KAA Writers Retreat in Tuscany
Seven transformative days of inspiration, creativity, and 1-on-1 coaching with publishing industry leaders
The Writing Experience of a Lifetime
In the Heart of Tuscany
KAA’s exclusive Writers Retreat is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to connect with other authors and elevate your writing through workshops and 1-on-1 sessions with a #1 New York Times-bestselling author, a top literary agent, and a Big-5 publishing executive.
Away from the obligations that sneak between you and your creative output, this immersive experience is for aspiring and veteran authors at any stage of their writing process. Surrounded by the vineyards and olive groves of the iconic Chianti hills, there will be time to write, bond with like-minded peers, eat delicious Italian food, and embark on local excursions designed to inspire you.
By the end of the week, you’ll be empowered to take your writing to a whole new level. But the journey doesn’t end there–within 6 months of your retreat, we will review your progress as a writer and provide a detailed review of your manuscript.
Retreat Mentors
WENDY HOLDEN
#1 New York Times and Sunday Times-Bestselling Author and Celebrity Ghostwriter
“Powerful Storytelling”
(Women Only)
May 24-May 31, 2025
Sept 27-Oct 4, 2025
JAIME LEVINE
#1 New York Times-Bestselling Editor and Former Big-5 Executive Editor with 35+ National Bestsellers
“Powerful Storytelling”
(Women Only)
May 24-May 31, 2025
Sept 27-Oct 4, 2025
BECKA OLIVER
Professional Book Coach and Former Literary Agent at WME and Rights Director at Hachette
“Powerful Storytelling”
(Women Only)
May 24-May 31, 2025
Sept 27-Oct 4, 2025
LESLIE HINSON
Published Novelist, Writer Retreat Coordinator, Yoga Instructor, and International Writing Coach
“Powerful Storytelling”
(Women Only)
May 24-May 31, 2025
Sept 27-Oct 4, 2025
SUZY K. QUINN
Internationally Bestselling Author (1 Million Copies Sold), Ghostwriter, and Book Consultant
“Fiction & Memoir”
(Co-Ed)
Oct 18-25, 2025
ROGER SCHOLL
#1 New York Times-Bestselling Editor, Former Big-5 Executive Editor with 55+ Bestselling Titles
“Nonfiction Masterclass”
(Co-Ed)
Sept/Oct 2025
KENDRA HARPSTER
New York Times-Bestselling Editor and Former Executive Editor at Penguin Random House
“Fiction & Memoir”
(Co-Ed)
Oct 18-25, 2025
JESSICA SINDLER
#1 New York Times-Bestselling Editor and Former Senior Editor at Harper and PRH
“Nonfiction Masterclass”
(Co-Ed)
Sept/Oct 2025
Inclusions at a Glance
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Luxury Accommodations at a Private Villa (7 Nights)
A historic and luxuriously updated villa in the heart of Tuscany, Italy. Suites come with a private bathroom and full use of the villa’s amenities, including a private pool, tennis court, billiards room, gym, and gardens.
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6-Month Progress Review with Manuscript & Query Letter Analysis
Within 6 months following the retreat, we will review your query letter and writing progress (up to 75,000 words) and provide detailed written feedback and consultation (approx. $7,500-$10,000 value).
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Intensive Workshops
Intensive workshops led by publishing industry leaders, designed to help you improve your writing skills and better understand the publishing landscape.
- Daily Meals & Michelin-Star Dinner
Daily continental breakfast, lunch, nightly 3-course gourmet Italian dinners by our chef, and one dinner out at a local Michelin-starred restaurant.
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1-on-1 Mentorship
Collaborate 1-on-1 with each of your mentors to discuss your manuscript and receive tailored advice on elevating your writing and achieving your publishing goals.
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Wine & Olive Oil from the Estate
Enjoy our delicious Chianti Classico and extra virgin olive oil while admiring the vineyards and olive grove from which they originate.
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Cooking Class
Learn traditional Tuscan recipes and techniques from a local chef, followed by enjoying your creations paired with regional wines.
- Free Time to Write or Explore
Between workshops and 1-on-1 sessions, you will have plenty of time to explore the region, enjoy the villa amenities, or work on your writing privately.
Limited to a small group of participants, KAA writers retreats offer unprecedented access to publishing’s leading experts
Learn, Grow, Be Inspired
Picture yourself surrounded by ancient stone walls and endless vineyard views, sipping Chianti Classico while you discuss your latest book idea with a notable literary agent and editor. Later, you share some of your inspiration with your new-found author friends, who are excited to share their progress and receive your feedback as well. In the distance, you hear the ringing of church bells from the quaint medieval town of San Donato, visible across the valley, reminding you that it’s time to join your colleagues on the terrace for an Italian dinner seasoned with the herbs from the estate’s fragrant gardens. After an evening of rich conversation, you walk out onto your private terrace to see the starry Tuscan sky above the glow of distant hilltop towns.
Each day starts with freshly squeezed orange juice, espresso, and an early morning yoga session in the olive grove. Then maybe you’ll wade into the walk-in pool under the warm Tuscan sun. Or perhaps you’ll turn your attention to refining your book idea. Imagine sitting with your laptop far from the distractions of work and family, devoting yourself to writing a few new pages based on your editor’s feedback. However you choose to spend your day, the muse of creativity, combined with an environment tailored to focus your energy, will guide and inspire you.
The Experience
The retreat will balance courses and workshops (tailored to the needs of the group), 1-on-1 sessions with each of your coaches, peer bonding activities, and free time to reflect, relax, or write.
Your mentors will also take time to get to know you and familiarize themselves with your work in advance of the retreat to ensure you get the most value from the experience.
Following the retreat, you’ll return home energized to continue your work enhanced by the education of your coaches. Within 6 months, submit your work in progress to your mentor for a full review and analysis. We will deliver detailed written notes, then join you for a telephone or virtual call to answer questions or offer further guidance.
The Workshops
Each day of your retreat will feature a workshop led by one of your mentors, tailored to the group’s specific needs. Workshop topics will change daily, based on the expertise of each mentor. Retreat participants will be offered range of insights in these sessions, from how to write a powerful book to navigating the publishing industry.
The Villa: Poggio alle Corti
Your Private Tuscan Paradise
Poggio alle Corti is a nearly 1,000-year-old estate encompassing 14 hectares (35 acres) of gardens, vineyards, fruit orchards, forests, and olive groves. An idyllic setting for creative inspiration, this historic villa combines timeless Tuscan architecture with modern luxury, including a stone-lined pool, tennis court, billiard hall, and gym.
The estate will be solely occupied by the retreat participants. Retreat attendees and their guests will stay in the main villa, while the staff and writing mentors will stay in two separate smaller villas located directly across the courtyard from the main villa.
Villa Inclusions
- Private pool overlooking Tuscan hills
- Panoramic views of valleys, medieval towns, churches, and the estate’s olive grove and vineyards
- Tennis court
- Courtyard and Italian-style gardens
- Estate-produced wines, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar
- Professional-grade kitchen
- Billiards hall with darts and table games
- Fitness center
- Luxurious bedding, pillows, and toiletries
- Starlink Wi-Fi throughout
- Air conditioning
Who Is the Tuscan Writers Retreat For?
The KAA Writers Retreats are for any author at any stage of their outlining or writing process.
This experience is ideal for anyone looking to elevate their craft and learn how best to achieve their publishing goals. Retreat participants comprise a mix of established and aspiring writers, each with their own experiences, personality, and creativity. Our team of mentors will provide a curated workshop itinerary tailored to each group, based on the theme of the week as well as individual author needs.
Note: Additional dates and private retreats are available by demand. Please let us know if any of these interest you.
Guests Allowed
Participants may bring a guest to share their room (+$3,900-$5,000). Guests may use the grounds and amenities and enjoy meals with the group, but they may not participate in the workshops and one-on-one sessions.
Why KAA Writers Retreat in Tuscany?
Connect with and Learn from Fellow Writers
The experience of connecting with fellow writers is transformative for a creative mind. Engaging with a diverse community of authors may offer a treasure trove of insights and wisdom, as each writer brings their unique journey, voice, and perspective. This rich exchange enables you to discover new writing styles, techniques, and narrative approaches—concepts you might not have considered alone.
The collaborative spirit fosters an environment where creativity flourishes.
Furthermore, if you wish to share your work with your peers, the practice of reviewing each other’s work becomes a formative process that sharpens your editing skills and enhances your ability to articulate constructive feedback.
The friends you make at the retreat may end up lasting a lifetime.
Be Inspired by Tuscany
Tuscany is a wealth of inspiration for every writer, rich in culture, history, and breathtaking landscapes. The rolling hills, lined with vineyards and olive groves, evoke a sense of peace and creativity that invites the pen to dance across the page. The region’s medieval towns, like Florence and Siena, breathe life into history, showcasing Renaissance art and architecture that tell stories of the past.
Dante Alighieri, an important figure in Tuscan literature, is an inspiration to this land. The Divine Comedy explores deep philosophical and existential themes that resonate through the ages. The legacies of Michelangelo (whose one-time home is near the villa) and Leonardo da Vinci also linger here. Walking the cobbled streets, one can almost hear their whispers of love, loss, creativity, and the relentless quest for understanding.
In Tuscany, every sunset casts a golden glow on history, every vineyard tells a tale, and every landscape ignites creativity—a vivid backdrop for any writer’s journey into imagination and expression.
Exclusive Access to Top Experts in Writing and Publishing
The KAA Writers Retreat offers a unique and invaluable opportunity for you to connect and learn directly from some of the industry’s top experts. You’ll be mentored by a #1 New York Times-bestselling writer sharing personal tips and strategies on style and storytelling craft; a former Big-5 executive editor whose custom feedback will demystify the qualities of a successful, publishable manuscript, and a seasoned literary agent offering tailored advice on how to pitch your work effectively and navigate the complexities of the publishing world.
This rare chance brings together powerful voices in publishing, allowing you to gain perspectives and actionable guidance that will transform your writing journey. Workshops, discussions, and one-on-one feedback sessions ensure that each participant leaves with tools and inspiration to elevate their craft.
Accountability
Our retreat provides a dedicated space and time to focus on writing, helping to keep you accountable for your creative goals. It offers an inspiring atmosphere that encourages deep reflection and exploration of your craft. Whether you’re polishing existing work, embarking on a new project, or seeking guidance on overcoming writer’s block, this retreat is invaluable.
Being surrounded by fellow writers fosters a supportive environment where you can share challenges and triumphs and encourage one another. This combination of solitude and camaraderie helps cultivate productivity that can be hard to achieve at home, reigniting your passion for storytelling and creativity.
Furthermore, our writing retreat doesn’t conclude after just seven days. We believe that true growth occurs over time, so we offer a unique follow-up option. Six months after the retreat, we will reconnect to review your progress, re-setting specific goals tailored to your individual journey. This ongoing support ensures that you remain engaged and accountable, empowering you and keeping you on the path to achievement.
Incredible Value
The mentorship and intimate access to world-class publishing experts is something you won’t find anywhere else. Our writers retreats represent an extraordinary value when considering the true costs of organizing a similar experience independently, which would easily exceed $30,000 per person when including accommodations, meals, transfers, workshops, expert mentors, and excursions. This retreat not only offers a unique opportunity to engage with multiple leading publishing experts for an entire week, but it also takes place in a rare, all-inclusive historic villa. The focused time and attention you will receive amidst such luxurious surroundings is invaluable, providing insights and guidance tailored to you and your journey. This one-of-a-kind experience not only fosters personal and professional growth but also cultivates a supportive community, all while you relax and rejuvenate in an exclusive retreat setting.
6-Month Progress Review: Manuscript and Query Letter Analysis
Within six months of attending the retreat, participants have the opportunity to submit their writing concepts, fragments, or full manuscript drafts (up to 75,000 words) for comprehensive review, critique, and analysis. This in-depth evaluation encompasses feedback on various elements of storytelling, including pacing, coherence of plot arc, analysis of narrative drive, inventiveness, worldbuilding, character development, consistency, clarity, overall readability as well as marketability and target audience. The feedback is delivered through detailed margin notes of the manuscript, supplemented by a separate editorial letter that offers a thorough analysis and actionable suggestions for improvement. A Zoom consultation with one of your dedicated retreat leaders will provide personalized insights and guidance.
For Authors at Any Stage of the Journey
Whether you’re still dreaming about your first book or written a full draft
Pre-Draft or Outline Stage
KAA Writers Retreat offers invaluable support as you plan and envision your book. Your mentors will help you flesh out your ideas and create a solid foundation for your manuscript, guiding you through the essential elements of story structure, character development, and thematic exploration. You will also gain insightful knowledge about the publishing industry.
Partial Manuscript
You’ll receive tailored feedback on your draft material to help you hone your characters, develop dynamic story arcs, and enrich other essential elements of your work. Through engaging workshops and one-on-one consultations, you’ll gain fresh perspectives on your writing and uncover areas for improvement that will elevate your craft.
Completed Manuscript
Our mentors will help you shape and tighten your manuscript, ensuring it’s not only well-written but compelling and market-ready. You will learn helpful tips for pitching to literary agents and exploring various publishing options, allowing you to strategize your next steps effectively. You’ll be fully equipped to present your work confidently and navigate the often daunting world of publishing with clarity and purpose.
For All Authors: 6-Month Progress Review
By the end of the retreat, you will leave with a wealth of knowledge, renewed confidence, and inspiration to continue your writing journey. But our commitment to your success doesn’t end there. After 6 months, we’ll check in on you and review your progress, whether that be basic character sketches or a fully formed manuscript. We’ll provide a detailed review and analysis and schedule a one-on-one call to discuss your progress in depth.
Private 6-Day Option
Imagine an exclusive writing retreat tailored just for you and your chosen guests, where creative inspiration meets personalized mentorship.
With your own private villa, you’ll enjoy an intimate, distraction-free environment that allows your ideas to flourish. Over the course of six days, you and up to 11 friends or family members will work side by side with seasoned industry professionals, receiving one-on-one guidance that caters specifically to your writing goals. You’ll have access to the villa’s amenities, and all the retreat inclusions noted above, while fostering a collaborative and supportive atmosphere, all designed to elevate your writing journey.
- Price $47,500 (+$5,000 per individual 6-month review)
What Authors Say About Our Mentors
I’m ready for this life-changing experience!
FAQs
Do I have to participate in all of the classes?
No, but we hope you do. Our team of mentors has carefully planned their courses to interest and benefit the entire group, no matter where you are with your writing.
Do I have to have a work-in-progress?
Not at all. The one-on-one meetings with editors, agents, and writing instructors can be catered to you and whatever project you have in mind, regardless of development status. If you have a complete manuscript, the work will be about revising and polishing the material and enhancing your craft. If you are partway through the writing process, you can get feedback on your progress and support on moving your book towards completion. If you have the desire to write a book and an idea of what interests you, but have not begun, your editor or writer mentor can work with you for a set time each day to strategize the concept and structure, enabling you to leave the retreat with an actionable outline you can draft a manuscript based on when you return home.
Can I save money by sharing a room?
Yes! If you're willing to share a room and bathroom with another attendee, or if you'd like to forgo the 6-month progress review, the cost will be reduced (the amount varies per retreat).
You may also bring a guest for an additional fee. While guests may not participate in the workshops and 1-1 sessions, there will be optional activities and excursions to enjoy, they will join us for meals, and they will have free use of all the villa's spaces and amenities.
Can I see a detailed list of the inclusions and amenities?
Please refer to the individual retreat pages for information on inclusions and a general itinerary. A detailed itinerary will be sent to all participants leading up to the retreat.
Pre-Retreat Prep
- Attendee questionnaire
- Submit existing writing, ideas, or manuscript draft for review (ideally, at least 1 month prior to the retreat)
Courses and Workshops
- Vary per retreat
1-on-1 Sessions
- 60-90min drill down sessions with each of the retreat leaders
- May include multiple sessions with key leaders (as needed)
Meals
- Continental breakfast daily
- Light lunch daily (typically a pasta, protein, and some vegetables)
- Dinners: 3-course Italian dinner served tableside (al fresco, weather permitting)
- One dinner at a local Michelin-starred restaurant.
Manuscript Review and Analysis (optional)
- Within 6 months following the retreat, attendees may submit their writing concepts, fragments, or manuscript draft (up to 75,000 words) for a full review, critique, and analysis, followed by a consultation. This review will include feedback on all aspects of the writing's flow, structure, cohesiveness, story arc, character development, plot structure, marketability, target audience, and readability, as well as any other issues that may affect the quality of the work. The critique and feedback is provided in the form of liner notes along the margins of the manuscript, a separate editorial letter that provides in-depth analysis and suggestions, and a Zoom consultation with the editor. This review will be performed by one of your retreat leaders.
Cooking Class
- Learn traditional Tuscan recipes and techniques from a local chef, followed by enjoying your creations paired with regional wines. This will constitute one of our nightly dinners.
Wine (Chianti Classico DOCG), Olive Oil, and Balsamic Vinegar
- Attendees will enjoy wine, oil, and vinegar from the estate during their stay.
Check-In/Check Out & Transfers
- We will arrange for transfers to the villa from Florence airport. Everyone flying in to Florence will be transferred to the villa.
- If driving on your own, you may arrive at the villa no earlier than 3pm
- Check out is 10am on the final day of the retreat
- Transfers to Florence airport for departure are included
VILLA AMENITIES
Outdoor
- Private pool (2.5 meters deep)
- Pool bar
- Outdoor shower
- Pool towels
- 12 lounge chairs
- Sun shades and cabana
- Full-size tennis court with balls and rackets
- Full-size bocce (lawn bowling) court
- Trampoline with safety netting
- Direct access to extensive trekking/hiking trails
- Direct access to extensive cycling and mountain biking trails
- Short walk to beautiful clear river suitable for swimming
- Multiple terraces
- Vineyard, olive grove, and fruit orchard (cherry, fig, apples, and more)
- Outdoor barbeque
- Ornamental gardens (flowers, herbs, shrubs)
- Portable Bluetooth speakers
- Shaded al-fresco dining for 12-16 people
Indoor
- Full-size billiard table
- Dart board
- Ping-pong/table tennis table
- High-definition smart TV with movies and video game system
- Three wood-burning fireplaces (staff will light upon request)
- Starlink Wi-Fi throughout
- Board games and playing cards
- Air conditioning in the bedrooms
Gym
- Bench and free weights
- Home gym resistance machine
- Treadmill
- Exercise bike
Views
- 360 hilltop views of vineyards, olive groves, churches, and medieval villas
- Sunset and sunrise views
- Clear view of the medieval town of San Donato and its bell tower (which you will hear ringing across the valley every hour)
Parking for 6+ vehicles (uncovered)
Bathroom Amenities
- Luxury soaps and toiletries
- Towels and linens refreshed midweek
Housekeeping
- Daily bathroom and bedroom cleaning
- General care and maintenance onsite
VILLA FEATURES
- Original foundation and fortress walls built in 1100s (3ft- to 6ft-wide walls)
- 5 full bathrooms (recently fully renovated), 1 half bath
- Modern full-sized Tuscan kitchen (renovated 2025)
- Oversized fridge
- Gas range stove
- Dual ovens
- Microwave
- Coffee (espresso machine, French press, drip coffee, moka coffee)
- Fully stocked kitchenware
- Juicer for fresh orange juice
- Ice box
- Prep counter
- Security system and surveillance
- 10-15-foot ceilings (very rare with ancient villas)
- Two large sitting rooms, each with working wood-burning fireplace
- Luxury mattresses, pillows, and bedding (updated 2024)
- Heat and A/C throughout
- Laundry room with washer and dryer
- Courtyard
What can I do during my free time?
While some participants enjoy writing or socializing during their free time, others may want to relax and enjoy the villa's many amenities or explore the region. Keep in mind that the villa is in the countryside, so you will not be able to rely on public transportation to take you to any regional attractions. If you think you’d like to explore, we suggest you rent a car at the Florence airport for the week.
There are many guides to this region available online, and we can also recommend to you specific local attractions, tips, and insights. Some of the many local attractions include:
→Medieval Towns and Villages (including San Gimignano, Castellina, Siena, Volterra, and many more)
→World Class Museums of Florence
→Chianti Wine Tours
→Monastery Tours
→Hiking/Biking
→Hot Air Ballooning
→Leaning Tower of Pisa
Major attractions within 2-3 hours via car or high-speed train:
→Rome
→Venice
→Cinque Terre
→Bologna
→San Marino
→Modena (Ferrari HQ and Museums)
→Orvieto
→Portofino
Accessibility and Dietary Restrictions
Unfortunately, the villa is not wheelchair accessible, except for the main floor (which contains no bedrooms), which is up a flight of stairs. The pool and tennis court are close to the villa but only accessible by walking down a few stone steps. Please note that there are no handrails or disabled facilities in the bathrooms.
We are happy to provide vegetarian options, but we currently cannot accommodate vegan and gluten-free dietary restrictions.
Are plane tickets included in the price?
Will there be airport transportation offered?
Yes, we will offer transportation to the villa from the Florence airport on Day 1 of the retreat. Participants who choose to fly into other neighboring airports (listed below) can decide to rent a car and drive directly to the villa, or travel by train to Florence and join the group on our airport shuttle. As you solidify your plans, our team can help you iron out these details. Please note that if you plan on exploring the region outside of our group activities, we highly recommend you rent a car for the week so you can come and go as you please.
→Pisa to Florence: 1 hour 45 minutes by train
→Bologna to Florence: 1.5 hours by high-speed train
→Rome to Florence: 3 hours by high-speed train
What is the payment and cancellation policy?
Payments
- 30% down payment is required to reserve your spot and select your room
- The entire balance is due 60 days before the retreat's start date
- Payments can be made via credit card or wire transfer
Cancellation Policy
All payments are nonrefundable.
You may transfer your reservation to another person up to 30 days in advance or transfer your balance to another future retreat date.
In the case of force majeure, in which we are unable to safely run the retreat, your balance will be transferred to a future date of your choosing.