Creative Writing Retreat

What to Expect

Creative Writing Programme

Through morning workshops, group discussions, and one-on-one sessions with Aga, you’ll explore every stage of storytelling — from shaping plot and character to refining dialogue and style. Beginners will gain a strong foundation, while more experienced writers will receive tailored feedback and mentorship to take their projects further.

Holistic Wellbeing

Writing is demanding, and creative breakthroughs come easier when the body is supported. Sophie offers individually tailored treatments — from deep tissue massage to acupressure — designed to ease tension, restore energy, and create the mental space for inspiration to flow.

Tuscan Experience

Afternoons offer time for quiet writing, but also the chance to explore. Wander through nearby Umbrian and Tuscan villages, savour local wines and cuisine, or enjoy a touch of boutique shopping. Each evening, you’ll return to the welcoming atmosphere of Casa Siliano to share stories, ideas, and laughter with fellow writers.

The writing course is structured in a way that will benefit both beginners who want to learn basic technical skills, as well as writers who might need feedback and help with their existing projects.

In an informal blend of practical morning workshops, discussions with fellow participants, and one-to-one afternoon sessions, we will concentrate on the process of writing, as well as its key aspects: the plot, the characters, the dialogue, and the style. And, last but not least, we will explore ways of finding an agent and getting published.

Aga offers WhatsApp or Facetime follow-up 1-2-1 tutorials which are an hour long and include discussion of up to 3000 words of text you can send her in advance. The discounted price for the retreat clients is £80 per session or £260 for a block of four sessions.

If you haven't been on retreat with us yet, but would like to find out more about having 1-2-1's with Aga or about the writing component of this retreat, you can email Aga for more information.

Meet your Guides:

Aga Lesiewicz — Lead Tutor & Mentor

Aga Lesiewicz is a London-based fiction author and screenwriter with a rich background in storytelling across media. She began her career as a radio presenter before moving into television, where she worked as a promo producer, director, and screenwriter.

She is the author of three psychological thrillers — Rebound and Exposure (published by Pan Macmillan), and her latest novel, What Have You Done, Zoe Bloom?. Her books have been translated into French and Polish, and a feature film based on one of her screenplays is currently in pre-production.

She holds an MA in English from the University of Warsaw and an MPhil in English Literature from the University of Lancaster.

With decades of hands-on experience and a deep passion for the written word, Aga brings a warm, practical, and inspiring approach to creative writing — helping new writers find their voice and experienced ones sharpen their craft.

agalesiewicz.com panmacmillan.com/authors/aga-lesiewicz/

Sophie McNicholas — Co-Founder of Shine Retreats & Massage Practitioner

Trained in Holistic, Deep Tissue Massage, Sports Massage and Myofascial release, Sophie approaches treatment with an awareness of posture, stress levels, and emotional well-being. Her sessions are tailored to each guest, helping you feel grounded, relaxed, and open to creativity.

During the retreat you will enjoy a 90min Massage session to clear your mind, ease your muscles and give you freedom to create.

More treatments are available and bookable to add to your retreat experience.

Sophie offers the following treatments:
Holistic, Deep Tissue, Sports Massage and Myofascial release.
Extra treatments are payable on retreat directly to Sophie

45mins = £60
60mins = £80
90mins = £100

Find out more about Sophie's training and background here:

Is This Retreat Right for Me?

Whether you’re just starting out, looking for structure and motivation, or already working on a manuscript and in need of professional feedback, Write & Renew offers the tools, space, and encouragement to take your writing seriously.

You’ll leave with not just pages of new work, but a renewed sense of confidence, focus, and creative energy.

What about the food?

All of your meals at home will be tasty and nutritious. Everything will be laid out for you, so that you can focus on writing and get time to quieten your mind amongst nature. Equally though, we will be more than happy to show you our favourite spots in the area for delicious dinners, an apertivo or ice cream!!

Travel Details

We are set in the beautiful countryside on the border of Tuscany and Umbria.
Our nearest train station is Chiusi-Chianciano Terme.
Our nearest local airport is Sant'Egidio Airport (PEG - Perugia)
Our nearest major airports are Fiumicino Airport (FCO - Rome), Galileo Galilei Airport (PSA - Pisa)

If you are flying in to Perugia, a taxi is your best method of transport to come to us and is around 110 euros from the taxi rank.
If a few of you are flying in that way, the cost will of course be less. We can help organise a larger pick up if necessary for you to split cost.
Train transfer from all other airports is quite easy, and we can help you with tickets and directions.
We will always be happy to pick you up from Chiusi train station.