CREATIVE WRITING RETREATS IN THE BASQUE PYRENEES
MAY 16-23, 2022
Published authors, Diana Friedman and Georgina Howard, are delighted to be teaming up to offer a spring writing retreat 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 Diana and Georgina May 16-23, 2022, 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 various pillars of creative writing such as structure, dialogue and voice; participate 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.
FAQs About the Creative Writing Retreat
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. Would this retreat be right for me?
Yes! While the morning workshops might feel like review, we also do warm-up exercises and read samples of 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 gathering are useful for everyone as this time can be used to discuss a particular craft problem, discuss process triumphs or setbacks, or try out brand new material.
Is this a competitive retreat? Why do I have to submit something about my writing when I make my reservation?
We don't care for anything competition-related when it comes to writing retreats! Everyone who considers themselves a writer--experienced or aspiring--is welcome at the retreat. We ask guests to submit a few words about themselves and their projects/ideas to ensure that they are committed to a week of writing. This information also gives the facilitators an idea of how to best tailor the morning workshops.
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). Regarding children, we don’t feel it would be fair to other guests or to children themselves, to bring them to a quiet retreat.
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 or want a lift into town. You are welcome to bring a car if you like.
What do I need to bring?
A laptop, all your writing materials, and adaptors if you are not coming from continental Europe
A good pair of walking boots/shoes
Clothing for cold weather--warm socks, sweater, rain jacket, layers for outdoor hiking)
Clothing for warm weather--shorts, t-shirts, bathing suit (just in case we get a warm spell)
Clothing for lounging around the house--sweats, slippers, hoodies, etc.
All toiletries and medicines
Headphones, if you are sensitive to noise from others while you are writing
What is included in the Creative Writing Retreat?
Are there any scholarships?
At this time we cannot offer any scholarships due to the high cost of running the retreat. We hope to offer scholarships in the future.
How much does the Creative Writing Retreat cost?
1250 euros.
- Daily morning workshops
- Breakfast and lunch, buffet style, and sit-down dinner, featuring local food.
- Access to fruit, snacks, coffee and tea, throughout the day, and wine
- Full use of the house
- Bus pick-up.
- A guided hike from the house (optional) and an orientation to self-guided hikes in the area
- Bedroom with en-suite bathroom and small writing table
- Various indoor and outdoor writing nooks
Are there any scholarships?
At this time we cannot offer any scholarships due to the high cost of running the retreat. We hope to offer scholarships in the future.
How much does the Creative Writing Retreat cost?
1250 euros.