Thomas Hardy's Ghost inspires writing weekend

Four very different writers will gather in a historic country house hotel, which may or may not be haunted by Thomas Hardy, for a weekend of literary discussion. Sounds like a good start for a whodunnit by Agatha Christie! The idea, however, is far from bumping each other off (whilst leaving a host of fascinating clues, plausible motives, dodgy alibis and smoking red herrings). The purpose is to entertain and enlighten guests by sharing the secrets of their writing success. "Summer Lodge has close associations with Thomas Hardy," explains General Manager Charles Lötter. "He lived nearby and the hotel is at the very heart of the Wessex landscape he immortalised. The village pub, the Acorn Inn is featured in his novel 'Tess of the d'Urbervilles' as 'The Sow & Acorn'. What's more, in his capacity as an architect, Hardy was asked to design the upper floor and the drawing room of Summer Lodge by the 6th Earl of Ilchester in 1893. So you could say the house is haunted by him - although I've yet to bump into him myself". This gave the team at Red Carnation Hotels, the luxury collection of five and four-star family-run boutique hotels that owns Summer Lodge, the idea for the Writers' Weekend. Guests will have the opportunity to learn the tricks of the trade from four very different practitioners. Roger Collis is an actor, broadcaster, writer and master raconteur who has earned world-wide recognition as a business travel guru through his weekly column, 'The Frequent Traveler,' in the International Herald Tribune Marcelle Bernstein is a much acclaimed novelist, nonfiction writer and journalist. Several of her novels, such as "Body & Soul" and "Sacred & Profane", are best-sellers and were made into into successful feature films and television dramas. Eric Clark is a respected investigative journalist who has delved into the seedier aspects of crime and drugs. His gripping thrillers "Black Gambit" and "Chinese Burn" have proven particularly popular. Jim O'Connor is an advertising copywriter who has promoted everything from boutique hotels to fork lift trucks, Clover Low Fat Spread to Palmolive Soap, Cornish Pasties to Australian rum. The two-night Writers' Weekend package, starting on 23rd April 2010, includes: Two nights accommodation in a Classic Double Room Full English Breakfast daily Welcome Champagne and Canapés Attendance at three Writer Workshop sessions over two days Three-course dinner on the Saturday evening Teas and coffees during workshop sessions Complimentary signed-copy of a book by Eric or Marcelle Summer Lodge Country House Hotel, Restaurant and Spa, set in four acres of perfectly maintained gardens, is the epitome of the English country house in the picturesque Dorset village. This luxurious 24-bedroom five star hotel has swiftly earned a reputation as one of England's finest country house hotels. With a world-class spa - including indoor heated pool and rejuvenating body and beauty treatments - and an award-winning restaurant and extensive wine list created by one of the world's best sommeliers, this hotel is the perfect short break getaway. Summer Lodge Country House Hotel, Restaurant and Spa is a member of Relais & Châteaux.

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Shawn Marion

Monster game from Shawn tonight. He made some of his patented, extremely athletic, almost impossible shots over the course of this game and was just as crucial as Jason Kidd in running what ended up being a highly successful fast break game. In post game interviews, Carlisle and Dirk both praised Shawn for sacrificing his game over the course of the year with Carlisle even mentioning that he thanks Shawn and praises him weekly for everything he's doing. During Marion's interview, he claimed that he could be stat stuffing elsewhere but that he's past that and just wants to win a championship. In the past, Marion has been somewhat of an enigma in the playoffs. However, he is now playing such a minimalized role that he can basically just be baseline Marion and contribute exactly what he needs to (his trademark defense, rebounding, transition offense) to give the Mavs what they need. I'm really rooting for Shawn because I appreciate what he is doing here and because he got a raw deal in Phoenix. Stoudemire wanted to raise his profile to the detriment of Shawn. I wonder if Nash would rather Shawn stayed and they had shipped Stoudemire on? There are so many guys on this team that deserve to win a championship. I want them to win it now more than I have since Nash and Finley left. Dirk, Marion, Terry, Kidd, Damp, Butler, Haywood, and co. have put in so much great work over the course of their careers that it would be really satisfying to see it all pay off and for their efforts to be legitimized in a way that they could never be questioned again. Forum: General Mavs Talk

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