A Week of Writing, Inspiration, and Exploration!
Looking to enhance your writing skills while immersing yourself in the beauty and culture of Greece? Our Writing Retreat in Tolo at The John & George Hotel is the perfect blend of creativity, learning, and adventure. Spend an entire week in one of Greece’s most scenic coastal towns, where you’ll focus on crafting your next literary masterpiece while exploring ancient ruins, stunning islands, and charming towns.
What’s Included in the Tolo Writing Retreat:
- Round-trip Transportation: Enjoy convenient transport from Athens to Tolo and back with our hotel van service. No worries about travel logistics – we’ve got you covered.
- 7-Night Accommodation: Stay at the beautiful John & George Hotel, right in the heart of Tolo, where you’ll enjoy comfortable rooms and scenic views.
- All Writing Sessions: Access all group sessions, personal one-on-ones with our expert authors, and a chance to get feedback and guidance to improve your writing.
- Buffet Breakfast: Start each day with a Greek buffet breakfast, featuring coffee, tea, fresh juices, seasonal fruits, cheeses, olives, eggs, and other delicious local dishes.
- Greek and International Dinners: Taste a variety of dishes, from Greek specialties to American favorites, served in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Explore Greece While Writing:
- Tour Epidaurus: Visit the Ancient Theater of Epidaurus, an UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the best-preserved ancient theaters in Greece.
- Nafplio Walking Tour: Discover the first capital of Greece, with its Venetian-built old town and the historical Bourtzi Castle.
- Hydra & Spetses Islands: Enjoy two of Greece’s most beautiful islands—Hydra, where cars are banned, and Spetses, the filming location of Knives Out!
- Retreat Materials: Receive a gift bag packed with writing tools, resources, and fun goodies to inspire your creativity.
Pre-Retreat Athens Exploration (Optional):
- Discover Athens’ Rich History: Explore iconic sites like the Acropolis, Parthenon, and Temple of Zeus with a guided tour. Learn the fascinating stories behind Athens’ most famous landmarks.
- Local Flavor: Enjoy traditional Greek meals in vibrant neighborhoods like Monastiraki and Plaka, while soaking in the charming atmosphere of this historic city.
Writing Skills and Crafting Your Story:
- The Novel Idea: Whether you’re outlining or diving straight into the narrative, learn techniques to develop compelling plots and unforgettable characters.
- Show, Don’t Tell: Learn the art of showing emotions, actions, and settings to create vivid scenes your readers will love.
- Active Voice & Writing Style: Discover how using active voice boosts your writing and keeps readers engaged. We’ll also cover cadence, flow, and how to avoid common writing pitfalls.
- Pacing Your Story: Learn how to create the perfect pacing to keep your readers hooked from start to finish.
- Character Motivation: Delve into how to develop character goals and motivations that drive your narrative forward.
- Self-Editing Tips: Master the art of self-editing with practical techniques that will save you money and time while improving your manuscript.
- Creating Tension and Emotion: Discover how to infuse tension, conflict, and emotion into your scenes, making every page a gripping read.
- Industry Insights: Get the latest tips on industry standards, manuscript formatting, self-publishing vs. traditional publishing, and how to market your books.
Special Guest Authors:
- Jonas Saul: Bestselling author of the Sarah Roberts Series (2 million+ copies sold). With over 60 thrillers published, Jonas shares how to write with tension and emotion, craft compelling characters, and navigate the writing industry.
- Dwayne Clayden: Crime thriller author and former police officer with 42 years of experience in law enforcement and emergency services. Dwayne will share real-life stories and expert tips for writing authentic crime thrillers.
Your Writing Retreat Week:
- Mornings: Begin your day with a nutritious Greek breakfast followed by morning writing sessions from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Work on your craft, ask questions, and learn valuable writing techniques.
- Afternoons: After lunch, enjoy free time to write, edit, explore Tolo’s beaches, hike, or relax. You’ll also have one-on-one sessions with guest authors to focus on your personal writing goals.
- Evenings: Join us for delicious dinners and share your writing journey with like-minded individuals. In the evenings, we’ll host readings, critiques, and discussions about marketing, promoting your book, and navigating the writing industry.
BONUS: Post-Retreat Follow-Up
Once the retreat concludes, we offer video calls to review your progress and answer any lingering questions about your writing career. Plus, we’ll share your work with our community of 50,000+ followers on social media to help promote your books and projects.
Why You Should Join Our Tolo Writing Retreat:
- Inspiration at Every Turn: Whether you’re looking to start your writing journey or enhance your existing work, you’ll find endless inspiration in the beauty and tranquility of Tolo.
- Networking Opportunities: Connect with fellow writers, guest authors, and industry experts, and build lasting relationships that will support your writing career.
- Comprehensive Writing Support: From plot development and pacing to self-editing and marketing, we cover all aspects of the writing process.
Ready to immerse yourself in Greek culture, develop your writing skills, and make lifelong memories? Spots are limited, so book your place today!