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Boot Camp Writing Retreat Featuring Darcy Nybo
Amorgos 21-26 October 2024
About this trip
📚✨ “Calling all storytellers! 🖋️✨ Unplug from the ordinary and plug into inspiration at our upcoming Boot Camp Writing Retreat. Immerse yourself in the tranquility of nature, surround yourself with fellow writers, and let the creative energy flow. Whether you’re a seasoned author or just starting your literary journey, join us for a week of words, wisdom, and wonderful connections. Let’s turn the blank page into a canvas of endless possibilities! 🌿📖
THE RETREAT WEEK SUMMARY:
This five-day intensive Boot Camp Writing Retreat is for those willing to do what it takes to become better writers. You’ll learn about character arcs and character sketches, how to properly plot your story, and how to use tension and/or curiosity to keep the reader reading. On the final two days, you’ll be immersed in the world of self-editing and the pros and cons of self-publishing.
The Boot Camp Writing Retreat is part lecture, on-the-spot writing, and take-away assignments. Be prepared to write!
There will still be plenty of time to explore the island and Amorgos’s wonders.
Darcy Nybo Bio
Darcy Nybo began her writing journey in the second grade and has never looked back. She’s a university-level writing instructor and has helped hundreds of writers achieve their dreams. Many of her writing clients have gone on to be picked up by agents and publishers, and their books have won awards across the globe. In addition, she’s an award-winning author, a magazine editor, and a book editor.
She has taught at Okanagan College, Camosun College. She currently holds creative writing courses online and in person through the University of Victoria and the Royal Roads University in British Columbia, Canada.
Darcy is working on her third novel and recently published a quirky book on wine grapes. She also writes children’s books and loves a good short story.
Testimonials
“Darcy made me want to learn more and write better.” –Barbara M.
“My writing coach/editor, Darcy Nybo, gave great advice to me, as an author making a transition from academic writing to fiction.” –Ronald Niezen, author of traditionally published The Memory Seeker, a Best Thriller Finalist.
“Darcy Nybo pushed me to become a better writer.” –J.N. Johnson, author of Pig, a Reader’s Favorite Award Winner.
“Darcy coached me through the steps to go from writer to author. She was there for me every step of the way.” –Kelly Pawlik, author of the Olympic Vista Chronicles.
Itinerary
Upon your arrival to Amorgos, a hotel van (or bus) will be waiting to transfer you to the Lakki Village Hotel, where you can check in, rest, swim, or read.
Then, we start with character sketches and arcs, which are highly important to your work. Readers read to feel. Your job is to write with feeling so readers love or hate the characters you’ve created. Be proud of your characters and know what makes them tick so the readers love (or hate) them, too.
During this first morning session, everyone will introduce themselves and discuss what we’re writing and what we’re looking for from the retreat. The guest authors will talk about the industry and offer clarity on direction.
Planning and plotting. You’ll learn about plotters, pansters, and plotting pansters. You’ll be asked to choose which one you think you are and write the plot accordingly. There will be many handouts to help you create the perfect plot outline so your characters have plenty of room to roam and even surprise you now and then.
Keep them reading by learning what makes readers turn the page for “just one more chapter.” You’ll learn how to use tension, curiosity, conflict, and cliffhangers to keep your readers reading long after they vowed they’d stop reading or make them want to get home to finish where they left off.
Learn to edit your own work. This is a hands-on, share-with-everyone group participation day. There’ll be plenty of great tips on self-editing and finding bad habits. You’ll also learn why AI editors can help but can hinder your story’s professional look. We’ll be editing work participants have written to date at the boot camp.
The first half of the day will cover self-publishing’s pros and cons. We’ll look at costing, some spreadsheets to help you determine your spending, and self-publishing as a business. The last half of the final day is dedicated to answering as many of your questions as possible!
Today, we will discuss promotion outside social media. Once you’ve written your breakout novel and you’re looking for sales, we’ll supply you with tricks and tips that’ll help with promotion. Jonas Saul will demonstrate through proven results how to get your work in front of readers.
The hotel will transport you on the ferry, which will take everyone back to Athens (or other islands if you want to keep touring Greece!). Once on the boat, you can continue to other European cities, keep touring, or stay in Athens longer.
If you’re leaving for home immediately, please consider that the boat ride back to Athens is approximately eight hours. Be sure to give yourself an extra day before flying out to ensure you arrive on time for your flight.