Join Me For a Week-Long Writing Retreat in Tuscany, Italy!
Do you dream of writing a book? Do you dream of writing that book in a beautiful countryside villa? This is your chance!
Fellow book editor and writing coach Rachel Grosvenor and I are leading a fiction writing retreat in Tuscany, Italy, in 2026.
If you want to learn essential fiction writing skills, have dedicated and distraction-free time to write, meet fellow writers, and enjoy Tuscan culture then keep reading. This retreat is going to teach you everything you need to plan, draft, and finish your book so you can leave feeling inspired and motivated to get to “the end”.
What is the “Fiction Writing Fundamentals” writing retreat and who is it for?
This is a week-long retreat for fiction writers teaching them essential creative writing skills in the beautiful Tuscan countryside.
Our retreat is designed for writers at all levels, whether you have an idea for a fiction novel but haven't started writing yet or have just begun and need support to make progress. Fiction Writing Fundamentals is open to writers looking to improve their writing craft knowledge, get feedback and advice from two writing coaches and book editors, and spend dedicated time writing.
What does the writing retreat involve?
You can enjoy:
6+ creative writing lessons (we believe in an open discourse approach so our lessons feel collaborative and practical).
8 days of writing in the Tuscan countryside.
Cultural immersion day trips to historical sites.
A specially-designed keepsake workbook unique to the writing retreat where you can store your ideas and complete practical exercises.
What will you learn?
Our lessons will cover:
Finding inspiration, understanding themes, tropes, and genre.
Creating three-dimensional characters, utilising character arcs, voice, POV, and dialogue.
Understanding story structure, developing story beats, and learning your best approach to planning.
Building realistic worlds, developing magic systems, using setting as a character.
Perfecting internal monologue, descriptions, and prose.
Finding your book’s opening, crafting a strong first chapter, and learning how to write to “the end”.
We believe in a holistic approach to teaching storytelling so you can learn everything from the nitty-gritty sentence-level details, to big picture story development, and essential mindset techniques to keep you motivated.
What’s included?
Enjoy a completely stress-free stay with everything taken care of!
Access to two book editors and writing coaches for 8 days
7 nights accommodation at the Tuscan estate
Meals: 7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 7 dinners prepared by a private chef
Coffee, tea, soft drinks, and snacks available throughout the day
Welcome and farewell dinner; welcome and farewell cocktails
An on-site wine tour and tasting, and wine with dinners
Traditional oven-baked pizza workshop
Full-day trip to San Gimignano; half-day trip to the Frantoio Pasquini oil mill
Exclusive use of the property swimming pool and private lake
Fully staffed venue, washing facilities, and free Wifi
Round-trip transfers at pre-arranged times from/to Florence Airport, Peretola (FLR), private transportation between activities
This Tuscany fiction writing retreat is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn from two industry experts, stay in a beautifully restored villa, and enjoy all-inclusive treatment!
Who are your mentors?
The Fiction Writing Fundamentals writing retreat in Tuscany will be led by two book editors and writing coaches.
Rachel Grosvenor — a fiction book editor and writing coach. She has a PhD, MA, and BA in Creative Writing and is an author of speculative literature with a feminist bent.
Isobelle Lans — well, you know me. I’m a fiction book editor, writing coach, and website designer. I worked as an in-house editor for an indie publisher in London before starting my freelance business. I’m also a writer of mystery thrillers.
Rachel and I have a combined 20 years of editorial experience and have worked on upwards of 150 novels. Coming from both academia and publishing, we offer insights into every aspect of writing, editing, and publishing.
Is this for you?
Improve your writing skills and knowledge in just ONE WEEK
Get unlimited access to two writing coaches and book editors for 7 days
Receive editorial and peer feedback (when you feel ready!)
Gain the confidence in your writing skills needed to commit to your book
Meet like-minded creatives you can learn and soundboard with
Plan and start your story knowing you have what it takes to see it through
Enjoy dedicated writing time so you can make writing progress without daily life distractions
What you could be paying
Two writing coaches for 8 days (6 hrs/day) — £5,800+
Tuscan villa (1 week) — £850+
Private chef (1 week) — £1,200+
Day trips — £225+
Transportation (including transfers) — £150+
POSSIBLE TOTAL FOR 1 WEEK = £8,225
What you’re actually paying
Two writing coaches for 8 days
Tuscan villa
Private chef
Day trips
Transportation (including transfers)
All snacks, beverages, and alcohol
Fully staffed property
ACTUAL TOTAL = £2,800 — £3,937 per guest
(USD $3,750 — USD $5,250 per guest)
Save over £5,400!
(USD $7,200+)
Will we see you there?
Register your interest through the link! Join us from April 29th — May 6th 2026.
(You won’t be charged until the retreat is guaranteed to go ahead.)
