CREATIVE WRITING RETREATS

SUMMER CREATIVE WRITING RETREAT IN GREECE

I’m delighted to announce that Sigri Arts has invited me to return in 2026 to tutor a new creative writing week at their retreat in the idyllic village of Sigri on the Greek island of Lesvos.

FICTION: LIGHT AND SHADOW IN STORYTELLING

28th June - 4th July 2026

Chiaro: bright or clear. Scuro: dark or obscure.

Chiarascuro: the dramatic interplay of light and shadow on a two-dimensional page to create a sense, the illusion of, three-dimensions and depth.

Over the week we will explore how light and shadow can be a powerful tool in storytelling, relating it to setting, characterisation, conflict, plot, point of view, and style.  Through writing prompts and exercises, discussion, and reference to short stories and novel extracts, you will explore the light and shadow of your words, and an essential binary of art and life.

FURTHER DETAILS

The workshops will cater for anyone with an interest in writing, from beginners to those with some publishing experience. The group workshops for the week-long courses will run from 9.30am until 12.30pm, Monday to Friday, with one morning allocated for independent writing and one-to-one tutorials.

The rest of the time you are free to write, enjoy a long, lazy lunch at the beach taverna, take a swim, watch village life around the harbour and in the Kafenion, or sip an ouzo as the the sun sinks into a pearlescent sea (still contemplating your writing projects, of course!). We will have at least one group dinner together, which you are welcome to attend.

THE PLACE

Sigri is a small fishing village situated on the west coast of the Greek island of Lesvos. I first visited Sigri in 2013 and was captivated by its unspoilt, uncommercialised atmosphere; it is probably the most traditional Greek fishing village in which I have ever stayed, and I felt as if I had been transported back in time. I loved it so much, I have returned regularly to rest, recharge and write ever since. The tiny centre has a handful of restaurants and bars, a couple of mini markets and a local coffeeshop. From there you can reach the harbour in a couple of minutes on foot. In the other direction there is a sheltered, sandy local beach, perfect for swimming and protected from the cooling Meltemi winds which sometimes blow in July. Sigri is surrounded by a UNESCO Global Geopark petrified forest, giving the land protected status, meaning you will see no large hotels or holiday developments here.

With a year round population of about 400, Sigri is as close to a traditional Greek village as you can get. In addition to the village beach, there are a number of swimming spots within walking/ cycling distance. It is also home to the Petrified Forest Museum and UNESCO geoparks.

​After a 90km winding drive from the airport or port in Mytilini (the capital city of the island of Lesvos), you will arrive in the magical setting of Sigri.  Its rugged landscape, pristine beaches, and flaming sunsets make it the perfect place to connect fully with your creative self. I can’t wait to share this unique place with fellow writers.

PRICING

To book, and for full details of costs and accommodation, please see Sigri Arts Retreat website.