creative writing retreat for beginners

The Ultimate Guide to the Best Writing Retreats

In the hustle and bustle of daily life, finding the time and space to focus on your writing can be a challenge. That’s where writing retreats come in. These immersive experiences provide the perfect environment for writers to escape the distractions of everyday life, focus on their craft, and find inspiration in new surroundings. Whether you’re a seasoned author or a beginner looking to hone your skills, a writing retreat could be just what you need to take your work to the next level.

Why You Need a Writing Retreat

Writing retreats offer a unique opportunity to dedicate uninterrupted time to your writing. They provide a supportive environment where you can focus solely on your craft, away from the distractions and demands of your daily routine. Whether you’re working on a novel, a collection of short stories, or a screenplay, a writing retreat can provide the time, space, and inspiration you need to make significant progress.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens at a writing retreat? At a writing retreat, you’ll typically spend your days writing, with breaks for meals, relaxation, and optional activities like workshops, seminars, or local excursions. Some retreats also offer one-on-one mentoring sessions with established authors or industry professionals.

Who should attend a writing retreat? Anyone with a passion for writing can benefit from a writing retreat. Whether you’re a seasoned author working on your latest novel, a beginner looking to improve your skills, or a busy professional seeking a creative outlet, a writing retreat can provide the time, space, and inspiration you need.

How do I choose the right writing retreat? Consider what you hope to achieve, your budget, and the type of environment in which you work best. Do you want a structured program with workshops and critiques, or do you prefer plenty of free time for independent writing? Do you want a solitary experience, or do you thrive in a community of writers? Research each retreat carefully to ensure it aligns with your goals and preferences.

Benefits of Writing Retreats

Focused Writing Time: With no distractions or responsibilities to pull you away, you can fully immerse yourself in your writing.

Inspiration: New environments, cultures, and experiences can spark creativity and provide fresh ideas for your writing.

Community: You’ll be surrounded by other passionate writers, providing opportunities for networking, collaboration, and feedback.

Skill Development: Many retreats offer workshops, seminars, and mentoring sessions where you can learn new techniques and receive personalized advice to improve your writing.

Wellbeing: Beyond the writing benefits, retreats often offer activities like yoga, meditation, hiking, and more, promoting a balance of physical and mental wellbeing.

In conclusion, writing retreats are a valuable investment in your writing journey. They offer a unique blend of focused writing time, professional development, and personal growth. Whether you’re looking to finish a manuscript, seeking inspiration, or wanting to connect with a community of writers, a writing retreat could be the perfect solution.

Best writing retreats for 2023

This list is a bit of a mess, please search for all the details if one sounds interesting! I’ll probably rent another castle eventually if you want to sign up to my list.

Writers in the Wild, Catskills Oct 20th to 24th.

Catskills Retreat

October 20-24, 2023

Located on a beautiful country estate with 355 acres and miles of trails to wander, you’ll leave your cares behind and truly dive into your creativity.  More details here .

The Ireland Writing Retreat in Donegal, Ireland, offers several retreats in 2023:

• Spring Writing Retreat 2023
• Summer Writing Retreat 2023
• Autumn Writing Retreat 2023
• Paris Writing Retreat 2023

However, the website does not provide specific dates and pricing information for these retreats. The retreats offer a combination of writing workshops, author talks, cultural experiences, and scenic walks. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, I recommend checking their official website or contacting them directly.

Here is the link to their website: Ireland Writing Retreat

The Himalayan Writing Retreat in India offers several retreats and workshops in 2023:

• Creative Writing Course – Himalayas : July 19 – July 23, 2023, for ₹32,000.
• Writing for the Screen – big & small : August 2 – August 6, 2023, for ₹29,000.
• Creative Writing Course – Himalayas : September 2 – September 6, 2023, for ₹29,000.
• Writing Masterclass with Jerry Pinto : September 20 – September 24, 2023, for ₹44,000.
• Writing and Performing in Meter: Poetry Masterclass with Annie Finch : September 26 – October 1, 2023, for ₹36,000.
• The Himalayan International Writers Retreat – Fall 2023 : October 3 – October 13, 2023, for $3,300.
• Translation Masterclass with Arunava Sinha : November 1 – November 5, 2023, for ₹34,000.

Please note that prices are in Indian Rupees (₹) and US Dollars ($), and may vary depending on the specific retreat or workshop.

Here is the link to their website: The Himalayan Writing Retreat

Write Away Europe , Prague Writing Retreat – Here is the link to their website: Write Away Europe, Prague Writing Retreat

Iceland Writers Retreat , Reykjavik, Iceland: An annual retreat typically held in April, featuring a series of intimate writing workshops led by acclaimed authors and cultural tours across Iceland. Participants get a chance to network with fellow writers and get inspired by the country’s breathtaking landscapes. Website

Under the Volcano , Tepoztlán, Mexico: A 10-day retreat held annually in January, this program provides masterclasses for writers looking to advance their craft. It offers immersive learning with renowned authors, fostering a community of writers. Website

Paris American Academy’s Creative Writing Workshop, Paris, France: This month-long retreat every July offers writers a chance to work intensively on their projects while experiencing Paris’ rich culture. It includes writing workshops and cultural tours, providing ample inspiration for writers. Website

Arvon Foundation , United Kingdom: Offering week-long creative writing courses and retreats in serene countryside locations throughout the year. Each course is led by two tutors, allowing participants to engage in an intimate and focused learning environment. Website

Bread Loaf Writers’ Conference , Ripton, Vermont, USA: An annual 10-day event held in August, this conference features workshops, lectures, and classes for writers of all levels. It’s a great opportunity for networking and learning from renowned authors. Website

The Art of Writing , Tuscany, Italy: This retreat occurs in June, focusing on both writing and personal development. It offers a peaceful environment for writers to create, grow, and connect with other creative minds in the beautiful Tuscan countryside. Website

Greece Writers Retreat , Island of Thasos: A week-long retreat taking place in September. Participants can enjoy writing workshops, yoga sessions, and lots of free time to write, relax, and explore the picturesque island. Website

Vancouver and Victoria Schools of Writing , Canada: These schools offer various workshops and classes throughout the year. With a focus on fostering creativity and improving writing skills, these sessions provide a space for writers to learn and connect. Website

Centauri Arts Costa Rica Writing Retreat : This retreat caters to writers of all levels and provides coaching, classes, and communal activities amid the lush Costa Rican landscape. A perfect blend of learning and relaxation. Website

Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers’ Retreat , Colorado Springs, USA: This annual event is dedicated to fiction writers, providing a space to focus on their work and learn from experts in the genre. Writers can also network and share ideas with like-minded individuals. Website

Wide Open Writing , Isla Holbox Retreat, Mexico: This retreat offers guided writing sessions and recreational activities like yoga. A perfect opportunity for writers to combine creative exploration with relaxation and wellness. Website

Ireland Writing Retreat , Travel Writing Retreat, Donegal, Ireland: Based in the heart of Donegal, this retreat helps writers develop and enrich their travel writing skills through workshops and field experiences. Website

Verse Kraken Writing Retreat , Peumerit, France: Open to writers of all genres, this retreat offers a relaxing environment to hone writing skills in the French countryside.

Here is the link to their website: Verse Kraken Writing Retreat

Write Away Europe , Prague Writing Retreat: This retreat offers guided writing sessions, workshops, and cultural exploration in the vibrant city of Prague, Czech Republic. A unique opportunity for writers to immerse themselves in a different culture while refining their craft. Website

The Aegean Arts Circle Writing Workshops in Andros, Greece, are scheduled to take place from June 17th-25th, 2023. The workshops are led by award-winning authors and are designed for writers who need time away from their regular lives to write. The workshops are intensive and provide a small, close-knit writing community. The workshops meet every day and are challenging enough to bring out the best in participants, whether they are aspiring or published writers. However, the website does not provide specific pricing information for these workshops.

Here is the link to their website: Aegean Arts Circle Workshops

Black Sea Writing Retreat , Mai, Romania: This retreat specializes in travel, food, and entertainment writing. Participants get a chance to hone their skills in a specific genre, while also exploring the culturally rich region. Here is the link to their website: Black Sea Writing Retreat

The Creative Writer’s Workshop in Ireland offers several workshops and retreats in 2023:

• Writing Retreats | Workshops
• Fiction Writing Retreats | Workshops
• Memoir Writing Retreats | Workshops
• Fiction Writing Course Online

However, the website does not provide specific dates and pricing information for these workshops and retreats. The workshops are designed for writers of all levels and focus on both fiction and memoir writing. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, I recommend checking their official website or contacting them directly.

Here is the link to their website: The Creative Writer’s Workshop

Writing On Water Croatia Retreat: This retreat offers a variety of writing workshops in a villa overlooking the Adriatic Sea. Participants can enjoy the natural beauty of Croatia while focusing on their writing projects. Here is the link to their website: Writing On Water Croatia Retreat

Writing With Care at the Ochre House Retreat: A retreat for writers and creative artists providing an environment conducive to creativity. The location and activities are designed to foster a sense of community and inspire creativity. Here is the link to their website: Writing With Care at the Ochre House Retreat

Women Reading Aloud, Greece Writing Retreat: A women’s retreat on the island of Alonnisos in Greece, offering writing workshops and communal activities in an empowering, supportive environment. Here is the link to their website: Women Reading Aloud, Greece Writing Retreat

The Writers Who Run (Or Walk) Retreat in North Carolina, USA, is scheduled to take place from July 10-16, 2023. The deadline to register is June 23, 2023. The retreat is a week-long event that combines writing workshops with a 5K and 10K race. It offers a supportive and friendly environment for writers to be inspired, productive, and creative. However, the website does not provide specific pricing information for the retreat.

Here is the link to their website: Writers Who Run (Or Walk)

The Storyteller Within, Journey Into Sacred Expression Women’s Retreat in Lake Atitlan, Guatemala, has two sessions scheduled for 2023:

• July 7-15, 2023
• August 25 – September 2, 2023

The retreat is designed for all women who want to reveal their own truths, connect to their intuition, reclaim their soul voice, feel empowered in their unique self-expression, and be inspired as the courageous storyteller of their own lives. However, the website does not provide specific pricing information for the retreat.

Here is the link to their website: The Storyteller Within

Hamlet’s Hideaway , Denmark: This retreat offers mentoring from established writers in a quiet, peaceful setting in Denmark. Participants can enjoy the solitude needed to focus on their work while also benefiting from expert guidance. Here is the link to their website: Hamlet’s Hideaway

Pink Pangaea , Writing and Hiking Retreat in the Swiss Alps: This retreat combines writing workshops with outdoor activities in the Swiss Alps. Participants can draw inspiration from nature while honing their writing skills. Here is the link to their website: Pink Pangaea, Writing and Hiking Retreat in the Swiss Alps

The Taos Writer’s Retreat , Taos, New Mexico, USA: A retreat for women writers offering workshops, meals, and activities at The Mabel Lodge Luhan House. A combination of professional guidance and community building. Here is the link to their website: The Taos Writer’s Retreat

The Writing Room , Write n’ Walk Spain, Asturias: This retreat offers a guided trek and writing sessions in Asturias, Spain. A perfect blend of outdoor exploration and focused writing. Here is the link to their website: The Writing Room, Write n’ Walk Spain

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The 8 Best Affordable Writing Retreats That Won’t Break the Bank

Reading Lists

Gift a friend (or yourself) what writers want most: time, space, and a place to focus.

Networking, hustle, and industry understanding are unfortunate burdens of the life of a young and working writer. But trickier still is finding solitude. Privacy, quiet, and uninterruption are crucial to the craft; if solitude is one of the challenges of writing, it is also essential.

While residencies and fellowships are wonderful, most ask for applications and portfolios, and that can be prohibitive when you’re just starting out. Writing retreats are another means of getting away — and they can be done affordably, some even offering scholarships. Most bring together a small community of writers for a few days, so there is the opportunity for socializing and meeting the like-minded. Some involve travel to local sites or parks, or daily meetings to discuss the industry or the craft.

If you’re looking to get some peace and focus — or the best gift for your writerly friend this holiday season — here are some of the best writing retreats we found that won’t break your bank.

Wellspring House Retreat  — Ashfield, Massachusetts, $260-$280/week

Retired English professor Preston Browning is the co-director of Wellspring House with his wife, author Ann Hutt Browning. The Wellspring House is run exclusively as a retreat for writers and artists, and as such is open all year: winter rates (mid-November to April 1st) are $260/week for an individual, and $290/week for a couple. Normal rates are only slightly higher: $280/week for an individual, and $310/week for a couple. You can also choose to stay just one to three nights for about $60–$90 per night. Each stay comes with access to the large living room and kitchen, along with access to one of the two common bathrooms (in total, the house hosts about six rooms). And if you’re really looking to get away, this retreat will help you do it: while the house offers modern amenities like laundry, the website warns that the house has no cell phone service.

Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers Retreat  — Colorado Springs, Colorado, $65-$399

The Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers Retreat takes place in the foothills of the Colorado Rockies, at the Franciscan Retreat Center. Spanning three nights, it often contains special agent and author guests — in 2018, for example, Sandra Bond from the Bond Literacy and authors Heather Webb and Corinne O’Flynn will be there, leading talks and workshops, including a Publishing AMA by Sandra Bond. Residents can choose days only ($65 total, including meals), to stay and share a bedroom with one other resident ($299 total), or to have their own private bedroom for the duration of the retreat ($399 total).

God’s Whisper Farm Writer’s Retreat  — Radiant, Virginia, $195 + $25/night

At the God’s Whisper Farm Writer’s Retreat, writers stay on a farm containing goats, chickens, dogs, and cats. They can enjoy writing workshops, talks from writers, meditation sessions, open mics, and shared, home-cooked meals. All rooms have two bunks and cost $25/night, but if you want slightly more private accommodations, you can opt to stay at a nearby Airbnb or at Best Western. If you want to avoid fees altogether, there are also ten free campsites nearby. Keep in mind the $195 rate is an early bird rate; prices may go up if you book within about three months of the retreat, hosted in late June.

Kundiman Retreat, in partnership with Fordham University  — Bronx, New York, $375 + $25 application fee

In partnership with Fordham University, the nonprofit organization Kundiman offers a retreat for 36 lucky participants who apply. Kundiman, according to their site, aims to nurture writers and readers of Asian American literature. Keeping with this mission, top Asian American poets and writers lead the Master Classes and manuscript consultations at the retreat. The five-day retreat also includes reading, writing circles, and informal social gatherings, with room and board included in the subsidized tuition fee. Applicants can apply to either the poetry or writing track: as part of the retreat, poetry fellows get a free consultation on a 10-page manuscript, while fiction fellows get a free consultation on a 15-page manuscript.

‘The Moth’ Retreat for Artists and Writers , Cavan, Ireland, €300, or about $355 a week

If you want to submerse yourself in history during your retreat, try crossing the pond and attending The Moth Retreat for Artists and Writers, located at a house in Cavan, Ireland. According to the retreat website, Samuel Beckett went to school just a half an hour northwest of the home, while renowned writers like Seamus Heaney and Patrick Kavanagh all lived within an hour’s drive. The house itself is completely private, and includes a large studio, kitchen, and breakfast room downstairs, and a bedroom and bathroom upstairs. Fresh eggs are provided every morning, though you are expected to furnish your own meals. If you want to bring a friend or guest, that will cost you an extra 100 euros. Need a ride to the bus station or help finding other provisions? The publishers of The Moth are nearby and ready to help, according to the retreat website.

The Good Contrivance Farm Writer’s Retreat  — Reisterstown, Maryland, $550 for one week

Another solitary retreat you could try is run by The Good Contrivance Farm, and is hosted in a contemporary loft apartment in the farm’s main barn. The Good Contrivance Farm is a non-profit that aims to preserve and restore historic farms in Maryland. To apply, send in a résumé and writing sample (space is booked on a first-come, first-served basis). Once booked, you’ll enjoy private use of the apartment, which includes great views of the farm, a full kitchen, 1.5 baths, a small library, and free WiFi. You can stay up to 4 weeks, with discounted rates the longer you stay (going as low as $450 per week if you stay the full four — though add $100 a week if you plan on having a second person stay with you.) Proceeds of the retreat all go to the non-profit.

The Watering Hole Winter Retreat  — McCormick, South Carolina, $299–$399

The Watering Hole Winter Retreat is focused on building community among its 42 hosted poets. The retreat has no traditional classrooms, and aims to provide more publishing opportunities for poets of color, according to its site. Facilitators and speakers include renowned National Book Award winners, MacArthur Geniuses, recipients of the NAACP Image Award, and more. Interested writers can apply with a cover letter and three poems, and the site mentions that preference is given to applicants who are members of The Watering Hole Facebook Group and those who follow the organization’s Facebook fan page. During the fellowship, writers stay at modern cabins at Hickory Knob State Park.

The Mariandale Center’s Life Writing/Memoir Retreat  — Ossining, New York, $350

The Mariandale Center is a quiet spot in Ossining, New York that hosts retreats and other programs. Included in the writing retreat are daily workshops, craft discussions, writing prompts, feedback on writing, and time to work on projects. Writers can also enjoy walks near the mountains and river. For this particular retreat, which spans three nights, all meals are included, and writers of all genres and experience levels are welcome.

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