‘Once you’ve been bitten by a Dark Angel, you get a taste for words of the human kind.’
~ Claire Wilson
What or who are Dark Angels?
Dark Angels are 12 writers who run a mix of creative writing experiences in lovely, inspiring settings and occasionally online. We help people connect to and engage with their imagination. All so they can become better communicators and more inspired creators at work and in life.
Dark Angels are also the hundreds of alumni who are taking the Dark Angels message about writing and creativity out into the world. If you’ve been on a course with us, you’re a Dark Angel.
I wouldn’t necessarily call myself a writer but I write a lot. Is this for me?
Absolutely, yes. Regardless of job title or profession, our workshops are for anyone who writes at work or as a personal practice. We welcome lots of people from copywriting, brand strategy, corporate comms, fiction, poetry, screenwriting, and journalism. But we have just as many who are lawyers, doctors, HR managers and more. Everyone is welcome.
I’m interested in a tailored training programme for my team. Is this something you can do for us?
Yes. We’ve been introducing people to the idea of “creative writing for business” for 15 years – from the BBC to BP, public to private entities, global consulting firms to tiny start-ups. We also facilitate team away days where we focus on team culture, communication, team dynamics and cultivating a sense of belonging through consistent actions and rituals.Find out more by dropping us a line.
Dark Angels gather at Moniack Mhor in the Scottish Highlands.
Why would I come on a Dark Angels workshop?
People join us for a whole host of reasons. Some would like to explore their own writing voice. Others arrive wanting to develop a stronger sense of the good and bad of business writing; they want to advocate for better writing and give better briefs. Some writers are looking to build their creative confidence by playing with different forms and styles of writing.
Some writers simply want a break from the world. They need some time to express themselves in a creative and supportive environment.
Whatever your reason for joining us, expect a great, big warm welcome. Every imaginable kind of writer benefits from these experiences. The chance to take some time, to take risks, to work among other writers in a convivial environment, makes a deep and lasting impression.
What will I learn?
No matter which workshop you sign up for, you’ll enjoy a deeply supportive and stimulating environment that helps you:
Develop your craft
Fire up your imagination
Build creative confidence and resilience
Discover and tell your own compelling stories
Appreciate the nuances of working solo and with others
Engage different audiences and clarify your thinking
Work at a strategic level
Become an advocate for great writing
Are there scholarships available?
Yes, we offer discounted places for young or emerging writers. Booking is discounted by 50% and applying couldn’t be easier. Just drop us an email explaining who you are and why you’d benefit from joining us.
If you’re a Dark Angel alumnus who wants to nominate someone for a scholarship, let us know who they are – or donate to the scholarship fund.
Where are the courses held?
Place is central to all our writing experiences. We’ve hosted courses across the globe. London, Edinburgh, Oxford, Sierra de Aracena (Spain), County Meath (Ireland), Auckland, Amsterdam, Zurich, Boston, Seattle, and Whidbey Island. For tailored courses, we’re happy to discuss ideal locations and venues that suit your location and budget. We can also facilitate virtual learning programmes through video conferencing.
Who else have you worked with?
We have worked with a number of well known agencies and organisations that include British Airways, Barclays, BBC, BP, Diageo, The Economist, Innocent, Interbrand, Lloyds, McLaren, O2, Penguin, the Royal Academy, Sainsbury’s, Sage, Shell, Takeda, Tate & Lyle, Unbound, Unilever and many more. We work with SME organisations too.
We’re looking for an interesting speaker for an event. Can you help?
Definitely. There are accomplished speakers and workshop facilitators among our ranks. Choose from topics like verbal identity, tone of voice, brand purpose, personality, corporate communications, message strategy and lots more. Just ask.
I’m intrigued by your name. Where does it come from?
Our name comes from the book of the same title by founder, John Simmons, with its nod to Milton’s Paradise Lost. John writes that as Dark Angels, we are neither those who have fallen, nor those who have ascended, but we occupy the fertile, if broken ground in between. We find our creativity in our flawed human nature. We write best when we are Dark Angels.
Do you have a privacy policy?
We do, yes. Read our privacy policy here.