Have you been wanting to write a book, book proposal or pitch for months — or even years — but haven’t found the time or the confidence to do it? Have you stalled in the writing because you don’t know if what you write is any good?
How would it feel to move on from doubt to getting your first draft underway, your book finished, edited or pitch done?
We can help you achieve all of this. With over 40 years of combined experience of writing, agenting and publishing, and with hundreds of books published and millions of words written, we’ve seen it all. And we’ve helped scores of wannabe authors like you to figure it out. From getting started to wrangling all the moving parts of a draft, to crafting an eye-catching proposal, and selling up a storm in the bookstores, we’ve got you covered.
If you’re feeling stuck or anxious about writing and publishing, and need industry advice and support, our retreat will get you to the next stage of your writing journey safe, well-fed and sun-kissed. Perhaps you feel that with a few days to yourself, you could get a juicy chunk of writing done, but how often does that happen? No matter how good your calendar organisation, life has a way of filling up the hours.
With our help you will have the time and a beautiful space to write and be lifted towards your goal.
When you do finally find time and space to write, lots of 'head' problems can crop up:
We can help with all this and more. Ultimately, we are here to hold a safe space for you, to help you to leave everyday life behind and build some real momentum with your book project.
No matter what kind of book you want to write – memoir, wellness, a biography of your business, a novel, 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 the whole thing to start taking shape. That’s why we are inviting you to join us on Portugal’s golden Algarve coast. We’ll be with you every step of the way. Even if you don’t think of yourself as a writer, we know you have something important to share, and this is your time to get it underway.
With six uninterrupted days to dream, plan and write, here’s what we will cover in morning workshop sessions:
Casa Fuzetta is an exceptional private home in the heart of the authentic fishing town of Olhão, in the unspoilt eastern Algarve creating the perfect environment to rest, heal and nourish your body, mind & spirit with all of life’s most important things.
Your hosts, literary agent Jacq Burns and ghostwriter Laura Gale, will be there to guide you. Each morning will start with a leisurely breakfast at your own pace. Then we’ll gather for a curated session covering all the important creative and publishing stuff described above.
These sessions are optional and recorded. A beautiful local lunch will follow the morning sessions and then you’ll have time for reflecting and writing, to wander the beautiful old town for inspiration, to take a refreshing dip in the rooftop pool, or for a 1:1 session. In the evening we regroup for brainstorming and Q&A over drinks, and then dinner.
According to the Writers and Artists Yearbook, most writers spend nearly three years on a single book when they try to do it alone.
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 us in Portugal, and give yourself the space and time to coax your book out into the world.
We cover every step of the process from starting to getting your book published. we 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.
Breakfast at your pace. Morning workshop sessions, writing advice and feedback, time to free write and a 1-1 session, are all included. Sessions are optional and recorded for you.
There is free time in the afternoon for you to write, rest, take walks, read or book a private, optional 1:1 mentoring session. There is a swimming pool at the villa and we are close to the sea.
The retreat is for 5 nights and 6 days. You can check in from 4pm and check out is 11am. We have 3 fabulous meals per day included in your stay and these are a great time for connection and conversation. Coffee, teas and mineral water, wine with dinner and fruit are also included.
All rooms are double with ensuite. You do not have to share! The rooms will be allocated in the order of booking.
Email jacq@jacqburns.com to book a retreat chat with Jacq or Laura.