Write Where Inspiration Lives — Tolo, Greece

Spend 7 unforgettable nights at the seaside John & George Hotel, where your mornings begin with expert-led writing classes and your afternoons unfold with breathtaking adventures.

✨ What’s included:

• Daily writing workshops with bestselling author Jonas Saul

• Guided visits to the ancient theater of Epidaurus

• Day trip to the island of Hydra

• Exploration of charming Nafplio

• Time to write, relax, and connect with fellow writers

💬 Guest Experience:
“This was an amazing experience! I learned so much about writing a great novel, and the destination was a dream. The hotel, food, and friendships were perfection.” — Anna A.

📌 Limited spots available — secure your place today!

This isn’t just a retreat—it’s a creative reset in one of Greece’s most enchanting settings. Whether you’re polishing a manuscript or starting fresh, you’ll leave with pages written, friendships made, and memories that last a lifetime.

📖 Come for the writing. Stay for the magic. Leave inspired.

✍️ What You’ll Learn — A Transformational Writing Experience

This isn’t just a retreat—it’s a complete creative and professional upgrade for your writing life. Whether you’re just beginning your novel or polishing a manuscript for publication, our immersive sessions are designed to elevate your craft and your confidence. Over the course of the retreat, you'll explore:  

🧠 The Craft of Storytelling

• Find Your Novel’s Core Idea: Discover the heart of your story and build from a foundation that excites you—and your reader.

• To Outline or Not?: We’ll break down story planning methods so you can find the writing process that works for you.

• Build Motivation: Set a writing rhythm that fuels your creativity, whether it’s word counts, goal tracking, or intuitive flow.

• Show, Don’t Tell: Learn how to evoke emotion and action with vivid examples and hands-on practice.

• Active vs. Passive Voice: We’ll demystify this key technique with practical tips and examples that will immediately sharpen your prose.

💡 Style, Pacing & Emotional Impact

• Strengthen Your Style: From removing filler words to improving cadence and sentence flow, you’ll learn what makes writing sing.

• Mastering Pacing: Understand how to keep readers turning pages—what to speed up, what to slow down, and what to cut.

• Character Motivation & Scene Purpose: Learn how every moment on the page should move your story and characters forward.

• Write to Reader Psychology: Discover how to deliver emotional satisfaction, surprise, and connection—so your readers stay hooked.

• Self-Editing Mastery: Save money and impress agents by tightening your prose with proven techniques and checklists.

🔥 Make It Unputdownable

• Inject Tension: Learn practical tools for adding suspense and urgency, no matter your genre.

• Heighten Emotion: Discover ways to amplify feelings on every page so readers care deeply about your characters.

🎯 Publishing & Promotion Essentials

• Industry Standards: Understand proper manuscript setup, formatting, and submission etiquette to present yourself as a professional.

• Cover Design Tips: Whether self-publishing or traditionally publishing, get insider advice on what sells visually.

• Publishing Pathways: Explore the pros and cons of self-publishing vs. traditional routes—and how to succeed in either.

• Query Like a Pro: For those submitting to agents, we’ll demystify the process and share examples that work.

📣 Author Platform & Long-Term Support

• Promotion on a Budget: Learn how to find readers organically—and amplify your reach with affordable, efficient strategies.

• Promotion 101 with Author Rania Stone: A beginner-friendly guide to social media marketing, landing pages, funnel building, and essential website strategies to strengthen your online presence.

• Ongoing Community: After the retreat, you’ll receive continued support, including video calls to discuss your writing goals and personalized guidance for your career.

✅ And as your work comes into the world, we’ll promote your book launches across our combined platforms—reaching over 50,000 followers.  

🌟 This is more than a retreat. It’s the next chapter of your writing journey.

THE RETREAT WEEK SUMMARY: 

✨ A Day in the Life at the Retreat

Each morning begins with a relaxed buffet breakfast, served between 8:00 and 9:00 a.m., allowing you to ease into your day with good food and great company.

Our morning writing sessions run from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., with a short break to recharge. (You’ll find full session details in your personalized itinerary.) These sessions are designed to deepen your craft, spark new ideas, and provide you with practical tools that you can use immediately in your work.

Afternoons are yours. Whether you want to dive into your manuscript, walk the beach, swim, hike, nap, or reflect, you’ll have the freedom to use this time however your creativity requires. We also offer private one-on-one sessions with our guest authors—an hour dedicated to your questions, your work, and your goals. We gather again around 7:00 p.m. for a delicious group dinner, followed by relaxed and inspiring evenings centered around all things writing:

✨ Readings & peer critiques

✨ Stories of publishing success

✨ Career Q&As and honest advice

✨ Marketing strategies to find readers without spending a fortune. Whether you’re seeking motivation, feedback, or just a community that truly gets it, the evenings offer a perfect blend of camaraderie and creative momentum.  

📚 Jonas Saul – International Bestselling Thriller Author & Writing Mentor

Jonas Saul is the internationally bestselling author of the Sarah Roberts Series, with over 2 million copies sold and more than 60 thrillers published. His gripping, high-stakes storytelling has earned him a place on Amazon charts alongside—and often above—icons like Stephen King and Dean Koontz. In Hollywood, Jonas secured representation and signed multiple development deals, including a major option with MadRiver Pictures for the Sarah Roberts franchise, which is currently in development for screen adaptation. As a dynamic and sought-after speaker, teacher, and workshop leader, Jonas is a regular guest at international writing conferences and film festivals. 

He shares his expertise on crafting tension, building emotional resonance, and navigating the complex path to publishing success. Currently based in Greece, Jonas hosts annual writing retreats in inspiring global locations, helping writers elevate their craft while building lifelong creative communities. In addition to writing, Jonas is a respected freelance editor with a keen eye for story, pacing, and structure. His work is backed by dozens of glowing testimonials from authors who have leveled up their manuscripts under his guidance. Whether you're looking for a pulse-pounding thriller or a masterclass in writing, Jonas Saul delivers both—with intensity, clarity, and heart.

🗓️ Cancellation Policy

We understand that plans can change. That’s why we offer a 100% refund for any cancellations made on or before August 22, 2025—a full three months before the retreat start date. After this date, all venue payments are finalized, and unfortunately, we are unable to offer refunds. Thank you for your understanding. We’re here to assist with any questions you may have.

⚖️ Waiver of Liability and Assumption of Risk

By registering for and participating in this retreat hosted by Imagine Greece Retreats (IGR), I acknowledge and agree to the following terms:

1. Assumption of Risk I understand that my participation in retreat activities—including but not limited to yoga, meditation, sightseeing, hiking, and other physical or group activities—carries inherent risks that may result in personal injury, illness, or other unforeseen consequences. I voluntarily assume full responsibility for any such risks, known or unknown, and confirm that I am physically and mentally able to participate.
2. Release of Liability I hereby release, waive, and discharge Imagine Greece Retreats (IGR), its organizers, faculty, staff, contractors, and the host venue from any and all liability, claims, demands, actions, or causes of action whatsoever, including those resulting from negligence, that may arise from or relate to any loss, damage, injury, illness, or inconvenience incurred during my participation in the retreat.
3. Financial Responsibility I agree to be solely financially responsible for any medical treatment, transportation, or additional services required as a result of an injury or emergency while attending the retreat.
4. Voluntary Participation & Right to Withdraw I understand that all activities are voluntary, and I may choose not to participate in any activity that I feel may pose a risk to my well-being. I agree to communicate any concerns or discomfort to the retreat staff immediately.
5. Compliance with Safety Guidelines I agree to follow all written and verbal instructions and safety guidelines provided by IGR and its representatives. I acknowledge that failure to do so may result in my removal from certain activities or the retreat itself, without refund.
6. Waiver of Claims By signing below, I expressly waive the right to bring any legal action or claim against IGR, its faculty, staff, or affiliates for any injury, loss, or damage resulting from my participation in the retreat, except in cases of willful misconduct or gross negligence.

I have read and fully understand this waiver of liability and assumption of risk. I acknowledge that by participating in this retreat, I am entering into a binding legal agreement.