Ignite your writing passion on our retreats
Who needs a writing retreat? Well … who doesn’t?
You might need a creative boost, to break a writing block or to advance a writing project close to your heart? Or perhaps you crave time to create, think, dream and explore?
Our retreats are for anyone who fancies time away in a creative and supportive environment, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced writer.
Here’s what’s on offer for 2023:
There’s our now-famous Venice in Autumn retreat experience
It’s been running for six years now. Book early, though. Many of our Venice habitues return year after year.
You are welcome to sign up for one week or two – from 10 to 17 October and/or 18 to 25 October.
Each morning starts with a group discussion, after which your time is your own. Every day, you can book one-on-one time – to talk about your project or get constructive feedback.
Here’s a link to a video, which gives you an idea of Ca’ della Corte, a 16th century palazzo which has been comfortably renovated, but retains the essential flavour of Venice. Every air-conditioned bedroom either looks out on its own courtyard, or offers a peek into the neighbourhood.
Who needs it? Anyone who never has time for anything, whose life is not their own, who craves time to create, think, dream and explore.Who needs it? Let’s face it: life is stressful. Join a like-minded group, who want to release their tension, leave their daily lives behind and concentrate on their writing. Anyone who would like to start a memoir but isn’t sure how. Or anyone who would like the time and space to get on with a writing project, under the guidance of experienced writing mentors.
A week in Croatian Istria. Need I say more?
The retreat with Richard Beynon runs from 25 to 31 October 2023 as a follow-on to our Venice Retreat.
The region of Istria will embed you in a history that stretches back thousands of years, but you’ll be staying in a luxury villa.
After the morning workshop, we’ll invite you to write, and book Richard for one-on-one sessions. Every second afternoon, you can write, or walk and swim around the hamlet of Rebici. Every other afternoon, though, we hope you’ll join us on a series of outings: to a tasting of local Istrian wines; to Pula, which boasts the most complete Roman amphitheatre in the world – and a literary memorial commemorating James Joyce’s visit, when dreams of Ulysses were swirling in his mind; to the medieval hilltop village of Labin; to the gorgeous seaside town of Rovinj, celebrated for its seafood restaurants and cobbled streets, just to mention a few.
Who needs it? Well … who doesn’t? Our retreats are for anyone who fancies time away in a creative and supportive environment, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced writer.
And for those of you who can’t stray too far, here’s something closer to home.
For our UK community, our annual Stow weekend, provides the gift of creative time, either to advance an on-going project, or simply to practise your craft and receive down-to-earth advice on writing well.
For three castaway days in Stow-on-the Wold, 24 to 26 November, you can call on your expert guide, Richard Beynon, for guidance and feedback. And you’ll be able to walk and think, and experience life in a historic English market town.
Who needs it? Anyone who needs a boost, hopes to break a writing block or advance their writing skills … or who simply wants to spend a tranquil weekend working on a project close to their hearts.
Our South African community can escape to the Karoo, to spend either a weekend – or a full week – in the comfort of the beautifully restored Karoo Art Hotel in Barrydale.
The weekend, from 14 to 16 April, offers a workshop on the basic building blocks of memoir writing with the two Joannes (Joanne Hichens and me, Jo-Anne Richards). The week, which runs from 16 to 21 April, will allow you to work on any writing project, with one-on-one advice and feedback.
No one could fail to be inspired by the wild landscape and historic Tradouw Pass. And this year, we’re offering a special treat: a guest appearance and talk by Sally Andrew, who has achieved such success with her Tannie Maria mysteries, now a popular TV series. Sally has recently turned her hand to memoir writing as well.
Who needs it? Let’s face it: life is stressful. Join a like-minded group, who want to release their tension, leave their daily lives behind and concentrate on their writing. Anyone who would like to start a memoir but isn’t sure how. Or anyone who would like the time and space to get on with a writing project, under the guidance of experienced writing mentors.
