Write Away Europe’s Creative Writing Retreats are different than other Writers Retreats or workshops. They’re not about being by yourself and struggling with your project but about being surrounded by stimulating new environments and inspiring groups of other like-minded writers. They’re about disconnecting from your hectic everyday world and reconnecting with yourself and your love and passion for storytelling. You will be energized and motivated and go home with an experience of a lifetime and the tools and strategies to make writing and creativity a way of life.
"This Retreat experience was so much more than I even expected. This was the best investment I've ever made in myself." Abby R., Essayist, Personal Memoir Writer
"My heart is still in Tuscany... I am glad I took some me time for writing in such a peaceful environment with amazing people. Thank you for the best experience ever. I miss everyone already." Masako T., Nonfiction Writer
"I wanted you to know how really grateful I am for your many kindnesses and your lovely and creative work... Thank you for sharing, and thank you for all the wonderful moments that will live on in my experiential vocabulary. I savour our time together...the relationships you build while there are the most endearing, sparkling and generative aspect" Kathleen K., Writer
"I couldn’t possibly have loved it more! Thank you again for putting it on and allowing us all to come together in one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever spent time!" Kimberly P., Novelist
"Missing the villa and great company! I managed to get inspired enough to get more work done on my novel in the past week than in the entire past year." Aloy A., Screenwriter and Novelist
"What an experience: that workshops, the evening conversations and dinners. There's absolutely no substitute for getting to be surrounded by a group of people who share your passion for books and writing." Carolyn R., Novelist
"Loved every minute!!!! Thank you all so much, miss you already!" Manal N., Short Story Writer, Personal Essayist
"I hope you know how incredibly amazing you are! You taught me more than I ever expected in a very short amount of time. The week was filled with so many new adventures and surprises. All I could see was an impressive array of activities that you managed to put together seamlessly. Your give and take worked wonderfully for everyone in attendance. I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Prague, the retreat, and mostly meeting all of you. I will remember this time fondly and with great appreciation for the help, guidance, and friendship from everyone. Thank you so much." Debbie M., Fiction Writer
"I thoroughly enjoyed each and every one of you during our wonderful week together and hope to see your faces again whether in person, on more book covers, TED talks, or national interviews celebrating your works. I took your advice and have used some of the writing prompts to write about my writing, completing a synopsis, a beat sheet and a back cover blurb to help light the way forward and am now more inspired to continue on my novel and create productive spaces and habits." Jillian S., Novelist
"The Paros Retreat experience was literally life-changing for me. I've found the courage and inspiration to write every day and have written more words in the past week than I had in a year." Isabelle P., Memoirist
"The Prague Retreat reignited my creative energy, left me inspired and excited to get back to writing." Perry W., Novelist
"Life is good, although truly ordinary in comparison to writing, swimming and doing yoga under the Tuscan sun, getting to know wonderful people while enjoying the best of food and wine. I guess that's what the word "extraordinary" is reserved for. While Tuscany is feeling somewhat far away, my gratitude for the experience and all of you remains close."Margaret A., nonfiction writer & short story fiction writer
"A massive thank you to the four of you for looking after us so well. I think you realised it was a big success and I wanted you to know how much I appreciated the hard work that goes in to making things work. It was a great experience that I will always treasure. I learned a great deal from the three of you and from the others in the group. I really liked the demographics of our group. Different ages, cultures, experience and lots of different stages and aims for our writing. It opened up a lot of possibilities for the group and I personally valued very highly everything I learned from others in the group." Dr. Clare L., essayist and blogger
"I seriously wondered if Paros had been merely a dream although its serendipitous effect did linger and my sense of overwhelming happiness from having participated in the program continued to exert a strong impact on me. So at this time let me express my gratitude to you both for giving me one of those memorable experiences of a lifetime and to tell you how much my life has been enhanced by you." Anna C., short story writer
"How grateful I am for the last week and for all I was able to take away from everything we did. I appreciate everything you did for us, and especially for me. This last week was something incredibly special, and I am so lucky to have been a part of it. Thank you, thank you, thank you." Elizabeth O., playwright
"Thank you for making all of our time so special & memorable. Every detail was obviously carefully planned, & you shepherded us through each delightful meal & activity with the kind of grace that let us blissfully forget all the work that goes into organizing a group (working) holiday. All your tips enriched every day. I had a fabulous time talking & laughing with you all week."Heather G., novelist
"I'm back in Chicago (and back at the office -- Day 2, ugh). But I'm working hard on my script with all the ideas gleened from the workshops and our talks and trying to stay on course!" Kate H., scriptwriter
"Thanks for the inspiration, the friendship and all of the wonderful memories, moments which I look forward to reliving through my journal and photos." Chris K., nonfiction writer
"Thank you, to each of you beautiful souls, for sharing your lives and stories this week. I had no idea that I'd take so much away from the last 9 days." Liz S., dramatist
"I was nervous on arrival, not quite sure what to expect meeting strangers with whom I would be spending the ensuing week. Those fears dissolved with the welcome dinner and upon waking the following morning, I felt a sense of hope that had long been absent from my life. Each day proved more invigorating than the previous and by the end of the week my heart was filled with joy, my journal overflowing with words, and my mind bursting with ideas. I see a way forward in my writing that was lost to me prior and have made bonds that will last a lifetime." Isabelle T., memoir writer
"I've gotta say this has absolutely been a trip of a lifetime. My face hurts from smiling so much. I feel inspired. Invigorated." Lisa D., screenwriter
"Thanks for the energy and inspiration! What a life-chainging week, my notebooks are filling!" Maureen J., travel & non-fiction writer
"I really can't put into words my experience at the Write Away retreat. I went as a traveler/writer should, with an open mind and heart, and what I have received has not only re-inspired my writing, but has given me a creative well to draw upon. I believe if that well is to ever run dry I can reflect upon my time at the retreat and again be re-inspired." Travis K., fiction writer
"I already miss you all, our boisterous laughter, our deep talks, and silly jabber. During our week together, you all helped me remember how good life can be, and who I was trying to be before I strayed from my path. I'll be grateful forever, to all of you, for nudging me back on course." Heather G., novelist
"The teachable moments, the creative laughter and the immense intellectual propensity from the facilitators along side the participant writers is a must for any writer." Mike L., novelist
"I was blown away by the well organized dining and travel accommodations that took the usual anxiety away from travel. To all this I say thank you with a big heart and anyone one that embarks on their journey to Greece will have it placed as an anchor in their hearts." Jesse T., nonfiction writer
"The Write Away retreat was given to me as a surprise gift, I just signed my first book deal based on my blog and proposal and I needed to decide on the plan for my book and ideas to fill the pages. I found both at the retreat. After each productive workshop, I was raring to get planning and writing. I'm feeling inspired and well-armed with lots of thoughts for moving forward with my book." Sarah M., nonfiction lifestyle writer