Creative Writing + Pilates Retreat

May 12th - 18th 2024 
September 29th - October 5th 2024

The time, the space, the writing tools and the nurturing support is all here for you to let your imagination free. Aga takes you through aspects of character, plot, narrative and now screenwriting elements are included. Enjoy amazing massage, delicious food and learn pilates to take care of your body as you write.

The Writing Course:

Everyone has a book in them – the old cliché is true – but the trick is how to turn that everyone into a writer.

There is no universal recipe for becoming a writer, every author has their own, unique way of working, but the process always starts with finding a headspace – as well as a physical space - to develop and nurture your idea. And what better place to kick-start your writing project than a beautiful 19th century farmhouse in Umbria, Italy?

Here is a unique opportunity to give your full attention to the writing project you’ve always wanted to develop - be it a short story, a novel or a film script - but never had the time to do so.

Obviously, you won’t be able to write a whole book or script during the course – but we'll give you the tools, the space, and the motivation to continue. You can start each day with a beautiful walk around the idylic countryside or have a Pilates sessions to get your body enlivened, so that your imagination can follow.

The course is structured in a way that will benefit both beginners who want to learn basic technical skills, as well as writers who might need feedback and help with their existing projects.

In an informal blend of practical morning workshops, discussions with fellow participants, and one-to-one afternoon sessions, we will concentrate on the process of writing, as well as its key aspects: the plot, the characters, the dialogue, and the style. And, last but not least, we will explore ways of finding an agent and getting published.

Aga offers WhatsApp or Facetime follow-up 1-2-1 tutorials which are an hour long and include discussion of up to 3000 words of text you can send her in advance. The discounted price for the retreat clients is £80 per session or £260 for a block of four sessions.

If you haven't been on retreat with us yet, but would like to find out more about having 1-2-1's with Aga or about the writing component of this retreat, you can email Aga for more information.

Your Writing Teacher, Aga Lesiewicz, is a London-based fiction author and screenwriter.

She began her career as a radio presenter, and subsequently worked as a voice-over artist, interpreter, TV promo producer and director. A serious knee injury in 2013 forced her to give up her day job and write her first novel.
Her two psychological thrillers ‘Rebound’ and ‘Exposure’ have been published by Pan Macmillan. A feature animated film based on her screenplay is currently in pre-production. She writes full time and is now working on her third London-based psychological thriller as well as a historical novel.

Aga has an MA in English from the University of Warsaw and an MPhil in English Literature from the University of Lancaster.

agalesiewicz.com    panmacmillan.com/authors/aga-lesiewicz/

Your Pilates Teacher and Massage Practitioner:

Now what makes this Writers Retreat any different to what else is out there?

We are combining the writing tools that you will be given with detailed pilates practices to help you embrace the physical demands of writing. Imagine having a pilates lesson in the morning so that you are primed and ready for the writing workshops ahead.

People often get stiff lower backs, tight hips, weak cores and uptight shoulders when they commit to the writers life, or simply spend a lot of time at a desk each day. We welcome Georgie Chester, Massage Practitioner and Pilates instructor to accompany Aga on retreat, so that you may get physically and mentally in the zone for writing each day.

Georgie has over 25 years experience as a Massage Practitioner and has been part of the Shine team for almost 20 years. Her skills are impressive, adaptive, powerful and peace giving.

During the retreat you will enjoy a 90min Massage or Reflexology session to clear your mind, ease your muscles and give you freedom to create.

More treatments are available and bookable to add to your retreat experience.

Georgie offers the following treatments:

Holistic, Deep Tissue, Hot Stone Massage, Lymphatic Drainage and Reflexology.
Book in an extra treatment and we can add it to your invoice.

45mins = £50
60mins = £75
90mins = £100

All of your meals at home will be tasty and nutritious. Everything will be laid out for you, so that you can focus on writing and get time to quieten your mind amongst nature. Equally though, we will be more than happy to show you our favourite spots in the area for delicious dinners, an apertivo or ice cream!!

The Creative Writing Retreat Price List.

We have a few options to tailor to all of your needs. Whether you need your own space, want to come along with a few friends or share with a partner, we have you covered.
This retreat is ideal for 5 - 8 guests only. Everything included on retreat is reflected in your choice of investment below.

Deluxe Ground Floor Room, Private Bathroom, Single Occupancy = £2760.
Deluxe Ground Floor Room, Private Bathroom, Double Occupancy = £2070 (pp) based on two people sharing a King bed or Twin beds.
Deluxe Ground Floor Room, Private Bathroom, Triple Occupancy =£1725 (pp) based on three people sharing with a single bed each.
1st Floor Room with a Shared Bathroom, Single Occupancy = £2415
1st Floor Room with a Shared Bathroom, Double Occupancy = £1840 (pp) based on two people sharing a Queen bed or Twin beds.

Payment plans are available upon request.