Kickstart your 2026 writing goals with these writing retreats!
--------
MISA - Crafting the True Story with Jacqui Banaszynsk, January 4 - 9, 2026
Bring real life to the page with techniques that can make words dance, sentences sparkle, and stories soar with acclaimed journalist and story coach Jacqui Banaszysnki at our MISA West Tanque Verde Ranch Location.
Students will explore techniques that weave literary creativity into true stories. Whether you are a news journalist, book author, travel writer, or gathering your family’s story, you will find the week both practical and inspirational.
Students will gain the tools that all good writers master to transform a notion or assignment into a viable story idea, and then shape that idea into a compelling piece. The week will include a mix of fieldwork and in-class exercises to practice various techniques. Jacqui will help students diagnose their unique writing patterns, and meet with them for optional one-on-one coaching to brainstorm approaches to their individual writing challenges and aspirations.
More details at MISA - Crafting the True Story with Jacqui Banaszynski
MISA - The Unafraid Storyteller, January 12 - 16, 2026
Life is meant to be messy. Life is supposed to be a bit chaotic. Life is an adventure where we are always a single phone call away from heartbreak or the fulfillment of our wildest dreams. Of course, this is exactly what makes being alive the best game in the universe.
People are craving authenticity. So, let’s give it to them.
Through journaling, group interaction, creative exercises, physical movement and hands-on activities, this high-energy experience with poet, writer, and comedian John Roedel provides you with the tools to tell your own story without fear of what the world will think of you. With his trademark comedy, emotive style, and obsession with keeping his presentations interactive, John shares his own journey while offering his wisdom on how you can share yours as well.
More details at MISA - The Unafraid Storyteller
Costa Rica Writing Retreat (two dates), January 24 - 31, 2026 OR January 31 - February 7, 2026
We all crave inspiration in today’s hectic world: the freedom to dream, the space to think, the time to focus on creating rather than consuming. We need to recharge and re-imagine how we see ourselves. To laugh, learn new skills, be alone when we choose to and be part of a community when the mood takes us. To reconnect with the natural world, and re-assert our connection to it.
It’s hard to imagine a more perfect place to satisfy these needs than beautiful Costa Rica. Join us for a creative writing retreat in a beautiful eco-lodge in the heart of Arenal National Park.
Our creative writing retreats are not only informational – they are transformational.
More details at Costa Rica Writing Retreat
7-Day Writing Retreat Masterclass (Get Published!), February 26 - March 4, 2026
Get Published in Our Exclusive Retreat Anthology! Every attendee will have the opportunity to become a published author. After the retreat, Imagine Press Inc. will sign retreat guests and publish their short stories in a Retreat Anthology, available at major book retailers worldwide. Royalties will be shared among all contributing authors—your story, your legacy!
Experience the splendor of Athens, Greece, for a week of writing classes and writing! For one low price, we will also tour the city’s walking streets, the Acropolis, and the Acropolis Museum.
Step into the city where stories have been told for centuries and let history, culture, and creativity fuel your next masterpiece. Join us for a transformative writing retreat in the heart of Athens—where ancient inspiration meets modern storytelling. Whether you’re crafting your debut novel or polishing your latest work, connect with fellow writers, gain fresh insights, and let the city’s vibrant energy spark your imagination. Let’s turn words into magic!
More details at 7-Day Writing Retreat Masterclass (Get Published!)
If you're looking for retreats with different locations or dates, check out all the writing retreats on the Writing Retreat Directory.
Note: All writing retreat information for the Writing Retreat Directory listings and blog posts are supplied by the writing retreat host. If you have any questions about the retreats or the information provided, please click the link for the retreat.