Experience the splendor of Tolo, Greece, at The John & George Hotel for a whole week of writing classes and writing! We will also tour an ancient theater, visit several islands (Hydra and Spetses), and the gorgeous town of Nafplio, all for one low price!
Join us for an unforgettable writing retreat set in the storybook beauty of Tolo, Greece. Each day blends focused writing classes with soul-stirring experiences designed to awaken your creativity.
Come for the writing. Stay for the magic. Leave transformed.
Calling all storytellers! 🖋️✨ Unplug from the ordinary and plug into inspiration at our upcoming writing retreat. Immerse yourself in the tranquility of nature, surround yourself with fellow writers, and let the creative energy flow. Whether you're a seasoned author or just starting your literary journey, join us for a week of words, wisdom, and wonderful connections. Let's turn the blank page into a canvas of endless possibilities! 🌿📖 #WritingRetreat #InkAndImagination #CreateWithPassion
This isn’t just a retreat—it’s a complete boost to your creative and professional writing journey. Whether you’re starting your novel or refining a manuscript for publication, our immersive sessions are crafted to enhance your skills and boost your confidence. During the retreat, you'll explore:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 career guidance.
✅ And as your work comes into the world, we’ll promote your book launches across our combined platforms.
Plus: Learn how to do a Greek dance while in Greece for 10 euros per person!
THE RETREAT WEEK SUMMARY:
Each morning begins with a relaxed buffet breakfast, served from 8:00 to 9:00 a.m., so you can 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 simply a community that truly understands, the evenings offer a perfect blend of camaraderie and creative energy.
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.
Beyond the Craft: A Boutique Partnership. Attendance at an Imagine Greece Retreat opens doors. Imagine Press is our exclusive thriller house, prioritizing quality over volume and limiting our publication schedule to 3–5 select titles per year. We primarily review manuscripts from our Masterclass alumni, ensuring our writers have a direct path from the classroom to a strategic, bestseller-focused publication.
We understand that plans can change. That’s why we offer a 100% refund for any cancellations made on or before July 19, 2025—a full two 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.
By registering for and participating in this retreat hosted by Imagine Greece Retreats (IGR), I acknowledge and agree to the following terms:
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, whether known or unknown, and confirm that I am physically and mentally capable of participating.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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, understood, and agree to this waiver of liability and assumption of risk. I acknowledge that by participating in this retreat, I am entering into a binding legal agreement.
A hotel van will transport us from Athens to Tolo, and back to Athens at the completion of the retreat.
All seven nights at The John & George Hotel are covered in the writing retreat fee.
The retreat fee gives you access to all the sessions, plus one-on-ones, and more!
Buffet breakfast is served every day from 8:00 - 9:30 with a wide variety of dishes and beverages: Coffee, tea, juices, jam, cheeses, olives, eggs, warm dishes, seasonal fruits, and more ...
Greek and American dishes.
Visit the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus, regarded as the best-preserved ancient theatre in Greece. Then we visit a local olive oil factory in an amazing environment surrounded by olive trees.
Tour of Nafplio which is the first capital of Greece. You will see the old town built by the Venetians, and the castle of Bourtzi, as well as Palamidi.
Tour the picturesque island of Hydra with its unique singularity: the absence of cars on the island. Then continue to Spetses Island where "Knives Out" was filmed!
Attendees will be given a gift bag of fun and exciting things related to the retreat.
Attendees must find their own way to and from Greece.
The one thing your fee does not cover are beverages. All beverages can be charged to your room and settled up upon check-out.
As noted above, all alcoholic beverages can be charged to your room and settled up later.
The hotel supplies us with buffet breakfast and dinner. Lunch can be ordered at the restaurant, or in town.
Please investigate what travel insurance works best for you, if needed.
There may be a small fee of a few euros when checking out to cover the hotel tax fee the Greek government imposes upon hotels.
These are optional tours. Fly in early enough to join us!
Pre-Retreat Athens Adventure
September 18th
Morning
Mid-Morning
Afternoon
Evening
The duration is approximately 4–5 hours, perfect for immersing yourself in the heart of Athens before our retreat begins.
Athens Adventure: The Day Before We Head to Tolo
September 19th
Morning
10:00 a.m.
Afternoon
Evening
Day One: Setting the Foundation
Day Two: Mastering Style and Pace
Join us on a tour of Hydra first, where we will see an old-world Greek island where cars are not allowed. Then we are off to Spetses for the day to enjoy another island.
Today is a day to digest the material we've been going over. A day to mentally prepare for more sessions!
Day Three: Enhancing Emotion and Tension
Day Four: Industry Know-How
Day Five: Promotion and Visibility
The hotel will provide transportation to Athens. If you’re leaving for home immediately, please consider that the ride back to Athens is approximately two hours. Be sure to give yourself extra time to make it to the airport to ensure you arrive on time for your flight.
