Come and join us on a Greek island filled with the muse of writers. Spend time inspired by ancient tales with a group of writers. Feel the hot winds of summer and the soul of poetry. This is the place to find your story, write your book and find a magical place of quiet to write.
PLEASE ONLY PAY YOUR DEPOSIT WHEN YOU HAVE RECEIVED YOUR OFFICIAL ACCEPTANCE INTO THE RETREAT! STEP ONE – if you haven’t yet filled in the application form – GO HERE This is an opportunity to work with top writing coaching team Sarah Bullen and Kate Emmerson. Join us for another unforgettable summer writing retreat and residency that will get your book on track. Together we travel the journey of memory and dive deep into the craft of writing, have a lot of fun and join a community of writers.
We have two options in 2021 to join us on the beautiful island of Lesvos and write.
17 -24 June 2021 Writing Retreat and/or
25 June – 5th July 2021 Writers Residency
We recommend you join us for both. That’s 18 days of total immersion in your writing.
Who should attend?
This is for writers who want to tell their story or non-fiction writers. The course is a combination of technical writing techniques, working through your blocks, finding ways to access your memories and plan your story.
COSTS 2021
€2800 sea-facing room A non-refundable deposit of €500 to secure your place
* All rooms are single occupancy please enquire about a sharing rate.
The cost INCLUDES:
* 7 nights accommodation in a beautiful hotel right on the sea!
* Transfers to and from the airport in Mytilene
* A daily Greek breakfast
* Four group meals (dinner or lunch) eaten at local tavernas (drinks excluded)
* All snacks and materials during the workshop hours.
* A structured writing course lead by writing coach Sarah Bullen
* Daily sessions with an international life coach and clutter expert Kate Emmerson
* Personal one-on-one sessions with Sarah and Kate
* Additional sessions with guest experts and authors
The costs EXCLUDES:
* Flights
* Additional meals not included above
* Your drinks at the group meals
* Any extras you would like to add on like day trips or scooter/car hire or extra nights of accommodation.
What will you learn?
This is a seven-night immersion into the craft of writing.
* What is your story? Let’s find it together.
* The basics of planning a compelling story
* How to define and create your most compelling book hook
* The key elements of structure* Researching and remembering your life
* Finding a theme for your book
* Hooks, genre and message
* Including characters and events
* Limiting your time
* Handling point of view
* Working with dialogue
* Knowing what to include and exclude
* Adding depth and layers
* Sourcing tips and techniques
* How to present your book to agents and publishers
* How to make your book your brand.
Please note this retreat is not for novels. If you are writing a novel please rather join the Writers Residency.
RESIDENCY COST 2021
Single occupancy, sea-facing room €2 800. Deposit €500 on acceptance.
COST INCLUDES
* 10 nights accommodation in a beautiful, family run hotel
* Transfers to and from the airport in Mytilene.
* A daily Greek breakfast
* Three group feasts (dinner or lunch) eaten at local tavernas (drinks excluded)
* Personal one-on-one sessions with Sarah and Kate
* A structured writing journey and support
COST EXCLUDES
* Flights
* Your drinks at the group dinners
* Additional meals not included above
* Any extras you would like to add on like day trips or scooter / car hire or extra nights of accommodation.
HOW DOES THE RESIDENCY UNFOLD?
* Daily connection with your mentors and fellow writers
* A structured programme to advance your project and your writing craft
* Professional feedback and writing reviews on your work
* Pitch your book to professionals
* Personal book structure session with writing coach Sarah
* Personal growth session with Kate Emmerson
* An intensive workshop to write your synopsis / proposal.
* Professional feedback on your book proposal.
* How to present your book to agents and publishers
* How to make your book your brand.
Attending both retreat and residency?
18 days to immerse in your writing. PRICE FOR BOTH €4,600 – we put you up for the night in between the two if you stay at the same hotel
Past retreat participants rave….
Firstly we are now one of the trusted retreats as awarded by QUEEN OR RETREATS. Read their review here
There is a special magic that happens in this little village. Creativity is emboldened, a gentle release is inevitable and all anxiety seeps away, allowing and encouraging you to write your book. I was supported and held by the professional and talented partnership that is Sarah and Kate. They are an extraordinary team with heart, backbone and intellect and lots of experience with publishing. If you are considering a writing retreat don’t think twice! Do it. Gabi Lowe, author Get Me to 21
The course structure finally let me realise my book can be achieved with structure and the framework Sarah worked out with me. It taught me how to get from idea to a book. I loved writing all afternoon in my room and all the expert speakers who came to give us their tips and advice – Julian Cowburn, UK, 2018
I loved it all. The place, the people, the experience, the sea, the lessons and the succinct and practical way to write a book. Sappho was inspired by the same sea and sun 2000 years ago and that touched my heart and words. Linda Smuts – 2018
I have so much clarity and belief in myself. It was just a magical experience in a tiny village with writing support and clear direction and feedback. I made friends for life. Di Atherton, 2018
This was mind-blowing. I was overwhelmed by the amazing people, the teachers, the food, the swimming, the guest speakers, the support and love. It allowed me to see my life in a new perspective. The time was very well structured and we were pushed to write and develop our books with guidance. Grace 2018
The venue was magnificent and the facilitators world-class. This was more than a retreat it was a nurturing, relaxed and supportive writing journey that will take you out of your head and into your book. Ana Forsmann 2018
The venue is breathtaking and the organisation superb. Everything is taken care of and I finally got my book clear. Sue Nurick
If you want to write, you definitely can’t go wrong with Kate and Sarah. I was so happy there was clear course content and it took us down the path of planning and writing. Finally I am getting out of my head and writing my book – Patricia Harper 2018
