Join us on this summer retreat in the Tuscan Countryside for a week of deep creative writing. Bring your writing project, slow down and be guided and supported in your process.
Tuscany, 7-14th July, 2024
We understand writers, and the quiet magic that is sometimes needed to allow words to flow. After decades of supporting writers, we know that to write a story buried in your heart, you often need to remove yourself from ordinary life. All types of writers are welcome into these immersions into the world of story and creativity.
Join us in Tuscany again in 2024 to write. This ancient land with its characteristic landscapes and incredible light will envelope you, as it has countless creatives before you, including some of the greatest writers the world has ever known. In fact, the energy – and spectacular land – of these master writers continues to inspire countless authors today. So take a deep breath and soak up your stunning surroundings: the rolling hills of Tuscany, the sweeping vineyard outside your window.
Warm sun on your shoulders, filtered through the branches of an ancient oak tree. A pencil and paper in hand and your eyes dancing across the scene before you: a sweeping vineyard, silvery olive groves and the rolling hills of Tuscany reaching out to infinity – dotted with villages, towers and castles.
Here you are in Italy, immersing yourself in your words, a chance to get quiet and to be mentored agent and writing coach Sarah Bullen. This is an unforgettable writing journey to get your book or writing project, on track. You’ll travel the journey of memory, dive deep into the craft of writing, have heaps of fun, enjoy unforgettable experiences in Italy and join an eclectic and creative community of fellow writers.
WHO SHOULD JOIN?
Both advanced and novice writers are welcome.
This is a structured writing workshop for writers of all levels who want to tell their story or write their book. We also welcome scriptwriters, academic writers and poets.
It is right for you, if you need an adventure, plus the gift of time and space in a Tuscany summer setting. You don’t need to be a writer or to have a grand project in progress. You may be halfway through a novel, or on your second one.
You can be working on a memoir, poetry, workbook, online course, photography-based book, life story or just a creative writing project.
This is for writers who just need dedicated time away from your ordinary life to totally immerse in a creative environment to write, write and write. The time is both a deep-dive into your own book, and a task-based programme to get your word count up, or finish your book ready for submission.
The course is a daily combination of technical writing techniques, working through your blocks, finding ways to access your memories and plan your story.
breakfast and quiet writing time. Then it’s off to the nearby village for a fascinating walking tour of this historic, medieval town. Afterwards you’ll enjoy time on your own to explore and shop.
This afternoon you’ll gather for focused writing time. This evening you’ll enjoy a light aperi-cena (aperitivo and dinner together).
Think…
* Medieval villages nearby
* morning cappuccino in the warm air with fresh-baked torta
* strolls through the vineyard
* winding alleyways in medieval villages
* vines laden with ripe, red grapes
* geraniums spilling from window boxes
* dinners under the Tuscan stars
Accommodation - A magnificent farmhouse in Tuscany
We are so thrilled in 2024 to be staying in the Tuscan Maremma region at a beautifully restored farmhouse and country hotel on a 102-hectare organic estate and spa. All the rooms of the farmhouse are furnished in the classic Tuscan style and are dedicated to those who want to enjoy a genuine stay in the Maremma countryside.
The rooms are arranged on the farm, around the restaurant area, facing the old farmyard, on the ground floor or first floor of the manor house.
On the same property nestles a boutique country hotel. We have access to all the facilities which include a swimming pool as well as a wellness centre with an an indoor heated pool with hydromassage features, a a sauna, and a Turkish bath.
The sprawling wine estate extends over green Tuscan valleys with olive groves and vineyards. We chose this for our 2025 trip to bring the best of Tuscany - good shopping, a rural location but a luxury experience.
DATES & PRICES: 8 Days/7 Nights
Beautiful Traditional Farmhouse en-suite is €4,250 (single occupancy)
Luxury suite is €4,500 (single occupancy)
* Deposit required €750 plus payment plan
Early Bird payments less 10% until 25th February 2024. Apply code TUSCANYEB2024.
Arrival and departure airport: Rome Airport FCO or Pisa International Airport (also named Galileo Galilei Airport)
Tuscany Writing Retreat Includes:
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7 nights accommodation in this special farmhouse and boutique hotel in Tuscany, Italy
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Private group transfer to/from either Rome FCO Airport or Pisa
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Private transport service to/from all excursions included in the itinerary
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All meals are included - expect local Tuscan featuring traditional dishes, along with locally grown produce, wine and olive oil
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Daily group and individual writing lessons
Not included: Airfare, alcoholic drinks, buses, trains or boat transportation outside of that which is specifically listed in the trip package, gratuities for villa staff and drivers
Some things we will cover:
* The basics of planning a compelling story
* The key elements of structure
* The business side of books and screenplays
* Short Form Writing Masterclass – LinkedIn, Twitter, Substack and magazine
* Researching and the art of the interview
* Creating realistic characters
* Beginnings, starts and hooks
* Self editing and editing styles
* Handling point of view
* Working with dialogue
* Working through personal blocks
* Adding depth and layers, tone and voice
* Sourcing tips and techniques
* Understanding what an author brand is and how to build one
* How to launch your brand and publicity ideas
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival and Welcome Dinner
From Rome or Pisa Airport you’ll journey to your accommodation in the heart of Tuscany. After a warm welcome and check in, we’ll gather together and get acquainted, before a retreat opening and writing introduction. Then it’s time for a traditional aperitivo, followed by a welcome dinner where we set our writing intentions for our time together.
Day 2
Kick off your writing.
Every morning we enjoy quiet writing time, then we gather together for a structured writing class. Today we will split you into novels and non-fiction writers as we cover the basics of plot and narrative structure for each genre. After lunch under the vines, you’ll enjoy quiet and focused writing time, a perhaps a siesta.
Then, later in the afternoon, you’ll gather with your fellow writers for a connect session, along with focused writing and feedback. Afterwards you might enjoy a walk to explore the land and take in the spectacular views. This evening you’ll enjoy aperitivo and dinner served up.
Day 3
Unleash your creativity
This morning we once again enjoy breakfast and quiet writing time before gathering together for another content-packed creative writing class.. Today you’ll look at characters, along with how to structure your plot and setting. You’ll also have the opportunity for a one-on-one session for specific advice on your writing.
This afternoon we have a fun exploration of opening your creativity and senses. This evening we’ll enjoy aperitivo, storytelling under the stars and dinner.
Day 4
Explore the past
This morning we once again enjoy breakfast and quiet writing time. Then it’s off to the nearby village for a fascinating walking tour of this historic, medieval town. Afterwards you’ll enjoy time on your own to explore and shop.
This afternoon you’ll gather for focused writing time. This evening you’ll enjoy a light aperi-cena (aperitivo and dinner together).
Day 5
Spa Day and Rest
As usual, our morning begins with gentle movement or quiet writing time, followed by a focused writing session. This afternoon is our spa day enjoy soaking in the hot, mineral pools, perhaps a Turkish bath and massage at the hotel spa.
After lunch, you’ll have time to rest and relax for before our evening a group session. This evening we gather together to share our day’s writing over a friendly aperitivo – with some poetry and feedback – followed by dinner.
Day 6
Write, Write, Write.
This morning, after breakfast and your quiet writing time, you’ll be joining Sarah for our final writing session where we do more advanced plotting, different scenes all books need and the cast of your book. Today is a writing push.
After lunch – your writing continues, as you finalize your writing project! This evening we share our writing journey and our goals going forward. We talk about how to take the next steps, including the publishing journey ahead.
Then it’s time for a special celebratory dinner where you’ll share writing, poetry and life together.
Day 7
Write, Write, Write
Day 8
Closing and farewell
Last Breakfast then departures for Rome or Pisa.
This ancient land with its characteristic landscapes and incredible light will envelope you, as it has countless creatives before you. In fact, the energy – and spectacular land – of these master writers continues to inspire countless authors today. So take a deep breath and soak up your stunning surroundings: the rolling hills of Tuscany.
Sarah Bullen
WHAT OUR WRITERS SAY
Ayla TK, Israel
This retreat topped all of my expectations. It gracefully operates between professionalism, deep connection with the land and creativity, and a load of fun. I felt I was given practical tools to write while also given a beautiful space to meet my muse. It was a magical seven days in Tuscany I will carry with me forever. I will tell you what my husband said when I was contemplating the trip. “Just go!” You won’t regret it
Michelle Ruiz, USA
I did the Italy retreat and it changed my life. There were so many incredible moments that inspired my writing and enlightened my soul. I HIGHLY recommend this retreat. Kate and Sarah are amazing and thoughtful in everything they do. I plan to go to another one of their retreats soon!