June 13th – June 22nd, 2024
10 DAYS
Come celebrate our twelfth writer’s retreat in Alonnisos
Julie Maloney – Director of WRA returns to lead her twelfth writing retreat on the island of Alonnisos.
ALONNISOS is a jewel of an island situated in the northwest of the Aegean Sea. It belongs to the Northern Sporadic group of islands. The harbor spills into a small bay with clear turquoise waters, surrounded by steep, ochre-yellow cliffs. Alonnisos has been designated as one of the top eco-islands of Europe. Swim in its crystal clear waters or hike old donkey paths kept open for nature lovers. Explore the natural beaches and travel into the hilly countryside where gentle, green hills converge with deep ravines. View the island as one large botanical garden. Surround yourself with dramatic views from the top of Chora – Old Town – and other highpoints on the island. Return to your private terrace and breathe in the calm of the environment.
You will arrive by Flying Dolphin hydrofoil or ferry to the lively port and main village of Patitiri. Most of the islands’ 2,900 permanent inhabitants live in this area. Patitiri is full of cafes and tavernas where you can sit with your writing journal and enjoy the port atmosphere with the many colorful fishing and sailing boats. Walk up the hill to Nina’s Pansion where you will be staying and feast your eyes on the magenta bourganvilla. Read. Take a nap. Swim. Hike. Take time. Write.
this purpose and place
strikes a spark
to illuminate minds
in the cave of the skulll
the winds of voices sound
in laughter, at depth
calmed in breathing
we synch into shared calm
absorb a rich broth
that nurtures souls
the prompt a wick
we ignite and write
safe by the sea…
our voices
not one alike
we marvel
weep and laugh
–excerpt by Carol Tremper,
Writer/Poet and Alonnisos Retreat participant for 10 years
JULIE MALONEY, Director of WRA, will return to the island of Alonnisos for the twelfth year to lead a ten day writing retreat. Open to women writers of all levels, writing in all genres, this retreat offers a perfect balance of community and solitude. Stay in the family owned CASA NINNA PENSION, up the hill from the port. (Visit: www.ninna.gr.) Enjoy the friendly service of Ninna and her family whose warm welcome to us each year cannot be surpassed. We will write each morning close to the sea surrounded by the island’s flora. Inspiration abounds in such a setting. Limited to 12 writers.
GETTING THERE:
Fly to Athens with a direct connection to the island of Skiathos which has an international airport. From Skiathos, book a ferry or hydrofoil to Alonnisos. You may travel from Athens to Skiathos via Olympic Airways or another airway of your choice. Secure your ticket ahead of time via ferry or hydrofoil to Alonnisos through our suggested travel agent, Giorgos, at Aegean Thesaurus Travel at: giorgos@thesaurus.gr. Let him know that you are with the WOMEN READING ALOUD WRITER’S RETREAT with Julie Maloney. If you are traveling from London, you have the possibility of booking directly to Skiathos with a UK travel agent. If you need assistance to Athens and are traveling from the USA, contact: Linda Shuller at Pro Travel in Livingston, NJ, at 973 994-2999. Due to varying travel timetables, it is suggested that you plan your arrival one day ahead of the retreat’s official beginning to allow for any scheduling conflicts. You don’t want to miss the WELCOME DINNER!
ACCOMMODATIONS:
Stunningly exquisite and newly renovated, the pension offers private room and bath for each guest. All rooms are spacious and all have a private veranda overlooking the Aegean Sea. Each room provides modern conveniences such as A/C, TV, and refrigerator. You will not be disappointed. You will be entranced by the beauty and warmth that engulfs you from the first moment you step into your surroundings.
SCHEDULE:
Writing Workshop each morning – 9:30 AM to 12: 30 PM, beginning on June 14th.
- 2 “Nite Writes” – 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM.
- All workshops follow the Amherst Writers and Artists Method.
- Afternoons are open for swimming, kyaking, hiking, walks on the beach, island hopping, people-watching, sweet shops, shopping, siesta time and more writing in the privacy of your own balcony.
- AMANI SPA (optional) offers treatments in a luxurious setting with swimming pool and cafe.
- Bonus: Spectacular Seafood Luncheon celebrating our 12th year
TOTAL COST:
$3850 includes your private room, private bath, private balcony facing the sea and more:
- Welcome Dinner on June 13th, set on one of the most glorious beaches on the island.
- Breakfast served daily in the NEW breakfast room.
- 8 Writing Workshops beginning June 14th through June 21st.
- 2 Nite Writes – 2 Evening Programs where we will write and discuss writing questions/themes.
- Sunset Dinner Cruise – 4 hr. cruise–breathtaking– with swimming, food and drinks, phenomenal photographic opportunities.
- Guest Dinner provided by our gracious host from Ninna’s Pension.
- Closing Ceremony and Farewell Reception on June 21st.
- Departure – June 22nd. If you wish to extend your stay, arrangements must be made ahead of time with the pension.
I guarantee you that the hardest part of this retreat will be in leaving the island of Alonnisos and the peace and joy it provides.
– Julie Maloney, Director of WRA
$500 non-refundable deposit secures your spot.
Contact Julie Maloney for payment options: julie@womenreadingaloud.org
Balance due by March 13th, 2024.
Cancellation before 4/13, forfeit 50% of trip price
Cancellation after 4/13, forfeit full amount
“If you are even thinking about attending, let me assure you that this will be the best investment you could make for yourself. Between the wonderful writing sessions, the beauty of the island, the friendships of the women writers, it was life changing.”
–Tammy Coia, Mexico
“I arrived on Alonissos a tired and stalled writer in need of a huge dose of energy and faith. Ten days later, I left the beautiful island, the wonderful Julie Maloney, and the company of twelve congenial women, a new woman and refreshed writer. I have been working with joy and confidence on my third book ever since.”
–Ruth Yunker, CA, USA
Julie’s skills and the magic of the island of Alonnisos joined forces with the AWA writing method for an inspiring retreat. This was my second year to attend. Julie promoted an atmosphere which encouraged the writer to experiment with new voices and dive into an ocean of new feelings. I experienced wonderful group support which motivated me to move forward in my writing while remaining in the present moment.
–Patricia Vogle, Germany
“Magical. That’s the best word I can use to describe the experience of being on retreat in Alonnisos, Greece with Julie Maloney. She assembled a group of kick-ass writers who were as generous as they were talented. I discovered another breathtaking part of our planet, as well as the nascent writer in me waiting to be born.”
–Pascale Kavanaugh, NJ, USA
“Julie Maloney put her whole heart, mind and soul into creating a retreat that is fulfilling on so many levels. She brings together women from diverse backgrounds to a magical location and sets us free to explore our stories and the island. I was traveling for 5 months around the world and participating in this retreat was one of the best choices I made along the way.”
–Lauren Rutten, NC, USA
“I had the privilege of attending the writing retreat in Alonnisos, Greece in 2017. My experience was so much more than I expected, life changing actually. I have come back to Australia a new person, with a fire in my belly that is unstoppable. My love of writing has enhanced. I learned so much from Julie and the other women- the kula. I feel so enriched by the experience.”
— Vicky Xirakis, Australia
“In this glorious piece of paradise, I was able to move deeply into my own work and share that with amazingly talented and generous women. The structure of the retreat as led by Julie (Maloney), the exquisite beauty of Alonnisos, and the companionship of the other writers create an alchemy–a kind of mystical experience–unlike any other writer’s retreat I’ve attended. It was transformative.”
–Priscilla Orr, NJ, USA
“The writing retreat is a safe environment, an opportunity for you to embrace new challenges…explore your own creativity…Julie is the perfect guide to take you on this journey.”
–Bibi Hamblin, Greece