September 23 to 28 in Orkney, the archipelago in the Northern Isles of Scotland.  Our five-night intimate writing retreat will  be led by two award-winning writers - Authors at Large (AAL) c0-founder Robin Hemley and the British novelist James Scudamore. We are hosting the retreat at the Kristin Linklater Voice Center in Sandwick Orkney.  Sandwick is on the northwest coast of Orkney and is where key archeological sites are located, including the Neolithic village of Skara Brae, the Ring of Brodgar and Maeshowe.

Retreat Schedule

The retreat begins upon arrival on Sunday evening September 23 with a welcome reception and dinner.  Mornings are reserved for private writing time.  Workshops occur each afternoon from 2 to 5:30 pm where 1 to 2 manuscripts may be discussed.  In the evenings we gather for informal salons where participants are encouraged (but are certainly not required) to give readings of their works.  The authors will lead sessions on writing craft and engage in conversations about publishing and the writing life. 

The Writing Workshop  

AAL will offer two intensive workshops at this retreat - an immersive, generative workshop on LITERARY TRAVEL WRITING  with Robin Hemley and in FICTION (novels, short fiction) with James Scudamore.   Workshops will require a manuscript submission.  No more than 12 participants will be accepted for the retreat. 

TO APPLY

Please send either a fiction or nonfiction manuscript of between 1,500 to 2,000 words to aalauthors@gmail.com.  There is no charge to apply.  Current and former AAL clients need not apply and may register for the retreat at this link.  (note:  former writing students of Robin Hemley or Xu Xi please email AAL to waive the application).  Registration deadline just extended to July 2.

Fee for the retreat is competitively priced at US$895.  Current and former AAL clients enjoy a 10% discount (US$805.50).  Accommodation — which includes all meals freshly prepared at the Center — is reasonably priced for the the five-night stay at US$890 for a single room with a shared bathroom.  There are four bathrooms shared by 12 single rooms; each room has a desk.  There is one double ensuite room which can be shared for US$735 each; if you wish to try to arrange a share please email us as soon as you’ve registered for the retreat.  You can book your stay at the same link as registration.

Robin and James will each also offer a limited number of individual reviews of a longer manuscript (up to 10,000 words) in the genre of your choice for registered participants at Scotland 2018 for the special price of US$500.  You will need to send your work in advance and can schedule a private consultation session with the author during the retreat for feedback on your work.  These reviews are always popular so register soon - please select the author you want to read your manuscript.

The Kristin Linklater Voice Center (KLVC) has hosted artists and writers for many years.  It is a unique, well-appointed facility and offers a natural environment for reflection and artistic engagement.  AAL is delighted to present our exclusive writing retreat & workshop at this lovely space.