You most certainly do not need to be a professional writer or published author to come on the writing retreat in Sardinia.

The week away will be perfect if you:

• Enjoy writing, and want the time and space to indulge it, or develop it

• Write in one style, and want to stretch and explore a different writing form

• Have always wanted to write, but never had the encouragement or support to do so

• Enjoy blogging, and wonder what other kinds of writing might be fun or exciting to try

• Write as part of your job, and want to take it to another level – a book about your business perhaps

• Are making changes in your life, and think writing will be part of your future

• Are making changes in your life, and know that writing, creativity and self-expression is part of your transition

• Have a writing project that’s been on the backburner for ages, and you want to push it forward

• Enjoy holidays where you can learn new things, and develop your creativity

Convinced now?  I hope so

Some other questions we’re asked:

Are you going to focus on one particular writing genre?

No.  We’ll give you some prompts and exercises to get you writing but the form that takes will vary on who you are and how you like to write.  There’s plenty of space in the programme for you to work on your own project (if you have one).

What kind of writing programme can I expect?

The daily programme will include around two-hours of group conversation, exercises and writing in the morning with free time in the afternoon to do whatever you want.  We assume that will include writing!  But you might also want to siesta, walk, explore, daydream, go shopping..  There’ll be a chance for feedback and conversations about your writing over  dinner at night.

English isn’t my first language – can I still come?

If you write or want to write in English then… why not?  Our emphasis is on making you feel supported and confident in what you do and the words you want to share.  Emma teaches English as a second language (with one of her many hats on) and her experience will certainly help you to get the most from the week with us.

As I mentioned the other day, Emma and I deal personally with all the people who enquire about and sign up for the retreats.  That means we get a chance to learn from your questions, and keep on improving the information we provide.

Here are some answers to questions about the accommodation at Ca La Somara:

What are the different sorts of accommodation?

The retreat price of €795 is based on you sharing a room with one other person.  The rooms in the main accommodation area have a bathroom that’s shared between two rooms.  The people in the adjoining room (the other side of the shared bathroom) will also be participants on the retreat.

For a €10 a night supplement you can share a room with one other person, and have a private bathroom (for the two people in the room).

For a €20 a night supplement you can have a single room with ensuite bathroom.

I’m coming on my own – so who would I be sharing with?

We’d match you up with someone else on the retreat.  By the way the rooms are large and airy, and there’s plenty of spaces, nooks and crannies round and about the venue if you want to be on your own for a while.

It’s a retreat – does that mean we cook and clean ourselves?

Cleaning is included in the price (a weekly, not daily clean).  Breakfast and evening meals will be provided.  We’ll be organising something simple for lunch.  Cooking up is not required, but we won’t stop you from chipping in if you’d like to do some chopping or stirring.  (It’s pretty good for the creative process too.)

I’ve got specific dietary requirements – can the venue provide for that?

Yes, Ca La Somara has been catering for visitors for many years, including visitors from elsewhere on mainland Europe, the UK and US.  They’re happy to cater for particular dietary requirements, so long as they have notice.

Can I reserve a single room?

Yes, but they’re going on a first come first serve basis, so don’t hang around for ever!

Have you got any other questions we should be answering here?

#1: What’s the weather like in early May?

Early May means the weather might be variable as it’s the change between spring in summer.* There will probably be days with blue skies, and the temperature can hit the mid 20s. But it will be cooler in the evenings when the sun goes down.

It should definitely be sunny and there will be days where you can sit outside and write (unless freak weather arrives).

Thirst Quenching by joanna

Sadly, we can’t guarantee there won’t be rain… but it’s unlikely.

* We don’t have scientific evidence for this, but have a hunch that tuning into that change of the seasons, the transition from one season to another… might just be good for your creative energies. What do you think?