Guest Post With Eva Glyn
Eva, welcome back to the blog. I think you're going to tell us about the writing retreats you yourself have been on so it's over to you.
No, the heading isn’t a typo, it’s just that The Santorini Writing Retreat owes so much to the Spanish writing retreats I’ve been on that when Jan kindly invited me onto her blog, I wanted to tell you all about them.
I always liked the idea of going away for a week to write, and five years ago I finally had the opportunity to attend a retreat led by Rosanna Ley in the hills just outside Malaga. I was so excited because I love Rosanna’s books, but at that point never dreamt that I would one day be writing destination fiction too. I just wanted to learn everything I could from a mistress of her craft.
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| Finca feedback session |
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| Finca tree house |
Having stayed at Finca el Cerrillo I knew how important it was that Zina, who owns the retreat house on Santorini, created the same wonderful vibe for her guests. The same quality home cooked food, the same warm welcome. But I went further than that; the honesty bar, the juke box game the guests play, are borrowed directly from the finca – with the blessing of Sue and Gordon, of course.
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| Finca opening doors |
I have also structured the retreat my would-be writers enjoy around the programme Rosanna uses. A free writing prompt first thing in the morning to get those creative cogs whirring, followed by a workshop session. Then free time to write for the rest of the day until the group comes back together to share their work in the early evening. And one-to-one sessions with the tutor, of course. Absolutely invaluable.
One thing I did not expect from attending Rosanna’s retreats was the friends I would make. The group has changed over the years, but there are still familiar faces from my very first visit in 2019. So I knew, just knew, that my protagonists would become the closest of friends. The sort of friends who will support each other whatever – much as the finca group has supported me, both with this book and in my wider writing life. So it’s entirely fitting that The Santorini Writing Retreat is dedicated to them.
Find out more about Finca el Cerrillo and its retreats and courses here: https://hotelfinca.com/
Thank you, Eva. The Spanish retreats sound wonderful and having read your novel, it must have been invaluable for you to be able to draw on the experiences you've had on those when writing your fictional one set in Santorini.
BIO
Eva Glyn writes destination fiction set in sunny Mediterranean climes. After four books (two dual timeline historical romances and two about new beginnings and friendship) set in Croatia, The Santorini Writing Retreat is her first fictional visit to Greece. She lives in Cornwall with her husband of almost thirty years, and also writes as Jane Cable.
BLURB for The Santorini Writing Retreat
Three women, one writing retreat, endless possibilities…
Bestselling author Jessica Rose needs to escape from a terrible secret that’s robbed her of her creativity. Could leading a retreat on a gorgeous Greek island be just what she needs?
Coming home to Santorini was never in Zina’s plans, but now she’s determined to make her new business a success.
And then there’s Karmela, who just wants to write her book and make her mother proud.
In the heat of their Greek island paradise, these new friends find the courage to shape their own stories, and write endings they can all be proud of…
https://mybook.to/SantoriniRetreat
Thank you for reading. I hope you enjoyed learning about the retreats held at Finca el Cerrillo as much as I did. I highly recommend The Santorini Writing Retreat and you may read my review here:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7587559510?book_show_action=false
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As promised, here is the beautiful cover of my fifth novel, set in rural mid-Wales and stunning Kefalonia. 
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How wonderful to discover the inspiration for Eva's latest novel. It is creeping up my TBR list and I can't wait to dive in. Jessie x
ReplyDeleteI absolutely love the sound of the Spanish retreats. I'm sure you will love Eva's new novel, Jessie.
DeleteThanks so much, Jessie - I hope you enjoy The Santorini Writing Retreat when it reaches the top of your TBR mountain.
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