxing around the fire globe in the garden in the evening. We felt very safe as the Covid-19 measures at Foxes’ Retreat are exemplary, without feeling intrusive or oppressive. Adam and Myszka are wonderful hosts who did so much for us and the family to make us feel welcome during our stay” - Ciaran and Emma, London, July 2020

“Thank you for making our break so enjoyable. The fresh home-made bread, jam, marmalade and eggs, all from the farm, were a lovely surprise and made us feel very welcome. A beautiful home!” - Helen and Tom, England, July 2020