There’s nothing quite like a writing workshop, conference, or retreat to get writing inspiration flowing and help overcome writer’s block. They provide a change of pace, a chance to relax and unwind, and space to focus on your craft. These events can also offer opportunities to connect with other writers and build community and a network of support. If you’re thinking about going to a writing retreat or conference this year, here are some options which involve traveling to new places and trying new things, allowing you to step out of the everyday norm and into a new creative headspace.
Inspired Writer’s Retreat
When: February 2-5, 2023
Where: We begin with a scenic journey into the quiet heights of the majestic Wasatch mountain range just outside of beautiful Heber, Utah. There are twists and turns in the road, with stately evergreens standing beside the weathered remains of once-living timber.
So has been your life’s journey, and it is culminating here in a sumptuous log cabin equipped with every modern comfort. Our retreat cabin is easy to access, even in the winter.
This retreat is all-inclusive with three-and-a half days and three nights lodging and nine delicious meals—Thursday lunch through Sunday breakfast—prepared by a private chef. As part of your retreat, each writer receives a one-on-one intensive with lead book mentor Bridget Cook-Burch—a New York Times and Wall Street Journal Best-Selling author—writing development activities, an in-house editor, and a stunning and safe space to inspire and provide quiet writing time. Writers of all levels and genres are welcome. The retreat will cover the whole process from building an outline and chapter summaries to navigating how to publish.
Find pricing and additional information here. Inspired Writer’s Retreats are hosted quarterly, in Utah as well as in Ireland and Italy, so if these dates don’t work for you, keep an eye on their website.
Women’s Writing Retreat in Italy
When: September 16-22, 2023
Where: This all-inclusive retreat is held at the stunning, serene Cignella villas in Tuscany.
Join Jess Lourey, bestselling, award-winning, multi-genre author and retired writing professor along with writer, life coach, and seasoned retreat leader Allison Quaid on this week-long, all-inclusive women’s 2023 writing retreat. Whatever your writing experience and goals, prepare for an alchemy of escapism, creativity, and renewal in magical Italy!
This retreat gifts you the dedicated time, space, and guidance your writing deserves. During our week together, we’ll begin mornings with a delicious, healthy breakfast. Then, you’ll set your writing goal for the day. Jess and Allison will provide proven writing techniques designed to help you release writing blocks, organize your ideas, and find your motivation. You’ll uncover the heart of your creativity—whether you’re not yet sure what you want to write, or you’re working on a deeply personal memoir, a transformational self-help book, or a captivating short story or novel—so you have a true-north compass for your writing journey.
Your afternoon is set aside for rest, writing, and play! Nap, write on your own, research, explore our Tuscan home base, take an inspiring walk, lounge by the pool, daydream, call a taxi to a nearby town to shop or explore, sign up for a one-on-one with Jess or Allison for individualized guidance, enjoy a glass of sparkling wine on your patio, or form a supportive writing feedback group with two or three other women.
Register and find more information about pricing and what is included here.
Aspen Words’ Summer Words Writing Conference
When: June 18-23, 2023
Where: Summer Words 2023 will take place in Snowmass Village, Colorado, a vibrant community with incredible mountain vistas in addition to 2.8 million adjacent acres of wilderness open for activities and exploration. Snowmass is home to 30+ restaurants, shopping, unique special events and music—all year round.
Recognized as one of the nation’s top literary gatherings, Summer Words is a six-day celebration of words, stories and ideas held annually in an idyllic Rocky Mountain setting.
The conference offers juried workshops in book editing, fiction, memoir, middle grade, personal essay, poetry and science-fiction/fantasy. Led by acclaimed faculty, the workshops meet every morning over the course of 5 days. A non-juried open writing workshop meets for four mornings and a moderated readers retreat meets for three mornings. Afternoons include panel discussions, craft talks, and meetings with publishing professionals, among other activities.
Find more information here.
Write Away Europe Greek Island Writing Retreats
When: May 21-27, 2023
Where: The Write Away Naxos Writing Retreat offers an inspiring and invigorating Writers Retreat in the heart of the Cyclades on the enchanting island of Naxos, Greece, the largest and most fertile of the Cycladic Islands. Being surrounded by stunning views over the Aegean Sea, olive groves, vineyards, and classic Cycladic architecture and history will soothe your senses and summon your creative spirit.
Naxos is famous for its legendary history, its unique culture, its long sandy beaches and crystal clear waters. The rich history and great beauty of the island have inspired writers and artists throughout the ages, making it the ideal place to disconnect from your everyday life and reconnect with your muse. There are ancient archaeological sites that still stand sentinel over the island.
Writers will reside in private rooms in a charming boutique hotel near the ink-blue Aegean Sea and will get inspired by stimulating Round Table Writing Discussions and Workshops, convivial group dinners savoring delectable local cuisine as well as evening social gatherings and still also have free time available for additional inspiring activities.
The Write Away Naxos Writers Retreat, the stimulating beauty of the island, and the inspiring daily Writing Round Table Workshops all combine to make Naxos an idyllic place to unleash your creative potential.
Find additional information here. Write Away Europe also has other retreats in 2023 in Hydra, Greece (May 7-13), Tuscany, Italy (June 25 – July 1), Plovdiv, Bulgaria (July 23-29), and France (September 17-23).
Words in the Hills Spring Campout
When: April 21-23, 2023
Where: South Bloomingville, OH
The 2nd annual Words in the Hills Spring Retreat will be hosted at Camp Oty’Okwa in the beautiful Hocking Hills. This 3-day writing retreat welcomes creative writers of all genres and experience levels. Poets, novelists, songwriters, essayists, and anyone who enjoys the art of writing are invited to join in this supportive environment. You will leave refreshed and inspired!
This retreat offers workshops, critique sessions, an open mic, and more. This is place where you can explore and grow in different areas of your writing and creativity, a place where you can receive support and feedback from peers surrounded by tall trees, quiet fields, waterfalls, and open skies.
Find more information here.
Writing and Listening — an Interview with Brooke Randel
As a young girl Brooke Randel knew little about the Holocaust—just that it was a catastrophe in which millions were murdered, and that her grandma Golda Indig barely escaped that fate. But her Bubbie never spoke about what happened, and the two spent most of their time together making pleasant memories: baking crescent roll cookies, playing gin rummy, and watching Baywatch. Until an unexpected phone call when Golda said, out of the blue: “You should write about my life. What happened in the war.” What results is a fascinating memoir—about one woman’s harrowing survival, and another’s struggle to excavate theRead more…