Taking a chance and attending the Pyrenean writing retreat was one of the best things I have ever done for myself. Diana created the perfect atmosphere that allowed our creativity to thrive. She is an incredibly kind and patient mentor and I learned so much from her in the week we had in Basque Country. Spending time with Diana, her support team, and my fellow writers was so special and I will carry the writing lessons and week of light and laughter with me always. Just go!

I was so happy to be able to go on this writing retreat and got so much more out of it than I had even hoped. Diana created a wonderful creative, productive, and relaxing atmosphere for us to all work and grow in. The part I was not expecting was the incredible group of folks I now feel so close to — I feel sure we will keep writing, sharing, and encouraging each other ling after we left the retreat. I highly recommend it!

I had a wonderful experience at the Pyrenean Creative Writing Women’s Retreat. What I appreciated most was the sense of community, along with the balance between independent writing time and craft sessions focused on prompts, discussion, and different elements of the writing process. The schedule was thoughtfully planned but still flexible, with built-in opportunities to step away, recharge, hike, or explore the surrounding Basque region. That flexibility made the retreat feel supportive rather than overly structured. I came to the retreat hoping for guidance around some specific challenges with my novel, and the one-on-one time with Diana was especially valuable. She was incredibly knowledgeable, patient, and generous with her time. It was clear that she had taken the time to really understand my project, and during our conversations she was completely present. She listened carefully to my ideas and, drawing on her expertise, helped me identify potential challenges and things to consider as I move forward. Her attentiveness and feedback were outstanding, and that individual time was the point when I really thought, “This is why I came.” Another thing I valued was the recognition that progress does not always mean producing pages. I arrived expecting that I needed to do much more actual manuscript writing, but I realized that I actually needed to spend time working through some structural questions instead. Much of my progress happened through thinking, reviewing, testing ideas, and looking at the project developmentally. The retreat helped reinforce for me that all of those phases are part of the writing process and that they matter just as much as getting words onto the page. I was also fortunate to be part of a wonderful group of writers. Everyone was respectful of one another, our projects, and the different stages we were in. We encouraged each other, had great conversations, and laughed a lot. The peaceful setting was a beautiful backdrop for the experience, and I appreciated opportunities such as Basque Day to explore the surrounding towns and learn a little about the local culture. I left the retreat with a much clearer sense of how to move forward with my project and, just as importantly, a plan for maintaining that momentum once I returned home. I have to say—I wasn’t quite sure what to expect with a “farmhouse,” especially in a completely different country. It was rustic and peaceful and definitely something different from what I’m used to, but it also added to the overall retreat experience. Overall, though, the retreat met and exceeded my expectations, and I came away feeling that my individual needs as a writer had truly been recognized and respected.

I had a wonderful time, great craft sessions with Diana, beautiful countryside accommodations (someone to cook and do laundry aside from me!) and fresh, delicious food -- thank you for a fabulous retreat which afforded me significant strides in my writing project!

The Pyrenean Women's Writing Retreat nourished me, body and soul, as a woman and as a writer. It was seamlessly organized. Diana's teaching and individual coaching sessions, Laura's food, the farmhouse accommodations, outings, and beautiful, unspoiled scenery combined to foster our community of writers. I wrote long and well and came away with a renewed sense of vigor and purpose as a writer. In the course of none days I was able to finish three pieces I was working on and develop a sense of direction for a fourth. The retreat was both relaxing and exciting. I left eager to return. Annette Leavy