Puglia Writers Retreat
21-26 MAY 2023
hosted by:
Jacq Burns
Write your future bestseller near the amazing Puglian coast of Italy
Hosted by Jacq Burns, literary agent, founder of London Writers' Club
Do you want to write a book, book proposal or pitch but haven’t found the time or the confidence to do it? Have you struggled or stalled with your writing because you don’t know if what you write is any good?
How would it feel to move on from time-scarcity or doubt to getting your first draft underway, your book finished, edited or pitch done?
I can help you: with over 30 year’s experience of writing, book-selling, agenting and publishing, overseeing hundreds of books published and millions of words written, I’ve seen it all. And I’ve helped many budding authors like you to figure out how to do it for themselves.
With the best of my industry advice and support, on this retreat I will get you to the next stage of your writing journey safe, well-fed and sun-kissed. With guidance in morning workshops, direct advice, and afternoons to write, followed by a Q and A session, you could get a juicy chunk of great writing or pitching done.
With my help you will have the time and a beautiful space to write and be lifted towards your goal.
When you sit down to write, do 'head' problems crop up?
- I can’t figure out what to focus on
- I don’t know how to structure my material
- I have a lot to say but don’t know how to say it
- I get stuck every time I sit down to write
- I can’t make the writing match what I had imagined it to be
- I need time and space away from work and home!
- I know what I want to write about, but I’m so overrun with work and life admin that I don’t have enough time to make it happen
I can help with all this and more. I will hold a safe space for you, to help you to leave everyday life behind and build some real momentum with your novel or non-fiction book.
Jacq will meet you wherever you are at with your project
No matter what kind of book you want to write – memoir, a biography, or business book, a novel, or a deep-dive on an issue you care about – writing a book requires time and focused energy.
Finding the space and the right support is often all that’s needed for it to take shape. That’s why I am inviting you to join me on Italy’s wild Puglian coast. I’ll be with you every step of the way. Even if you don’t think of yourself as a writer yet, I know you have something important to share, and this is your time to get it underway.
With uninterrupted time to dream, plan and write, here’s what we will cover in morning workshop sessions:
- Your big idea, premise & clarity on what to write about
- Planning, structuring, drafting and editing your material
- Getting representation
- A clear insight into all of your publishing options
- A realistic plan to take away and implement so that your book gets written, edited, published and marketed as you envision.
- PLUS: moving past blocks, getting out of a creative rut and creating a bigger future with your writing.
Your accommodation awaits...
Welcome to Puglia
Our accommodation is a boutique hotel in a historical palazzo in the centre of Vignacastrisi, near Castro, creating the perfect environment to write, rest, eat and nourish your body, mind & spirit with all of life’s most important things.
Introducing your host and a typical retreat day
Jacq Burns
Your host, literary agent Jacq Burns will be there to guide you. Each morning will start with a leisurely breakfast at your own pace. Then we’ll gather for a workshop session covering all the important creative and publishing stuff described above.
A beautiful local lunch will follow the morning sessions and then you’ll have time for reflecting and writing, to wander the old town for inspiration or coffee, to take a refreshing dip in the pool. In the evening we regroup for brainstorming and Q&A over drinks, followed by dinner. You’ll also be able to book a one-to-one session with Jacq during the retreat.
According to the Writers and Artists Yearbook, most writers spend more than three years on a single book when they try to do it alone. I will help you avoid that experience.
This retreat is your time to get immersed in your writing and fast track your book and we will support you with whatever you need. Join me in Italy, and give yourself the space and time to coax your book out into the world.
Are you in? I can't wait to welcome you to Puglia for 6 days to dream plan and write. You'll go home with:
- A book concept that will launch you into a whole new world
- An irresistible book title and subtitle
- A clear structure planned out
- Solid writing done, and/ or a show-stopping proposal
- Clarity about the order of things and who you need on your team to make your book a success
Here are some answers to commonly asked questions:
I cover every step of the process from starting to getting your book published. I meet you where you are at and you’ll take home a strong sense of the whole writing and publishing process and what you need to do next to be successful.
Daily: Breakfast at your pace. Morning workshop sessions, writing advice and feedback, time to free write, are all included.
There is free time in the afternoon for you to write, rest, take walks, read or book a private 1:1 mentoring session. There is a swimming pool at the villa.
The retreat is 5 nights and 6 days. Check in is from 4pm and check out is 10.30am. All meals in the palazzo are included and these are a great time for connection and conversation. Coffee, teas and mineral water, fruit and wine at dinner are also included.
On market day in Poggiardo you’ll have the chance to explore and shop for local goods before lunch at your leisure. On the last night we will have a celebration dinner in a local restaurant. These two meals are not included.
All rooms are double with ensuite. You do not have to share though this is possible on request. The rooms will be allocated in the order of booking.
