​The Manuscript Academy's
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​2023 Writing Retreat
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​July 2 - 8, 2023, in County Wicklow, Ireland


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Further your craft in the beautiful Irish countryside, on the Manuscript Academy's first writing retreat!

Leaping Hound Travel and the Manuscript Academy are partnering for this six-night retreat in the tranquil green foothills of the Wicklow Mountains.  

Consider this event to be a gift to your writing practice. It will not only be your opportunity to take time with other creatives, but also give you the space to spend time with your own characters, plots, and worlds. We foresee this as a time for introspection, where we’ll not only dive into craft, but through conversations which will hopefully create sparks that will elevate your work. It’s the gift of time. Time to immerse yourself and your practice in the world of writing. 

Why should you attend this writing retreat?
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You'll have the opportunity to learn from experts in workshops and lectures, participate in critiques, and, of course, write while enjoying the breathtaking scenery.

​We'll also go on a jaunt to Dublin, where we'll visit Trinity College's famous Book of Kells and Long Room library, among other sites.

Join us to immerse yourself in your writing, bond with your fellow writers, and create lifelong memories.

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How did this partnership come about?
Literary agent Jessica Sinsheimer and conference organizer, media professional, and writer Julie Kingsley are the creators of the Manuscript Academy. Liz Holden is the co-founder of Leaping Hound Travel. But Liz also writes fiction, and she got to know Julie and Jessica as a member of Manuscript Academy and a guest on their podcast. This collaboration was a perfect fit!

The Manuscript Academy's 2023 Writing Retreat Package: 

Included: 

• Six nights at BrookLodge Hotel (double occupancy) (limited number of single rooms available for $500 supplement)
• Transportation between Dublin Airport and BrookLodge Hotel, upon arrival and departure
• A variety of writing workshops, craft talks, and activities:
  • ​Guided writing
  • Group critique
  • Personal writing time
  • Craft analysis
• A day trip to Dublin to explore the city's rich literary history (including transportation between Dublin and BrookLodge and all entrance fees to sites)
• Daily breakfasts
• Three group dinners
• Two "writing talk" happy hours (two drinks included)
• Lunch on our Dublin day trip
• Guidance, advice, and support from Liz and Adam of Leaping Hound Travel, before and during the retreat (when we say to hit us up with questions any time, we mean it!)

Not Included: 

• Airfare to/from Europe (but we're happy to arrange it for you!)​
• Remaining meals not otherwise mentioned
• Incidental expenses
• Mandatory Travel Protection through Travel Insured International (cost is contingent upon age and home state)
  • A travel protection quote will be provided upon booking (let us know if you'd like an estimate prior to applying)

Vegan? Gluten free? Halal? Kosher? If you have any special dietary needs, just let us know--we will make sure the group meals accommodate your needs, and we'll be happy to help you research your options for your independent, individual meals, too.

Questions about accessibility? Though there is a fair amount of optional walking (around the grounds of BrookLodge Hotel and Macreddin Village, on the various hiking paths, and through Dublin on our day trip), it is not required, and we are happy to work with you in advance and discuss the possibility of alternate arrangements if you need them.

Need more time in Europe? Want to extend your stay?  If you are interested in adding days to your trip on either end, we would be happy to arrange and book things for you, for no additional service fee.