Portugal Writers Retreat
Enquire now for
12 - 17 NOVEMBER 2025
hosted by:
Agent, Jacq Burns with chef & author Rosie Sykes & a Guest Literary Agent
Write, plan and move your book forward in gorgeous Portugal
Hosted by Jacq Burns
Have you wanted 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?
Jacq can help you achieve all of this. With over 30 years of experience of writing, agenting and publishing, and with hundreds of books published and millions of words written, I’ve seen it all. And I’ve helped scores of 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, I’ve got you covered.
If you’re feeling stuck or anxious about writing and publishing, and need industry advice and support, this 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 Jacq’s help you will have the time and a beautiful space to write and be lifted towards your goal.
When you sit down to write, lots of 'head' problems can crop up:
- I can’t figure out what to focus on
- I don’t know how to order the 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
- I keep getting distracted by publication and marketing
- I need some space
- 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. 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.
Jacq will meet you wherever you are at with your 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 I am inviting you to join us on Portugal’s golden Algarve coast. I’ll be with you every step of the way. Even if you don’t think of yourself as a writer, I 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 will be covered in morning workshop sessions:
- Ideation & 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 Bonus sessions on: Sorting out head trash, getting out of a creative rut and creating a bigger future with your writing
Your accommodation awaits...
Welcome to Casa Fuzetta
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.
Introducing your host and a typical retreat day
Jacq Burns
Your host, literary agent and Business Book Awards Head Judge, 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 curated session covering all the important creative and publishing stuff described above.
These sessions are optional. 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 you are free to explore the town for 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.
Are you in? We can't wait to welcome you to Olhao for 6 days to dream plan and write. You'll go home with:
- A book idea that will launch you into a whole new world
- An irresistible book title and subtitle
- A clear structure planned out
- Solid book content 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:
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Covering every step of the process from starting to getting your book published, Jacq will meet you where you are at. You’ll take home a strong sense of the whole writing and publishing process and what you need to do next to be successful.
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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.
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There is free time in the afternoon for you to write, rest, 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. Evenings are free to explore the town.
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The retreat is for 5 nights and 6 days. You can check in from 3pm and check out is 11am.
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We have author and chef, Rosie Sykes on hand to cook for us each day in the villa. All meals apart from one dinner and one lunch outside the villa are included.
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Coffee, teas and mineral water, fruit, and wine with dinner are also included.
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You’ll also receive a goodie bag and a copy of Jacq’s book, Write a Bestseller.
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All rooms are double with ensuite. You do not have to share! If you wish to share with a friend, please enquire. The rooms will be allocated in the order of booking.
