Write Your Book Retreat Holiday
20th - 27th September 2015
Retreat - the act of withdrawing, as into safety or privacy; retirement; seclusion. Dictionary.com
"When asked, 'How do you write?' I invariably answer, 'one word at a time.'" Stephen King
Would you like to :
By immersing yourself in the holiday state of mind: away from your normal day-to-day routine you can allow your creativity to flow.
If you have imagined being a published author, have a book forming in your mind, one scribbled in notes or even thought about it but dismissed the idea as whimsy, in one week you can have a fabulous holiday while you write your book. Your time will belong to you and the demands of everyday life will be far, far away. Your muse is ready to join you; to lubricate your mind with your creative juices as you relax and gaze across the Aegean.
I will share:
Michelangelo said, "Every block of stone has a statue inside it and it is the task of the sculptor to discover it" and, "Carving is easy, you just go down to the skin and stop."
Book writing is pretty much the same. Whatever your personal reasons for wanting to write a book, taking action is the first step. There are many unfinished manuscripts lurking in dusty cupboards (or on clunky hard-drives) but even more are still a mere thought. If you have a desire please act on it.
What
Writing a book to tell a story or to and share your knowledge in the written word is exciting and fun. My retreat guides you from twinkle to actual book.
However, the first steps can seem daunting and the roller-coaster of emotions can jiggle you into a heap. I talk with so many people who want to write but they are unsure how to start.
Writing a book requires the use of both sides of the brain or your whole brain. Some people start on their books but are unable to follow through while for many others it remains a dream or something 'other' people do.
When you get your fun-on the thought of writing your book stokes the fire in your belly and the creative muse flows from your soul. When you enter the flow your writing will flourish to enable you to discover your authentic voice.
But, writing the book isn't enough in the publishing industry today. The first question any agent or publisher will ask is that of the bong-wielding Caterpillar in Alice in Wonderland, namely, 'Who? Are? You?' - you will build your USP and platform for you to get your book 'out there' and develop a marketing plan for you to instigate. This is pertinent whether you are seeking a traditional publisher or if you wish to self-publish.
Who
This course is suitable for all writers: would-be published authors and/or as part of your brand development. If you have knowledge you want to share or have a story to tell, this is for you.
As an author and publisher I understand the challenges. I also know the feeling of pure pleasure when the book is completed. Are you ready to create your dream?
"When asked, 'How do you write?' I invariably answer, 'one word at a time.'" Stephen King
Would you like to :
- Write your book
- Be a published author
- Have your words flow
- Develop a marketing plan
- Move from hobby to professional
- Revel in and love the whole process
By immersing yourself in the holiday state of mind: away from your normal day-to-day routine you can allow your creativity to flow.
If you have imagined being a published author, have a book forming in your mind, one scribbled in notes or even thought about it but dismissed the idea as whimsy, in one week you can have a fabulous holiday while you write your book. Your time will belong to you and the demands of everyday life will be far, far away. Your muse is ready to join you; to lubricate your mind with your creative juices as you relax and gaze across the Aegean.
I will share:
- How to arouse your muse; your creative spirit
- Ways to free your mind clutter
- Meditations for clear-thinking, future visioning and intentions
- How to be in the right frame of mind to create your book
- Self-publishing - ideas and options
- What publishers/agents want
Michelangelo said, "Every block of stone has a statue inside it and it is the task of the sculptor to discover it" and, "Carving is easy, you just go down to the skin and stop."
Book writing is pretty much the same. Whatever your personal reasons for wanting to write a book, taking action is the first step. There are many unfinished manuscripts lurking in dusty cupboards (or on clunky hard-drives) but even more are still a mere thought. If you have a desire please act on it.
What
Writing a book to tell a story or to and share your knowledge in the written word is exciting and fun. My retreat guides you from twinkle to actual book.
However, the first steps can seem daunting and the roller-coaster of emotions can jiggle you into a heap. I talk with so many people who want to write but they are unsure how to start.
Writing a book requires the use of both sides of the brain or your whole brain. Some people start on their books but are unable to follow through while for many others it remains a dream or something 'other' people do.
When you get your fun-on the thought of writing your book stokes the fire in your belly and the creative muse flows from your soul. When you enter the flow your writing will flourish to enable you to discover your authentic voice.
But, writing the book isn't enough in the publishing industry today. The first question any agent or publisher will ask is that of the bong-wielding Caterpillar in Alice in Wonderland, namely, 'Who? Are? You?' - you will build your USP and platform for you to get your book 'out there' and develop a marketing plan for you to instigate. This is pertinent whether you are seeking a traditional publisher or if you wish to self-publish.
Who
This course is suitable for all writers: would-be published authors and/or as part of your brand development. If you have knowledge you want to share or have a story to tell, this is for you.
As an author and publisher I understand the challenges. I also know the feeling of pure pleasure when the book is completed. Are you ready to create your dream?
Where
In Skala Eressos on the island of Lesvos, where the energy of Sappho remains; softly breathing in the rhythm of the tide while gently waiting, to inspire you.
I describe it as Shirley Valentine meets Mama Mia! Together with Sappho Travel we make the whole experience from thought to arrival, easy.
Why
Sometimes just 'being' is all anyone craves and life here allows that with its gentle simplicity. You can detach yourself while relaxing into the rhythm of being away from your normal routine knowing that you can, if you choose, remain in touch through the free Wi-Fi that is pretty much everywhere.
During your holiday you will discover how to plan, develop your voice and style, write, self-publish or prepare for submitting your book to an agent or publisher, market, create your brand, develop your platform and USP.
My methods are eclectic and when you let the magic in you'll be thrilled with what flows out! Using a variety of techniques you can achieve your dream to write your book.
If you have knowledge and experiences to share that can help others or if you can weave words in the true art of story telling then this is definitely for you.
When
Why not now? Is it time for you to invest in yourself and your dream to be an author?
How
During your stay we will get together for 14 hours over 4 days as a group. The rest of the time is yours to write, develop, create, think and gaze/and/or swim out to the rock. Plus sunshine, sea and the bliss of 'just being' while you write your book. When not together as a group I will be nearby if you have a brilliant idea to share or for extra guidance.
A week is a good amount of time to separate yourself from the usual routine: to relax and reset while allowing the beauty of the place to inspire you but you are welcome to come for longer.
Price
The cost of the retreat is €795 (£590 dependent on exchange) - this includes one week's bed and breakfast accommodation at the Mascot Hotel, the classes, 2 lunches in local tavernas on the longer days and our farewell dinner. You are responsible for your flights, transfers and meals not mentioned.
Your week:
* Arrive on Saturday (before if you like)
* Sunday - settle into your surroundings, explore, swim, play and sigh
* Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings we meet for class. The afternoons are yours to do as you will
* Friday is for you to do your own thing. This might be a trip out, relaxing or maybe even writing :). Farewell dinner together on Friday night in a local taverna
* Saturday - depart - or not...
Contact me and we will discuss if this retreat is good for you.
In Skala Eressos on the island of Lesvos, where the energy of Sappho remains; softly breathing in the rhythm of the tide while gently waiting, to inspire you.
I describe it as Shirley Valentine meets Mama Mia! Together with Sappho Travel we make the whole experience from thought to arrival, easy.
Why
Sometimes just 'being' is all anyone craves and life here allows that with its gentle simplicity. You can detach yourself while relaxing into the rhythm of being away from your normal routine knowing that you can, if you choose, remain in touch through the free Wi-Fi that is pretty much everywhere.
During your holiday you will discover how to plan, develop your voice and style, write, self-publish or prepare for submitting your book to an agent or publisher, market, create your brand, develop your platform and USP.
My methods are eclectic and when you let the magic in you'll be thrilled with what flows out! Using a variety of techniques you can achieve your dream to write your book.
If you have knowledge and experiences to share that can help others or if you can weave words in the true art of story telling then this is definitely for you.
When
Why not now? Is it time for you to invest in yourself and your dream to be an author?
How
During your stay we will get together for 14 hours over 4 days as a group. The rest of the time is yours to write, develop, create, think and gaze/and/or swim out to the rock. Plus sunshine, sea and the bliss of 'just being' while you write your book. When not together as a group I will be nearby if you have a brilliant idea to share or for extra guidance.
A week is a good amount of time to separate yourself from the usual routine: to relax and reset while allowing the beauty of the place to inspire you but you are welcome to come for longer.
Price
The cost of the retreat is €795 (£590 dependent on exchange) - this includes one week's bed and breakfast accommodation at the Mascot Hotel, the classes, 2 lunches in local tavernas on the longer days and our farewell dinner. You are responsible for your flights, transfers and meals not mentioned.
Your week:
* Arrive on Saturday (before if you like)
* Sunday - settle into your surroundings, explore, swim, play and sigh
* Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings we meet for class. The afternoons are yours to do as you will
* Friday is for you to do your own thing. This might be a trip out, relaxing or maybe even writing :). Farewell dinner together on Friday night in a local taverna
* Saturday - depart - or not...
Contact me and we will discuss if this retreat is good for you.
Here is the wonderful (girl crush) Bettany Hughes sharing her thoughts on Lesvos and Sappho. It's at about 3.50 seconds but the whole thing is worth a listen and look.
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and here is the programme Bettany Hughes refers to in the clip http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00tbhbc |
Sappho's Island
The sea glistens sparkling silver on the turquoise Aegean and melds to a crescent of crystal sand - distant craggy cliffs, soften in the haze and ‘The Rock' stands in the bay on guard from the turbulent world beyond Eressos.
This vista confronted Sappho and was the sculpting hand to her verse of love.
The spirit of Lesvos is a pool of shimmering inspiration which flows as the hot springs from the earth; the cool streams from the gods - and occasionally the earth here shakes and shudders as if it is to burst.
12 million olive trees carpet and protect the island with a velvet mat; a harbour for dancing insects, flashing birds and wild tortoises each with their pace, and giving, if there ever was one, an elixir of life.
Journeying from Mytilini exposes the verdant valleys and from the ridges the endless sky; then on through dappled settlements – all as Sappho witnessed in her time to Eressos. M Ford
Faq
Q - Why Lesvos?
A - My love for Greece has been well-documented. After spending time in Skala Eressos I know this is the most perfect location. I love to share the beauty of the place and hope you will join me.
Q - Can I stay longer than a week?
A - You may stay as long as you wish and might find it hard to leave. Please discuss your desires with me or Sappho Travel.
Q - Do I have to stay for a week?
A - You may stay for however long you choose but a week is a good amount of time to really experience the benefits. Scheduled flights are daily so getting on and off the island is easy - get in touch to discuss your wishes.
Q - Do we have to share rooms?
A - No. Unless you have travelled with a friend and wish to share. Our accommodation is a hotel on a bed and breakfast basis.
Q - Can I book for a private retreat?
A - Yes. Please contact me directly and everything will be arranged.
Q - Can I really plan out and start to write my book in a week?
A - Yes. When you remove yourself from distractions and awaken your creativity you will be fully in flow.
Q - Will I have time to visit other places?
A - Yes. We can advise you.
Q - Will I need a car?
A - You will not need one but if you wish to hire one Sappho Travel can arrange. Taxis are always available.
Q - Can I speak to you?
A - Yes, contact details below.
Q - I am a trainer with my own students. Can you organise a package and sort it all?
A - Absolutely. We can organise everything: as much or as little as you wish.
A - My love for Greece has been well-documented. After spending time in Skala Eressos I know this is the most perfect location. I love to share the beauty of the place and hope you will join me.
Q - Can I stay longer than a week?
A - You may stay as long as you wish and might find it hard to leave. Please discuss your desires with me or Sappho Travel.
Q - Do I have to stay for a week?
A - You may stay for however long you choose but a week is a good amount of time to really experience the benefits. Scheduled flights are daily so getting on and off the island is easy - get in touch to discuss your wishes.
Q - Do we have to share rooms?
A - No. Unless you have travelled with a friend and wish to share. Our accommodation is a hotel on a bed and breakfast basis.
Q - Can I book for a private retreat?
A - Yes. Please contact me directly and everything will be arranged.
Q - Can I really plan out and start to write my book in a week?
A - Yes. When you remove yourself from distractions and awaken your creativity you will be fully in flow.
Q - Will I have time to visit other places?
A - Yes. We can advise you.
Q - Will I need a car?
A - You will not need one but if you wish to hire one Sappho Travel can arrange. Taxis are always available.
Q - Can I speak to you?
A - Yes, contact details below.
Q - I am a trainer with my own students. Can you organise a package and sort it all?
A - Absolutely. We can organise everything: as much or as little as you wish.
Travel
From the UK Thomas Cook offer direct charter flights on Saturdays.
There are many scheduled daily flights to the island from Athens or Thessaloniki. There is also the boat option - please get in touch for guidance.
British Airways
Aegean Airlines
Olympic
Easyjet
Thomas Cook
Money Saving Expert Flights
Air Tickets
Expedia
Airlines that fly to Athens through Skyscanner
Wikipedia - flights and destinations
There are many scheduled daily flights to the island from Athens or Thessaloniki. There is also the boat option - please get in touch for guidance.
British Airways
Aegean Airlines
Olympic
Easyjet
Thomas Cook
Money Saving Expert Flights
Air Tickets
Expedia
Airlines that fly to Athens through Skyscanner
Wikipedia - flights and destinations
A 30% deposit will secure your place with the balance due 30 days before the retreat starts. Payments are made through Sappho Travel.
If you have a group created ready to bring please contact me using the email below. Likewise if you are a group leader interested in hosting your own retreats here.
If you have a group created ready to bring please contact me using the email below. Likewise if you are a group leader interested in hosting your own retreats here.
