A Novel Idea
Is 2022 the year to pen your first novel or memoir? Give creative aspirations a happy ending with these writing retreats.
No matter how old or young, everyone has a story to tell – but getting that story onto the page can be a challenge.
Whether you dream of composing your very own memoir, a children’s book, a gripping work of fiction (who knows, it may well top the bestsellers list one day!) or any other type of novel, a creative writing retreat is a great way for novices with a big dream to take the first little step in making it a reality.
Here’s our pick of the very best retreats designed to help you put pen to paper…
LA DOLCE VITA
Described as an ‘alchemy of escapism, creativity and renewal’, this female-only writing retreat in Tuscany takes place over a week in May and prides itself on supporting writers regardless of their experience or goals – even if they’re yet to write a single word.
Course leader, writer Jess Lourey, takes a holistic approach and aims to help you find the true emotional heart of the story, whether fiction or otherwise.
But this break goes far beyond the actual writing. Time is set aside to help guests reconnect with themselves and also bond with like-minded women –important elements that subconsciously aid the creative process.
The best bit? This is all set against a backdrop of rolling hills, and the mediaeval churches and cobbled streets of Montecatini Terme, a spa town west of Florence. Expect excursions, memorable meals, pasta making classes and even a little time spent in Rome.
How: From May 14-20. Costs from €3,064.94 per person, including all tuition, accommodation and some meals.
ANAM CARA
Anam Cara Writer’s and Artist’s Retreat is an all-inclusive writer’s haven. It is long established and based in the wilds of the Beara Peninsula in Co Cork. Anam Cara is set high on a heather-covered hillside on the Wild Atlantic Way and promises “a tranquil spot, set apart, to nurture and to provide sanctuary for those who create”.
Whether you come to work on a writing or artistic project of your own or as part of a workshop or special interest group, you will find support, creature comforts, and peace – all you need is to produce your best creative work.
Your hostess is Sue Booth-Forbes, an experienced writer and editor who began her editing career at Cambridge University Press. She aims to “create an ambience and a daily schedule that will help you concentrate your energies on your artistic endeavour”. And in the evening, you may want to share your work in conversation with others in front of a turf fire or watch the sun set in the magical west-of-Ireland sky. Sue recommends a stay of at least a week to “let the breezes off Coulagh Bay clear your creative path”. The retreat is pandemic restrictions but watch this space.
Visit anamcararetreat.com.
DEVELOP YOUR NOVEL WORKSHOP
North Devon is the setting for this charming five-night retreat that aims to help aspiring fiction writers of all abilities.
Stay in a cosy old barn with creaking floors, crackling fireplaces and fine country views, located in the small village of Sheepwash, a 35-minute drive from the coast. Led by novelist Rebecca Horsfall, the short break balances structured learning alongside lots of free time to focus on your own creativity.
The in-depth morning sessions last two hours and cover crucial components from planning and how to develop the strongest possible idea and plot, to mastering the notoriously tricky opening pages and avoiding the ‘mid-novel slump’.
Full of constructive advice and encouraging guidance, there’s no shying away from suggestions on how to make your book as good as possible.
Time is also dedicated to supportive group discussions and individual coaching sessions. Horsfall, who also works as a ‘book doctor’ and lectures in creative writing, is happy to share her personal experiences and valuable advice on how best to increase your odds of getting the novel published – once you finish it, of course.
How: From June 13-17. Costs from €799.76 per person, including full-board accommodation.
Visit retreatsforyou.co.uk
Creative Residencies
The Tyrone Guthrie Centre at Annaghmakerrig, close to the border with Northern Ireland in Co Monaghan, is a residential workplace for local, national, and international artists of all disciplines and cultures. Opened in 1981, the Tyrone Guthrie Centre offers residencies of up to one month, rather than retreats. This peaceful oasis is homely and welcomes all writers and artists at any stage on their creative journey. There are some entry requirements but they are very flexible. Annaghmakerrig House, or ‘The Big House’ as it is affectionately known, accommodates up to eleven residents in comfortable rooms.
Additional accommodation was created through the refurbishment of Farmyard Cottages, which provide self-catering accommodation for five additional residents. The centre is run by Dr Éimear O’Connor who has over thirty five years’ experience in the Irish arts sector.
Visit tyroneguthrie.ie
CREATING WRITING HOLIDAY
Ireland Writing Retreats in scenic Co Donegal is worth considering for immersive week long experiences. Currently they are offering a weeklong, creative writing holiday in Gweedore. The fee includes all writing classes, guest author appearances, accommodation in single, ensuite rooms and breakfast for six nights; local culture and language introduction; music concerts; island boat ride and guided walk along the beautiful hills, lakes and rugged coastline of west Donegal with Wild Atlantic Way lunch; local food tasting in a thatched cottage; and a visit to an old Irish castle. The Summer Writing retreat is from June 13 - 19, priced €1,777.
Visit irelandwritingretreat.com.
WRITING A MEMOIR
Is there any more important story to tell than your own? The pandemic has caused a huge surge in ‘everyday’ people wishing to write their memoirs, in a bid to keep that important history alive for generations to come.
Leading biography writing agency Master Storytellers is hosting a three night Memoir Retreat in the spring, designed to provide all the insight and inspiration needed to create a gripping and emotional life story.
Taking place at Henley Hall – a 16th century country estate in Shropshire with 12 acres of glorious grounds – the small group retreat will feature bestselling authors and ghost-writers.
They will deliver talks, classes, workshops and private sessions focusing on the key areas that every good memoir should have.
You’ll learn all the technical stuff, such as how to structure the book, add pace and drama, and find your unique tone of voice. Plus, tips on how to craft powerful creative components; writing about people and places evocatively so the reader can vividly picture your childhood bedroom or the Greek island you went to for your honeymoon.
There’ll also be a segment on tackling painful memories and how to revisit the past.
For those who want their memoir to have a real A-list feeling, there’s also the opportunity to be photographed for the cover of your biography by a top celebrity photographer.
How: From May 19-22. Costs from €1437.17 per person, including all tuition and full-board accommodation.
Visit master-storytellers.com.
Middle of Nowhere
If you want to go solo to spark your own creative energies, then get away from it all at Kinramer Cottage on Rathlin Island in Northern Ireland. This remote old farmhouse is located on a working organic hill farm, close to extensive coastal nature reserves.
A great base for writing while walking and watching the island’s wildlife. It has a well-equipped, self-catering kitchen, central heating and two washrooms, the ‘bunkhouse’ suits families, groups or sharing individuals and is regularly frequented by writers and artists. The cottage is distraction-free with no TV or Wi-Fi.
Visit kinramercottage.com
Listowel Writer’s Week
Listowel Writer’s Week takes place from June 1 - 5 this year and is a great magnet for writers, artists and poets. Immerse yourself in writing in this lovely Co Kerry heritage town.
Visit writersweek.ie.
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