Monday, April 25, 2016

Travelling to write: 5 writing retreats

In mulling about for ideas to kickstart my creativity, I've started thinking about going on a writing retreat. I know these exist, but don't know much more, so I set out to research where one might travel to participate in a writing retreat. As its an interest of many, I thought I'd share my discoveries.

Here are 5 writing retreats that made me want to pack my bags:

You can write sitting where Hemmingway did at Hemingway-Pfeiffer Museum and Educational Center Writers' Retreats, which are held in Hemmingway's Barn Studio in Piggott, Arkansas, USA. I liked how budget-friendly this one was, and how they change their coaches with each session.
IMGP0068
The Tuscany Writing Retreat is held in
Castiglion Fiorentino, Italy
creative commons image bramhall/Flickr
The Tuscany Writing Retreat, with Cary Tennis, is situated in the medieval hill town of Castiglion Fiorentino, Italy and is timed to coincide with two local festivals. Oh, still my beating heart...
The Greece Writer's Retreat, with Julie Maloney on the Greek island of Alonnisos, spoke to my longing to return to Greece.

At the Skyros Writing Lab, on the Greek island of Skyros (where Achilles hung out), there area  variety of writing retreat options. Could it be any more idyllic?

Writing Retreats with Creative Revolution Retreats are held at different destinations. The next one is in Nicaragua, and it sounds like a pretty nice setting.

It would be hard to pick just one!
In doing my research, I really liked this piece, 25 Incredible Writing Retreats to Attend in 2016, as it contains a range of possibilities from around the globe, from expensive to not-so-expensive. I found some of the above from this piece, and the reader's comments.

There are retreats everywhere, from Iceland and Denmark to Mexico and Scotland, so if you yearn to transplant yourself to a new setting to immerse yourself on writing, there is a world of possibilities out there.

If you've travelled to attend a writing retreat, I'd love to hear your experiences.

If you're inclined to travel to a participate in a writing retreat - or just to a quiet place to write - I'd be happy to help you with your travel arrangements. Please feel free to contact me.

Related links
Choosing a Writing Retreat? Watch Out for These 6 Red Flags
How to Choose a Writing Residency or Retreat
26 Amazing Writing Residencies You Should Apply for This Year
Etruscan Italy - a self-guided tour

Monday, April 11, 2016

Etruscan Italy - a self-guided tour

Part of the Etruscan temple reconstruction
on the grounds at Villa Guilia in Rome 
Discovered an interesting 7-10 day "Tour of Etruscan Italy" in the new DK EyeWitness Guide Italy (2016, page 17). Enjoyed reading it, following the itinerary.

Beginning in Rome, sites include treasures in the Etruscan Museum of the Vatican and Museo Nazionale Etrusco in the Villa Giulia.

Towns with Etruscan ruins and/or artifacts included the self-directed tour are, in sequence, are CerveteriSutriTarquiniaViterboOrvietoTodiChiusiGubbioVolterra and San Gimignano.

The tour finishes in Florence at the National Archaeological Museum.
Extent of Etruscan civilization and
the twelve Etruscan League cities.
Other stuff
Etruscan Civilization
Etruscan Necropolises of Cerveteri and Tarquinia - UNESCO World Heritage Site
Etruscan museums in Italy

I look forward to visiting some of these sites in my future travels.