Write Away Europe
Italy Writing Retreat

Cross into Creativity at our Summer in Italy Writing Retreat

THE SETTING

A stunning estate in the Roman countryside nestled in the rollings hills of Lazio is the splendid setting for the sublime summer in Italy Writing Retreat. The historical villa estate, once owned by Italian nobility, blends rich history with all the modern comforts and conveniences to foster an inspiring retreat. The lovely estate sits in a tranquil area of protected national parkland surrounded by green fertile foothills dotted with vineyards, olive groves and orchards — all the best of Italy to stir your soul and summon your creative spirit.

THE SCENE

Writers well reside in the historic fully and finely-restored sprawling Esdra Estate, a red-roofed rose-colored villa with well-appointed interiors, set on expansive well-tended gardens with private swimming pool and lovely verandas and terraces looking out at the surrounding hillsides and gardens. Writers will have their own private bedrooms with private en-suite bathrooms. Mornings commence with breakfasts prepared by our on-site private chefs, then some time for writing, relaxing or soaking in the views (or the pool) before our morning Round Table Writing Discussions led by experienced facilitators. Morning discussions are on opportunity to delve into important elements of storytelling and writing craft, to share and discuss how important elements of craft and creativity can help you tell your story to the very best of your ability. The give-and-take discussions give everyone the chance to contribute and glean inspiration from the group and get inspired for the day’s writing. We will enjoy chef-prepared al fresco lunches on the veranda and then have afternoons free for writing or relaxing before reconvening in the early evenings for the Round Table Writing Workshops, a time for sharing and workshopping select short passages of new writings from inspiring writing prompts or from works-in-progress in a safe, supportive and encouraging environment. We will then enjoy delectable dinners prepared by our chef using locally sourced products served al fresco for convivial communal meals in the garden.

THE CHARACTERS

You will be a part of a small, select creative community including aspiring, established and emerging writers all seeking to tell their stories the best way possible with guidance from experienced facilitators. New faces will quickly merge into new friends and a staunch support group. While you share a lot about yourself and the stories you’re striving to tell, you will also learn and benefit from the creative camaraderie and learn to look at you’re writing and the world in new and fresh way.

THE NARRATIVE ARC

There’s a shape to all good stories that involves change and the arc of the Roman Countryside Writing Retreat is that upon arriving at the stunning estate in the tranquil Italian countryside, you’ll begin to leave the world behind. You’ll have the time, the community, support and encouragement to focus on yourself and writing. As the week progresses, you’ll hone your writing skills, generate new writing and ideas, get feedback and support, become part of a new creative community and learn to embrace being a writer. You’ll embark on an immersive and inspiring journey that puts you on that path to discovering your ideal creative process and empowers you to write your story to the very best of your ability and make writing an integral part of your life.

THE MAGIC IN THE MARGINS

Just like great writing lives in the margins, the Italy Writing Retreat goes beyond the text and much of the magic lives in the margins: the intangible moments that happen when you find yourself freed from inhibitions, more fully engaged with yourself, your group and your surroundings. We create the space for you to be generous with yourself, to be comfortable to share your stories and to be open to others and your newfound creative community. You will hone your writing skills, generate new ideas, get feedback and support, and learn to embrace being a writer. It is an intensely personal experience, and there will be laughter, tears, and joy during this transformational retreat that helps you become the best writer you can be.

THE REVIEWS

Write Away Europe has played a leading role in Writing Retreats in Italy and many other captivating destinations in Europe for years, and the glowing reviews are already in and they keep coming as more and more writers find their voice, embrace their stories and take them out into the world. You can read them here: Write Away Reviews and the Write Away Retreat Experience.