THE NOVEL RETREAT
A Week-Long Commercial Fiction Writing Retreat for Women in Spain
Costa Blanca, Spain | With novelist Antoinette Tyrrell
Spend a week developing your novel with a traditionally published women's fiction author who turned hundreds of rejections into a two-book publishing deal.
Using her forthcoming commercial women's fiction novel as a real-life case study, you'll explore the craft and business of writing fiction, from developing an idea and editing a manuscript to navigating literary agents, submissions and publication. You'll learn how to apply those insights to your own novel, whatever stage you're at.
All from a beautiful Spanish villa overlooking the Mediterranean, surrounded by orange and lemon groves.
Time to start taking your novel seriously?
Whether you've been dreaming of writing a novel for years, are halfway through your first manuscript or are ready to approach literary agents and publishers, The Novel Retreat offers the time, expertise and individual attention to help you take the next step.
Alongside practical workshops and dedicated writing time, you'll receive a private, hour-long mentoring session tailored to your own writing or publishing challenges. Before the retreat, you'll have the opportunity to submit up to 10,000 words of your manuscript or relevant publishing materials, so we can focus on the areas where you most need guidance.
Whether you're developing an idea, strengthening your characters, refining your plot and structure, improving your dialogue or tackling a difficult edit, you'll receive guidance tailored to your writing goals. And if you're ready to take the next step towards publication, we'll look at researching and building a list of target literary agents, writing a compelling synopsis, nailing your query letter and exploring your publishing options.
And with seven nights in a beautiful Spanish villa, you'll have the space to step away from everyday distractions, meet other women who share your ambitions and give your writing the attention it deserves.
The Craft of Commercial Fiction
Explore what makes commercial fiction impossible to put down. From developing compelling characters and authentic dialogue to mastering plot, structure, pacing, setting and the art of powerful beginnings and satisfying endings, you'll examine the techniques behind successful storytelling. Through real examples from a traditionally published novel and practical exercises, you'll learn how to apply these techniques to your own writing, including recognising what isn't working and how to edit it.
The Business of Publishing
Discover how today's publishing industry works, from understanding your target readership and positioning your novel in the market to researching literary agents, building a targeted submission list and preparing query letters, synopses and pitch packages.
Explore the different routes to publication, including traditional publishing with major and independent publishers, digital-first publishing and self-publishing. We'll examine the opportunities, challenges and commercial considerations of each, drawing on my firsthand experience of literary agents, submissions, publishing contracts, rejection and ultimately securing a two-book deal.
Your Novel, Your Progress
Before the retreat, you'll complete a questionnaire identifying your writing or publishing goals and the areas where you'd most value individual guidance. You'll also have the option to submit up to 10,000 words of your manuscript or relevant publishing materials for review ahead of your arrival.
During your private, hour-long mentoring session, we'll focus on the challenges you've identified, whether that's developing an idea, tackling a difficult edit, strengthening your manuscript or planning your next steps towards publication.
Combined with dedicated writing time throughout the week, you'll have the opportunity to put what you've learned into practice and make meaningful progress on your own project.
A Different Kind of Writing Retreat. A Different Side of Spain.
Tucked into the hills near the traditional Spanish village of Orcheta, just 7km from the colourful Mediterranean town of Villajoyosa with its golden, sandy beach, The Novel Retreat takes place in a beautiful villa surrounded by orange and lemon groves, with views stretching towards the sea.
Here, you'll have the freedom to immerse yourself in your writing while enjoying everything that makes this undiscovered corner of Spain so special. Think mornings spent developing your novel, afternoons writing in the sunshine, reading beside the pool or simply enjoying the peace and quiet of the Spanish countryside.
Throughout your stay, our on-site Spanish chef will prepare three fresh, seasonal Mediterranean meals a day, all included in the retreat price. From local ingredients to traditional regional dishes, you'll enjoy the flavours of Spain without having to worry about shopping, cooking or washing up!
With seven nights' accommodation, there's time to settle in, get to know your fellow writers and enjoy a proper escape from everyday life. You'll also have opportunities to explore the local area, including the picturesque coastal towns of Villajoyosa and Altea, with optional activities such as hiking, yoga and massage treatments available at additional cost.
Upcoming Writing Retreats in Spain
Autumn 2027 | The Novel Retreat
Join us on Spain's beautiful Costa Blanca in autumn 2027 for The Novel Retreat, a week-long residential commercial fiction writing retreat exclusively for women.
Your stay includes seven nights' accommodation in a beautiful Spanish villa, three freshly prepared Mediterranean meals a day from our on-site chef, six days of writing workshops and activities and personalised one-to-one mentoring.
With a maximum of 12 participants, The Novel Retreat offers an intimate, supportive environment where every writer receives individual attention. Places are offered following a short application process.
Request the full brochure for details of the programme, accommodation options, pricing and how to apply for a place. Exact dates will be confirmed before bookings are finalised.
Discover the full six-day programme, accommodation options, prices and everything you need to know about joining The Novel Retreat.
