Copy of Writing Retreat, Lesbos Greece 14-12 June 2026

11- 18 June 2025

Warm hot winds teasing the ideas out of your head and onto a page. It is summer in Greece again, and we are gathering to write. Traditionally The Writing Room hosts a time dedicated to writing, during summer each year, in Greece. We offer a guided retreat open to all who wish to deepen their writing.

We will staying at the edge of an adorable village filled with local wares and local seaside restaurants.

Together we will travel the creative journey of memory and dive deep into the craft of writing, and be inspired by a community of international writers in a magical setting.

This is an opportunity to work closely with writing mentor and literary agent Sarah Bullen as well as visiting poets, screenwriters and novelists.

This retreat is for writers who need dedicated time away from your ordinary life to totally immerse in a creative environment. The time is both a deep-dive into your own book, and also a task-based programme to get your word count up, or finish your book ready for submission. Both advanced and novice writers are welcome.

You can be working on a novel, memoir, poetry, workbook, online course, photography-based book, life story or just a creative writing project.

The course is a daily combination of technical writing techniques, working through your personal and writing blocks, finding ways to access your memories and plan your story.

Expect ...... a combination of classes on writing techniques, plotting, publishing, Amazon tricks, creative writing, storytelling structure, book design, poetry and feedback sessions on your work. It includes professional and group feedback on your writing project, daily connection and anchored writing time.

COST 2025

Deposit €600 on acceptance of place

Bringing a non-writing friend? Supplement of €1250 per week

COST INCLUDE (FOR EACH WEEK)

• 7 nights accommodation in a boutique hotel in the heart of the village, one block from the beach
• Transfers to and from the airport (2 hours drive)
• A daily Greek breakfast
• 3 Greek feasts in local restaurants.
• A guided writing process lead by literary agent Sarah Bullen and Emma Dhesi
• Personal one-on-one sessions
• Guest experts and authors
• A trip around the island stopping at hidden beaches to swim and eat traditional food
• An afternoon tour wondering the small village
• Creative and life sessions

COST EXCLUDES

• Your flights to Athens
• Your flight or overnight ferry to Mytilini.
• Your drinks at the group dinners or at the hotel bar
• Other meals not specified above

WHERE IS IT

In 2025 we are going back to Skala Eressos, Lesvos . We gather here every year in the bohemian village of Skala Eressos on the island Lesbos - spiritual home of the writer's muse Sappho. Your base is a gorgeous hotel right on the beach with swimming pool, boating and wonderful Greek Food, on the edge of the the laid-back, coastal village of Skala Eressos.

The island of Lesvos (sometimes called Lesbos or Mytilini) is uniquely beautiful and the eastern side where the retreat is held is characterised by the dry volcanic rock and landscape in summer. It is the third largest of the islands in Greece behind Crete and Evia and is in the North Eastern Aegean, close to the coast of Turkey. The sea is crystal clear and warm all summer.

Skala Eressos is a particularly powerful place for writers. There were many poets and writers who lived on Lesvos but none more recognised than Sappho, a female poet and lyricist, reportedly called The Tenth Muse by Plato.

Lesvos was named after a God who held that name and early residents worshipped Cybele, the great mother-goddess of Anatolia. Aristotle lived on Lesvos for about three years and studied Zoology. Terpander invented the seven note musical scale for the lyre there. Even the airport at Mytilini is named after a poet (Odysseas Elyitis). It is place rich with the muse of writing.

The island has stunning beaches, beautiful landscape and a colourful past with historical and religious archaeology. There are a large number of hot therapeutic springs and a petrified forest, with fossilised trees dating back some 15 million years.
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Read more about Lesvos in this travel guide

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Sarah Bullen
Sarah Bullen is a multi-published author, international writing coach and literary agent. Founder of The Writing Room and Kent Literary, she has had over 150 books published by writers she has mentored. As well as being a regular guest on talk shows, podcasts and writers’ circles, Sarah has been leading international writing retreats and adventures for the past decade.
Her recent books include Write your Book in 100 Days! Stop Mucking about and Just Write It and Love & Above – A Journey into Shamanism, Coma and Joy and The Other Side

Emma Dhesi
Emma Dhesi is a book coach and author mentor who specialises in helping beginner authors write their first novel. She is the host of the podcast Turning Readers Into Writers, which focuses on the challenges new authors face when trying to balance ‘all the things’.
Through her 12-month coaching programmes, she helps new authors start and finish their first novel. Emma also provides personal written feedback on their pages and guides them through the emotional rollercoaster that is writing a novel! She lives in Edinburgh, Scotland, with her husband, 3 children and 3 cats.

Elizabeth Bullen Casanova (logistics and co-host)

Elizabeth is a director of Universal Healing, a global remote healing community based in Boulder Colorado. She has joined her sister Sarah in bringing the people together to write in beautiful places across the world. Liz will take care of all the logistics, planning and the finances as well as making sure you are looked after and bringing heart and soul to the retreat.
In her early 30's she sold her successful international commercials and film production company based in Cape Town and Los Angeles in search of a different life. She travelled and spent years in retreat centers across the world as both an organiser and participant. Liz knows what is needed to make a retreat experience exceptional, but also loves creating fun and a long lasting community.

DO YOU HAVE REVIEWS?

So many. In fact we have an entire long page of them here

W e are endorsed by the Global Retreats Company and Queen of Retreats and listed on their site.

We have been voted on the Top 100 Retreats to Attend list every year since 2019.

SOME RECENT REVIEWS BELOW

There is a special magic that happens in the little village. Creativity is emboldened, a gentle release is inevitable and all anxiety seeps away, allowing and encouraging you to write your book. I was supported and held by the professional and talented partnership that is Sarah and Kate. They are an extraordinary team with heart and backbone and intellect and lots of experience with publishing. If you are considering a writing retreat don't think twice. -Gabi Lowe, Get Me to 21, 2018

"I came to Greece not knowing exactly what to expect. I started tinkering with my story over the years and never imagined that I would put it down in any tangible format or structure. With Sarah’s unyielding insight, knowledge and guidance and Kate’s support and ability to unlock deep emotion and memory, the retreat was a turning point for me. It helped set me on the path to finish my first draft within 6 months. The overwhelming support from all the writers, each with their own beautiful story and soul, was the best takeaway. Not to mention, the magical setting and the quiet, intoxicating atmosphere. x" - Jay Badenhorst, South Africa

​"I attended this retreat in June/July 2019 and have never been on a more profound experience in my life. Kate and Sarah unlocked my creativity with their gentle guidance and their expert knowledge. It is more than just a writers retreat - it is a journey into discovery of self and your potential. I highly recommend this retreat to any one who wishes to write something or even just want to explore their own thoughts. Swimming to the famous rock was a highlight for me and I overcame my limiting beliefs in a very safe environment. Give yourself this gift at least once in your life." - Mary-Joe Emde, South Africa

"If you can only go on one writing retreat in your lifetime, this is the one to choose. Sarah is a truly inspired coach, seconded by Kate. They create a caring, trusting atmosphere conducive to making progress on your own writing. A truly galvanizing experience!" - Beverly Pimsleur, USA

"A really wonderful retreat, I went there with one project in mind & came out having written a quarter of a memoir instead. The hosts are AMAZING & the energy of the group was so encouraging, inspiring and uplifting. I have changed for the better since the retreat and attribute these positive changes to the wonderful time I had here." - Ani Naqvi, UK

"I just completed the Memoir retreat in Skala Eressos. It was an incredible experience, powerful tools for driving the narrative, perfect combination of workshop, coaching & vacation, quality & professional standards in both preparation for the workshop and in follow-up after workshop had ended. I highly recommend it and look forward to working with Sarah again." - Stephie Koulouris, Greece

"I have attended a number of retreats since I believe it is one of the most generous gifts you can give yourself. When I booked this specific retreat, I had no idea that the gift would far exceed any of my expectations. The beauty of the location cannot be described in mere words, the energy that vibrates from the core of Skala Erresos connects to ones soul and magically unlocks creativity you never realised you had hidden deep inside. Sarah and Kate both hold the space in such a light and enabling manner that the magic unfolds naturally. When it comes to food, the restaurants lazily spread across the shoreline, serve meals dazzling ones tastebuds and the ocean enfolds ones body with the freshness that only water from the earth can offer. The opportunity created to meet and engage a group of amazing people from across the globe only adds to the richness of the experience, leaving one with friends who often see more of your soul than people close to you ever get a glimpse of. Personally, the retreat is certainly one of the most memorable experiences of this life.

I unreservedly recommend it for all souls willing to dance to the rhythm of synchronicity." - Bonita Field, South Africa

The Writing Room has been working with authors since 2007 and running international writing retreats since 2014. It provides a structured system to help writers who want to become authors. We build a relationship through this creative process by community, connections and friendship. At the end of our process, and if you really commit to it,
you will have a book ready to submit or to publish.

YOU WILL LEARN

* The basics of planning a compelling story
* The key elements of structure* The business side of books and screenplays* Short Form Writing Masterclass – LinkedIn, Twitter, Substack and magazine
* Researching and the art of the interview

* Creating realistic characters

* Beginnings, starts and hooks

* Self editing and editing styles
* Handling point of view
* Working with dialogue
* Working through personal blocks
* Adding depth and layers, tone and voice
* Sourcing tips and techniques
* Understanding what an author brand is and how to build one

* How to launch your brand and publicity ideas

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Day 1

Arrival and Welcome Dinner

From Mytilini airport or port, you’ll journey across the island to your accommodation in the heart of Skala Eressos. After a warm welcome and check in, we’ll gather together and get acquainted, before a retreat opening and writing introduction. Then it’s time for a traditional aperitivo, followed by a welcome dinner where we set our writing intentions for our time together.

Day 2

Kick off your writing.

You are welcome to join our morning swim to the rock or just watch the village come alive while enjoying breakfast.

Every morning we enjoy quiet writing time, then we gather together for a structured writing class. Today we will split you into novels and non-fiction writers as we cover the basics of plot and narrative structure for each genre. After lunch by the sea you’ll enjoy quiet and focused writing time, a perhaps a siesta.

Then, later in the afternoon, you’ll gather with your fellow writers for a connect session, along with focused writing and feedback.

Afterwards you might enjoy a walk to explore the land and take in the spectacular views or a swim.

This evening you’ll enjoy aperitivo and dinner served up.

Day 3

Unleash your creativity

This morning we once again enjoy a swim, breakfast and quiet writing time before gathering together for another content-packed creative writing class.. Today you’ll look at characters, along with how to structure your plot and setting. You’ll also have the opportunity for a one-on-one session for specific advice on your writing.

This afternoon we have a fun exploration of opening your creativity and senses. This evening we’ll enjoy aperitivo, storytelling under the stars and dinner.

Day 4

Explore the past

This morning we once again enjoy a swim, breakfast and quiet writing time. Then it’s off to the nearby village for a fascinating walking tour of this historic, Greek town. Afterwards you’ll enjoy time on your own to explore and shop.

This afternoon you’ll gather for focused writing time.

This evening you’ll enjoy dinner then a mystical evening under the stars.

Day 5

Integrate and Rest

As usual, our morning begins with gentle movement or quiet writing time, followed by a focused writing session. This afternoon we will offer some self care options, a water session, spa or just to write in your own time.

You’ll have time to rest and relax for before our evening a group session. This evening we gather together to share our day’s writing over a friendly aperitivo – with some poetry and feedback – followed by dinner.

Day 6

Write, Write, Write.

This morning, after breakfast and your quiet writing time, you’ll be joining Sarah for our final writing session where we do more advanced plotting, different scenes all books need and the cast of your book. Today is a writing push.

After lunch – your writing continues, as you finalize your writing project! This evening we share our writing journey and our goals going forward. We talk about how to take the next steps, including the publishing journey ahead.

Then it’s time for a special celebratory dinner where you’ll share writing, poetry and life together.

Day 7

Write, Write, Write

After our morning movement and breakfast it’s our final push to accomplish our week’s intentions. Also a time of setting new goals and ways to work back home to complete your project.

In the evening we will gather for a closing feast together at a seaside tavern.

Day 8

Closing and farewell

Last Breakfast then departures for Mytilini airport.

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Note: The Organizers may change this at any time. This is a rough guideline of what you can expect during your time in Eressos.

Also check out other Arts events in Mytilini, Literary Art events in Mytilini, Workshops in Mytilini.