WRITERS RETREAT 26 Aug - 2 Sep 2023
Join us in a 17th century villa, in the heart of Tuscany.
26 August - 2 September 2023
Warm sun on your shoulders, filtered through the branches of an ancient oak tree.
A pencil and paper in hand and your eyes dancing across the scene before you: a sweeping vineyard, silvery olive groves and the rolling hills of Tuscany reaching out to infinity – dotted with villages, towers and castles.
Here you are in Italy, immersing yourself in the opportunity to be mentored by author and coach Kate Emmerson and writing mentor Sarah Bullen, as you experience an unforgettable writing journey to get your book or writing project, on track. Together, with Kate and Sarah, you’ll travel the journey of memory, dive deep into the craft of writing, have heaps of fun, enjoy unforgettable experiences in Italy and join a supportive community of fellow writers.
Maybe it’s the light, Maybe it’s the fresh air. Or maybe it’s the contagious enthusiasm of your expert teachers, but the inspiration here is practically palpable. You can feel it in the atmosphere and all around you, turning the act of writing into an unforgettable event.
The course is a daily combination of technical writing techniques, working through your personal and writing blocks, finding ways to access your memories and plan your story. This is ideal if you are writing a novel, memoir, biography, non-fiction or e-course and you need to understand how to structure a publishable book.
Both novices and experienced writers are welcome.
A pencil and paper in hand and your eyes dancing across the scene before you: a sweeping vineyard, silvery olive groves and the rolling hills of Tuscany reaching out to infinity – dotted with villages, towers and castles.
Here you are in Italy, immersing yourself in the opportunity to be mentored by author and coach Kate Emmerson and writing mentor Sarah Bullen, as you experience an unforgettable writing journey to get your book or writing project, on track. Together, with Kate and Sarah, you’ll travel the journey of memory, dive deep into the craft of writing, have heaps of fun, enjoy unforgettable experiences in Italy and join a supportive community of fellow writers.
Maybe it’s the light, Maybe it’s the fresh air. Or maybe it’s the contagious enthusiasm of your expert teachers, but the inspiration here is practically palpable. You can feel it in the atmosphere and all around you, turning the act of writing into an unforgettable event.
The course is a daily combination of technical writing techniques, working through your personal and writing blocks, finding ways to access your memories and plan your story. This is ideal if you are writing a novel, memoir, biography, non-fiction or e-course and you need to understand how to structure a publishable book.
Both novices and experienced writers are welcome.
THE LOCATION
Accommodation is 17th century Villa Poggio alla Trese, situated along the border between Tuscany and Umbria.
Arrival and departure airport: Rome Fiumicino.
This is an adjustment we've made for all of our trips since the pandemic. Rome has done a wonderful job adjusting and has established excellent Covid practices, they also offer more flight choices at a better price point.
This ancient land with its characteristic landscapes and incredible light will envelope you, as it has countless creatives before you, including some of the greatest writers the world has ever known, like Renaissance master, Dante. In fact, the energy – and spectacular land – of these master writers continues to inspire countless authors today. So take a deep breath and soak up your stunning surroundings: the rolling hills of Tuscany, the sweeping vineyard outside your window and the winding, cypress-lined lane that meanders past your private villa.
Think…
* 17th century villa
* morning cappuccino under a rose-covered pergola
* fresh-baked torta
* strolls through the vineyard
* winding alleyways in medieval villages
* vines laden with ripe, red grapes
* pizza night
* wine and cheese tastings
* geraniums spilling from window boxes
* dinners under the Tuscan stars
Accommodation is 17th century Villa Poggio alla Trese, situated along the border between Tuscany and Umbria.
Arrival and departure airport: Rome Fiumicino.
This is an adjustment we've made for all of our trips since the pandemic. Rome has done a wonderful job adjusting and has established excellent Covid practices, they also offer more flight choices at a better price point.
This ancient land with its characteristic landscapes and incredible light will envelope you, as it has countless creatives before you, including some of the greatest writers the world has ever known, like Renaissance master, Dante. In fact, the energy – and spectacular land – of these master writers continues to inspire countless authors today. So take a deep breath and soak up your stunning surroundings: the rolling hills of Tuscany, the sweeping vineyard outside your window and the winding, cypress-lined lane that meanders past your private villa.
Think…
* 17th century villa
* morning cappuccino under a rose-covered pergola
* fresh-baked torta
* strolls through the vineyard
* winding alleyways in medieval villages
* vines laden with ripe, red grapes
* pizza night
* wine and cheese tastings
* geraniums spilling from window boxes
* dinners under the Tuscan stars
COST 2023
Trip Price:
Single Occupancy with Ensuite Bath: $5,590 USD
Single Occupancy (smaller room) with Ensuite Bath: $5,290 USD
Single Occupancy with Shared bath: $4,690 USD per person (maximum 2 of same gender per bath)
Deposit and payment plan
COST INCLUDES
* 7 nights’ stay at Villa Poggio alla Trese, located near Chiusi, Tuscany, Italy
* Private group transfer to/from Airport
* Private transport service to/from all side trip locations included in the itinerary
* All abundant breakfasts featuring Italian pastries, fruits, cheeses, cold cuts, cereals, yogurts and eggs, along with caffè, cappuccino, teas and juices
* All but one lunch
* All delectable dinners featuring traditional dishes from the regions of Tuscany and Umbria, locally grown, organic produce and wine and olive oil from the villa’s estate
* Daily group and individual writing lessons with Kate and Sarah
* Evening aperitivo hour for connecting and reflecting on the day’s events with fellow students
* Daily, onsite support and accompaniment by Strada Toscana
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
This is a structured writing workshop for writers of all levels who want to tell their story or write their book. The course is a daily combination of technical writing techniques, working through your blocks, finding ways to access your memories and plan your story. This is ideal if you are writing a novel, memoir, biography, non-fiction, e-course and you need to understand how to structure a publishable book.
Trip Price:
Single Occupancy with Ensuite Bath: $5,590 USD
Single Occupancy (smaller room) with Ensuite Bath: $5,290 USD
Single Occupancy with Shared bath: $4,690 USD per person (maximum 2 of same gender per bath)
Deposit and payment plan
COST INCLUDES
* 7 nights’ stay at Villa Poggio alla Trese, located near Chiusi, Tuscany, Italy
* Private group transfer to/from Airport
* Private transport service to/from all side trip locations included in the itinerary
* All abundant breakfasts featuring Italian pastries, fruits, cheeses, cold cuts, cereals, yogurts and eggs, along with caffè, cappuccino, teas and juices
* All but one lunch
* All delectable dinners featuring traditional dishes from the regions of Tuscany and Umbria, locally grown, organic produce and wine and olive oil from the villa’s estate
* Daily group and individual writing lessons with Kate and Sarah
* Evening aperitivo hour for connecting and reflecting on the day’s events with fellow students
* Daily, onsite support and accompaniment by Strada Toscana
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
This is a structured writing workshop for writers of all levels who want to tell their story or write their book. The course is a daily combination of technical writing techniques, working through your blocks, finding ways to access your memories and plan your story. This is ideal if you are writing a novel, memoir, biography, non-fiction, e-course and you need to understand how to structure a publishable book.
ITINERARY
Day 1 – Saturday, August 26: Arrival
Day 2 – Sunday, August 27: at Villa
After lunch here at the villa, you’ll enjoy some quiet and focused writing time.
In the early evening, we will gather to share our day’s writing over a friendly aperitivo followed by a delectable chef-prepared dinner with some poetry.
Day 3 – Monday, August 28: Città della Pieve
In the afternoon you’ll return to the villa for a bit of rest before gathering together for another content-packed writing class with Sarah and Kate. Today you’ll look at characters in your book, along with how to structure your plot and word building. You’ll also have the opportunity for a one-on-one session for specific advice on your writing.
This evening, with Kate, you’ll take a soulful look at your life and journey, followed by aperitivo and another regional-style dinner prepared by chef Lorenza.
Day 5 – Tuesday, August 29: at Villa
After lunch your writing continues, and in late afternoon you’ll take a mindful walk through the estate’s olive grove, where you’ll get to know the process of making olive oil, followed by a delicious olive oil tasting and fireside, bruschetta-making lesson, together with aperitivo.
This evening’s dinner will feature a mixed grill and classic, Tuscan side dishes. Over dinner, Kate will help you unpack the common writing blocks that arise in the journey of a writer.
Day 4 – Wednesday, August 30: Montepulciano
In the late afternoon, it’s off to the land of Tuscan vineyards and the beautiful hill town of Montepulciano where you’ll begin your visit in regal Piazza Grande. Here you’ll walk in the footsteps of the great Medici family, as you explore – and shop – your way along the palazzo-lined alleyways of this picturesque, walled village.
Afterwards we’ll meet up at our friends’ fabulous 15th century wine cantina where you’ll enjoy a wine tasting, along with a light dinner.
Day 6 – Thursday, August 31: Città della Pieve
In late afternoon, it’s off to Città della Pieve for a scenic walk followed by aperitivo in a private home. Then we continue to our friends’ pizzeria for a delicious, wood-fired pizza.
Day 7 – Friday, September 1: at Villa
After lunch – served up at the villa – your writing continues, as you finalize your writing project! This evening we share our writing journey and our goals going forward. We talk about how to take the next steps, including the publishing journey and becoming an author brand.
Then it’s time for a special celebratory dinner prepared by chef Lorenza where you’ll share writing, poetry and life together.
Day 8 – Saturday, September 2: Departure Early morning departure to Florence Peretola Airport.
Day 1 – Saturday, August 26: Arrival
- Dinner
Day 2 – Sunday, August 27: at Villa
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
After lunch here at the villa, you’ll enjoy some quiet and focused writing time.
In the early evening, we will gather to share our day’s writing over a friendly aperitivo followed by a delectable chef-prepared dinner with some poetry.
Day 3 – Monday, August 28: Città della Pieve
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
In the afternoon you’ll return to the villa for a bit of rest before gathering together for another content-packed writing class with Sarah and Kate. Today you’ll look at characters in your book, along with how to structure your plot and word building. You’ll also have the opportunity for a one-on-one session for specific advice on your writing.
This evening, with Kate, you’ll take a soulful look at your life and journey, followed by aperitivo and another regional-style dinner prepared by chef Lorenza.
Day 5 – Tuesday, August 29: at Villa
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
After lunch your writing continues, and in late afternoon you’ll take a mindful walk through the estate’s olive grove, where you’ll get to know the process of making olive oil, followed by a delicious olive oil tasting and fireside, bruschetta-making lesson, together with aperitivo.
This evening’s dinner will feature a mixed grill and classic, Tuscan side dishes. Over dinner, Kate will help you unpack the common writing blocks that arise in the journey of a writer.
Day 4 – Wednesday, August 30: Montepulciano
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
In the late afternoon, it’s off to the land of Tuscan vineyards and the beautiful hill town of Montepulciano where you’ll begin your visit in regal Piazza Grande. Here you’ll walk in the footsteps of the great Medici family, as you explore – and shop – your way along the palazzo-lined alleyways of this picturesque, walled village.
Afterwards we’ll meet up at our friends’ fabulous 15th century wine cantina where you’ll enjoy a wine tasting, along with a light dinner.
Day 6 – Thursday, August 31: Città della Pieve
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
In late afternoon, it’s off to Città della Pieve for a scenic walk followed by aperitivo in a private home. Then we continue to our friends’ pizzeria for a delicious, wood-fired pizza.
Day 7 – Friday, September 1: at Villa
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
After lunch – served up at the villa – your writing continues, as you finalize your writing project! This evening we share our writing journey and our goals going forward. We talk about how to take the next steps, including the publishing journey and becoming an author brand.
Then it’s time for a special celebratory dinner prepared by chef Lorenza where you’ll share writing, poetry and life together.
Day 8 – Saturday, September 2: Departure Early morning departure to Florence Peretola Airport.
TESTIMONIALS
“…I was supported and held by the professional and talented partnership that is Sarah and Kate. They are an extraordinary team with heart, backbone and intellect and lots of experience with publishing. If you are considering a writing retreat don’t think twice! Do it.”
- Gabi Lowe, author Get Me to 21
“The course structure finally let me realize my book can be achieved with structure and the framework Sarah worked out with me. It taught me how to get from idea to a book.”
- Julian Cowburn
“I have so much clarity and belief in myself. It was just a magical experience in a tiny village with writing support and clear direction and feedback. I made friends for life.”
- Di Atherton
“This was mind-blowing. I was overwhelmed by the amazing people, the teachers, the food, the swimming, the guest speakers, the support and love. It allowed me to see my life in a new perspective. The time was very well structured and we were pushed to write and develop our books with guidance.”
- Grace
“The venue was magnificent and the facilitators world-class. This was more than a retreat it was a nurturing, relaxed and supportive writing journey that will take you out of your head and into your book.”
- Ana Forsmann
“If you want to write, you definitely can’t go wrong with Kate and Sarah. I was so happy there was clear course content and it took us down the path of planning and writing. Finally I am getting out of my head and writing my book.”
- Patricia Harper
“What a marvellous group of women to spend a creative week with …Sometime’s being the only bloke is a lucky advantage. The openness, the impulsive hilarity, the quirky direction all conversations flowed into… made for a memorable experience. The novel writing workshop was helmed by Sarah Bullen – a master class of structure, plot, content, hooks… and a spinal tap into imagination and spontaneous crafting. Kate Emmerson drove the ship with the very lightness of ‘being’ – a carefully crafted schedule designed to remind ourselves of who we are, what we’re capable of… and what a gift it is, to be able to ‘be.’ Soul work and clattering keyboards – a glorious combination.”
- Nick Lorenz
“The Writing Retreat, run by Kate Emmerson and Sarah Bullen, was one of those very special and life changing events in my life. It was exceptionally inspiring. This retreat not only taught me the facts and structure of writing a book but it also gave me the encouragement, motivation and belief in my self to do it. Kate and Sarah were awesome hosts. Sarah, who shared her talent and writing experience with us and Kate who was so inspiring and motivating, were the perfect combination of talented people to provide learning and guidance, not only to write but to deal with general life challenges.I would recommend this retreat to anyone looking for inspiration in their lives to write a memoir and to find the motivation to want to achieve everything they have wanted to in life.”
- Venetia Howes
“Everything worked – I wouldn’t change a thing. Thank you for treating us as individuals so that we could each go through our own journeys at our own paces.”
- Anne Wanless
“It was good to be away from home in a new setting. There’s something about a foreign country that makes you push your own boundaries + step out of your comfort zone, and do things you otherwise wouldn’t. Learnt a lot even though this is my second book.”
- Jennifer Cole
“ I know have a much clearer idea of what I need to do to write a book that will be considered by publishers. Sarah’s approach is reasonable and practical. Kate’s sessions allowed me to stay in touch with my heart. Free time and day trips created an enjoyable balance between working hard and loving the journey.”
- Tracy Gibbs
- Gabi Lowe, author Get Me to 21
“The course structure finally let me realize my book can be achieved with structure and the framework Sarah worked out with me. It taught me how to get from idea to a book.”
- Julian Cowburn
“I have so much clarity and belief in myself. It was just a magical experience in a tiny village with writing support and clear direction and feedback. I made friends for life.”
- Di Atherton
“This was mind-blowing. I was overwhelmed by the amazing people, the teachers, the food, the swimming, the guest speakers, the support and love. It allowed me to see my life in a new perspective. The time was very well structured and we were pushed to write and develop our books with guidance.”
- Grace
“The venue was magnificent and the facilitators world-class. This was more than a retreat it was a nurturing, relaxed and supportive writing journey that will take you out of your head and into your book.”
- Ana Forsmann
“If you want to write, you definitely can’t go wrong with Kate and Sarah. I was so happy there was clear course content and it took us down the path of planning and writing. Finally I am getting out of my head and writing my book.”
- Patricia Harper
“What a marvellous group of women to spend a creative week with …Sometime’s being the only bloke is a lucky advantage. The openness, the impulsive hilarity, the quirky direction all conversations flowed into… made for a memorable experience. The novel writing workshop was helmed by Sarah Bullen – a master class of structure, plot, content, hooks… and a spinal tap into imagination and spontaneous crafting. Kate Emmerson drove the ship with the very lightness of ‘being’ – a carefully crafted schedule designed to remind ourselves of who we are, what we’re capable of… and what a gift it is, to be able to ‘be.’ Soul work and clattering keyboards – a glorious combination.”
- Nick Lorenz
“The Writing Retreat, run by Kate Emmerson and Sarah Bullen, was one of those very special and life changing events in my life. It was exceptionally inspiring. This retreat not only taught me the facts and structure of writing a book but it also gave me the encouragement, motivation and belief in my self to do it. Kate and Sarah were awesome hosts. Sarah, who shared her talent and writing experience with us and Kate who was so inspiring and motivating, were the perfect combination of talented people to provide learning and guidance, not only to write but to deal with general life challenges.I would recommend this retreat to anyone looking for inspiration in their lives to write a memoir and to find the motivation to want to achieve everything they have wanted to in life.”
- Venetia Howes
“Everything worked – I wouldn’t change a thing. Thank you for treating us as individuals so that we could each go through our own journeys at our own paces.”
- Anne Wanless
“It was good to be away from home in a new setting. There’s something about a foreign country that makes you push your own boundaries + step out of your comfort zone, and do things you otherwise wouldn’t. Learnt a lot even though this is my second book.”
- Jennifer Cole
“ I know have a much clearer idea of what I need to do to write a book that will be considered by publishers. Sarah’s approach is reasonable and practical. Kate’s sessions allowed me to stay in touch with my heart. Free time and day trips created an enjoyable balance between working hard and loving the journey.”
- Tracy Gibbs
