PYRENEAN CREATIVE WRITING RETREATS 2024
August 12-19 and August 22-29, Navarra, Spain
Facilitated Writing Retreats in a Relaxed and Supportive Atmosphere
Diana Friedman and Pyrenean Writing Retreats are delighted to be offering a second season of writing retreats at the award-winning mountain retreat, Pyrenean Experience. Voted one of the top ten learning holidays worldwide by the Times of London, Pyrenean Experience has hosted over 1800 guests since 2000.
Join us, August 12-19 and August 22-29, 2024, in Navarra, Spain, for a facilitated writing retreat in a relaxed and supportive atmosphere.
Join us, August 12-19 and August 22-29, 2024, in Navarra, Spain, for a facilitated writing retreat in a relaxed and supportive atmosphere.
- Soak up out-of this-world mountain views and relax in cozy writing nooks and on comfy sofas.
- Gather each morning to discuss pillars of creative writing such as structure, dialogue and voice.
- Join in writing exercises to get your creative juices flowing.
- Take advantage of spectacular mountain views and unparalleled silence to work on your creative projects throughout the day.
- Come together at dinner to discuss your day´s work and experience.
- Enjoy the landscaped gardens, comfy sofas, the small library of books in English and Spanish, and our fully-stocked kitchen.
I love working with Diana. She is encouraging and supportive. She possesses great insight into the shape a piece of writing needs to take on to be effective. I learned a lot from her and would not hesitate to work with her again. --Delia Kostner, PhD
I am just beginning to explore my writing life, and I have not published anything. Is this retreat right for me?
Absolutely! Pyrenean Creative Writer’s Retreat is for anyone committed to the act of writing, regardless of publication or submission history.
Our goal is to create a nurturing, warm, positive space where creative writers can find solitude and support for their work, regardless of experience.
I am a well-established writer who has published frequently. Is this retreat right for me?
Yes! While the morning workshops might feel like review, we also do warm-up exercises and read published works that might help spark something new for you.
The morning workshops are optional and if you choose, you can use that time to work independently. The evening gatherings are useful for everyone as this time can be used to discuss a particular craft problem, process triumphs or setbacks, or try out brand new material.
Absolutely! Pyrenean Creative Writer’s Retreat is for anyone committed to the act of writing, regardless of publication or submission history.
Our goal is to create a nurturing, warm, positive space where creative writers can find solitude and support for their work, regardless of experience.
I am a well-established writer who has published frequently. Is this retreat right for me?
Yes! While the morning workshops might feel like review, we also do warm-up exercises and read published works that might help spark something new for you.
The morning workshops are optional and if you choose, you can use that time to work independently. The evening gatherings are useful for everyone as this time can be used to discuss a particular craft problem, process triumphs or setbacks, or try out brand new material.
Diana has taught me to trust my voice and encouraged me to move beyond my comfort zone. She possesses a terrific mix of sensitivity and challenge and does not shy away from talking about what is missing. She helps you to develop those areas--be it dialogue, character, plot – in a clear, smart and inspired way so your story will soar. Diana is dedicated to each student’s process and the seriousness with which she engages in her teaching fosters trust right from the get go. I feel more playful and devoted to my writing and the stories that are taking shape. My work with her is life giving and priceless. --Anne E. Wild-Rocheleau, PhD
Can I bring my partner? My children?
Adult partners who can be respectful of the quiet space that writers need to work are welcome to join us. There are multiple hiking trails from the house, and bicycles are available to rent in the village.
We can also help arrange other activities such as day trips to San Sebastian or Pamplona or local excursions (not included in the price) for partners. Regarding children, we don’t feel it would be fair to other guests or to children themselves, to bring them to a quiet retreat. Teens 16 and over, who are mature, and who understand that this is a quiet retreat and would like to spend a week learning, writing and/or working on a project are welcome to attend with a guardian or parent. If you are under 18 and would like to attend please contact us directly.
Do I need a car?
No. All guests will be met at the pick-up location in the nearby village of Santesteban, so there is no need for a car while you are here. There are many ways to get down to the villages via mountain walks, and your hosts will be going off the mountain a few times during the workshop in case you need anything. You are welcome to bring a car if you like. Please be aware that the group spends most of the week at the retreat site, so if you feel a need to go into town, you might need to walk or hire a taxi.
Where in the World is the Retreat and How do I get There?
Pyrenean Creative Writing Retreat is held at the farmhouse of Pyrenean Experience in the foothills of the Basque Pyrenees, near a town called Ituren, which is equidistant from both San Sebastian and Pamplona. Most of our guests catch a bus from San Sebastian--about a one hour ride--to a village in the province of Navarra called Santesteban on day one of the retreat. We then pick up guests and take them to the farmhouse--about a fifteen minute drive--from the bus drop off in Santesteban, and return them to the bus on the last morning as well. If you are not able to catch the bus from San Sebastian, there are also buses from Pamplona and Bilbao. We can also help arrange a taxi (at additional cost) from the San Sebastian airport or Hendaye.
Is the Farmhouse Accessible?
Unfortunately, no. There are a lot of stairs and tiny corners to navigate in the house. If you have limited mobility, please consider carefully whether this is the right venue for you.
What is included in the Creative Writing Retreat?
How much does the retreat cost?
1500 euros/1600 dollars
- Morning workshops.
- Breakfast and lunch, buffet style, and sit-down dinner, featuring local food.
- Access to fruit, snacks, coffee, tea and wine throughout the day.
- Full use of the house.
- Bus pick-up from and drop off to Santesteban (an easy bus ride from Pamplona or San Sebastian)
- Orientation to self-guided hikes in the area.
- Bedroom with en-suite bathroom and small writing table.
- Various indoor and outdoor writing nooks.
How much does the retreat cost?
1500 euros/1600 dollars
